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Jehovah's Witnesses are members of an international religious organization who believe themselves to be the Restoration of first-century Christianity. Founded in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russell under the name Bible Students , they underwent numerous schisms and later adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931 under Joseph Franklin Rutherford . Official membership now stands at over 6 million. They are known for their extensive preaching, evangelistic, and publishing activities, with '' The Watchtower '' and '' Awake! '' religious magazines being their most widely known publications. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York , they are directed by a Governing Body . Jehovah's Witnesses are generally Socially Conservative . Being politically neutral, they have been persecuted by various governments, notably by the Nazi Government , with many sent to Concentration Camps . They have been instrumental in establishing Religious Freedoms in various countries. Their unique stand on refusing Blood Transfusions has also garnered publicity and controversy. Since their foundation, they have been concerned with the Second Advent of Jesus. Initially holding many similar views of other 19th century Advent groups, such as the Millerites , they have since developed their own unique Eschatology . HISTORY 1870-1916 (1852-1916)]] Born into a and soon began publishing his own magazine, ''Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence'' (now known as '' The Watchtower ''). He retained Barbour's teaching that the "end times" had begun in 1799"The 'Time of the End,' a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures." ''Thy Kingdom Come'', p. 23., and Christ's invisible return in 1874''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', pp. 631-632. 1878 became the date for Christ's being enthroned as king, the resurrection of the saints, and God's judgment of Christendom''Thy Kingdom Come'' (1890), Volume 3 of ''Studies in the Scriptures'', pp. 305-308."This spuing out, or casting off, of the nominal church as an organization in 1878, we then understood, and still proclaim, to be the date of the commencement of Babylon's fall..."-- "The Consummation of Our Hope" in ''Zion's Watch Tower'', April 1883. ''Reprints'' pp. 474-5.. 1914 was held as the ending date of a harvest period which would culminate in Armageddon "Things to Come--And The Present European Situation" in ''The Watch Tower'', January 15, 1892, ''Reprints'', p. 1355. He became known as "Pastor Russell", and in 1881 formed the legal entity which developed into the were sometimes called "Millennial Dawnists".) In 1914 Russell founded the International Bible Students Association in Great Britain . Beginning in January 1914, the Bible Students began public showings of the ''The Photo-Drama of Creation''Video clip from the Photo-Drama is available online at: http://www.exjws.net/museum/Russell%20Video%203.mov The book is available online at: http://www.reexamine.info/pre1920/photo_drama_of_creation.pdf , a multi-hour presentation covering the history of the Bible combining film, color slides and audio. Attendance in 1914 was over 9 million''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', p. 422. Russell died on October 31, 1916 in Pampa, Texas during a cross-country preaching trip. 1916-1942 (1869-1942)]] An editorial committee was set up to supervise the writing of Watch Tower publications after Russell's death.''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', pp. 64-65. Russell's "Will and Testament" was published in the December 1, 1916 ''Watch Tower''. Available online at http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5999.htm accessed February 12, 2006 On January 6, 1917, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (also known as "Judge Rutherford") was elected president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. New by-laws were passed at the same business meeting which strengthened the president's authority.''Apocalypse Delayed'', M.J. Penton, p. 51. Rutherford, as chief legal counsel for the Watch Tower Society, had written the new by-laws. (See ''Harvest Siftings II'', written by J.F. Rutherford.)Initially, the board of directors for the Watch Tower Society supported this change, but opposition soon developed from four of the seven directors.Rutherford published his version of the dispute in ''Harvest Siftings'' and ''Harvest Siftings II'' . Rutherford cites the new by-law: "the President shall always be the Executive Officer of the corporation and General Manager" in the first pamphlet. The four directors' version of the dispute was published in ''Light After Darkness'' and ''Facts for Shareholders'' .The June 20, 1917 meeting of the full board of directors tabled for one month a proposal to return control of the Society to the board.See Rutherford's ''Harvest Siftings'' under subheading "Seeds Begin to Bring Forth."An attempted impromptu board meeting while Rutherford was away from headquarters was broken up by the police.The four directors were not able to achieve the needed quorum of five to transact business. Rutherford had left instructions to call the police to prevent such an action. See ''Faith on the March'' by A.H. Macmillan, p. 79. The directors claim, however, that the police officer did not force them out. (''Apocalypse Delayed'', M.J. Penton, pp. 319-320) Rutherford, in ''Harvest Siftings'', dates this as July 5, 1917.Matters came to a head on July 17, 1917 when the book ''The Finished Mystery'' ''The Finished Mystery'', published 1917, volume 7 of ''Studies in the Scriptures''. Scan available online at http://www.reexamine.info/pre1920/sis7.pdf accessed March 15, 2006 (which had been prepared without the board's consultation and was considered to be the final volume of ''Studies in the Scriptures'') was released to the headquarters staff. At the same time, Rutherford announced he was dismissing the four directors from the board on the grounds that their election to it had not followed the corporation by-laws and was replacing them with new members.See ''Faith on the March'', p. 80. The ousted directors disagreed: "...if the directors were not legally elected, neither were the Society's three officers: Rutherford, Pierson, and Van Amburgh. In order to have been chosen officers in January 1917, they would have had to have been legally elected directors. Yet, they had not been, and hence, by Rutherford's own logic, did not hold office legally."--''Apocalypse Delayed'', M. James Penton, p. 52 The reaction was as if a "bombshell had exploded!"''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', p. 66-68Rutherford called for a democratic vote among the Bible Student community which gave its support to his administration.''Jehovah's Witnesses: The New World Society'' by Marley Cole, pp. 89-90. Cole reports that 31 members of the headquarters staff were expelled and produces the votes from 813 American congregations.Dissension and schisms ensued in local congregations, however. New predictions were made for the years 1918"Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity.'"