Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses

The beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses are based on the Bible teachings currently defined by their Governing Body. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings. Members of the religion are expected to adhere to all doctrines without challenge or dissent.

The Witnesses teach that the present "age" of human existence is about to be terminated with the direct intervention of God, who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over Earth, destroying existing human governments and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers. They see their mission as primarily evangelical (disseminating "good news"), which may or may not have proselytical results, drawing converts in the remaining time before Armageddon. All members of the religion are expected to take an active part in preaching what they term "the truth".

They endeavor to remain separate from secular society, which is regarded as a place of moral contamination and under the control of Satan the devil, refusing any political and military activity and limiting social contact with non-Witnesses. Members practice a strict moral code, forbidding adultery, premarital sex and homosexuality. Drug abuse, smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol are prohibited, as are blood transfusions. Discipline within congregations is maintained by a system of judicial committees, which have the power to expel members who breach organizational rules and demand their shunning by other Witnesses. The threat of shunning also serves to deter other members from dissident behavior.

Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jehovah's Witnesses alone represent true Christianity and for that reason they refuse all ecumenical relations with other religious denominations. Members are expected to attend all congregation meetings, as well as regular large-scale conventions, which are highly structured and based on material from Watch Tower publications.

Beliefs

Source of doctrines

Doctrines encompassing the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture. The Governing Body is described as the "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (the approximately 10,000 remaining "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses), although in practice it seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses other than high-ranking members at Brooklyn Bethel when making decisions or when producing material for publications and conventions. All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body and are liable for expulsion from the organization for formulating and promoting teachings reached through independent research.

Organization

Jehovah's Witness doctrines are underpinned by a belief that God employs and directs an organization on Earth and deals with humans only through that organization. The organization is identified as the "worldwide association" of Jehovah's Witnesses, functioning under the direction of the Watch Tower Society. The organization is said to be theocratic, "ruled from the divine Top down, and not from the rank and file up". All humans not in God's organization are said to be members of Satan's organization. Watch Tower publications teach that the Bible is an "organizational book" that does not belong to individuals and that the Bible cannot be properly understood without guidance by "Jehovah's visible organization".

Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization", thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system. Watch Tower publications urge Witnesses to demonstrate loyalty to the organization without question or dissent, even at the cost of family ties. Loyalty to the organization is said to require a full involvement in public preaching and regular meeting attendance.

The concept has attracted criticism from within Jehovah's Witnesses. When a Governing Body committee investigating high-level members at the religion's Brooklyn headquarters in a 1980 purge of dissidents issued a summary of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings", its first item of concern was the suggestion that God did not have an organization on Earth. Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, has subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization, which posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organization. Franz claims the concept has no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the religion's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority. He has claimed The Watchtower has repeatedly blurred discussions of both Jesus Christ's loyalty to God and the apostles' loyalty to Christ to promote the view that Witnesses should be loyal to the Watch Tower organization. Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is tantamount to challenging God himself.

Restoration of "true" Christianity

Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles", in what the Watch Tower Society today says was a return to original Christianity. Although many of their fundamental teachings have changed over the years, Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently claimed to be the only true religion.

See also: History of Jehovah's Witnesses

See also: Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine

Bible

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. The Witnesses accept the Bible as scientifically and historically accurate and reliable and interpret much of the Bible literally, while also accepting it is rich in symbolism. Jehovah's Witnesses claim to use the Bible as the basis for all of their beliefs, although studies of the religion show that the traditional teachings of Russell, as well as the pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower publications, carry as much or more weight than the Bible.

The Witnesses use the terms "Hebrew" and "Christian Greek" scriptures rather than "Old" and "New" Testaments to avoid implication that the Old Testament is outdated or inferior. They believe that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) contain prophecy that was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and that the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures (New Testament) are primarily directed to the 144,000 chosen by God for life in heaven. The Watch Tower Society's New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which Witnesses use almost exclusively, reflects their view that God's name, as represented by the Tetragrammaton, should be rendered as "Jehovah", in the tradition of earlier versions of the King James Version, rather than "God" or "Lord". They also accept the usage "Yahweh".

God

Jehovah's Witnesses believe God is the creator and supreme being. Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, declaring it unscriptural. They view God as the Father, an invisible spirit "person", and therefore separate from the Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is described as God's active force, rather than the third person of the Trinity. They say he is "infinite, but approachable". He is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven. They believe it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend; that God is kind and merciful, and would not eternally "torture" wicked people. Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on humans, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm.

Witnesses teach that the Almighty God must be distinguished by his personal name – Jehovah, as it was rendered in the King James Version. The name is a common modern representation of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, or four-letter name of the Eternal, which is YHWH. The use of his personal name is regarded as vital for true worship and Witnesses rarely speak of "God" without prefacing the term with the name "Jehovah". The term "Lord", although common in the Bible, is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. Because no other religion uses the name "Jehovah" with a greater degree of frequency of constancy in their speech or literature than do Jehovah's Witnesses, they believe that their religion is alone in making God's name known in harmony with Matthew 6:9 and John 17:6.

