Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses
What is it?
- A millenarian restorationist
Christian denomination with
some of the principles
borrowed from Christianity
excluding the Trinity.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
Jehovah’s Witnesses began from Charles
Taze Russell’s teachings. Charles Taze
Russell was born in 1852 in Allegheny,
Pennsylvania. He was one of five
children. His mother wanted him to
become a missionary some day. In 1861,
she died. The family continued to go the
a Presbyterian church. Eventually Russell
was discouraged with some of the
teachings of the Presbyterian Church and
he joined the Congregational Church. He
was elected a fundraiser for the church,
and then decided it was against God’s
will to ask other Christians for money; he
believed that God would give funds for
what is needed.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
He also tried to convert as many people as he possibly
could to his religion. After having a conversation with a
childhood friend about contradicting Christian creeds and
people, his faith was shaken and began to search out for
the answers to if the Christian faith was empty and
baseless. His pastor gave him books to read, but that lead
him to an even more inconclusive thought. He began to
look at other religions, then finally settling that
Christianity must be true due to its historical events and
accuracy.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
Russell along with his family and
friends started a bible study. The bible
study was very analytical and focused
on determining the accuracy of the
Bible. They tried to determine what
part of the Bible was tradition and
which are actually commanded.
Independent bible study was a new
idea and still condemned by the
Catholic church during this time. He,
his father, and sister decided that they
have identified what it means to be a
Christian and took a vow, and were all
rebaptized.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
Russell read the Herald of the Morning
magazine and found that others were doing
analytical bible studies. He contacted the
publisher Nelson H. Barbour. Both
compared their studies and believed that
Jesus would return in 1874. When the date
passed, the men were discouraged and
thought he may come in 1878; he sold his
businesses with expectations of the rapture.
Barbour recanted his faith after the rapture
did not happen. They did not meet eye to
eye on their views anymore so Russell and
Barbour split.
Nelson H. Barbour
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
After Russell and Barbour
relinquished ties, Russell
started the newspaper
Zion’s Watch Tower and
Herald of Christ’s Presence
in July 1879. He wanted to
reach the globe about the
false Christian teachings
and which beliefs were
really true.
Russell’s Relationship
In 1879, Russell married Maria Frances Ackley.
They were both fond of preaching the gospel and
that is what their marriage was based on. It was
not based on romantic ties, but the love of
preaching the gospel. In the same year they
separating, citing the differences about how the
Zion Watch Tower magazine was to be run.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
In 1881, Russell founded “Zion’s Watch Tower Tract
Society.” With Russell’s dream of being heard globally, he
made this society to spread his message through tracts,
papers, doctrinal treaties and Bibles. While his tracts were
getting the message out, his Bible study attendance also
grew to 200 local members. He also published Food for
Thinking Christians, Tabernacle and its Teachings, and
Tabernacle Shadows of the Better Sacrifices in the same
year. He also published textbooks called The Divine Plan
of the Ages. He published several more books and
volumes.
Jehovah’s Witnesses History
In 1903, newspapers decided to print some of
Russell’s sermons and the print reached global
proportions. He was also known for not holding
collections, which made churches lose money.
After his popularity was gaining momentum,
many tried to slur his name, which made him
even more famous. There are various rumors that
went around such as him being a false prophet, a
free mason, made money off his followers, and
the immoral treatment and abuse of his wife.
Christ to return in 1914
Christ was to physically return to earth and set up
his kingdom in 1914. When this date passed other
dates where set for his return. Today Jehovah
Witnesses say Christ returned invisibly and was
crowned king in 1914. Jehovah’s Witnesses
continued to believe that Christ would return
physically during this generation, but since 80 plus
years have passed, his return is now seen as
symbolic.
Russell’s death
In 1916, Russell died of diverticulitis. He was
touring the U.S. in a train car and died there. His
death was heard around the world. The
devastating rumors that once plagued him soon
died off as well. People fought over his estate and
the fate of the Zion Watch Tower magazine.
Russell’s death
The Society’s lawyer Joseph
Rutherford took control, voided
Russell’s last will and testament, fired
board members dismissed some of
Russell’s views. In 1928, 75% of the
society left; the remaining small
groups of bible studies were renamed
by Rutherford as Jehovah’s Witnesses
to distinguish them in 1931. The name
was from Isaiah 43. Many Jehovah’s
Witnesses views Russell as their
founder, but it was really Rutherford
who did. Rutherford died in 1942.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a prominent
religion today.
Joseph
Rutherford
Is Jehovah God’s Name?
In the Hebrew it is YHWH.
Early Scholars made a mistake in translating the Hebrew name for God
as “Jehovah”. Today scholars translate God’s name as Yahweh.
The masoretes (7th to 10th centuries AD) added vowel points to the
Hebrew so one would know how to read and pronounce the Hebrew
words. When they came to God’s name it was so holy that no one was
to speak his name. So the masoretes put the vowel points for “Lord”
(Adoni), so that one would know to say the name “Lord” and not the
holy name “Yahweh”. So if they want to be correct they should call
themselves Yahweh Witnesses, because Jehovah is the wrong
translation of the Hebrew YHWH.
Beliefs
They believe the Bible was inspired by God and only use their own unique version that is
not flawed. Other versions of the Bible are not true. They use the New World
Translation.
They believe sin was inherited by Adam and Eve, but do not focus on the consequence's
of sin.
They believe that God will have his kingdom on Earth and want to spread the gospel to
save others.
They believe to be saved that they must have faith, but also learn about Jehovah and
obey Jehovah’s requirements to be worthy to reside in his presence.
They do not believe in hell, but believe sinner’s souls will be destroyed.