--''The Finished Mystery'' 1917, p. 485 (later editions read differently) and 1920."And the mountains were not found. Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. And the mountains were not found. Every kingdom of earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy." ''The Finished Mystery'', 1917 edition, p. 258. (This date is changed in later editions.) The Watchtower Society's opposition to clergy support of World War I garnered prosecution by the United States federal government. Rutherford and the new board of directors were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for violating the "Espionage Act" . They were released on bail in March, 1919 and the judgment against them was reversed and charges dropped.''Apocalypse Delayed'', M.J. Penton, pp. 55-56 Once released from prison Rutherford energized the Bible Students to preach. He inaugurated the magazine ''The Golden Age'' (now '' Awake! '') in 1919.Edited by C.J. Woodworth, it was intended as a general news magazine to proclaim the incoming "golden age." It published many unusual science and medical articles. The evils of aluminum (''The Golden Age'', September 23, 1936, p. 803), vaccines (''The Golden Age'', May 1, 1929, p. 502) and modern medicine (''The Golden Age'', September 8, 1937, p. 771) were frequent topics.An emphasis on preaching house-to-house began in 1922.''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', pp. 259-260Early preaching campaigns included distribution of Rutherford's book ''Millions Now Living Will Never Die''''Millions Now Living Will Never Die'', J.F. Rutherford (1920). Scanned copy available online at: http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/millions/millions.html accessed February 18, 2006 which predicted "end times" events for 1925.''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', pp. 632-633. See also ''The Way to Paradise'' (1924), pp. 220-235.No more dates were suggested after the 1925 disappointment"There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah’s faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date, but to rely (and they do rely) upon the Word of God as to the events that must come to pass."-- ''Vindication, Vol. 1'' , by J.F. Rutherford, (1931), p.338-339but Armageddon was still held to be imminent.''The Watchtower'', September 15, 1941 p. 288 spoke of "the remaining months before Armageddon."The editorial committee was disbanded in 1931Up until 1931, each issue of the ''Watch Tower'' published this notice: "This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns." See "Rutherford vs. the Editorial Committee" in ''A People For His Name'' by Timothy White, pp. 186-188 but had been superseded by Rutherford beginning in 1925.See ''The Watchtower'', June 15, 1938, p. 185: "In the beginning of the first Hebrew month ''The Watchtower'' of March 1, 1925 published the article "The Birth of The Nation," meaning the kingdom had begun to function. An editorial committee, humanly provided for, then was supposed to control the publication of ''The Watchtower'', and the majority of that committee strenuously objected to the publication of that article "The Birth of The Nation," but, by the Lord's grace it was published and that really marked the beginning of the end of the editorial committee, indicating that the Lord himself is running the organization." Some who disagreed with the changes instituted by Rutherford left the movement and became known as the Associated Bible Students , or simply " Bible Students ". In 1918 the Pastoral Bible Institute was founded and began publishing ''The Herald of Christ's Kingdom''. By 1928, memorial attendance dropped nearly 75% from 1922, due to the previous power struggle and the failed predictions for the year 1925.''Apocalypse Delayed--The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses'', M. James Penton. p. 61. A luxury villa was built in 1929 to house the biblical "princes" who were expected to be resurrected before Armageddon.See March 31, 1930 ''Time'' magazine, p. 60. Scan available at http://members.cox.net/tzdaniels/pictures/Time_March_31_1930.jpg Accessed February 1, 2006. This belief was discarded in 1950. (''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', p. 263) On July 26, 1931, Rutherford presented a resolution at an assembly in Columbus, Ohio. Under the title "A New Name" he proposed that the group adopt the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" based on Isaiah 43:10-12. In 1932 Rutherford abolished the offices of elder and deacon in the local congregations.It was argued that elders were superfluous since Christ had returned: "...was it not the purpose of the Lord to limit the jurisdiction of the elders to the time of the absence from the earth of the Lord Jesus, commencing with his ascension, and the giving of the holy spirit as a guide or teacher, and the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple?"--February 1, 1932 ''Watch Tower'', p. 47. See also ''Apocalypse Delayed,'' M.J. Penton, pp. 63-64.Supplanting them was a Service Director appointed by the Watchtower Society and a Service Committee elected by the congregation which organized the local preaching activity.''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', p. 214 However, from 1938 onwards congregational elections were discontinued and all who would hold office in the congregation were appointed by headquarters.See June 15, 1938 ''Watchtower''. From 1925 to 1933, their eschatological beliefs underwent radical changes. Documentations of these changes can be found on pages 3-37 of ''Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses'', by Thomas Daniels, available online at: http://www.catholic-forum.com/members/popestleo/Historical%20Idealism%20and%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses.pdf accessed February 1, 2006.By 1933, 1914 was seen as the beginning of Christ's presence, his enthronement as king and the start of the last days instead of being considered the terminal date for chronology. ''The Harp of God'' (1921 ed., p. 231, paragraph 400; 1928 ed., p. 236, para. 400 ) affirmed that “the Lord’s second presence dates from 1874.” Page 71 of the March 1, 1922 ''Watch Tower'' and pages 65-66 of the book ''Prophecy'' (published in 1930) reiterated this position. However, by 1930 some vagueness can be seen. For example, the October 15, 1930 ''Watch Tower'', page 308 says the “second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ dates from about A.D. 1875.” The November 1, 1932 ''Watch Tower'', page 325 is even less precise, stating that from “approximately 1875 forward” Christ was preparing the way. The first clear statement occurs in 1933: "The year 1914, therefore, marks the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of glory."