Jehovahs witnesses beliefs compared to christianity. This period will conclude with judgment day, the 1,000 year reign of christ with the 144,000 anointed resurrected people who are chosen by god. The more recent publications are used by jehovahs witnesses for their ministry and for their own personal study to understand jehovahs witnesses doctrine. Jehovahs witnesses and orthodox christians disagree on some very basic issues. When people become jehovahs witnesses, they are baptized in the name of jesus. They do not believe in the trinity of course, it is not biblical. Their jesus is a created being the bible calls the archangel michael whereas the christian jesus is god in the flesh and as such is our creator. Jehovahs witness, member of a millennialist denomination that developed within the larger 19thcentury adventist movement in the united states and has since spread worldwide. Jan 03, 2011 christian vs jehovah witness the main difference between christian and jehovahs witness is in the kinds of christ they believe in. The group reports a worldwide membership of approximately 8. They claim that christianity became corrupt at the death of the new testament apostles. Jehovah s witnesses use and compare many different translations of the bible.
With a jehovah witness in particular there are some helpful donts as well. Nov 25, 2011 biblical christianity jehovah s witnesses mormonism church of jesus christ of latter day saints founded. What are the basic differences between jehovahs witnesses and christians. I remember that first year after id left the jehovahs witness faith. This is a heretical teaching, so far from the biblical teaching on jesus that i consider jehovah witnesses to not even be christian even in the broadest sense of the word christian. Difference between christian and jehovah witness compare. Discover the best jehovah s witness in best sellers. Christians shy away from presenting the good news of the gospel. The publications of jehovahs witnesses are organized into the year that the works were published, and in descending order. Ironically, in 20 they had to retranslate this socalled best translation to hide even more of their errors. For example the jesus of jehovahs witnesses is a different person than the jesus of christianity.
Jehovah s witnesses are directed by the governing body of jehovah s witnesses, a group of elders. The watchtower bible calls the new world translation of the holy scriptures one of the best translations to be found. Apr 19, 2020 every jehovahs witness will tell you that they are christians. Their founder, charles taze russell, was christian, but became influenced by arian and seventhday adventist teachings jehovah s witnesses claim to be christians believing in the bible, hence their real danger to the unaware orthodox christian. Mormons claim to be a restoration of ancient christianity via divine intervention and angelic visitation. I remember that first year after id left the jehovah s witness faith. Highly recommend this book, especially for those seeking the real truth of christ and his kingdom. We believe that jesus is the head, or the one appointed to have authority, over every man. Christian vs jehovah witness the main difference between christian and jehovah s witness is in the kinds of christ they believe in. Jehovahs witnesses come to your door with one main objective. In fact, of the six theological tenets above, jehovah s witnesses agree with islam on four, and christianity on zero.
It should say, the word was godlike or a god or a great prophet, a great angel, and then god used him for great things, you can know thats not true just because of john 1. Approximately 4 million of them live in the united states. Distinctive beliefs of the jehovahs witnesses catholic. The apostacy is a result of the jehovah s witnesses. Jehovah s witness christians have distinct beliefs about the end times, as well. Dec 15, 2018 jehovah s witnesses believe that jesus is not equal with god. Differences between christians and jehovah s witnesses that everyone should know timothy leonard jr. Jehovah s witnesses hold the use of the correct name of god, jehovah, to be very important to. Another obvious difference is the introduction of the name jehovah into the new testament.
However, our bible tells us in the book of revelation that the 144,000 people being talked about are 144,000 jewish witnesses that god marks and seals during. Perhaps the most important commonality between evangelical christians and jehovahs witnesses is our belief and trust in the bible as the ultimate authority inspired by god, on issues concerning god and his expectations for us. They teach that jesus was created by god and not coexistent wth him. Jehovah s witnesses are more closely aligned to islam than to christianity. Jehovah s witnesses follow the model of firstcentury christians, subscribing to bible principles in the old and new testaments that guide every aspect of their lives. Compare jehovah s witnesses and protestant christianity.