Jesus Christ

Jesus is acknowledged as God's "only begotten" Son. As such, he began his life in heaven. He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God", but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is also known in the Bible as the Archangel, Michael and "the Word," of John 1:1 in his pre-human existence. His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary. While on earth, Jesus was executed as a sacrifice to atone for mankind's sins. He ultimately becomes "eternal father" to the human family.

They believe that after his death, Jesus appeared to his disciples and convinced them of his resurrection, and then ascended into heaven to sit at Jehovah's right hand until he would become the promised king of God's heavenly kingdom. Jesus acts as the mediator of the "new covenant" referred to in Jeremiah 31:31 and Luke 22:20 for those going to heaven (the 144,000). Jesus remains subordinate to God even in all his heavenly glory. Witnesses reject the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, who they believe bore more children after Jesus.

Cross

Jehovah's Witnesses reject the idea that Jesus died on a cross, and instead teach that he died on a single wooden stake, asserting that the Koiné Greek word σταυρος () refers to a single upright post. They view the cross to be of pagan origins and an object of idol worship. Some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not bowing down to or kissing a cross.

Satan

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is God's chief adversary and the invisible ruler of the world. He was at one time a perfect son of God but developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to obey him rather than God, raising the issue – often referred to as a "controversy" – of whether humans, having been granted freedom of will, would obey God under both temptation and persecution. The issue is said to be whether God can rightfully claim to be sovereign of the universe. Instead of destroying Satan, God decided to test the loyalty of the rest of humankind and to prove to the rest of creation that Satan was a liar. Watch Tower publications teach that Satan misleads people on Earth, and that he and the demons are the reason for distress on the earth. Satan and his demons are said to have been cast down to earth from heaven in 1914, marking the beginning of the the "last days".

God's messianic Kingdom

Witness publications teach that God's Kingdom is a government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 people drawn from the Earth. The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the Earth, bringing about a world free of crime, sickness, death and poverty, ultimately transforming the Earth into a paradise. The kingdom is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on Earth and was established in 1914.

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 its "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God in truth. This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17. 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 humans 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.

Witnesses believe that after Armageddon, most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20. 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. The resulting ouster of Satan from heaven to the earth has brought a period of "woe" to mankind, as prophesied in Revelation 12. They assert that the Greek word parousia (translated in most English Bible translations as "coming" when referring to Christ) is more accurately rendered as "presence," with his return perceived only as a series of "signs". Thus this Second Coming would be an invisible presence, lasting for an extended time.

Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology, which is hinged on the belief that 607 BCE was the date of Jerusalem's destruction and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. They believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years starting with 607 BCE and ending at 1914 AD. (Non-Witness sources date Jerusalem's destruction to 587/586 BCE, some 20 years later.) They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations," a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914. Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, more severe earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence. They believe that their preaching is also part of that sign, citing Matthew 24:14.

Witnesses teach that in 1918, Jesus resurrected to heavenly life those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death to serve as kings alongside Christ in his heavenly government.

Salvation

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation

Witness publications teach that all 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. The religion teaches that to be saved, one needs faith, demonstrated by Christian works, including the proper discharge of family duties, kindness and concern for others, proper conduct, and "zealously" preaching. Watch Tower publications say these works demonstrate faith, but do not "earn" salvation, and that it is only by the undeserved kindness (grace) of God that one can attain this salvation. Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, however, has claimed that organizational pressure on individuals to engage in regular door-to-door visitation – and the requirement to turn in monthy reports on the time spent in such activity – effectively transforms such "works" into requirements to gain God's favour and approval, with "blood guilt" resulting for those who fail to carry it out to the expectations of the Governing Body.

Witnesses believe there are two destinations for those saved by God. They say 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 rest of mankind have the hope of living forever in an earthly paradise. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to the biblical teachings, including faith in Jesus' shed blood. Those who do not show such faith face destruction at Armageddon. The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, are said to be determined by the righteous and merciful judgment of God. After Armageddon, most of mankind will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever. They believe those who have already been condemned by God will not be resurrected. (These are said to include any killed at Armageddon, or those in "Gehenna", or doomed to everlasting destruction..) Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time, Earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence mankind. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released again to mislead as many people as he can. The final judgment will then take place, when Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again. Those who survive that final test will live forever.

Death

Witnesses regard the soul as mortal, based on the statement at Ezekiel 18:4 that "the soul that sins, it shall die" (MKJV) and thus believe the soul does not continue to live after one dies. Death is considered a state of non-existence, based on their understanding of Ecclesiastes 9:5, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing." Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, (as opposed to an immortal soul) which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body. They believe that 144,000 humans will be resurrected to a heavenly life to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to life on a paradise earth. Resurrected mankind will undergo a final test to determine their eligibility for everlasting life on earth.