--December 1, 1933 ''Watch Tower'', p. 362 The 1878 resurrection date was changed to 1918 June 1, 1927 ''Watch Tower'', p. 106. and the teaching of the judgment of religious groups was moved to 1919. ''Light, Book One'' pp. 318-319.These are the current teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding 1914, 1918 and 1919. Witnesses no longer consider the dates 1799, 1874 and 1878 to have any eschatological significance. Under Rutherford, Jehovah's Witnesses grew from about 44,000 in 1928 to about 115,000 at the time of his death in 1942. His prolific writingsOnline scans of many of Rutherford's books are available at: http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/index2.html were distributed in the millions by zealous Witnesses. Rutherford was known for bold rhetoric and assertive preaching tactics. He coined the phrase "Religion is a snare and a racket," heavily denouncing the '', '' Chaplinsky V. New Hampshire '', '' West Virginia State Board Of Education V. Barnette ''. Witnesses in Nazi Germany were special targets of persecution by the Hitler government. Their work was banned and thousands were sent to concentration camps where many were executed.See article on the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum at: http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/article.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10005394 accessed February 22, 2006 1942-1975 Nathan Homer Knorr succeeded Rutherford as president of the Watch Tower Society. Known as an efficient administrator, Knorr founded the Watchtower Bible School Of Gilead to train missionaries as well as the Theocratic Ministry School to train preaching and teaching on the congregational level. Knorr's Vice-President .In 1988 this was replaced by the 2 volume set ''Insight on the Scriptures''.The offices of elder and ministerial servant (deacon) were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments being made from headquarters.''Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', p. 106Membership rose from 115,000 to over 2 million under Knorr's leadership. During the 1960sThe year 1975 was first mentioned in 1966. See, for example, the article "How Much Longer Will It Be?" in the October 8, 1966 Awake!, pp. 17-20. Scan available online at: http://www.reexamine.org/images/1966-Awake-10-8-p17-20.pdf accessed March 6, 2006 and early 1970s, many references appeared in Witnesses literature and assemblies suggesting Christ's thousand-year millennial reign would begin by 1975.A comprehensive list of quotes from Watch Tower 1975 articles, unaltered with date references, publication, and page numbers etc. http://www.reexamine.org/quotes/1975.htm See "Witnessing the End" in the July 18, 1969 ''Time'' magazine. Scan available online at: http://www.dannyhaszard.com/time1975.jpg accessed February 14, 2006 While Witnesses have always been encouraged to increase the preaching work, and avoid secular life goals or careers, this emphasis was especially strong prior to 1975.Scanned text discouraging higher education from the Watch Tower 22 May 1969, p.15 http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/AW5-22-69p15.htm Approximately 20% left (or became inactive) from 1975 to 1980.See ”1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act,” pp. 237-253 in ''Crisis of Conscience'', by Raymond Franz . Available online at: http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/9.pdf accessed February 12, 2006 1976-Present The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses was reorganized in 1976 and the power of the presidency passed on to the Governing Body Of Jehovah's Witnesses . Subsequent presidents of the Watch Tower Society after Knorr's death in 1977 have been Frederick William Franz , Milton George Henschel and Don A. Adams . However, doctrinal and organizational decisions since 1976 have been made by the Governing Body.''1977 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses'', p. 258The Writing Committee of the Governing Body now edits all Witness publications. Congregation affairs are under the direction of the Service Committee of the Governing Body. The various committees were enumerated in the January 1, 1977 ''Watchtower'', p. 15. They are: Writing, Teaching, Service, Publishing, and Personnel. In 1995 changes regarding their understanding of Jesus' comments regarding "this generation" (from Matthew 24:34) were published.See ”1914 and ‘This Generation’”, pp. 254-272 in ''Crisis of Conscience'' by Raymond Franz . Available online at: http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/10.pdf accessed February 12, 2006 During the previous four decades, Jehovah's Witnesses had taught that the generation which saw the events of 1914, which would not die before Armageddon came."He shows the beginning of this time and how the troubles increase, and mentions some of the sorrows to fall on the world, during the time of trouble. The length of time is indicated by him when he said, 'Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matt. 24:34, NW) The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a 'generation' in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period. So it was on 'this generation' that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble. Vision of the 'Time of the End', ''The Watchtower'', July 1951, p. 404 The Witnesses' current teaching regarding the meaning of the term "this generation" is that it simply refers to those who saw the signs of Christ's presence. Jehovah's Witnesses continue to teach that Armageddon is imminent."A Time To Keep Awake", ''The Watchtower'' (November 1, 1995), p. 19 par. 12, and p. 20 par. 15. DEMOGRAPHICS As Of August 2005 , Jehovah's Witnesses have a membership of more than 6.6 million actively involved in preaching. "While other religious groups count their membership by occasional or annual attendance, this figure reflects only those who are actively involved in the public Bible educational work." - Annual Worldwide Statistics at the Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses . To be counted, an individual must be approved as a minister and spend some amount of time in the ministry, normally at least an hour per month, or as little as 15 minutes under certain circumstances, such as chronic and debilitating illness. In 2005, these reports indicated a total of nearly 1.3 billion hours. ''The Watchtower'', February 1, 2006, p. 27-30. Scans available at 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 accessed January 27, 2006. Jehovah's Witnesses report being active in 235 lands. They have the custom of counting their membership by 'lands' which are not necessarily countries. For example, Alaska and Hawaii are not considered part of the United States but are consider as separate 'lands' since they both have their own branch offices. A comparison of Jehovah's Witnesses' 2004 and 2005 statistics indicates a decline in the number of Bible studies, baptisms, Memorial attendance and time spent in the preaching work. Recent decades indicate a gradual declineGrowth statistic Other statistics are also available[http://home.zonnet.nl/rsingelenberg/stats-e.htm . of membership growth, particularly in the Western world. In the United States , an academic study at CUNY based on a telephone survey (American Religious Identification Survey) was conducted in 2001 and estimated there to be 1.331 million adults in the U.S. who self-identify as Jehovah's Witnesses.U.S. Census Bureau (2003). "Section 1: Population," ''Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2003.'' (Table 79, page 67). Web version available at http://www.census.gov/prod/2004pubs/03statab/pop.pdf accessed December 4, 2005. Jehovah's Witnesses report over 1 million active publishers in the United States, but because this includes only actively preaching members (including minors), it is not directly comparable to the ARIS numbers. In 1990, a larger but less detailed telephone survey based study (NSRI) at CUNY reported 1.38 million adults in the U.S. who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses. While this might indicate a slow decline in U.S. identification with the group, there was an increase in active U.S. publishers over this period. ARIS notes the survey did not cover non-English speakers and small groups with a high proportion of recent immigrant members were likely undercounted. Announced U.S. Witness convention schedules for 2005 include 75 non-English conventions of 227 total. Most increase in membership each year is due to an influx of non-English speaking individuals, with a rapid increase in foreign-language congregations being established throughout the country. Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries and are the second or third largest religious group in many countries with a dominant religion. In no country are they a large part of the population, however. Brazil and Mexico are the only countries other than the U.S. where the number of active Witness publishers exceeds 0.5 million. The highest proportion of Witnesses in a country of substantial size is in Zambia, where 1% are active Witness publishers. Growth in most developed countries is slow or negative in recent years but is offset by rapid growth in less developed lands, particularly the former Communist bloc and Latin America. It appears that membership distribution is gradually shifting from the Western world to Non-Western regions. Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the Memorial Of Christ's Death (also known as the Lord's Evening Meal ) annually. According to the February 1, 2006 '' Watchtower '', worldwide attendance at the 2005 celebration of the Memorial was 16,383,333, slightly lower than the 2004 attendance of 16,760,607. This figure includes not only publishers, but inactive members, relatives, visitors and interested persons. In the U.S., 2.3 million people were present. In Zambia 570,000 attended, or 1 person for every 20 in the population. Of over 16 million in attendance worldwide, only 8,524 persons partook of the memorial emblems of unleavened bread and wine. These are those who profess to be Anointed Ones based on their interpretation of Revelation 14:1. 1 Note the "memorial partakers" at the bottom of the spreadsheet. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE See Also: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses Jehovah's Witnesses are currently led by a small, ecclesiastical Governing Body . Jehovah's Witnesses believe the role of the Governing Body corresponds to that of those who met in the Council Of Jerusalem , guided by Holy Spirit and directed by Jesus and Jehovah. The description of the meeting of the Council of Jerusalem is often used by them as an example of proof that God led a hierarchical organization during the first century, and is therefore using a hierarchically organized theocracy today. Jehovah's Witnesses are patriarchal, though in cases where no qualified males are available, women are used in leadership roles. All members of the Governing Body profess to be " Anointed " (see Doctrines Of Jehovah's Witnesses ). The number of men who make up the Governing Body has ranged from ten to seventeen and currently stands at ten members. Since April 1975, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses makes decisions by a two-thirds majority vote; previously a unanimous vote was required.''Crisis of Conscience'' Raymond Franz 1983 pp. 45, 85, 163 The Governing Body, through the departments of its various legal organizations, directs the operation of the 111 branches spread throughout the world.2 Each branch assigns circuit overseers who travel among various local congregations, spending a week with each and giving spiritual encouragement through talks and one-on-one time spent with members in their public ministry. Within each local congregation, elders assigned by the branch organize the congregation's public ministry and schedule various speakers for congregational teaching. They also vote on qualified members of the congregation for the positions of elder or ministerial servant, requiring the approval of higher leadership. Elders take the lead in congregational matters, particularly in religious instruction and spiritual counseling, whereas the ministerial servants assist elders in a limited administrative capacity. The elders and ministerial servants along with other approved Witnesses perform the operational tasks for congregation meetings. Elders are unpaid, but Circuit and District overseers get a small financial living allowance. All baptized Witnesses are considered to be ordained ministers, and are expected to provide religious instruction to others. Spiritually mature Witnesses (men and women alike) are exhorted to the counseling of those considered less mature. They may be assigned to assist a publisher in the ministry, and may be asked to conduct a personal Bible study with another Witness as directed by the elders. Males are encouraged to qualify to become elders. Elders are said to be worthy of "double honor," but are held to a higher standard as overseers than other baptized "publishers," and are subject to additional discipline including removal. An elder may also be removed, or choose to step aside willingly, from his position if members of his household are not in "good standing" or for other, sometimes personal, reasons. Approximately 8,500 other Jehovah's Witnesses profess to be "anointed" by Holy Spirit, but they have no formal role in establishment or modification of the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses. They are classed as "giving the spiritual food at the proper time" to the whole organization even though many make no direct input into the teachings, doctrines and interpretations of the organization. Unless appointed into one of the various roles described above, they have no position of leadership or authority. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that since 1918, all anointed who have died faithful, including women, have been resurrected to heaven to serve with Jesus. BELIEFS AND PRACTICES The following reflects the current beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. As such, it reflects the point of view of Jehovah's Witnesses. See Also: Beliefs and Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses See Also: Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses See Also: Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses Bible The entire Protestant Canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God. A literal interpretation of the Bible is favored, though biblical writers and characters employed symbolism, parable, figures of speech, and poeticism.A Book for All People (1997) The account of Creation is taken literally, as an accurate description of the formation of the world. However the seven days of Creation are not taken as literal terms, each day can span a period of time needed to perform certain aspects of Creation, not necessarily a 24-hour period. Evolution as the process that started life is rejected. ''Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?'' (1998) The New Testament particularly is directed to those who hope for a resurrection in heaven, namely the 144,000."...Nearly all the inspired letters in the Christian Greek Scriptures are primarily directed to this group of Kingdom heirs - 'the holy ones,' 'partakers of the heavenly calling.'"--''United In Worship of the Only True God''; 1983, p. 111. The principles in the Bible are beneficial to everyone. The translation of the Bible typically used is the ''New World Translation'', though other translations are consulted. Basis for Beliefs Principal is the doctrine of Sola Scriptura , that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The interpretation and application of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body said to be influenced by holy spirit and directed by Jesus Christ.Christ Leads His Congregation, ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2002, p. 13-16. All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'' 1 April, 1986 pp. 30-31. The Nature of God God is the creator and supreme being. Jehovah God created Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit is God's means of acting, not the uncreated third person of the Trinity .Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', May 15, 2004, p. 29-31. Using God's name, Jehovah , an English derivative of the Tetragrammaton , is a requirement for true worship.Why True Worship Receives God's Blessing, ''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1996 p. 17. Note: The use of the name "Jehovah" as the ''English'' translation is not an essential requirement for all Jehovah's Witnesses as not all Jehovah's Witnesses speak English. It is essential though to use God's name, Jehovah, or as it is ''translated'' in each persons own language. - 43 The Nature of Christ See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus was not Perpetually A Virgin , but rather bore more children after Jesus.Jesus' Family-Who Were They? ''The Watchtower'' December 15, 2003, p. 3 Worship After the death of the last Apostle , the Church gradually diverged, in a " Great Apostasy ", from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. The true understanding of the scriptures began to be reassembled by Charles Taze Russell and his associates when they formed a Bible study group in the 1870s.‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!, ''The Watchtower'' March 1, 2004, p. 13-18. In 1919 Jesus chose Jehovah's Witnesses as the only true religion on earth.'' Reasoning From The Scriptures '' p. 203. Jehovah's Witnesses are organized into congregations, and each congregation meets three times a week in local Kingdom Hall s and private homes. Men are selected by representatives of the Governing Body to teach and direct the preaching work. Women cannot be teachers in the congregation; though female Witnesses do participate in meeting programs.''The Bible's Viewpoint'' The 'Weaker Vessel'—An Insult to Women?, ''Awake!'' October 8, 1994, p. 19. Prayer is featured at the outset and conclusion of these meetings. It is offered by individual brothers, not a 'group prayer' and is not a reading or repeating of sections of any prayerbook. As well, prayers are given at meals. Private prayers are given as desired. For a prayer to be acceptable, they must be made to the Father Jehovah in the name of the Son.Whose Prayers Are Answered?, ''The Watchtower'', January 15, 1990, p. 4. The use of idols is prohibited. They reject the veneration of Mary , the saints, or the cross.Is Christendom Truly Christ's Domain? ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 1966, p. 277. Throughout the week, there are also meetings to organize the preaching work where members meet either in homes or Kingdom Halls to organize and pray prior to engaging in evangelism.“Do the Work of an Evangelizer” ''The Watchtower'', March 15, 2004, p. 10-14 Each month, a report is submitted to the congregation elders indicating the number of hours in the ministry, along with other details, and is required to be officially counted as a Jehovah's Witness. The most important event is the celebration of the Lord's Supper held once a year after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar. Only those claiming to be of the " Remnant ", those who expect to be resurrected in heaven, partake of the unleavened bread and wine. Others simply observe the proceedings without partaking.Why Observe the Lord's Evening Meal?, ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 2003, p. 12-15. They do not believe in Transubstantiation and Consubstantiation (of the Eucharist )The Memorial-Are You Entitled to Partake? ''The Watchtower'' February 15, 1952, p. 101. To become a Jehovah's Witness, one must submit to a Catechism , or series of questions to determine eligibility for Baptism . Baptisms are normally performed at conventions. Eschatology See Also: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses The "seven times" of Daniel 4:10-17 are interpreted as a 2,520 year period from ") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death''Revelation--It's Grand Climax At Hand!'', page 102 In 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were chosen by Jesus as the only true Christian organization.Expanded Activities During Christ's Presence, ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 1993 p. 16, 17 paragraphs 4-8 The "last days" began in 1914."In the Last Days" Since When?, ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1980, p. 19. All other religions will shortly be destroyed by the United Nations.''Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand!'' (1988), p. 257 After this, Jehovah's Witnesses will come under attack. Armageddon immediately follows.''Revelation-Its Grand Climax at Hand!'' (1988), p. 259 All governments, which are under Satan's control, will then be destroyed.Flight to Safety Before the "Great Tribulation", ''The Watchtower'' June 1, 1996, p. 14-19. Salvation All humanity is in a sinful state (see: ) of God through which one can attain this; works are evidence of faith and cannot gain salvation.Keep Your "Hope of Salvation" Bright!, ''The Watchtower'', June 1, 2000, p. 12. There are two destinations for those saved by God. The number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000 (the " Anointed ") where they will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over Earth."Have No Fear, Little Flock", ''The Watchtower'', February 15, 1995 p. 18-22. Everyone else who qualifies for salvation living today has the prospect of surviving the coming battle of Armageddon and of living forever in an earthly paradise.A Great Crowd Rendering Sacred Service, ''The Watchtower'' February 1, 1995, p. 14-17. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to their biblical interpretations. Those who do not, face destruction at Armageddon.Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium , ''The Watchtower'' September 1, 1989 p. 19Dwellers Together in a Restored "Land", ''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1995 p. 21Millions Get Ready for Uninterrupted Life on Earth, ''The Watchtower'' October 1, 1983 p. 16 Making All Mankind One Under Their Creator ''The Watchtower'' April 4, 1956 p. 207.How Can Man Be in God's Image?, ''The Watchtower'' April 1, 1994 p. 28 The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, remains indeterminate.Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness, ''The Watchtower'' August 15, 1998 p. 20 After Armageddon, an unknown number of dead people will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever, but those who have already been judged by God will not, such as any killed at Armageddon."Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing", ''The Watchtower'' July 1, 1998, p. 19-24 Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time the Earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence mankind. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, and the final judgment will take place during which Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.Crushing The Serpent's Head, ''Revelation - Its Grand Climax At Hand'' 1988, p. 292. Congregational discipline See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline Congregational discipline is administered by congregation elders. In the event an accusation is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions. There are three possible formal sanctions that are applied. Marking Someone who chooses a course that is deemed unscriptural, but for which the standard of disfellowshipping would not apply, would be marked. Though such a one would not be shunned, social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be restricted. The intent of this cutting off of social fellowship is to shame that person into a course considered proper. Generally, a talk would be given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming the wrongdoer.w85 4/15 Question From Readers p.31 Reproof This involves sins which are more serious than those for which one would be "marked." Reproof is given before all who have knowledge of the transgression. If the sin is known only to the individual and judicial committee, the reproof given would be private. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, and reproof would be given before both the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation an announcement of public reproof would be given. A talk is generally given in the case of public reproof, where the wrong course is outlined, but without explicitly naming the people involved.Giving Reproof "Before All Onlookers" ''The Watchtower'' December 1, 1976. In all cases of reproof, restrictions are imposed. ''Organized to Do Jehovah's Will'' 2005, p. 152. Restrictions may include not sharing in giving meeting parts, commenting during meetings and giving group prayers. The length of the probation period is at the discretion of the the elders. One cannot pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.''Our Kingdom Ministry'' March 1983, p. 3. Disfellowshipping The most severe discipline administered is disfellowshipping, or excommunication. This is done at the determination of the judicial committee presiding over the case in question. The standard put in place to determine if one should be disfellowshipped is the judgment of repentance. To judge repentance, members of the judicial committee ask detailed questions and review actions by the member being considered. The committee must be convinced without a doubt that the repentance is genuine. Watchtower 79 11/15 Questions from Readers Baptized members who express disagreement on any doctrine can potentially be disfellowshipped for Apostasy . Once the decision to disfellowship has been made a person has seven days to appeal. After the seven days, if that person has not appealed, the disfellowshipping will be announced to the congregation; disfellowshipping does not take effect until the announcement is made to the congregation. Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock - pgs. 121-122 Disfellowshipping is a scriptural method to protect the congregation from the influence of those who practice serious wrongdoing. After one is disfellowshipped, all baptized members would cut off all association with that person. They would not speak to such a one, or acknowledge him or her.''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988. There are two exceptions. First if a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, these would continue as before but only on a professional level. Second, if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized, the family members are encouraged to spend as little time as possible with the disfellowshipped one, only talking to the disfellowshipped one about basic family matters of importance. Many family members even go to the extent of never speaking or even eating with the disfellowshipped one, despite the efforts of the Watchtower make their disfellowshipping process seem benign by writing things more of the tone of the following: "Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p 4. Scan available at http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM8-2002.htm accessed January 27, 2006. Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped, would have minimal to absolutely no contact."It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum." Disfellowshiping-How to View It, ''The Watchtower'' September 15, 1981, p. 26.Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit, ''The Watchtower'' April 15, 1988, p. 26. In the case of doctrinal disagreements, and depending upon the nature and publicity of their disagreement, they may be labelled as an "apostate."Letter to Circuit and District Overseers, From the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society 1980. (''Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses'', M. J. Penton, p. 349) Scan available at page 1 page 2 accessed March 18, 2006. Apostates are often considered as being influenced by the devil, and thus Witnesses are encouraged to avoid apostates so as not to be influenced by them. The following was published in ''The Watchtower'', "For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: 'It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth Jehovah's Witnesses refer to their religion . And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.' In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt." "Have No Dealings With Apostates" Watchtower 3/15/1986, pages 12-14 Construction and Humanitarian Efforts Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their building work. International and regional building teams frequently undertake "quick builds", construction of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends. Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members. Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster stricken areas. One notable example is the relief efforts to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the genocide in Rwanda as well as to Congo refugees. This humanitarian aid was not given exclusively to Jehovah's Witnesses; others also benefited. For instance, the Witnesses distributed medicine and clothing to several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma."Since 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses in Europe alone have sent more than 190 tons of food, clothing, medicine, and other relief supplies to the Great Lakes region of Africa." - "Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil", ''The Watchtower'', Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (January 15). Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/ , accessed December 4, 2005. Practices Morality Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder.Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness, ''Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life'', 1995, p. 118. Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.Young People Ask... What's Wrong With Premarital Sex?, ''Awake!'' July 22, 2004, p. 12. Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. During worship, standards of dress are more formal, varying by country and regional custom. In the U.S., Europe, and most of Asia, this typically consists of formal western business attire. Entertainment with Sexuality , Materialism , Spiritism or violence is strongly discouraged. They avoid appearing unkempt or unprofessional according to local norms. Therefore, in certain areas, things such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, along with any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings. A member violating these standards would risk bringing reproach upon the congregation. Nationalism and Holidays Among Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are typically observed however, common celebrations and religious or national holidays such as Birthdays , Thanksgiving , and Christmas are regarded as unchristian and not celebrated, since these have origins in pagan religious practices.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', November 15, 1960, p. 704.Questions From Readers, ''The Watchtower'', October 15, 1998, p. 30. The Witnesses used to observe holidays until under Rutherford's leadership, such practices were abolished. Family Life The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. He is the head of his family. He must only have one wife. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives.''The Bible's Viewpoint'' What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?, ''Awake!'' 2004b, July 8, 2004, p. 26. Husbands are instructed to treat their wives as Jesus treated his followers. He should not hurt or mistreat his family in any way. The father should be hardworking in providing necessities to his family. He must also provide for them in a spiritual capacity. This includes religious instruction for the family, and taking the lead in preaching activities. Parental discipline for children should not be in a harsh, cruel way, and children must obey their parents. Married couples can separate in the case of physical abuse and neglect, and if one partner attempts to hinder the other from being a Jehovah's Witness. Divorce (with the ability to remarry) is permissible only on the grounds of adultery. Neutrality Neutrality (not becoming involved in secular politics or taking part in an election) is required."Can You Make the World a Better Place?", ''The Watchtower'' October 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/10/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006. As well, members refuse any military service; ''cf.'' the Peace Churches and Quakers ). Death The soul is believed to be the human body and consciousness, not an incorporeal entity that indwells a physical human body that becomes released upon death. Death is a state of non-existence."Is There LIFE After Death?", ''The Watchtower'' July 15, 2001. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2001/7/15/article_01.htm accessed January 26, 2006. Hell (Hades or Sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the common grave of all mankind; a place of no conscious thought.Hell-Eternal Torture or Common Grave? ''The Watchtower'', April 15, 1993, p. 6. The consciousness of a human ceases to exist at death.Comfort for Those Who Mourn, ''Awake!'' May 8, 2002, p. 19. They believe that the only way for a person to live again is through a resurrection of which the Bible makes several references and provides numerous examples. They note that none of these persons spoke of having been "pulled" back into existence from a heaven or a hell. In the case of Lazarus, if he had died and gone to heaven: would it have been proper for Jesus to bring him back to Earth, only to have him die again, eventually? Why didn't Lazarus tell anyone about his "life after death" experience if he had any? To a Witness, death is the inherited result of Adam and Eve's rebellious disobedience to God's order and only through Christ's sacrifice could the price of redemption be paid. The following texts are some of the ones used by Jehovah's Witnesses to show that death is like a deep sleep or a non-existence and that the soul dies - Ecclesiastes 3:18-21; Proverbs 2:18; Ezekiel 18:4; Psalms 146:3,4; John 11:11-13. Blood See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues Jehovah's Witnesses Whole ). Blood is not to be stored for later transfusion. As well, the donating of blood is considered improper. According to the conscience of the particular individual, they may accept derivatives of blood. In current medical practice, whole blood transfusions are very rare, and blood derivatives are used instead. Witnesses may accept a process called normovolemic hemodilution, a treatment that processes the individual's own blood in a closed loop that does not interrupt the circulation of blood, and delivers it immediately back into the person's body. {Link without Title} Also left to conscience are procedures where a "quantity of blood is withdrawn in order to tag it or to mix it with medicine, whereupon it is put back into the patient."''The Watchtower'', October 15 2000, p. 31 Many members carry carefully