Jehovah s witnesses, although a denomination of christianity, sets itself quite apart from most others. I would suggest you go to a christian bookstore and find a good book on the jehovah s witness organization as well. Actually this is more of a statement and than a real question. It denies the deity of christ, his physical resurrection, and salvation by grace. Its a small book that gives an overall general look at the big differences jehovah witnesses have with christianity. The following chart provides a quickreference guide to the major similarities and differences between the beliefs and practices of jehovah s witnesses and mainstream protestant christianity. However when you ask them the right questions with a curious mind, they will often respond to your sense of logic and begin researching information. The jehovah s witnesses are quite forthcoming about their religious beliefs. Reasoning from the scriptures with the jehovahs witnesses. The jehovahs witnesses are an outgrowth of the international bible students association, which was founded in 1872 in pittsburgh by charles taze russell. Cult shock is an easytofollow resource of christian apologetics that teaches you how to defend your christian faith against the claims of jehovah s witness and mormon missionaries. How to convert a jehovahs witness to christianity by. But they have a dynamic populist appeal that has attracted millions. The book brings their history and references from their publications, it is fair in showing that some of the doctrines of their roots are not followed anymore, and gives biblical reference where there steer off.
Although jehovah s witnesses claim to be christian, there are major differences in theology, which they attribute to apostacy. It is true that jehovahs witnesses and christians are both following the teachings brought about by the words of jesus christ. What are the differences between most christian bibles and. One of the most glaring differences between christianity and the jehovah witnesses is that jesus is either god and has always existed or he was a created being and thus, not fully god. As is always the case with charts and summaries, the information is simplified for brevity and should be used alongside more complete explanations. Two christian bible scholars outline arguments anyone can use to counterand evangelize to jehovah s witnesses and mormons when they come knocking. Does gods law on blood require no blood transfusions. Buy christian conversations with jehovahs witnesses. However, the doctrines of the christian church are clear from the bible and the writings of the early church fathers. Eight unbiblical teachings of the jehovahs witnesses. In fact, jehovahs witnesses believe that jesus was just a physical manifestation of michael the archangel. So for jehovah s witnesses and islam, the agreement ratio. Jan 14, 2020 the rest of the jehovahs witnesses still living can only hope to inherit the earth, not actually make it into heaven, since this is only reserved for the special 144,000 chosen ones.
Posted in christian conversations with jehovah s witnesses section 3. Cult shock is an easytofollow resource of christian apologetics that teaches you how to defend your christian faith against the claims of jehovahs witness and mormon missionaries. By the end, i think you will see that gulf is indeed wide between true, biblical christianity, and the theology taught by the watch tower. Watchtower books publications of jehovahs witnesses. Christian conversations with jehovahs witnesses 4jehovah. It contains a lot of brief, yet informative articles about different aspects of islam. Jehovah s witnesses and jesus christ, theology today, april, 1953. Islam and christianity share some commonalities, but are otherwise quite different.
They favor a modern language version, the new world translation, which they publish and distribute free of charge. How to witness effectively to jehovahs witnesses 4jehovah. It is true that jehovah s witnesses and christians are both following the teachings brought about by the words of jesus christ. Find the top 100 most popular items in amazon books best sellers. Jehovahs witnesses use a bible translation called the new world translation. Oct 29, 2015 one of the most glaring differences between christianity and the jehovah witnesses is that jesus is either god and has always existed or he was a created being and thus, not fully god. Facts the watchtower society doesnt want you to know 4jehovah. Jehovah s witnesses is a millenarian restorationist christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream christianity.
Aug 03, 2016 jehovah s witness clashes with christian evangelist duration. In fact, if russell were a jehovahs witness in the current watchtower organization, he would have been disfellowshipped for his beliefs and practices. The differences are significant enough that jehovah s witness christians and mainstream christians sometimes question each others legitimacy as christians. Never was there a more deceptive doctrine advanced than that of the trinity reconciliation, 1928. Their religion, unlike mormonism, isnt an esoteric one with secret doctrines known only to an initiated few. Buy cheap jehovahs witnesses books online jehovahs. A beginners guide to witnessing to the jehovahs witnesses. There is an electronic edition available as a free download. In this article i will explore the very significant differences between historical christianity and the jehovahs witnesses beliefs. After the death of russell in 1916, joseph franklin rutherford took his place as leader of the new movement which was by now known as the watch tower bible and tract society in. How is jehovahs witness different than christianity. In law, this question might be considered a leading question. The beliefs of jehovahs witnesses and how they differ from.
