What To Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses

Most of us have had an encounter with a Jehovah's Witness. Some of us it is at our front door and others may have encountered them in various places. There is a great deal of confusion about them.

Are they Christians? What do they believe? Joe Carter gives us a brief overview of what is a Jehovah's Witness and what they believe:

1. Jehovah’s Witnesses—their name is intended to designate them as “a group of Christians who proclaim the truth about Jehovah”—compose less than 1 percent of U.S. adults, yet are among the most racially and ethnically diverse religious groups in America. According to Pew Research, no more than 4 in 10 members of the group belong to any one racial and ethnic background: 36 percent are white, 32 percent are Hispanic, 27 percent are black, and 6 percent are another race or mixed race. Roughly two-thirds (65 percent) are women, while only 35 percent are men. They also also tend to be less educated, with a solid majority of adult Jehovah’s Witnesses (63 percent) having no more than a high school diploma (compared with, for example, 43 percent of evangelical Protestants).

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses (hereafter JWs) consider themselves to be Christians (but not Protestants), even though they reject the doctrine of the Trinity. JWs claim that Jesus was not divine and that the Holy Spirit is an “active force” and not a person. JWs believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, “the firstborn of all creation” and therefore rightly entitled to be called the “son of God.” However, they believe that as a created being “he is not part of a Trinity.” They believe Jesus lived in heaven before coming to earth and, after his death and resurrection, he returned to heaven. They also believe Jesus “gave his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice” and that through his death and resurrection “make it possible for those exercising faith in him to gain everlasting life.”

3. JWs believe that the kingdom of God is a real government in heaven that will soon replace human governments and accomplish God’s purpose for the earth. They believe that Jesus is the King of God’s kingdom in heaven and that he began ruling in 1914. A relatively small number of people—144,000—will be resurrected to live with Jehovah in heaven and rule with Jesus in the kingdom. They believe that God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection and that “many now living may yet begin to serve God, and they too will gain salvation.” However, those who “refuse to learn God’s ways after being raised to life” will pass out of existence forever (they will not suffer in a “fiery hell of torment”).

4. JWs practice door-to-door ministry because they believe it is an effective way to fulfill the Great Commission and that first-century Christians continued to spread their message both “publicly and from house to house” (they cite Acts 5:42; 20:20). They do not believe that door-to-door ministry is a means of earning salvation by doing good works. They also believe that “pressuring people to change their religion is wrong” though they do believe in attempting to argue for their particular beliefs. In their door-to-door ministry they generally distribute two magazines, Awake!, a general religious magazine, and The Watchtower, a magazine whose content is focused on “the significance of world events in the light of Bible prophecies.”

5. JWs believe the Bible is “God’s inspired message to humans.” In 1961 a JW corporation, The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, published its own formal equivalence translation of the Bible: the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT). As of 2015, the NWT has been translated in whole or in part into 129 languages. Since the release of the NT translation in 1950, this version has been criticized for changing the meaning and words of the text to fit JW doctrine. A prime example is John 1:1. Both the ESV and NIV translate that verse as, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The NWT version translates the passage as “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.” The addition of the indefinite article “a” is added to avoid the conclusion that Jesus is God. Referring to this verse, Bruce M. Metzger wrote in 1953, “It must be stated quite frankly that, if the Jehovah’s Witnesses take this translation seriously, they are polytheists.” Despite a preference for the NWT, JWs still use other translations of the Bible in their witnessing work.

6. JWs do not celebrate either Christmas or Easter, because they believe the Bible teaches that it’s Jesus death—not his birth or resurrection—that should be celebrated. They also believe that Christmas and Easter are not approved by God because they are rooted in pagan customs and rites. They also do not celebrate birthdays because they believe “such celebrations displease God.”

7. JWs have a number of beliefs that are peculiar to their sect: While they accept medical treatments and do not practice faith healing, they don’t accept blood transfusions because they believe the “Bible commands that we not ingest blood.” They do not believe in going to war or getting involved in political matters, and they do not consider the cross to be a symbol of Christianity, because they claim “the Bible indicates that Jesus did not die on a cross but rather on a simple stake.”