Followers will exist forever in heaven.
Beliefs
Only 144,000 people will go to heaven, and the rest will remain on
Earth in God’s paradise.
They base the afterlife on the books, Daniel and Revelation.
They believe Revelation started in 1914.
They believe we are living in the last days.
They consider themselves Christians, but do not believe that others
are Christians.
When people die, they just die and nothing lives on and God will
resurrect them.
Beliefs about Christ
They do not believe in the Trinity. They believe
that there is only one God, and his name Is
Jehovah. Jesus is not God, and he reports to God
as the chief spokesman.
He was brought to earth to lead a perfect
example, teach the truth, and to free humanity
from sins. He was raised from the dead as a
spiritual body and then went to heaven. He did
not die on a cross, but a stake. They believe cross
was mistranslated from the Greek. He was made
king in 1914.
Other Beliefs
They do not allow blood transfusions. Followers are to refuse them even if it
means death. The Bible requires them to abstain from blood and they can try other
medical treatments to solve their problems.
They must not eat blood.
Smoking or other drugs for pleasure is forbidden.
Safety of themselves and animals must be considered. Animals may not be killed
for sport or mistreatment.
They do not believe in abortion; a child is sacred.
They are not allowed to celebrate any holidays or birthdays including Christmas.
They must not pledge allegiance to any nation, no voting, or any other political
practices.
Limited higher education and contact with non-Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Other Beliefs
They are not allowed to celebrate any holidays or birthdays including Christmas.
The memorial of Christ’s death is celebrated, not any other religious holidays.
They must not pledge allegiance to any nation, no voting, or any other political
practices.
They must do a certain amount of hours of door to door missionary work.
Limited higher education.
Limit the contact with non-Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Shunning of former Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Forbids literature of critical literature of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other beliefs
being broadcast through the church.
No premarital sex or homosexuality.
Other Beliefs
False Prophetic Dates:
1874: Date for Christ’s “invisible presence,” changed to 1914
1914: End of the world
1915: Replaced 1914 for the end of the world
1918: End of the world, the destruction of churches
1925: End of the world with the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob
1929: “Beth Sarim” House of Princes built in San Diego, deeded to king
David and other biblical prophets for their “soon” return upon the earth
1940’s: End of the World would come with the “soon” battle of
Armageddon
1975: 6,000-years of human history, the end of the world would come
within “months, not years.”
1994: 80-year Generation of 1914 should bring the end of the world, 1995
redefined the word “generation” to be symbolic of general readiness for
the end.
Source: http://4jehovah.org/jehovahs-witness-beliefs.php
Today
Over 6 million followers in 230
different lands.
Their Bible is translated into 429
different languages.
There are over 107,000 congregations
world wide.
Their main website is the
watchtower.org.
Their main location is in Brooklyn, New
York.
Quiz
1. Who is considered by most Jehovah’s
Witnesses to be the founder?
a. Charles Daze
b. Charles Taze Russellc. Charles Haze Russell
d. Charles Darwin
Quiz
2. What was the first denomination of the founder
of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
a. Catholic
b. Baptist
c. Congregational
d. Presbyterian-
Quiz
3. Russell eventually did not believe in Christians
doing fundraising for the church.
a.Trueb.False
Quiz
4. It was not rare to have an analytical Bible study
when Russell was younger.
a.True
b.False-
Quiz
5. What publisher did Russell contact to hold a
Bible study together then later split from?
a. Neil Stember
b. Ethan Embers
c. Nelson H. Barbourd. Joseph Rutherford
Quiz
6. Russell founded the Herald of the Morning
magazine.
a. True
b. False -
Quiz
7. Russell married Maria Frances Ackley.
a. Trueb. False
Quiz
Fill in the blank
8. Russell founded the _____ _____ ______ ______ Society
“Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society
Quiz
9.What book did Russell not publish?
A. Food for Thinking Christians
B. Food for Christian ThoughtC. Tabernacle and its Teachings
D. Tabernacle Shadows of the Better Sacrifices
Quiz
10. When did Russell die?
A. 1915
B. 1916C. 1934
D. 1924
Quiz
11. In 1928, how many people left the Bible study
when Rutherford took control?
A. 25%
B. 35%
C. 50%
D. 75%-
Quiz
12. What is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ version of the
Bible?
A.New Living Translation
B. New World TranslationC. King James
D. New King James
Quiz
13. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in hell.
A.TrueB.False
Quiz
14. Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate Christ’s birth.
A.TrueB.False
Quiz
15. Jehovah’s Witnesses celebrate Christmas,
Passover, and birthdays.
A.True
B.False-
Quiz
16. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God is
A.JehovahB.Jesus
C.The Holy Spirit
D.All of the Above
Quiz
17. How many people are going to heaven
according to Jehovah’s Witnesses?
A.145,000
B.150,000
C.144,000D.154,000
Quiz
18. Jehovah’s Witnesses go to heaven based on
works.
A.True
B.False-
Quiz
19. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in blood
transfusions.
A.TrueB.False
Quiz
20. Approximately how many followers does the
Jehovah’s Witnesses have?
A.5 million
B.6 millionC.7 million
D.8 million
Resources
http://www.pastor-russell.com/misc/index.html
http://www.watchtower.org/e/beliefs_and_activities.htm
http://www.religionfacts.com/jehovahs_witnesses/fastfacts.htm
http://www.patheos.com/Library/Jehovahs-Witnesses.html
http://carm.org/jehovahs-witnesses-history
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_witness
http://4jehovah.org/jehovahs-witness-beliefs.php
http://pastorrussell.blogspot.com/2008/09/was-charles-tazerussell-mason.html
http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/Beliefs/their_beliefs.htm