Watch Tower publications teach that Hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the common grave of mankind, a place of unconsciousness. "Gehenna", the Bible word commonly translated "hellfire", is said to describe a judgment of complete destruction, and that no resurrection is possible for anyone in Gehenna. They reason that complete destruction does not allow for literal "torture" of the wicked, as the deceased person lacks consciousness. Based on this, they believe that parables such as that of "the rich man and Lazarus" should not be interpreted literally, and that such references are speaking of symbolic death, not the physical death of actual individuals.

Witnesses teach that sometimes wicked angels (demons) pretend to be spirits of the dead, and that their deception is the basis for many beliefs about the activities of "dead" people.

Education

Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to make their preaching work the top priority in their life. Higher education is discouraged because of the futility of planning secular advancement in a world they believe faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to "worldly thinking" and concerns that advanced educated might lead to a lack of humility. Because evangelistic activities take priority over educational success, young Witnesses rarely progress to college or university, which can be a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are reared in the organization and later defect. Watch Tower publications advise parents to recommend alternatives to university education for their children, suggesting associate degrees from community or technical colleges or short courses in subjects such as office administration, automotive repair, computing, or hairdressing. They urge that young Witnesses should pursue higher education only to gain skills to obtain a reasonable living while maintaining flexibility to pursue their "true" vocation, serving God. Author James Penton's major study of the Witnesses, Apocalypse Delayed, noted that of those Witnesses who do progress to university, few are likely to take studies in such areas as the humanities, the social sciences, or the biological sciences, "disciplines that are most threatening to the Witness world-view".

Jehovah's Witnesses provide religious training programs for their members, including the congregational Theocratic Ministry School, Pioneer Service School, Ministerial Training School and Gilead Missionary School, which focus on improving skills for their ministry.

Practices

Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses include activities common to many Christian denominations, such as evangelism, gathering for group worship and study, and donating money to support their religious activities. This section discusses how the doctrines as well as non-doctrinal organizational and cultural arrangements manifest themselves in the practices and stances of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Worship

A Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are organized into congregations. Men are selected by representatives of the Governing Body as "elders," or "overseers" to teach and direct the preaching work. However distinctive titles of address (such as Father, Reverend, "Elder so and so," etc) are not employed; all members are referred to as either "Brother" or "Sister". Women cannot teach the congregation, except in the extremely rare circumstance that no baptized male is available, though female Witnesses do participate in meeting programs. Prayer and songs are considered an important part of meetings. Prayers at meetings or on other occasions are considered acceptable if directed to the Father Jehovah in the name of the Son. The use of idols is prohibited. They reject the veneration of Mary, the saints, or the cross.

Each congregation has weekly meetings. As of 2009, all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses meet twice each week, with some variation due to local circumstances, for five weekly meetings, totaling approximately four hours. (See Meetings below.) Each year, there is also a 'Special Assembly Day', an 'Assembly' (2 days), and a 'District Convention' (3 days), in facilities owned or maintained by the Watchtower Society or in rented stadiums or auditoriums. During the week, there are also meetings throughout the community to organize their preaching work. On Saturdays or Sundays, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines are featured. On most days, literature is offered based on monthly campaigns. Each month, Jehovah's Witnesses submit reports to the congregation elders, indicating their number of hours in the ministry, literature placed, and bible studies conducted. This is required for one to be officially counted as an active member of the religion. Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to read the Bible every day, as well as publications such as Examining the Scriptures Daily, a booklet with a daily biblical scripture and commentary.

In addition to meeting attendance, families are advised to have a weekly 'family study'. Fathers are told they have a responsibility to 'take the lead' in instructing their families from the Bible as part of a weekly schedule. Where the father is absent or not a believer, the responsibility is assigned to the mother.

Their most important event is the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal or Memorial of Christ's Death.

Kingdom Halls

Jehovah's Witnesses call their meeting places "Kingdom Halls" instead of churches. The original reason for this is because the Witnesses preach about God's Kingdom. The Witnesses emphasize the gathering or "congregation" of people, rather than the physical location itself, as is often implied by the term church, (see etymology of the word). In general, the buildings are functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols.

The majority of meeting places used by Jehovah's Witnesses, as well as the Watchtower Society's headquarters and branch office facilities around the world, have been constructed by Witness volunteers. Funding comes from voluntary contributions made by members. There is a "Kingdom Hall Fund" in each congregation for this purpose. The Governing Body pools these funds to help congregations in economically depressed areas to build suitable halls.

Meetings

Each congregation generally meets twice per week, as of January 1, 2009. To the extent possible, all congregations worldwide study the same material each week. Meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses open and close with prayer. 'Kingdom songs' are sung at most meetings, as well as at assemblies and conventions. Dress for meetings is local formal attire. For instance, in most Western countries, this consists of a suit and tie for males, and conservative dresses/skirts for females. Meetings are free to attend, and are open to the public.

