Pls inform me about Jehovah Witness

[PixieDust32]

Here is more explanation, not just ignorant comments.

What does the name Jehovah's Witnesses mean?

Jehovah is the personal name of God, as found in the Bible. A witness is a person who relates facts from direct personal knowledge or proclaims views or truths of which he is convinced. Thus, the name Jehovah's Witnesses designates an organized group of Christians who proclaim the truth that Jehovah is a loving and just God, deserving of our love and obedience. They do this by sharing what they have learned from the Bible with friends and neighbors.—Isaiah 43:10-12.


Are they Christians?

Yes. We follow Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and put faith in the ransom sacrifice he provided for the salvation of mankind. We imitate his example in preaching and teaching and in our dealings with fellow humans. We also look forward to living in true peace on earth under his heavenly Kingdom.

Why don't Jehovah's Witnesses accept blood transfusions?

We follow the Bible command, found at Acts chapter 15, verse 20, Acts chapter 21, verse 25, and elsewhere, that Christians must "abstain from . . . blood." Jehovah's Witnesses request the use of nonblood medical alternatives, which are widely accepted and used by the medical community.

 

[ellyn2000]

I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness. I never had any faith in that "religion" as a young person, so it was a very hard life as a child. They do not celebrate any Christian holiday or birthdays. They observe Easter, but differently than Christians, with a service at sundown on Good Friday (if I remember correctly, that could be wrong). They do enjoy celebrating their wedding anniversary. I remember a group of adults who all had anniversaries in the same month as my parents and they would go out. They cannot have anything to do with gov't (such as serving in military, police dept., voting, jury duty or public office) JW's cannot own a gun or use tobacco, but they can drink alcohol. I think my problem with it was that my parent's claimed to be JW's and we did not participate in any of the things all other children we knew were enjoying, but they did not actually "practice" that faith. We only went to church occasionally and never really understood why we could not have a birthday cake. I think it was a convenient way to not ever have to give their children a gift.

Edited to add: Things may have changed some in the 25+ years that I have been away from the Jehovah's Witnesses, but we were not allowed to call ourselves "Christians" because that was prideful to describe ourselves as "Christ like". We were not allowed to participate in a Christmas party, play or function at school or go to a birthday party of any kind. We could never, ever accept a gift for a "pagan" holiday or occasion.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Disney Acdit M, can I ask you a questions?

Since leaving JW do you now choose to celebrate some holidays, or do you just skip them out of habbit?

Also if it isn't too personal, you do not have to answer. I always wondered how kids growing up JW felt about not celebrating holidays. Did you feel like you missed out, or were you ok with it?



I have a friend (an old co-worker) who is JW. She is one of the most loving, kind, caring, intellegient and gifted people I know. She is also one of the most understanding, open and tollerent people. She would NEVER push her religon on others, but was very open about it when asked and she has opened my eyes to something I never understood before. (I am a Christian and am proud to be one, but I like to understand other faiths too.) She has such an amazing gift at being able see others view points, but hold storng to her own with out pushing it on anyone else.

I always gave her a card or small gift on Christmas along with other co workers. We would make it clear it wasn't a Christmas gift, but a gift of friendship and asked if ti was ok to give her. I also gave her a card, and will so again this year. Not a holiday one, just a note and update on our family and inquiry as to how she is doing.

That job was an interesting place with some amazing people working there. It was a Jewish hospital that mergered with a Cathlolic one in an inner city area where most of the patients where black and babtist. However faith, $, race economic status was never a difficult or tabo issue around there. Hospital politics, that is what did the whole department in in the end.

 

[PixieDust32]

BTW! I found this on the Web, but I knew some already.

Why don't you celebrate holidays?

We commemorate the Memorial of Christ's death, the most important religious event of the year for Jehovah's Witnesses. Throughout the year, Jehovah's Witnesses enjoy parties, picnics, and other events without feeling bound to obligations or to a fixed date. We may also celebrate special events such as weddings and anniversaries. However, we do not celebrate holidays that have non-Christian religious origins or those that promote nationalism pagan. We are not opposed to celebrations in general or to the giving of gifts.

 

[missypie]

As a recovering Southern Baptist, I remember Sunday School lesson series about "cults" that always included JW and LDS. When I think back on it, I don't quite know what they were trying to accomplish. If the issue is that they don't believe in the Trinity, why don't they label every non-Christian religion a cult? (Or do they?) If a "Cult"
is a religion that separates you from your family and has lots of rules, then why don't they list some of the Catholic monastic orders as "cults"?

I wonder how the sensationlistic labeling got started. I think it's fine to teach "these denominations believe pretty much what we do and these denominations don't" but I don't know what a sensational label accomplishes.

 

[PixieDust32]

Why do you go from door to door?

