Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses
Watchtower Buildings in Brooklyn, New York
Classification	Millenarian
Orientation	Restorationist
Structure	Hierarchical
Region	Worldwide
Founder	Charles Taze Russell (founded Bible Student movement)
Origin	1876: Bible Students founded 1931: Named Jehovah's witnesses Pennsylvania and New York, USA
Separations	See Jehovah's Witnesses splinter groups
Congregations	105,298
Members	7.3 million
Official website	http://www.watchtower.org
Statistics from 2010 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. The religion reports worldwide membership of over 7 million adherents involved in evangelism; they report convention attendance of over 12 million, and annual Memorial attendance of over 18 million. They are directed by a Governing Body of elders which exercises authority on all doctrinal matters. Witnesses base their beliefs on the Bible, and prefer their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

The group emerged from the Bible Student movement, founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell, with the formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society. A schism developed in the movement after Russell's death and the branch that maintained control of the Society underwent significant organizational changes. Joseph Franklin Rutherford became president of the Society, gradually bringing its authority structure and methods of evangelism under centralized direction, and placing new emphasis on public preaching. The name Jehovah's witnesses, based on Isaiah 43:10–12, was adopted in 1931.

Since its inception, the Watch Tower Society has taught that the present world order is in its last days and will soon be destroyed at Armageddon. It has stated that only Jehovah's Witnesses "have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system", but that ultimately, God is the judge who decides who will survive. Those whom God chooses to save—survivors and resurrected individuals—will have the opportunity to live forever in an earthly paradise, ruled by Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. In the years leading up to 1914, 1925 and 1975, the Watch Tower Society's publications expressed strong expectations of Armageddon or the establishment of Christ's kingdom over the earth occurring in those years.

Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distribution of literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and for their refusal of military service and blood transfusions even in life-threatening situations. They consider use of the name Jehovah—or other common-language pronunciations of the Tetragrammaton—vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism, immortality of the soul, and hellfire, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe celebrations such as Christmas, Easter or birthdays, which they believe have pagan origins that are not compatible with Christianity. Members commonly refer to their body of beliefs as "the Truth", and adherents consider themselves to be "in the Truth". Jehovah's Witnesses consider secular society to be morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan. They do not isolate themselves from society completely, but limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses.

Baptized members who violate the organization's fundamental moral principles or who dispute doctrinal matters can be subject to disciplinary action. Members who are considered unrepentant after counseling may be subject to a form of shunning called disfellowshipping. Members who formally announce their resignation from the religion are also shunned. Disfellowshipped members may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant.

The religion's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute national flags has brought it into conflict with governments, particularly those that conscript citizens for military service. Consequently, activities of Jehovah's Witnesses have been banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have had considerable influence on related legislation and civil rights in the United States and other countries.

History

Main article: History of Jehovah's Witnesses

Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916)

1870-1916: Charles Taze Russell and the Bible Students

In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed an independent group to study the Bible; in particular, Russell cited contributions by Advent Christian Church pastor George W. Stetson, and George Storrs, an Adventist preacher and former Millerite. In 1877 Russell jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning, with Nelson H. Barbour. In July 1879, after separating from Barbour, Russell began publishing the magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, highlighting his interpretations of biblical chronology, with particular attention to the belief that the world was in "the last days" and that a new age was imminent. Additionally, the stated purpose of the new journal was to cultivate godly qualities, and to highlight the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was formed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to disseminate tracts, papers, doctrinal treatises and Bibles; three years later, on December 15, 1884, Russell became president of the Society when it was legally incorporated in Pennsylvania.

Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible and Russell's writings. Russell firmly rejected as "wholly unnecessary" the concept of a formal organization for his followers, and declared that his group had no record of its members' names, no creeds, and no sectarian name. In 1910 he announced that the group would identify itself as the International Bible Students Association. Russell died on October 31, 1916 aboard a train while on a preaching campaign in Pampa, Texas.

1917-1942: Joseph Rutherford

Organizational changes

In January 1917, the Watch Tower Society's legal representative, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, was elected as its next president. A power struggle developed between Rutherford and four of the Watch Tower Society's board of directors, who objected to his style of leadership. On July 17, 1917, Rutherford replaced four of the directors, claiming they had not been legally elected.