As an ex jw, born again christian, i recommend this book to those who want to learn biblical truth. They are convinced they have the truth and everyone else is wrong. Jehovah s witnesses claim to be a rediscovery of ancient christianity through biblical scholarship. This website is for people of various faiths who seek to understand islam and muslims. And then tell them about yourself and about how you became a christian and about what being in relationship with god means. Many fall outside the framework of historic christianity for example, mormonism, the shakers, oneida perfectionists, jehovah s witnesses, and christian science. How to witness effectively to jehovahs witnesses breaking the watchtower barrier stepbystep. Evaluating jehovah s witness conscience issues dialogue 1b.
Jehovahs witnesses 10 things to know about their beliefs. Whats the difference between christianity and jehovahs. Oct 06, 2011 you jehovah witnesses should read and understand fully the following verse. Jun 07, 2004 the following chart provides a quickreference guide to the major similarities and differences between the beliefs and practices of jehovah s witnesses and mainstream protestant christianity. The 11 beliefs you should know about jehovahs witnesses when. What are the biggest differences between christianity and. Jun 12, 20 christianity is a religion, jehovah s witnesses are at best a cult but they are much more likely a publishing corporation taking advantage of tax code and unpaid volunteers. Jehovah s witnesses are programmed to believe and even defend that the nwt is the best translation and even been told that it was translated using the oldest scrolls. A brief comparison of jehovah s witnesses beliefs and islam. Biblical christianity jehovah s witnesses mormonism church of jesus christ of latter day saints founded. In an article on the nwt, one wbts book states that it is a translation of the holy scriptures made directly from hebrew, aramaic, and greek into modernday english by a committee of anointed witnesses of jehovah reasoning from the scriptures, 276. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox christianity. The jehovah s witnesses, church of the latter day saints mormons, and seventhday adventists all had belief systems different from mainstream christianity.
In this article i will explore the very significant differences between historical christianity and the jehovah s witnesses beliefs. The main difference between the new world translation nwt and other bibles is that the nwt has attempted to eliminate almost all references to the divinity of jesus in the new testament. Second, the jehovah witness group do not believe that the holy spirit is a person. Do jehovahs witnesses use the same bible as christians. The historical background jehovah witness doctrine was founded by charles taze russell. Because both groups make heavy use of missionary work, especially going doortodoor to discuss their religions, people can confuse them. Among christians there may be inconsequential differences of opinion e.
For by him jesus were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers. Jehovahs witnesses view wearing a cross as a blatant act of idolatry. They seem not to notice that in the very next sentence after mentioning the 144,000 in revelation, the bible proceeds to spell out exactly who the 144,000 are. When jehovah s witnesses come to your door offering watchtower and awake. Comparison grid of roman catholicism, mormonism, jehovahs. First, this is the area where watchtower theology deviates most dramatically from orthodox christianity. They are known for their potent evangelism, their preoccupation with the end of days and their unique translation of the bible called the new world translation of the holy scriptures. The two tenets jehovah s witnesses and islam disagree on are highlighted in italics. If three is good for god, why not 4, 5, 7,10,12 ore more. Neither group believes in the trinity in the same way that mainstream christians do, with the father, son and holy spirit equal and of the same being. If a muslim or a jehovah s witness, both of whom are arians, say, youve got this translation wrong. However, in a number of ways, we are different from other religious groups.
In addition, to support its erring doctrines, the watchtower. Jehovahs witnesses teach that jesus is a created, angelic being, inferior to god the father. They also allege they are averaging 200,000 new members each year. The main difference between christian and jehovah s witness is in the kinds of christ they believe in.
I dont think ive ever seen my mum cry so much, so often. Like many cults, they think they are the only true church on earth. It also includes the book of mormon bom which joseph smith declared is the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to god by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book teachings of the prophet joseph smith, p. Comparing roman catholicism belief system noted serious theological problems. This article is about how to convert a jehovah s witness to christianity by creating doubt and making them question their beliefs.