Sunday meeting

This meeting is generally held on Sundays, but can be on another day if more convenient for the congregation (particularly when more than 4 congregations share a Kingdom Hall). It consists of two sections, and is 1 hour and 45 minutes long, including songs and prayers.

The Public Talk (30 minutes) is a Bible-based discourse by a qualified elder or ministerial servant. The subject matter is generally directed toward interested members of the public who are not Jehovah's Witnesses. The speaker may be from the local congregation or from another congregation, usually nearby. This meeting is followed by a transitional song to introduce the Watchtower Study.

The Watchtower Study (1 hour) is a question-and-answer study of a bible-based article appearing in the 'Study Edition' of The Watchtower (dated the 15th of each month). The public are invited to participate in this meeting. A capable elder designated the Watchtower Study Conductor leads the discussion from the platform. Each paragraph is read by a brother assigned by the conductor each week, and questions included in the article for the corresponding paragraph are then posed to the audience. After calling on one or more in attendance to answer the question provided, the conductor may ask follow-up questions or offer comments himself before moving to the next paragraph. Members are encouraged to include cited scriptures in their comments; some scriptures are specifically marked "read", and are read aloud by audience members designated by the conductor. When the end of the article is reached, the conductor asks review questions (typically three to five), and may offer additional closing comments.

Midweek meeting

This meeting is typically held on a weeknight in the evening, with some variation according to local circumstances. It consists of three sections, and is 1 hour and 45 minutes long, including songs and prayers.

The Congregation Bible Study (25 minutes), as of 2009, is a question-and-answer session with audience participation, using prepared questions and material from a bible-based publication of Jehovah's Witnesses. The question-and-answer format and conductor-reader arrangement are similar to the Watchtower Study. This meeting part replaced the Congregation Book Study (1 hour), which was held on a separate weeknight, where congregations were divided into smaller groups, usually in private homes of members, with a format similar to the new arrangement.

The Theocratic Ministry School (30 minutes) is designed to train 'publishers' (members officially authorized to preach) to be more effective in their ministry. Enrolled students are trained to use the Bible to teach others from door to door, informally, and in the congregation. Training is given on how to give a short Bible-based talk, research the Bible, and present material to people with various backgrounds or circumstances. Enrollment is voluntary and open to all who regularly associate and who are in good standing, whether baptized or not. Students in the school receive assignments on a rotating basis. 'Student talks' are delivered either in the main auditorium or an additional 'auxiliary school' (to accommodate more students). A portion of Bible reading is assigned for all members to read each week; over the course of a few years, the entire Bible is discussed. There are four parts to this meeting:

• Bible Highlights (10 minutes) – For the first four minutes, an assigned elder or ministerial servant gives a discourse about the Bible reading assigned for that week. For the remaining six minutes, members of the audience are invited to offer brief comments.
• Assignment #1 (4 minutes) – A reading of a section of the weekly bible reading assignment, usually 16-24 verses. Given by a brother.
• Assignment #2 (5 minutes) – A part based on an assigned theme, usually with assigned source material. It is usually assigned to a sister, who presents the material as a scenario, such as a situation that might arise in preaching, with the assistance of another sister acting as a 'householder'. If delivered by a brother, the material is addressed directly to the audience as a talk.
• Assignment #3 (5 minutes) – A part assigned either to a brother or sister, with certain topics specifically designated to be handled only by a brother. The source material may or may not be supplied. It is delivered in the same manner as Assignment #2.

After each student part, an elder designated as the Theocratic Ministry School Overseer (or an Auxiliary School Overseer) offers positive observations on specific points of the student's delivery. Additional constructive counsel may be given privately. Students are graded on assigned 'speech qualities' from the textbook, Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education. This meeting is followed by a transitional song to introduce the Service Meeting.

The Service Meeting (35 minutes) is a training program to help Jehovah's Witnesses to become more proficient in their ministry. The program provides a variety of methods for instructing and teaching. There are talks, demonstrations, question-and-answer parts, interviews, and discussions. Our Kingdom Ministry, a monthly newsletter, outlines the material to be covered during the Service Meeting.

Memorial of Christ's death

See also: Eucharist

Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate Christ's death as a ransom or propitiatory sacrifice by observing The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial. They celebrate it once each year, noting that it was instituted on the Passover, which is annual. They observe it on Nisan 14 according to the ancient Jewish lunisolar calendar. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that this is the only celebration that the Bible commands Christians to observe. In support, they often cite Jesus' words found at 1 Corinthians 11:24, 25, NWT, "Keep doing this in remembrance of me."

Of those who attend the Memorial, a small minority worldwide partake of the unleavened bread and wine. This is because Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the majority of the faithful have an earthly hope. Only those who believe they have a heavenly hope, the remnant (those still living) of the 144,000 'anointed', partake of the bread and wine. Thus, for instance, in 2008, the number of persons who actually partook worldwide was 9,986, whereas, the number who attended was 17,790,631, though Jehovah's Witnesses believe that some of the 9,986 may be in error about their claim. In the last few years, the number of partakers has been rising. Members are instructed not to criticize others who they believe are falsely partaking of the bread and wine.