On the same day, he also announced the release of The Finished Mystery as the seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The book was widely advertised to the public as "a posthumous publication ... of Charles Taze Russell", though much was actually written by two other Bible Students under the direction of Joseph Rutherford. The Finished Mystery strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in war. Patriotic fervor during World War I and other animosities fueled persecution of the Bible Students in America and Europe, including mob violence and tarring and feathering.

Citing this book, the United States federal government indicted Rutherford and other directors for violation of the Espionage Act on May 7, 1918. They were found guilty and sentenced concurrently to 20 years' imprisonment. During their imprisonment, elections for the Watch Tower Society directors took place again, and Rutherford was re-elected as president. In March 1919, the judgment against them was reversed and they were released from prison; the charges were later dropped.

Opposition to Rutherford among the Bible Students increased, prompting a significant number of members to cut ties with the Watch Tower Society and form new organizations. Rutherford continued to tighten and centralize organizational control of those who remained loyal to the Watch Tower Society, with the Brooklyn headquarters appointing a "director" in each congregation in 1919, and a year later instructing all congregation members who participated in the preaching work to report their preaching activity weekly.

In 1925, following a dispute over a proposed article, Rutherford overruled the Watch Tower's editorial committee and took full control of the organization and of material published in the magazine. On July 26, 1931, the name Jehovah's witnesses was adopted by resolution at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, based on the scripture at Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord" In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of selecting elders by congregational vote. In 1938, he introduced a "theocratic" (literally, God-ruled) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters.

Doctrinal changes

At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching. Significant changes in doctrine were made under Rutherford's leadership, including the 1918 announcement that Jewish patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ's thousand-year reign. Failed expectations for 1925, coupled with other doctrinal changes, resulted in a dramatic reduction in attendance at their yearly Memorial, from 90,434 in 1925 to 17,380 in 1928. In 1932 they abandoned the teaching that the Jewish people as a group continued to hold a special role in the divine plan, and by 1933, the timing of the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: parousía), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days", were each moved to 1914. From 1935, it was considered that converts to the movement, if worthy, would survive Armageddon and live in a paradise restored on earth. Previously, membership was generally composed of those who believed they would be resurrected to live in heaven to rule over the earth with Christ.

As their interpretations of scripture developed, Witness publications taught that saluting national flags and singing the national anthem are forms of idolatry. Objection to alternative civilian service was maintained until 1996, when it was deemed a "conscience matter". In Germany, Jehovah's Witnesses came under persecution, with as many as 5000 imprisoned in concentration camps for their refusal to perform the Nazi salute or participate in the German war effort. Witnesses experienced mob violence in the United States, and their activities were banned in Canada and Australia because of their refusal to accept military service.

1942-present: Knorr, Franz, Henschel and Adams

Following Rutherford's death in January 1942, Nathan Knorr was named the third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Knorr instituted major new training programs—the Theocratic Ministry School for all congregation members, and the Gilead School for missionaries. He also organized large-scale conventions, which attracted as many as 253,000 Witnesses to sports stadiums in the United States, Canada and Germany, and began a campaign of real estate acquisition in Brooklyn to expand the organization's world headquarters. He commissioned a new translation of the Bible, which was released progressively from 1950 before being published as the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in 1961. Knorr's vice-president, Frederick William Franz, became the religion's leading theologian, and helped shape the further development of beliefs and practices.

From 1938 to 1955, the Witnesses launched a series of cases in the U. S. Supreme Court to defend their right to worship and evangelize, winning 36 out of 45 cases. Cases were also fought successfully in Canada and Australia.

A 1970 circuit assembly lapel card advertising a public address.

From 1966, Witness publications began using their interpretations of biblical chronology to heighten anticipation of the possibility of Christ's thousand-year reign beginning in late 1975 or shortly thereafter. Focus on 1975 was intensified with talks given at conventions and in 1974 a Watch Tower Society newsletter commended Witnesses who had sold homes and property to devote themselves to preaching in the "short time" remaining, The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974, but membership declined after expectations for the year were proved wrong. Watch Tower literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end, but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year. Sociologist Rodney Stark said the widespread acceptance of the belief about the significance of 1975 and the failure of that date caused considerable damage to the Witness mission, although the damage was later healed.