Jesus told his followers to "make disciples of people of all the nations," and he set the example by "journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God." The apostle Paul taught in public places, in the marketplace, and from house to house. We follow their example. Other religions have acknowledged the Christian obligation to preach in public places and from house to house, although this is often left to a limited group of missionaries or clergy to fulfill.—Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Luke 8:1; Acts 20:20.

 

[ducklite]

The reason it is taught to be a cult is baptist doctrine teaches that God exists in three forms. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. They are one in the same. JW do not believe that Jesus was God which is in direct conflict with Baptist doctrine. So I don't believe that the Baptist Church and JW worship the same God as JW deny that God was in human form as Jesus. That is why JW and LDA are classified as cults.

While I don't agree with this doctrine, I do appreciate that you presented a logical argument rather than spewing rhetoric and hate.

Anne

 

[Tigger_Magic]

As well as a word for people like you.....LOST

I would suggest seriously considering not making statements like this. Unless you are God or have direct knowledge from Him regarding another person's relationship with Him, you'd do well not to make such assumptions. Each of us will answer to God individually. As far as I know, you've not been appointed the Supreme Judge of all mankind.

 

[Sandy V.]

Again, who's to say that your doctrine is the "sound" one?

Bottom line, it's all about how you conduct yourself on this earth. If you think that when you get to the Pearly Gates, because you went to church every Sunday you're going to get a "Get Out of Jail Free" card that will negate the fact that you spread gossip about your next door neighbor for fifteen years, you're kidding yourself.

I completely agree. Some of the most un-Christianlike behavior I have ever witnessed and been subject to has been by those who park their butts on a church pew every week.

 

[2funny2c]

Instead of spreading a message of hate and intolerance, why don't you go spend some time volunteering for Meals on Wheels? It's going to get you a lot further with the Big Man in the long run.

Anne

Typical liberal tactics. They speak of tolerance but when an opposing viewpoint is presented they quickly label it as hate speech and intolerance. Quite ironic that those who call for tolerance are some of the most intolerant people you would ever want to meet.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

Disney Acdit M, can I ask you a questions?

Since leaving JW do you now choose to celebrate some holidays, or do you just skip them out of habbit?

Also if it isn't too personal, you do not have to answer. I always wondered how kids growing up JW felt about not celebrating holidays. Did you feel like you missed out, or were you ok with it?



I have a friend (an old co-worker) who is JW. She is one of the most loving, kind, caring, intellegient and gifted people I know. She is also one of the most understanding, open and tollerent people. She would NEVER push her religon on others, but was very open about it when asked and she has opened my eyes to something I never understood before. (I am a Christian and am proud to be one, but I like to understand other faiths too.) She has such an amazing gift at being able see others view points, but hold storng to her own with out pushing it on anyone else.

I always gave her a card or small gift on Christmas along with other co workers. We would make it clear it wasn't a Christmas gift, but a gift of friendship and asked if ti was ok to give her. I also gave her a card, and will so again this year. Not a holiday one, just a note and update on our family and inquiry as to how she is doing.

That job was an interesting place with some amazing people working there. It was a Jewish hospital that mergered with a Cathlolic one in an inner city area where most of the patients where black and babtist. However faith, $, race economic status was never a difficult or tabo issue around there. Hospital politics, that is what did the whole department in in the end.

I now celebrate my birthday and dd's birthday. Not really christmas so much. I'm planning on getting dd a gift and maybe dbf one too, but I'm not really going to celebrate the holiday. Mostly out of habit. I wouldn't even know where to begin.

I honestly never really felt left out as a kid. It was just the way things were and I accepted that. My mother never expected the school to cater to me, so she would just write the teacher in the beginning of the school year, explaining that I was a JW and what we believe. The teachers were always very nice to have other activities for me while the other children were decorating jack o'lanterns or whatever.

My ex-inlaws were one to push the religion. Exh and I used to live down the street from them and if we weren't in church, ex-fil would check up on us. It really infuriated me, because we were adults. I never pushed the religion on others. I feel that people should be allowed to believe what they want.

Hope I answered your questions.

 

[ducklite]

Typical liberal tactics. They speak of tolerance but when an opposing viewpoint is presented they quickly label it as hate speech and intolerance. Quite ironic that those who call for tolerance are some of the most intolerant people you would ever want to meet.

You have yet to present a rational, reasonable, and intelligent argument to back up your inflamatory statements. Instead you call names and spew statements of intolerance. Judge not that yee not be judged. I and I.

Anne

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Typical liberal tactics. They speak of tolerance but when an opposing viewpoint is presented they quickly label it as hate speech and intolerance. Quite ironic that those who call for tolerance are some of the most intolerant people you would ever want to meet.

Did this suddenly become a political debate?