In advance of the Memorial, Jehovah's Witnesses launch a worldwide campaign to distribute Memorial invitations. They are also encouraged to specially invite friends and relatives, or any acquaintance that may be interested to attend. A suitable meeting place, for example a Kingdom Hall, is prepared for the occasion. The Memorial begins with a song and a prayer after sunset. The prayer is followed by a discourse on the meaning of the celebration. A table is set with unadulterated red wine and unleavened bread. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the bread stands for Jesus Christ's body which he gave on behalf of mankind, and that the wine stands for his blood which redeems from sin. They do not believe in transubstantiation or consubstantiation. Rather, they believe that the wine and the bread are merely symbols (referred to as "emblems") with a very deep meaning. A prayer is offered and the bread is circulated among the audience. Then another prayer is offered, and the wine is circulated in the same manner. After that, the event concludes with a final song and prayer. Because many congregations have no members who claim to be anointed, it is common for the bread and wine to be passed and have no partakers. Once the event has finished, the bread and wine no longer have any emblematic significance and may be consumed by anyone, or disposed of.

Assemblies and Conventions

A District Convention in Thessalonica, Greece

Each year, Jehovah's Witnesses hold a "Special Assembly Day" and a two-day "Circuit Assembly", held in each circuit worldwide. Each circuit comprises several congregations in a geographical area. These are held either in "Assembly Halls" owned by Jehovah's Witnesses, or in borrowed or rented facilities, such as public auditoriums.

Once a year, Jehovah's Witnesses come together at larger assemblies called "District Conventions" which are usually three days long. Every fifth year, "International Conventions" are held in selected cities, usually lasting three to four days, with visiting delegates from other countries. The attendance of some "International Conventions" number into the hundreds of thousands, with the largest-ever gathering held in New York in 1958 at Yankee Stadium and Polo Grounds with a peak attendance exceeding 250,000.

Evangelism

Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their intensive witnessing, or proselytizing, efforts. Witnesses generally refer to their evangelizing activities by terms such as: "preaching," "disciple-making", "service," "the ministry," and, more formally, but less frequently, "evangelizing". All members (known as "publishers") who are healthy enough are strongly encouraged to go from door to door, participating in this activity to the extent that their circumstances allow, every week if possible. Children are encouraged to participate, accompanied by their parents. A publisher who fails to participate for a month is known as an "irregular publisher"; publishers who have not compiled and turned in a field service report for six consecutive months are known as "inactive publishers". Witnesses who can spend at least 840 hours of witnessing during a year (an average of 70 hours per month) can apply for the status of "regular pioneers", or full-time evangelizers. Witnesses who wish to spend 50 hours in a month can apply to be an "auxiliary pioneer" and can serve in this capacity either a month at a time or consecutively.

Missionary service is another opportunity members have to reach persons in other countries. Those invited to share in such work are usually given specialized training at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. These individuals dedicate, on average, over 120 hours a month to their work. As of 1998 there were 2,390 Witnesses having missionary status serving in 148 "lands".

Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide variety of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore sandwich boards and handed out leaflets, to sound cars (car-mounted phonographs), and syndicated newspaper columns and radio segments devoted to sermons. Between 1924 and 1957, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. They discarded this medium largely due to the prevalence of televangelist radio programs to minimize identification with other religious groups. In recent decades, additional methods have included preaching by telephone, at bus stops, places of business and in the street. Specialized territory maps of residential and commercial areas are prepared within each congregation's boundaries, and distributed to publishers who are responsible for preaching to people within each territory.

Currently, door-to-door evangelizing for the Witnesses involves engaging individuals in discussion of Bible topics and offering literature about their faith, with the goal of starting a Bible study with anyone who shows an interest. The production of literature is supported by donations. Publishers carry forms known as "House to House Records" to keep track of those homes that need revisiting at another time, either to follow up a fruitful conversation, or because its occupants were not at home.

Publishing efforts

Jehovah's Witnesses make vigorous efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on the written word. Their literature is published in many languages (with a small selection available in 410 languages) through a wide variety of books, magazines and other publications. Their publications make extensive use of secular references and quotations from the Bible.

Both The Watchtower and Awake! are published simultaneously in hundreds of languages. Both magazines are also available in various audio and electronic formats, and some of the articles are available online. At the end of each year, the issues are collected and re-released in a printed annual edition, commonly referred to as a bound volume. In addition, the Watchtower Library computer program, officially available only to baptized members, contains many Witness publications from 1950 onwards. It is updated on an annual basis (until 2003, this was only done biennially.)