The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments being made from headquarters. In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the religion's Governing Body as having 'stewardship' over corporate boards. Reflecting these organizational changes, publications of Jehovah's Witnesses began using the capitalized name, Jehovah's Witnesses. Prior to this, witnesses was consistently uncapitalized, except in headings and when quoting external sources. Following Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by Frederick Franz (1977–1992) and Milton Henschel (1992–2000), both members of Governing Body, and since 2000 by Don A. Adams, not a member of the Governing Body.

See also: Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine

See also: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany and Supreme Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses by country

Organization

Main article: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are organized under a hierarchical arrangement, which their leadership calls a "theocratic government", reflecting their belief that it is God's organization on earth.

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their preaching from house to house.

The organization is headed by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size, but since 2007 has comprised nine members, all of whom profess to be of the "anointed" class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Brooklyn, New York headquarters. There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body. The Governing Body is described as the "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (the approximately 10,800 remaining "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses), and is said to provide "spiritual food" for Witnesses worldwide on behalf of the "faithful and discreet slave". In practice it does not seek advice or approval from any "anointed" Witnesses other than high-ranking members at Brooklyn Bethel when formulating policy and doctrines or when producing material for publications and conventions.

The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for various administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. It directly appoints all branch committee members and district and circuit overseers, with traveling overseers supervising groups of congregations within their jurisdictions.

Witnesses have no formal clergy-laity division. Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases that are seen as breaching their doctrines. New elders are appointed by branch offices after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar fashion to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings.

Witness publications place emphasis on the need for members to be obedient and loyal to the Watch Tower organization, stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favour and also to survive Armageddon. Publications state that acceptable service to God can be rendered only through that organization and that members should remain submissive to the religion's leaders and local congregational elders.

Beliefs

Main article: Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

Sources of doctrine

Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture. Prior to 1942, matters of doctrine were decided by the president of the Watch Tower Society; from 1942 until the reorganization of the Governing Body in 1976, such decisions were made by the group's chief theologian, Frederick Franz and an editorial committee, with final approval by the president. Watch Tower publications claim that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose. Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study, the guidance of the holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels. However, the Governing Body makes no claim of infallibility or divine inspiration.

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God. The Witnesses accept the Bible as scientifically and historically accurate and reliable and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic. They consider the Bible to be the source of truth and the basis for all their beliefs. Sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the religion concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry as much or more weight than the Bible. The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses claims to be the sole visible channel of Jehovah and asserts that the Bible cannot be understood without associating with the Watch Tower Society.

Jehovah and Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize use of God's biblical name, the Tetragrammaton, and in English they prefer to use the name, Jehovah. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and give him the title "Universal Sovereign". They believe that all worship should be directed toward him.

The Tetragrammaton

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was Jehovah's first and only direct creation, that Jehovah then created everything else by means of Christ, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son". Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humankind. They believe that Jesus died on a single upright torture stake rather than the traditional cross. They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Apollyon (a.k.a. Abaddon), and the Word all refer to Jesus.

Satan

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is a spirit creature who is the ruler of the world, and that he was at one time a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance, and craved worship. Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, and humanity subsequently become participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty. Other angels who sided with Satan became demons. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914, at which point the end times began. Witnesses believe that the world is under the control of Satan and his demons, that they mislead people, and are the cause of human suffering. However, they do not believe that individual rulers or governments are under Satan's direct control.

Life after death

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation

Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the soul to be a life or a living body that can die. Their hope for life after death involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon, or to heaven for the limited number of 144,000. The ones on earth are referred to as the "other sheep".

Watch Tower Society publications teach that humanity is in a sinful state. Release from this is possible because Jesus' shed blood provided a payment, or atonement, for the sins of humankind. Witnesses believe there are two destinations for those saved by God. They interpret Revelation 14 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth. The remainder have the hope of living forever in an earthly paradise. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, although God is the final judge. During the millennium, most other people who died since the time of Abel and prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God in order for them to be ready for their final test before the end of the millennium.

God's Messianic Kingdom

Witness publications teach that God's Kingdom is a government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 Christians drawn from the earth. The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming earth into a paradise without sickness or death. The kingdom is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth and established in heaven in 1914. They believe 1914 marks the restoration of God's rule over earth after being halted for 2520 years since 607 BC, the date they uniquely assign to the destruction of Jersualem by the Babylonians.

