Jehovah's Witness Overview

Jehovah's Witness

Previously known as the International Bible Students, the Jehovah's Witnesses began at the end of the 19th century, led by Charles Taze Russell. Russell disagreed with some of the common Christian doctrines, such as the existence of Hell and the Trinity. Therefore, at the age of eighteen, he organized a bible club in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Today, this club is known as the Watchtower Society and is located in Brooklyn, New York. A few years after organizing, they began publishing a biblical journal which is now called The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom (Slick). The journal is currently the world's most widely published and circulated religious magazine. Several presidents have led the society since Russell. There are currently over six-million members, spanning 95,000 congregations in 230 lands. These members come from all different social, economic, racial, and religious backgrounds (JW Online).

Jehovah's Witnesses base their beliefs solely on the principles found in the bible and they view first century Christianity as their model. They actively read and share information about God, Jehovah, and his son, Jesus Christ. To them, living by biblical principals brings one closer to God, gives one purpose to life, promotes strong family ties, and develops honest citizens. They believe that Jesus Christ never claimed equality with God, and therefore is not part of the trinity. They believe the dead are not conscious of anything and in the future, those who are deemed righteous will be resurrected. Those judged unrighteous will simply cease to exist. The earth will never be destroyed; it will become a peaceful paradise. Jehovah's Witness's view marriage as many other Christian denominations do. They believe marriage is a serious, lifelong commitment and divorce should only be obtained in the event of marital unfaithfulness. They believe in being model citizens by honoring and respecting authority. They can decline to comply with authorities if it is in direct conflict with God's commands. Jehovah's Witnesses will accept the vast majority of medical treatment available today, except for blood transfusions.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in ritual and outward show. True worship, to them, is characterized by an authentic love for God, obedience of his commandments, and love for fellow-man. Their