 

[2funny2c]

You have yet to present a rational, reasonable, and intelligent argument to back up your inflamatory statements. Instead you call names and spew statements of intolerance. Judge not that yee not be judged. I and I.

Anne

And you spew your intolerance of my faith by comparing it to terrorists that blow up little children. I wouldnt consider that a rational, reasonable, or intelligent statement. Some would even consider it "hateful" if they followed the typical liberal talking points.


You are making judgements on me when you ASSUME I dont put my faith in action. You have no idea what ministries and outreaches that I serve in.

You have no concept of the statement "judge not that ye not be judged". You are ignorant of the difference between discernment and judging as mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, you would like to maintain that ignorance so you can throw out the "judge not" line whenever you need a ready defense. We are called upon to make "judgements" every day of our life.

 

[ducklite]

And you spew your intolerance of my faith by comparing it to terrorists that blow up little children. I wouldnt consider that a rational, reasonable, or intelligent statement. Some would even consider it "hateful" if they followed the typical liberal talking points.

No, I compared your absolute intolerance of other religions to that of Islamic extremists who blow up children. I said nothing about your faith, I don't even know what faith you practice, and have full tolerance of any faith as long as it doesn't affect the human rights of others.

You are making judgements on me when you ASSUME I dont put my faith in action. You have no idea what ministries and outreaches that I serve in.

Again, your absolute intolerance of other religions and obvious inability to accept the right of anyone to practice their faith without persecution is what I was referring to. I simply suggested that you might channel your hatred into positive energy.

You have no concept of the statement "judge not that ye not be judged". You are ignorant of the difference between discernment and judging as mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, you would like to maintain that ignorance so you can throw out the "judge not" line whenever you need a ready defense. We are called upon to make "judgements" every day of our life.

I ignore nothing. I accept that it is not my place to judge others for the religion they choose to practice, so long as it doesn't affect the rights of others.

Anne

 

[jenm2878]

Again, I am speechless. There are a few posters who seemingly only post on religious threads. Most of these threads start as people who have questions or are having a rational conversation. Then in pops one of these posters who then highjacks the thread, telling everyone that they are wrong, ignorant, and generally not as good as they are. Why on earth do they feel the need to do this on EVERY religious thread? Why on a Disney board? Grr.

 

[ducklite]

Again, I am speechless. There are a few posters who seemingly only post on religious threads. Most of these threads start as people who have questions or are having a rational conversation. Then in pops one of these posters who then highjacks the thread, telling everyone that they are wrong, ignorant, and generally not as good as they are. Why on earth do they feel the need to do this on EVERY religious thread? Why on a Disney board? Grr.

You've noticed that as well...

Anne

 

[Tigger_Magic]

You have no concept of the statement "judge not that ye not be judged". You are ignorant of the difference between discernment and judging as mentioned in the Bible. Furthermore, you would like to maintain that ignorance so you can throw out the "judge not" line whenever you need a ready defense. We are called upon to make "judgements" every day of our life.

Whoa! There's a huge difference in Scripture between practicing discernment and making/issuing judgment. Christians can practice discernment in distinguishing between truth and myth as it relates to what someone is teaching. Judging, however, is an activity that God reserves strictly to Himself, especially as it relates to the final disposition of each human being.

Jesus was very clear and specific when He said "Judge not." The terms discern and judge are NOT interchangable, as much as you might want them to be in order to justify your arguments.

 

[DisneyPhD]

DisneyAddict_M, and Ellyn2000, thank you so much for sharing your experince growing up in a JW family and your lives now. (Ellyn200, you must of been posting it at the same time I was asking it, so really you answered before I asked. )

 

[A4Disney]

My husbands whole family (parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc) are all JW. My father-in-law holds a very high position in the congreation and gives lots of the talks and that sort of thing. My husband was raised as a JW, but stopped practicing when he left home after high school. He had stopped believing quite some time before that.

I LOVE my husband's family. They are the best inlaws anybody could ask for. They are kind, supportive, interested in our lives - but not pushy. They are funny, intelligent, very well educated and well read. They have never pushed thier lifestyle or religious choices on us, or even mentioned it at all, for that matter. They have a wonderful relationship with my son and he is the absolute light of their lives.

Do they wish that we followed their religion? I'm sure they do. Just like a Christian family might be sad that their son ended up an athiest, or whatever. They have never brought it up, though, and it has caused no tenion or had feelings on either side. As far as what I think about their belief system, personally, I don't think what they believe is any stranger than what anybody else believes.


A good friend of mine left the JW religion about 2 years ago when her family found out they excommunicted her,her dh and their own grandchildren.They have been taught by their Kingdom Hall that any family members that leave the JW religion will not be one of the people saved from the end of the world.My friend says her and her dh feel as if they were brainwashed for 40 years and finally see the light.She said she finally feels"normal"and she's so thrilled her kids can grow up feeling normal too...