New books, brochures, and other items are released from time to time, major releases being announced at their annual conventions. Additionally, a number of audio cassettes, videocassettes, and DVDs have been produced featuring various aspects of the group's beliefs, practices, organization, and history. Some of these also provide dramas based on various Biblical accounts. Recent years have seen a proliferation of material available on their website.

The sale of their religious magazines and other literature continued around the world until the early 1990s. The Watchtower is now distributed free of charge, with a request for donations. In 2001, these donations had made the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of NY, Inc. one of the top 40 companies (by turnover) in New York, reporting an annual revenue of about $951 million USD free of taxation as they are registered as a non-profit corporation. Their yearly report is different from a Wall Street company as the company's employees are volunteers who live and work in the Brooklyn complex.

Conversion

To become one of Jehovah's Witnesses, a systematic Bible study course is followed. One must also accept Jesus' ransom sacrifice and repent of sins, and make a personal dedication to God. Participation in the preaching work is required, as well as regular meeting attendance.

The elders ask a series of questions to ensure that the person understands and accepts the beliefs of the Witnesses. This is done in preparation for baptism. Baptisms are normally performed at assemblies and conventions. At these baptisms, the candidates make "public declaration" of their prior dedication to God. The speaker typically asks the candidates, "On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?” After the candidates answer with an affirmative "yes" and agree that their dedication and baptism "identifies [them as members] of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization", they can undergo water immersion.

Discipline

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline

Formal discipline is administered by congregation Elders. In the event that an accusation of serious sin is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions.

Disfellowshipping is the most severe form of discipline administered. Before taking this step, the judicial committee must determine that the individual has committed a "serious sin", and that there is no evidence of true repentance. To judge that repentance is genuine, members of the judicial committee ask questions and review the actions of the accused member. Baptized members who openly reject doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses can be disfellowshipped for apostasy. Once the decision to disfellowship has been made, a person has seven days to appeal. After the seven days, if the person has not appealed, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation; disfellowshipping does not take effect until the announcement is made to the congregation. After a person is disfellowshipped, the person is shunned by all baptized members. Exceptions to this would include cases where a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, or if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized. In these cases, the Witness are not permitted to speak about matters pertaining to the religion, except in the case of parents conducting a bible study with a disfellowshipped minor. The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the same household is included in family life is left to the discretion of the family. Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped have minimal contact.

Reproof involves sins that could lead to disfellowshipping. Ones considered 'truly repentant' are reproved rather than disfellowshipped. Reproof is given "before all onlookers." If the sin is private in nature, the reproof would involve just the individual(s) involved. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation or the community, an announcement is made informing the congregation that the person has been reproved. Later, without disclosing names or private details, one of the Elders gives a separate talk ensuring that the congregation understood the sin, its dangers, and how to avoid it. Certain restrictions on congregation privileges will apply to the reproved one, until the Elders have determined that the member has regained "spiritual strength." Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, not commenting at meeting parts and not praying for a group. The length of the restricted period is dependent upon the elders. One cannot 'pioneer' or 'auxiliary pioneer' for at least one year after reproof is given.

Marking is practiced if a person's course of action is regarded as a violation of Bible principles, reflecting badly on the congregation, but is not a disfellowshipping offense. The person is strongly counseled. If, after repeated counsel sessions, the person still pursues the disturbing course, he might be 'marked', which involves an announcement stating that the actions in question are wrong, without naming the individual involved. Congregation members limit social contact with that person. The purpose of this is to shame the person into correcting their actions. They do not completely shun the 'marked' individual, but social contact is minimised.

Family life

The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. He is the head of his family. He must only have one wife. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives. Husbands are instructed to treat their wives as Jesus treated his followers. He should not hurt or mistreat his family in any way. The father should be hard-working in providing necessities to his family. He must also provide for them in a spiritual capacity. This includes religious instruction for the family, and taking the lead in preaching activities.

Parental discipline for children should not be in a harsh, cruel way. Children are instructed to obey their parents.

Married couples are encouraged to speak with local elders if they are having problems. Married couples can separate in the case of physical abuse and neglect, or if one partner attempts to hinder the other from being a Jehovah's Witness. Divorce (with the ability to remarry) is permissible only on the grounds of adultery, based on their understanding of Jesus' words at Matthew 5:32: "But I say to you that whoever shall put away his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her who is put away commits adultery," and Matthew 19:9: "I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery."