Jehovahs witnesses jws are a christian denomination with many beliefs that stand out from mainstream christianity. In this book, biblical truth is presented in an effective way that challenges the. They refer to the new testament as the christian greek scriptures, and they call. Witnessing to jehovahs witnesses effective evangelism. Mormons and jehovahs witnesses have common ground and their own unique beliefs. How do i refute the teachings of jehovah witnesses. In their booklet entitled jehovah s witnesses in the twentieth century, for example, may be found a chart titled what jehovah s witnesses believe. What makes jehovahs witnesses different from other. The bible, divinely inspired verbal revelation, word of god.
I hesitate to put this grid up only because i do not want to needlessly assail the catholic belief system in an offensive manner. I joined a jehovah s witness dating website duration. Comparison grid of roman catholicism, mormonism, jehovah s witnesses, and christianity. They get the number 144,000 from the book of revelation. What is the difference between christianity and jehovah. Doctrines of jehovah s witnesses are established by their governing body, which witnesses are taught jesus uses as a channel for gods progressive revelations and to direct christians on biblical matters. Both mormons and jehovah s witnesses belong to religious groups founded in america in the 19th century. They would agree that the trinity is a false doctrine and that jesus and god are separate entities. The apostacy is a result of the jehovah s witnesses interpretation of the bible. Jehovah s witnesses appeared in the second half of the nineteenth century in the usa.
Using the symbol of the sun god ra on the cover of his books. Jehovah s witnesses is the fastest growing christian denomination in the united states, and there are more than 7 million members worldwide. Jehovahs witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely dont know that much about. In watchtower lore, the cross is a pagan symbol adopted by an apostate christianity when satan took control of the early church. How to talk to jehovahs witnesses about jesus desiring god. They teach that he is a created beinga sort of highest angel, but not deity.
Until late 2012, the governing body described itself as the representative and spokesman for gods faithful and discreet slave class a limited number of anointed jehovah s witnesses. Charles taze russells books studies in scriptures are respected but are no. Ask them about their personal relationship with jehovah and so on. The mormon religion officially known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints or lds and the jehovah s witness organization also known as the watchtower both share a common foundational doctrine. Why mormons and jehovahs witnesses are not christians. Jehovahs witnesses main differences with christianity. The jehovah s witnesses consider themselves to be christians because they believe they are serving the true and living god. Jehovah witness journal jehovah witness notebook study book for. They did not officially adopt the name of jehovahs witnesses until 1931. The 144,000 from the book of revelation is very big with the jehovahs witnesses.
Mormons and jehovahs witnesses both are active religious groups within the united states and across the globe. Every jehovah s witness will tell you that they are christians. Like all nonchristian cults, the jehovah s witness organization distorts the essential doctrines of christianity. Christians have great news to offer jehovahs witnesses. Jehovah witnesses russell began to distribute his publication of zions watchtower and herald of christs presence in 1879.
Using the masonic knights templar logo of the cross and crown on his issues of zions watch. Yet, they deny the trinity, the deity of christ, the personhood of the holy spirit, jesus physical resurrection, and salvation by grace through faith. They currently claim a worldwide membership of approximately 9 million people in 205 countries. After giving a prepared introduction usually about the sorry and frightening state of the world your jw visitors will try to determine. The mormon religion officially known as the church of jesus christ of latterday saints or lds and the jehovahs witness organization also known as the watchtower both share a common foundational doctrine. Before this translation was released specifically by and for jehovahs witnesses, most relied on the king james version. Both consider themselves christian and use a form of the bible.
Christians arent expected to spend their lives knocking door to door on peoples houses trying to get them to convert with their magazines. The bbc reports that witnesses believe the end times began in 1914. The trinity does not exist, and is an evil doctrine that teaches the existence of 3 gods. It is not jehovahs witnesses vs christianity as jehovahs witnesses are christians. The witnesses regard jesus as the son of god in the sense that he was the first being god cr. Simply click on a link to view or download a publication. Established in 1879 by charles taze russell in pennsylvania, jehovah s witnesses bear many of the hallmarks of mainstream christianity, while diverging from it in several key areas.
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