Witnesses belive in the bible and true witnesses folow it to a T. Of course they use other forms of literature; but all refer back to the bible and are there only to encourage people to read the bible. The articles pull importiant points from the bible to help others with there lives. That means that the witnesses are a christian religion. So I dont understand what makes this religon a cult. I am non-afiliated with any religion, I mearly study religion!
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Jehovah's Witnesses; what do you think?
- Thread starter Slinne
- Start date
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
All Christian denominations (among which are the Jehovah's Witnesses) believe in the Bible. All claim to follow it, even though all 30,000 of them interpret it differently. I don't consider the Jehovah's Witnesses to be a cult and I find it offensive when they are labeled as one. I don't believe all of their doctrines are right, nor do I believe they are all wrong.
By the way, welcome to the forum. It's good to have you here. I've got to admit, though, that I've heard Jehovah's Witnesses (or those about to convert) insist that they are merely researchers or interested in the study of religion. It's kind of easy to see through that claim.
no-body
Well-Known Member
People are usually off put by any type of elitism. There are also little things like the JW having elders and being discouraged from reading the bible any other way than what they say and numerous end of the world dates that always come and go.
I had a couple of friends who where JW and other than trying to get me to read watchtower a couple of times we never discussed religion so that was probably why we stayed friends; like the JW that come to my door they are usually really nice people they just believe something that I find personally spiritually abhorrent. Don't think I'd call them a cult per se but they are sometimes guilty of cultish behavior.
If I am mistaken about any of this, hopefully someone will feel free to correct me, this is just what I've read up on them...
I had a couple of friends who where JW and other than trying to get me to read watchtower a couple of times we never discussed religion so that was probably why we stayed friends; like the JW that come to my door they are usually really nice people they just believe something that I find personally spiritually abhorrent. Don't think I'd call them a cult per se but they are sometimes guilty of cultish behavior.
If I am mistaken about any of this, hopefully someone will feel free to correct me, this is just what I've read up on them...
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
And that's problematic because?
Now you've got my interest. What specifically do you find spiritually abhorrent?
no-body
Well-Known Member
Not a problem in itself but it can be seen as potential cultish behavior if the individual can never disagree with or question the elders.
"Either everyone is saved or no one is saved" That God would create an elitism around "us and them" and give no one a chance for redemption after death is just something I could never personally believe. Likewise I'm sure there are people out there who are equally offended by my view, so I won't knock em I really do hope their beliefs help them grow spiritually.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
I see. Well, I agree with you that I could never believe in a religion that taught there was no chance of redemption after death. I think most Christians kind of hold that view though (personally, I don't). I think that the Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 will go to Heaven. I don't think they believe that everybody else will go to Hell, though. I'm not even sure they believe in Hell. I think they just believe that most people will either be resurrected to live on Earth (which will be renewed to its paradisiacal state) or simply cease to exist. Again, that's not what I believe, but I think you may have misunderstood their beliefs. Anyway, I'm pretty sure Slinne will be able to clear that up, even though he's not a JW.
no-body
Well-Known Member
I've always assumed since they talk so much about Satan that they believed in hellfire, but apparently no. They believe that at Armageddon everyone will be resurrected and given a second chance to do it the right way. Well I learned something. I still personally could not believe in something that says "this is the only way" but if I find myself resurrected on earth after death maybe I'll change my mind.
no-body
Well-Known Member
That depends on how you interpret the scripture, a lot of revelation is supposed to be symbolic but if you find the literal representation to be the truth then the JW should appeal to you.
Katzpur
Not your average Mormon
That is similar to LDS doctrine.
Friend of Bill W
Member
I've done some research into the JWs and have a few friends who're JWs, and also have a friend whose left the JW organisation.
JWs do believe in Satan, but do not believe in a Hell; they think this is a 'scare tactic' created by the Catholic church. And who-ever mentioned the 144,000 going to heaven is correct; and the rest of the 'worthy' will live for ever here on earth; Paradise Earth to be exact.
JWs are Creationists, and they're looking forward to the end of the World, where most of us will be zapped and they will live in Paradise with their resurrected. I bet a fair few of them get excited when earthquakes and the like happen.