Eschatology

Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses

A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered the "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably. They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17, and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the United Nations. This development will mark the beginning of the great tribulation. Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden. After Armageddon, most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for a thousand years. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, a final test will take place when Satan is brought back to mislead perfect mankind. The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race. Christ will then hand all authority back to God.

Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king in October 1914. Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in "woe" to mankind. They assert that the Greek word parousia—usually translated as "coming" when referring to Christ—is more accurately rendered as "presence", with his return perceived only as a series of "signs". This Second Coming would be an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period.

Practices

Main article: Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

Worship

Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of the Bible and Watch Tower Society literature. The format of the meetings is established by the religion's Brooklyn headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is identical worldwide. Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (three meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Meetings are opened and closed with songs and prayers delivered from the platform. Each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for one-day, and two-day assemblies. Several circuits meet once a year for a three-day "district convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the celebration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death", which generally falls on the same date as the Jewish Passover.

Evangelism

Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house. Free home Bible studies are offered to people who show interest in their beliefs, which they present with the aid of their publications, such as The Watchtower. Literature is published in many languages through a wide variety of books, magazines and other publications, with a small selection available in over 500 languages. Witnesses are instructed to devote as much time as possible to preaching activities, and are required to provide a monthly report to their congregation on their 'witnessing' activity.

Ethics and morality

Jehovah's Witnesses meet in buildings called Kingdom Halls, like this one in Germany.

Their view of morality reflects conservative Christian values. All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion (disfellowshipping) if the individual is not deemed repentant. Abortion is considered murder. Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden. Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered the final authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be monogamous. Divorce is permissible only for adultery; such a divorce is referred to as "a scriptural divorce". If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adultery while the previous spouse is still alive and has not begun another sexual relationship. Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the religion terms "absolute endangerment of spirituality" are considered grounds for legal separation.

Disciplinary action

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline

Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. Counseling and shepherding are emphasized as primary roles of congregation elders. When an allegation of "serious sin" is made concerning a baptized member, a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply discipline. Disfellowshipping, a form of shunning, is the strongest form of discipline administered. Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement; formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged. By avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals, Witnesses state that the congregation is kept free from immoral influence and wrong-doers may be shamed into repentance. The threat of shunning also serves to deter other members from dissident behavior. Watch Tower figures show that over a 10-year period in the 1960s and 1970s, the number of reinstatements was about 40 per cent of the number of expulsions. Members who voluntarily leave the religion and formally disassociate themselves are also shunned. Reproof is given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of "serious sin"; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship. Marking is practiced if a baptized adherent persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a "serious sin". Elders assign two elders to "correct" the person; if the person continues the same course, an elder delivers a congregation talk regarding "marking" (their interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 3:14) and the Bible principle being violated. Members familiar with the marked person's course of action are expected to limit social fellowship (but continue spiritual fellowship) with that person; the stated purpose is to shame the person into correcting their actions.

Separateness

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements. They believe that only their religion represents true Christianity today, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will eventually be destroyed. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." Watch Tower publications define the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah’s approved servants" and teach that it is ruled by Satan and a place of danger and moral contamination. Because of perceived dangers from "worldly" association, Witnesses are advised to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king. They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues. They abstain from celebrating religious holidays and birthdays and reject many customs they believe have pagan origins. They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment. They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing national anthems or patriotic songs.

Rejection of blood transfusions

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions

Jehovah's Witnesses officially reject transfusions of whole allogeneic blood and some of its fractionated components.

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28, 29 and other scriptures. Since 1961 the acceptance of a blood transfusion has been grounds for expulsion from the religion. Watch Tower literature directs Witnesses to refuse transfusions in all cases even if death may result. Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives, and other medical procedures, in lieu of blood transfusions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept red cells, white cells, platelets or plasma, though they may accept fractions made from these components at their own discretion. The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted Power of Attorney documents prohibiting major components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept. If a fraction "makes up a significant portion of that component" or "carries out the key function of a primary component", it may be objectionable to some, but is permissible. Jehovah's Witnesses have established Hospital Liaison Committees as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals.