Morality

Jehovah's Witnesses' views of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder. Homosexuality, premarital, and extramarital sex are considered sins. Smoking, use of addictive drugs, and drunkenness are considered sins. Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. During worship, standards of dress are formal, varying by country and regional custom. In the U.S., Europe, and most of Asia, this typically consists of formal western business attire. Entertainment promoting immoral, 'demonic', or violent themes is discouraged. Though they are nonconformists in some ways, they seek not to appear to be "counter-cultural." They avoid appearing unkempt or unprofessional according to local norms. Therefore, in certain areas, personal grooming such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, along with any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings. A person violating these guidelines would not have any action taken against them, but neither would they be allowed to serve with special privileges in the congregation. These special privileges include, but are not limited to:

• giving public talks
• giving talks in the Theocratic Ministry School
• handling the microphones used for audience participation in meetings
• operating the sound system (if available)
• public prayer

Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

See also: Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that the Bible prohibits the consumption, storage and transfusion of blood, based on their understanding of scriptures such as Leviticus 17:10, 11: "I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood", and Acts 15:28: "abstain from ... blood". They apply this viewpoint even in cases of emergency. The Watchtower introduced this view in 1945, and it has developed since then. Accordingly the organization has established Hospital Information Services (HIS). HIS is responsible for education on and facilitation of “bloodless surgery.” This service also maintains Hospital Liaison Committees whose function is to provide support to adherents facing surgery and assist in providing information to the medical community on bloodless surgery techniques and alternatives to blood.

Though accepted by the majority of members, some within the Jehovah's Witness community do not endorse the doctrine. Historically the doctrine has drawn criticism from members of the medical community. However some professionals worldwide now acknowledge the benefits of avoiding the use of blood during surgery and therefore routinely utilize bloodless surgery techniques on Jehovah's Witnesses and non-believers alike.

Gambling

Gambling by making money through the losses of others is viewed as a "form of greed." They cite scriptural references to greed to assert that a Christian cannot be a gambler, or be employed in a gambling establishment. The Watchtower says, "If you wish to please Jehovah, then, you will refrain from any form of gambling, including lotteries, bingo, and betting on horse races." However, some risks are acceptable, such as buying stocks, shares and bonds. The reasoning is that unlike gambling, these are business transactions involving the buying and selling of real goods.

They also say that some forms of gambling behavior (e.g. blowing on dice) constitute a form of superstition, linked to spiritism, and that it can become a form of idolatry.

Based on these principles, some gamblers have been disfellowshipped.

Drugs and Alcohol

Jehovah's Witnesses prohibit non-medicinal use of mood altering drugs that are generally accepted as dangerous to the mind and body. Caffeine, alcohol, etc are permitted, reasoning that moderate use of them has never been proved consistently dangerous to health. For example, tea and coffee are not generally banned by governments. They also believe that certain mood-altering drugs, including tobacco, are connected to spiritism. The Watchtower has also stated that smoking violates the principle in 2 Corinthians 7:1, being a "defilement of the flesh."

Abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs can result in disfellowshipping for members. Since 1973, smokers are not eligible for baptism, and Witnesses who persist in the habit are subject to disfellowshipping.

Neutrality

The Witnesses respect the law of the land, as long as they don't perceive such laws as interfering with God's laws. They often cite as a precedent the apostles statement at Acts 5:29: "We ought to obey God rather than men."(KJV) Jehovah's Witnesses assert that they respect the flags of all nations, but don't salute or pledge allegiance to them, considering that to be a form of worship. Similarly, they don't sing national anthems. Witnesses say they recognize the legitimacy of political leaders, believing that they are the "superior authorities" referred to by the Apostle Paul in Romans 13:1 (NWT), and are therefore to be respected. In many places, the Witnesses are commended for their law-abiding stance. For Jehovah's Witnesses, neutrality is defined as:

The position of those who do not take sides with, or give support to, any of two or more contending parties. It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality as to conflicts between factions of the world. They do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies, serving in the armed forces, joining a political party, running for a political office, or voting.

In this regard, Jehovah's Witnesses feel that their position is similar to that of the early Christians, who refused to sacrifice a few drops of wine or a few grains of incense to the Roman emperors even when faced with execution. They also feel their stance is similar to Jesus' refusal to allow people to make him king, even though they felt he could help them.

Saluting flags

Among the results of this belief in the United States are several cases of Constitutional law regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. The early cases establishing that government schools cannot mandate the Pledge, or the salute to the flag, all involved Witness students punished or threatened for their refusal.

Some courts in other countries have also protected the Witnesses' right to abstain from patriotic ceremonies. For example, in 1986, the Supreme Court of India held that no one can be forced to join in the singing of the national anthem if the person has a genuine, conscientious religious objection.

In a decision handed down on 1 March 1993, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Jehovah's Witnesses in a case involving Witness youths who were expelled from school because they respectfully declined to salute the flag. </ref>

Military service

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to serve in military organizations, citing the principle they call Christian Neutrality. They understand Jesus' words, "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world," to mean that they should take a neutral stand concerning political and military controversies.

Historically, this refusal to join the military has created serious difficulties for Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly in war time. During World War II, young Witnesses in a number of countries were executed for their conscientious objection to war; even in more-democratic countries they were generally refused exemption from conscription and have often been imprisoned.