But with regards the resurrections, there's a few problems regarding this, for example, say a JW is widowed and she re-marries. What happens to the resurrected husband in Paradise Earth? Does he sleep in the room next door to his wife and her next husband?
The main thing the JWs receive culty critisism for is when they try to leave the organisation, or do not adhere to standards set by elders (which some can appear to behave like little Hitlers from the stories I hear).
Anyway, the JWs practise something called shunning, where members of a congregation shun an individual for some reason. This has the abilities to break up families, for example where parents must shun their son or daughter, because they wish to leave the faith. Suicides and broken homes have stemmed from shunning. Also the members are discouraged from mixing with 'worldly people' i.e. you and me, and are encouraged to not to go looking for answers from outside the religion.
Leaving the religion can be a traumatic experience! If anyone is thinking of being a JW I would suggest you get as much information both good and bad before you make your decision. There's many websites set up by ex JW members who could advise you better than I.
They don't celebrate Christmas either!
JWs do believe in Satan, but do not believe in a Hell; they think this is a 'scare tactic' created by the Catholic church. And who-ever mentioned the 144,000 going to heaven is correct; and the rest of the 'worthy' will live for ever here on earth; Paradise Earth to be exact.
JWs are Creationists, and they're looking forward to the end of the World, where most of us will be zapped and they will live in Paradise with their resurrected. I bet a fair few of them get excited when earthquakes and the like happen.
But with regards the resurrections, there's a few problems regarding this, for example, say a JW is widowed and she re-marries. What happens to the resurrected husband in Paradise Earth? Does he sleep in the room next door to his wife and her next husband?
The main thing the JWs receive culty critisism for is when they try to leave the organisation, or do not adhere to standards set by elders (which some can appear to behave like little Hitlers from the stories I hear).
Anyway, the JWs practise something called shunning, where members of a congregation shun an individual for some reason. This has the abilities to break up families, for example where parents must shun their son or daughter, because they wish to leave the faith. Suicides and broken homes have stemmed from shunning. Also the members are discouraged from mixing with 'worldly people' i.e. you and me, and are encouraged to not to go looking for answers from outside the religion.
Leaving the religion can be a traumatic experience! If anyone is thinking of being a JW I would suggest you get as much information both good and bad before you make your decision. There's many websites set up by ex JW members who could advise you better than I.
They don't celebrate Christmas either!
Friend of Bill W
Member
I'm guessing you're doing the two-year bible study with JWs before you can get baptised. Can I ask you a question? If JWs follow the Bible to a 'T', then why does it take so long to get baptised? Surely, according to the Bible stories, people were baptised in a matter of days; or even less.
Or, could this lengthy period prior to getting baptised be some sort of indoctrination?
Just a thought!
Jack Williamson
New Member
Anthony Hoekema, a professor at Calvin College, wrote a book in 1956 entitled, "The Four Major Cults." In that book, he defined a "cult" as a "Christian" organization having five traits. They are: 1) Extra scriptural authority, 2) they teach they are the exclusive company of the saved, 3) a denial of salvation by grace, 4) their group will have a major role in the end times, and 5) a diminishing of the person of Christ. The Watchtower has all five and is one of his "four major cults."
Skwim
Veteran Member
This Hoekema guy ain't all that bright is he, limiting cults to only Christian organizations. What I think is that Anthony had a burr up his behind against JWs. I'd read his work with a great deal of caution . . . . on second thought, I wouldn't read him at all.
As one of Jehovah's witnesses, I affirm that:
1. Jws accept only the Bible as authority for their beliefs and practices (2 Timothy 3:16,17)
2. We do believe there is true religion and false religion, and it is vitally important to know the truth. (John 17:3, 4:23,24)
3. Jws believe we are saved by grace, meaning by God's undeserved kindness (Romans 3:24)
4. Why would not the true religion have a role in announcing God's kingdom? (Matthew 24:14)
5. Jws believe salvation is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ. The claim they 'diminish the person of Christ' is blatantly wrong. (Acts 4:12)