Demographics

Average Publishers, 1945–2005

Main article: Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, though they do not form a large part of the population of any country. As of August 2009, Jehovah's Witnesses have an average of 7 million "publishers", the term they use for members actively involved in preaching. In 2009, these reports indicated a total of over 1.5 billion hours spent in preaching and Bible study activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 7.3 million, The worldwide growth rate of Jehovah's Witnesses is currently 3.2% per year. The official published membership statistics include only those who submit qualified reports of personal ministry; official statistics do not include "inactive" and disfellowshipped members or those who merely attend meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered "active" by the faith itself.

There are more than 100,000 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide. Congregations reflect the languages spoken in their communities. For example, by 2002, nearly 3,000 of the 10,000 congregations in the United States conducted meetings in 38 languages other than English.

Main publications used

Main article: List of Jehovah's Witnesses publications

The Watch Tower Society engages in extensive publishing work, producing books, brochures, and other media. Its most widely distributed publications are:

• New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (1961, revised 1984), a translation of the Bible. It uses the name Jehovah, an English version of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, also replacing the Greek word for "Lord" 237 times in the New Testament. It is available in 83 languages.
• The Watchtower, a bi-monthly 32-page magazine containing articles on Bible topics. A Public Edition is distributed in their public ministry, and a Study Edition is published for the Watchtower Study. It is available in 180 languages.
• Awake!, a monthly 32-page general-interest magazine, usually including articles on science, nature, and geography, with a religious slant.
• What Does the Bible Really Teach? (2005), the textbook used to conduct Bible studies. It is available in 209 languages.
• Keep Yourselves in God's Love (2008), used for Bible studies with people who have completed What Does the Bible Really Teach?

Criticisms

Main article: Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases and what is claimed to be coercion of members.

Biblical criticisms

The Watch Tower Society has been criticized for its refusal to reveal the names and academic credentials of the translators of its New World Translation of the Bible. The society has claimed members of the translation committee wished to remain anonymous in order to exalt only the name of God, while The Watchtower said the educational qualifications of the translators were unimportant and that "the translation itself testifies to their qualifications". Former Jehovah's Witnesses and Governing Body member Raymond Franz has claimed that only one member of the translation committee had sufficient qualifications for the task.

Some Bible scholars have noted that the translation of certain texts may be biased in favor of certain Witness practices and doctrines; theologians have also criticized the translators' insertion of the name Jehovah 237 times in the New Testament in places where it does not appear in the extant Greek manuscripts. Watch Tower publications have said the name was "restored" on a sound basis, particularly when New Testament writers used the Greek Kyrios (Lord) when quoting Old Testament scriptures that contained the Tetragrammaton. This view is endorsed by Bible scholar, George Howard.

Doctrinal criticisms

Watch Tower publications have claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses (and previously, the International Bible Students) as a "prophet" to declare God's will and has equipped them with "special ... advanced knowledge" about future world events. Jehovah's Witnesses' publications have made many predictions about world events they believe were prophesied in the Bible including the resurrection of Jewish patriarchs, establishment of Christ's millennial kingdom, the demise of the League of Nations and United Nations, the destruction of "false religion" and the global political system and the violent death of most of the world's population. The failure of some of those events, particularly relating to 1914, 1925 and 1975, has led to the alteration or abandonment of some doctrines. Some former Jehovah's Witnesses have accused the religion of being a false prophet for making those predictions, particularly because of assertions in some cases that the predictions were beyond doubt or had been approved by God. Watch Tower Society publications have stated that Christians should not question what God tells them through his organization. Former Witness Raymond Franz stated that members of the religion are expected to place "unwavering trust" in the predictions of the Watch Tower Society and face expulsion if they do not accept its teachings, including predictions that have subsequently been set aside.

The Watch Tower Society rejects accusations that it is a false prophet. It says its explanations of Bible prophecy are not infallible and that its predictions were not claimed as "the words of Jehovah". It admits some of its expectations have needed adjustment because of its eagerness for God's Kingdom, but that those adjustments are no reason to "call into question the whole body of truth."