8. JWs do not refer to their places of worship as churches, but rather as a “Kingdom Hall.” They have no paid clergy, for they believe the “model of first-century Christianity” is one in which “all baptized members are ordained ministers and share in the preaching and teaching work.” Both men and women can be ministers, though within each congregation “spiritually mature men” serve as “older men,” or elders.” About 20 congregations form a circuit, and congregations receive periodic visits from traveling elders known as circuit overseers. JWs are not required to tithe and no collections are taken at their meetings, though donation boxes are available.

9. Doctrinal guidance is provided by a Governing Body made up of longtime JWs who currently work at the international offices in Brooklyn, New York. A number of corporations are in use by JWs, though they are often referred to collectively as “The Society” after the oldest and most prominent of their corporation, “The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania” (which is now located in Brooklyn). Not much is known about the financing of the JW corporations other than that they own significant real estate holdings in New York City. For instance, the group’s headquarters, which is currently for sale, is expected to be sold for around $1 billion.

Book Review: NIV Lifehacks Bible

One of the most important elements of the Christian life is spiritual formation. Spiritual formation takes place when discipline ourselves in walking with Christ. Spiritual formations come in various ways such as journaling, memorizing verses in the Bible, and prayer. Many books have been written on the subject which is a big help for new believers as well as those who have been Christians for a long time. You might say you can call spiritual formation, habits, which means a regular practice or tendency that is hard to give up.

Zondervan has produced a new specialty Bible to assist believers in developing spiritual habits called, the "NIV Lifehacks Bible." What exactly is a "lifehack?" Joe Carter, who is the contributing editor of this Bible, said a lifehack is "any advice, shortcut, tip, or skill that helps (the reader) get things done more efficiently and effectively. Applying lifehacks to disciplines makes those disciplines more readily integrated into (the reader's) life."

Most retailers and publishers would call this a study Bible, which it is not. A study Bible would have detailed book introductions along with study notes at the bottom of each page to help the reader learn more the passage and its historical context. This Bible is more of a specialty Bible where it has articles catering to a specific person. This Bible is geared toward those who want to have spiritual disciplines which is a good thing.

There are various articles throughout this Bible that address different topics such as humility, holiness, and evangelism. At the end of each article, Carter gives a sentence or two to help the reader apply what he wrote to their lives.

One plus about this Bible is a reading plan. No, not a reading plan for the articles, but a Bible reading plan. There are some complicated ones out there, but the one in this Bible looks like a simple approach to read the Bible. In fact, I am might be considering using it next year as I wrap up my three-year reading plan.

What made me curious about this Bible is the fact that Joe Carter, editor for the Gospel Coalition, wrote the articles and Kevin DeYoung wrote the forward. The articles are very simple to read and are very practical. I wish they had this Bible available in the ESV, but I get why it is in the NIV because there are some new believers who want to read an easy-to-read version which is what the NIV is.

Thanks Booklook Bloggers for letting me review this Bible.

Around The Web-December 4, 2015

What is Doctrine? by Scott Swain

Seven Reasons to Celebrate Advent by Ryan Shelton

How to Pray the News by Joe Carter

6 Principles for Student Ministry by Jonathan Leeman

In case you have not heard, all ESV Bibles from Crossway are 50% off through the month of December

Mark Dever and Tim Keller discuss why Martyn Lloyd-Jones matters today.



Be sure to check out this post on who was Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

If you are on Christian Mingle, they will send an inspector.

Around the Web-September 25, 2015

How to Use a Study Bible by Andy Naselli

Study Bibles as Theological Tool Kits by Justin Taylor

Same-Sex Marriage is An Opportunity for the Gospel by Jeff Dodge

Why Don’t Protestants Have a Pope? by Kevin DeYoung

9 Things You Should About Pope Francis by Joe Carter

What Won't Be In Heaven by Sam Storms

Francis Chan on why we need the Bible.

Around The Web-May 29, 2015

The guys over at The Reformed Pubcast has created a new website called The Reformed Pub. Check it out.

