Non-mainstream Christian groups
Jehovah’s Witnesses is a Christian denomination known for its distinctive beliefs and practices. Here are some key aspects of Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Beliefs:
- Jehovah as the Supreme Being: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the worship of Jehovah as the one and only true God. They reject the Trinity doctrine and believe that Jesus Christ is a separate being, the first and greatest creation of Jehovah, and is subordinate to him.
- Authority of the Bible: Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Bible, specifically the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, as the inspired and authoritative Word of God. They believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible and prioritize its teachings above human traditions or doctrines.
- Kingdom of God: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth. They believe that Jesus Christ will return to rule as the King of God’s Kingdom, bringing about a new world free from suffering and injustice.
- Salvation and the Great Crowd: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that salvation is achieved by having a personal relationship with Jehovah, adhering to his standards, and actively proclaiming their beliefs. They believe that a limited number of individuals, called the “anointed,” will go to heaven to rule with Christ, while the majority, known as the “great crowd,” will have the opportunity to live forever on a cleansed Earth.
Practices:
- Door-to-Door Preaching: Jehovah’s Witnesses are well-known for their door-to-door evangelism efforts. They believe it is their duty to share their beliefs and invite others to study the Bible with them. They also distribute literature, such as The Watchtower and Awake!, which contain their teachings and interpretations.
- Congregational Meetings: Jehovah’s Witnesses gather for congregational meetings, typically held at Kingdom Halls. These meetings include Bible study, worship, and sermons conducted by appointed elders and ministerial servants. The centerpiece of their worship is the “Memorial,” an annual observance of Jesus’ death.
- Avoidance of “Worldly” Practices: Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to live in accordance with their interpretation of biblical principles. They avoid participation in political activities, military service, blood transfusions, and certain holidays and celebrations that they view as having pagan origins or not in line with their beliefs.
- Disciplinary Measures: Jehovah’s Witnesses have a strict organizational structure and enforce strict moral standards within their community. They practice a form of discipline called “disfellowshipping” or “disassociation,” which involves the shunning or exclusion of individuals who have committed serious sins or actively dissent from Jehovah’s Witness teachings.
Organizational Structure: Jehovah’s Witnesses have a centralized organizational structure led by a Governing Body located at their headquarters in Brooklyn, New York. Some key elements include:
- Congregations: Jehovah’s Witnesses are organized into congregations, which are typically smaller groups of believers that meet together for worship and study.
- Circuit Overseers: Circuit overseers are appointed by the Governing Body to provide guidance and oversight to a group of congregations within a specific geographic area.
- District Conventions: Jehovah’s Witnesses hold larger gatherings called district conventions, where members from various congregations come together for a series of religious programs and activities.
It’s important to note that Jehovah’s Witnesses are distinct from mainstream Christian denominations in their beliefs and practices, and their interpretations of biblical teachings may differ significantly from traditional Christian theology.