Currently, there is less conflict between Witnesses and most governments over this matter, as many countries have abolished conscription, whereas others have recognized the views of conscientious objectors and thus instituted the right to alternative civilian service, which Witnesses generally accept. In certain republics of the former Soviet Union, however, as well as in South Korea, Singapore, and some countries in Africa, young Witness males continue to serve prison terms in connection with this issue. As of October 4, 2007 there were 803 Witnesses imprisoned and 90 on trial over this issue in South Korea.

During World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses were persecuted by the Allies and the Axis powers for refusing to participate in these powers' respective war efforts. (See Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany).

Jehovah's Witnesses are not pacifists, that is to say, they are not opposed to the use of violence in all circumstances. They believe, for instance, that the wars between the ancient nation of Israel and surrounding nations were legitimate, and point out that passages in both the Old and New Testaments refer to God using warlike methods at times. However, they understand scriptures such as John 18:36 ("Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight...") to indicate that there is no longer an earthly government for which they are authorized by Jesus to fight. Thus they interpret the scriptures to mean that God is not using or supporting nationalistic wars in modern times, and therefore do not participate in wars.

Political activity

Jehovah's Witnesses do not run for any political office, but they do not seek to prevent or discourage others from doing so.

The Watchtower Society has stated that voting in political elections is a personal conscience decision. In countries in which voting is compulsory, Witnesses may enter a polling booth and what they do within it is "between him and his Creator", though a Witness who takes any action considered to be a "violation of Christian neutrality" may face religious sanctions. They do not interfere with the right of non-members to vote.

In harmony with their view of neutrality, however, The Watchtower has given five reasons for not voting in political elections. 1. Being “no part of the world,” they are neutral in the political affairs of the world. 2. The apostle Paul referred to himself as an “ambassador” representing Christ. Ambassadors are expected to be neutral and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries to which they are sent. 3. Those who have a part in voting a person into office may become responsible for what he does. 4. When religions become involved in politics, the result is often division among their members. 5. They must speak to people of all political persuasions with the important message of the Kingdom.

Nationalism and holidays

Among Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Examples include not singing the national anthem or saluting the flag. The Witnesses believe that nationalism is a form of religion. They believe it is dangerous and can cause problems among people, starting with disagreements, dissension, fights, arguments and even lead to wars.

Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed. The Witnesses attempt to avoid incorporating common pagan traditions typically associated with these occasions. They use rings in wedding ceremonies, the Watchtower stating that the fact they were first used by pagans doesn't "necessarily" rule out their use for Christians. Other common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, however, are not celebrated, because they believe that these continue to involve "false religious beliefs or activities." Watchtower Society publications rule out the celebration of Mother's Day, the modern celebration of which was revived in 1908, because of a claimed link with pagan gods. The Society also directs Witnesses to shun May Day, New Year's Day and Valentine's Day celebrations for the same reason.

Their opposition to birthdays is said to be based on how the Bible presents them. Watchtower Society publications note that the only birthday celebrations explicitly mentioned in the Bible are Herod's and Pharaoh's. Both were associated with executions, and neither celebrant was a servant of God. (Though some religions interpret Job 1:4 to indicate birthday feasts of Job's sons, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret them as a circuit of feasts from one house to the next.) The Bible does not show Jesus or his apostles celebrating birthdays and the Watchtower claims the absence of any record of the date of the birth of Jesus or his apostles provides a clear implication that "God does not want us to celebrate any of these birthdays".

Witnesses observe wedding anniversaries, with the Watchtower Society noting that wedding anniversaries "apparently" do not stem from pagan origins.

Construction and humanitarian efforts

Jehovah's Witnesses are known in many lands for their building work. International and regional building teams frequently undertake constructions of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends, referred to as 'quick-builds'. Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members.

Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster-stricken areas. One notable example is the relief efforts to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the genocide in Rwanda as well as to Congo refugees. According to the Jehovah's Witnesses, this humanitarian aid was not given exclusively to Jehovah's Witnesses; others also benefited. For instance, the Witnesses say they distributed medicine and clothing to several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma. The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses uses "Regional Building Committees" to oversee relief efforts worldwide. This was implemented as soon as Hurricane Katrina struck in Louisiana in 2005.

Funding of activities

Jehovah's Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations. There is no tithing or collection, but all are encouraged to donate to the organization; Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make such donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Donation boxes labeled for several purposes, are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. Generally there is a contribution box for operating expenses locally, a Kingdom Hall fund for helping other Witnesses around the world needing a Kingdom Hall, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief, and other operating expenses of the organization.

The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly with the entire congregation at the Service Meeting. (This meeting is open to the public.) Donations are also accepted via mail, and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society can be named as a beneficiary to an estate, and also accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, annuities and trusts.

External links

• Reliving Jesus' Last Days on Earth - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site, concerning the Memorial of Christ's Death
• The Last Days of Jesus' Human Life - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site, concerning the Memorial of Christ's death
• Recent News about the Jehovah's Witnesses
• Videos and Audios from Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide
• Jehovah's Witnesses MP3 Recordings