Social criticisms

Watch Tower publications instruct members to demonstrate loyalty to God by being loyal and obedient to the organization, promising the benefits of strength and protection from Satan's temptations. Frequent calls for loyalty to the Watch Tower Society, and the practice of shunning dissident members, have led critics to refer to the religion's leadership as autocratic. Former Witness Edmond Gruss and authors including Anthony A. Hoekema, Ron Rhodes and Alan W. Gomes call the Watch Tower organization a religious cult. Gruss bases his claim on the "adulation" of the organization, the "mindless acceptance" of directions by members and the Watch Tower Society's insistence that faith in the organization is necessary for salvation. Hoekema has identified teachings he claims are characteristic of religious cults. Jehovah's Witnesses deny they are a cult, stating that individuals need guidance from God, but need to do their own thinking. American religious scholar J. Gordon Melton, Cult deprogrammer John Bowen Brown II, and Joel P. Engardio, the producer of the documentary Knocking, also reject the claims.

Watch Tower literature warns that "independent thinking", such as questioning the counsel it provides, is dangerous. The Watch Tower Society instructs members to not read criticism of the organization by apostates, or former members, or literature published by other religions. This has led some critics to accuse the Watch Tower Society of causing mental isolation with the intent of mind control.

Watch Tower Society publications say that the preaching work is "a fundamental requirement of their faith", and an obligation for Jehovah's Witnesses. Raymond Franz and others describe the Watch Tower Society's continual admonitions to preach door-to-door as coercive pressure.

Critics claim that Witness medical patients have been coerced to obey the religion's ban on blood transfusions. American neurologist Osamu Muramoto has stated that Watch Tower Society literature uses exaggeration and emotionalism to create paranoia and distort the facts about transfusions. In response, Donald T. Ridley, Associate General Counsel of the Watchtower Society, stated that "Muramoto resorts to distortion and uncorroborated assertions in his effort to portray a matter of religious faith as a matter of medical ethical debate."

Handling of sexual abuse allegations

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and child sex abuse

Critics, including the organization Silentlambs, have accused Jehovah's Witnesses of employing organizational policies that make the reporting of sexual abuse difficult for members. Some victims of sexual abuse have asserted that they were ordered by local elders to maintain silence so as to avoid embarrassment to both the accused and the organization.

A 1993 article focused on the needs of abused children, stating that "[the legal system may require] reporting the abuse to the authorities as soon as possible", and acknowledging that "many responsible parents choose to seek out professional help for an abused child." In 1997, Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information published their policy for elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by law to do so, even if there was only one witness. Any person known to have sexually abused a child is prohibited from holding any responsibility inside the organization. Unless considered by the congregation elders to demonstrate repentance, such a person is typically disfellowshipped. The Watch Tower Society describes child abuse as "abhorrent" and instructs elders to investigate all allegations of child abuse and take congregational action if there is sufficient evidence. If there is not sufficient evidence, elders are required to report the matter to authorities and to their local Watch Tower Society branch office. It says victims of abuse have the "absolute right" to report allegations to authorities.

Further reading

• Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton. Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the religion, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. Read selections from: Apocalypse Delayed: the Story of Jehovah's Witnesses University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3 (Canada, 1998) (Google book search)
• Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement by Andrew Holden. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. Publisher: Routledge; 1st edition 2002, ISBN 978–0415266109. 224 pages.
• Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Official history of the development of the beliefs, practices, and organisational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses. 750 pages.
• A People for His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation by Tony Wills, (2006) 2nd edition. (The first edition was published under the pseudonym Timothy White.) Explores the Witnesses' doctrinal growth and shifts and notes schisms from the main body. 300 pages. ISBN 978–1-4303–0100–4 Selections from Google Books
• Counting the Days to Armageddon by Robert Crompton (1996). A detailed examination of the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology. James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, ISBN 0227679393.
• Millions Now Living Will Never Die by Alan Rogerson. Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement, particularly its early years, a summary of Witness doctrines and the organizational and personal framework in which Witnesses conduct their lives. Constable & Co, London, 1969. SBN 094559406
• State and Salvation by William Kaplan (1989). Documents the Witnesses' fight for civil rights in Canada and the US amid political persecution during World War II. University of Toronto Press, ISBN 0802058426.

External links

Official sites

• Jehovah's Witnesses: Watch Tower Society Official Web Site
• Jehovah's Witnesses: Office of Public Information and Archives
• Official Jehovah’s Witnesses website for distribution of publications and free MP3 & AAC downloads
• Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia: History, Public Information and Archives

Other sites

• Strictly Genteel Theocratic Resources – Scans of complete books and booklets from Russell's era to Knorr's.
• 'Knocking' – A documentary promoting Jehovah's Witnesses. Sample Trailer