When Your Heart Isn't In It by Joe Thorn

Why Are Behaviors the Bible Condemns Considered ‘Morally Acceptable’ by Christians? by Joe Carter

What Are Justification and Sanctification? by Guy Waters

Matt Chandler Apologizes for Lack of Compassion in Church Discipline Cases

A Requiem for the Boy Scouts by Albert Mohler

How many of you have seen the "Thug Life" videos? Have you seen the ones put together by Baptist Humor? I would like to share a couple of my favorites featuring Voddie Baucham, Steven Lawson, and John MacArthur.

As The Supreme Court Hearings Begin...

Today is the day that the Supreme Court is beginning deliberations over whether or not legalize same-sex marriage in the United States. Some feel it will happen while others are optimistic that is won't. According to reports that I have heard, the court will not make a decision until this summer which is similar to what they did last year in with Hobby Lobby.

As the hearing begins, I invite everyone to pray for the Supreme Court during this time. Also pray for America as well as the church. As we wait for the final decision, he are a few posts you might want to take a look at:

9 Things You Should Know About Same-Sex Marriage by Joe Carter

Why Not Gay Marriage? by Kevin DeYoung

In Defense of Marriage, the Rule of Law, and Ordered Liberty by Albert Mohler

Here's Hoping the Supreme Court Will Handle Same-Sex Marriage Like Other Nations by Trevin Wax

Around The Web-May 16, 2014

The almost forgotten, always misunderstood, all-consuming sin of gluttony by Joe Carter

Are We Christians Good Neighbors? by Thabiti Anyabwile

Atheist TV: Coming soon to a television near you

The Church Needs More Tattoos by Russell Moore

Ten Reasons to Memorize Big Chunks of the Bible by Jon Bloom

Jeff Vanderstelt giving a clear definition on evangelism.

Around The Web-April 25, 2014

Sinner Come Home by Albert Mohler

Why Do You Struggle With Evangelism? by Erik Raymond

Under Which God? — The Pledge, Public Prayer, and Ceremonial Deism by Joe Carter

Aaron Armstrong reviews Mack Stiles' latest book, Evangelism

Youth-Driven Culture by Stephen Nichols

This year marks the 5th anniversary of Redeemer Fellowship in Kansas City. This video is about what God has done in their church.

Redeemer Turns Five from Redeemer Fellowship on Vimeo.

Around The Web-March 28, 2014

9 Things You Should Know about the Story of Noah by Joe Carter

3 Ways Noah Sums Up The Big Story of the Bible by Steve Tompkins

Aborted babies incinerated to heat UK hospitals

Why is This Issue Different? by Kevin DeYoung

When I watched "Wheel of Fortune," I was pretty good at getting the puzzle before anyone else. This guy got the bonus puzzle with only two letters and won some money.

Why Batman Doesn't Know Jesus

Joe Carter:

The Rev. Edward Casaubon had a handsome, intelligent wife, but squandered his marriage---along with his health and his life---in a futile attempt to write his masterwork, The Key to All Mythologies. When she wrote Middlemarch, George Eliot probably intended for readers to scoff at the dusty and deluded scholar-cleric trying to unlock the secrets of ancient myth. But I can relate to the good reverend. Like other film and comic book geeks, I've wasted hours trying to find the key to some modern folk mythology when I could have enjoyed time with my bright, beautiful bride.

But unlike Casaubon, I have actually found a key. Not to all mythologies, of course, but to one of the most intriguing---Christopher Nolan's series of Batman films.

The interpretative key to the Batman films is obvious once you notice what is missing.

Batman Doesn't Know Jesus

Of course, you might say, Jesus is absent from almost all mainstream films. True, but not wholly true. While direct acknowledgement of Jesus is rare in movies today, there are few epic trilogies set in modern times in which allusions to Christ do not appear at all. Yet during the entire 456 minutes of the Batman series, thousands of characters appear in a diverse urban landscape, and not a single image or symbol alludes to an awareness of Jesus. There are no priests or nuns, no Bibles or churches. In the one funeral scene in the film, the reading is not from Scripture but from . . . Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities.

Nolan has scrubbed all references to Jesus---intentionally I believe---in order to present a pre-Christian pagan universe, a world in which Christ's earthly ministry has not yet begun.

Read the rest here.