prepared durable Power Of Attorney outlining their medical wishes with respect to blood. Jehovah’s Witnesses have been known to highlight the potential dangers of blood transfusions. Witness representatives have stated that plasma volume expanders are sufficient to take care of emergency situations.February 22, 1976 ''Awake!'', p. 15: "Student: 'Well, suppose somebody was just coming to the hospital. They’ve got a few seconds to live. The only possible way out is a blood transfusion. Well, what’s your answer to that? I mean, that’s murder if you don’t let them accept that.' Witness: 'That situation doesn’t exist. Wherever there are cases where a person . . . let’s say comes in off the highway here . . . and there is extreme loss of blood. Every emergency room, in every hospital, has a plasma volume expander which can . . .keep the volume up in the system...'" Publishing Efforts ''See also: Jehovah's Witnesses Literature '' ''See also: '' Jehovah's Witnesses make vigorous efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on the written word. Their literature is published in 410 languages through a wide variety of Book s, Magazine s and other publications. Their publications make extensive use of secular references and quotations from the Bible. CRITICAL VIEWS ON BELIEFS AND PRACTICES Basis of Authority Jehovah's Witnesses claim that there is "abundant evidence" of a governing body operating in the first century.''The Watchtower'' March 15, 1990, p. 11, 12 Raymond Franz points to Galatians 1:16-20 as evidence to show that Paul Of Tarsus did not view the apostles in Jerusalem as a governing body.In Search Of Christian Freedom p. 44 He further contends that the Council Of Jerusalem was an isolated event,''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Ray Franz, p.47 and that the creation of a central authority in Christianity was a 4th century development.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Ray Franz, 63-68 Field Service Raymond Franz argues that a sense of guilt is imposed on those not complying with organization arrangements for field service. Further, that engaging in this formal activity became an extra-scriptural requirement placed upon those wanting to qualify for eldership.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 202 Though field service can be counted for activity pertaining to those not witnesses, time spent helping fellow members cannot be counted toward time spent in the ministry.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 203 He further claims that an individual's spirituality is judged by the elders on this basis.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 204 The expression "house to house" found at Acts 2:42, 5:45, 20:20 is employed by Jehovah's Witnesses to demonstrate the need for door-to-door witnessing. Raymond Franz criticizes this application, stating the expression "house to house" (gr. "kat' oikon") does not require the idea of consecutive door-to-door visitation.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 214 He compares 27 Bible translations, showing the more common rendering of "at home", "at your houses" and "in your homes".''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' Raymond Franz, p. 218 Gambling Gambling, an attempt to make money through the losses of others, is strictly forbidden.''Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life'' p.120 It is likened to greed and 'appeasing gods of good luck'''Awake!'' magazine, "Should Christians Gamble?", 8 June 1992, p.11 such as buying lottery tickets, casino, or betting on horse or dog races etc., but some forms of risks are acceptable, such as buying stocks, shares and bonds, even though chance, greed, and money loss or gain can be involved. A person violating these standards would risk "bringing reproach upon the congregation" and may be excommunicated. ''The Watchtower'' magazine, 15 April 1999, p.28 Congregational discipline Witnesses believe that disfellowshipping (excommunicating) and shunning can have the beneficial effect of both restoring an errant former member to the religion and "upholding God's Holy Name".''The Bible's Viewpoint'' Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement, ''Awake!'' September 8, 1996. Critics contend that fear of being shunned and family break-up/loss causes people to stay who might otherwise freely leave the religion. Jehovah's Witnesses have no provision for conscientious objectors who freely leave to have any continued normal associations. The only way to officially leave the religion is to write a letter requesting to be disassociated or to be disfellowshipped, but both entail the same set of prohibitions and penalities. Critics further contend the judicial process itself, due to its private and nearly autonomous nature directly contradicts the precedent found in the Bible and the organizations' own teachingsMatthew 18:17, "The local court was situated at the gate of a city. (De 16:18; 21:19; 22:15, 24; 25:7; Ru 4:1) By "gate" is meant the open space inside the city near the gate. . . as most persons would go in and out of the gate during the day. Also, the publicity that would be afforded any trial at the gate would tend to influence the judges toward care and justice in the trial proceedings and in their decisions. (Witness publication, ''Insight on the Scriptures, Vol 1, p. 518) and can be used in an arbitrary and punitive manner if there is consensus among just a few to abuse their authority.''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' by Raymond Franz , 2002, and ''In Search of Christian Freedom, pp.374–390 'The Misuse of Disfellowshipping', by Raymond Franz Any accusation of wrongdoing must be presented by more than one witness to the wrondoing, or by the admittance of the one accused. The judicial committee assigned to the case take into consideration the circumstances and attempt to decide if the individual is a danger to the spirituality of the congregation. It should be noted that only after one has made a detailed study, then officially joined the religion can one be disfellowshipped for wrongdoing. All members have a detailed understanding of what is expected and the consequences of wrongdoing. For instance, a child who never officially joined the religion could not be disfellowshipped for not wanting to join. Blood The refusal of blood transfusions is frequently a significant issue among medical professionals, especially when it involves minor children. Some children of Jehovah's Witnesses have died subsequent to not having blood transfusions. In some countries, laws may impose limitations on physicians on the ability to withhold or withdraw blood transfusions or blood therapy from minors, particularly in life-threatening situations; parents who have prevented children under their care from receiving blood therapy in life-threatening situations may face prosecution.For example, Australian legislation allows for children under 18 to receive a blood transfusion without the consent of the child or his/her parents, if a doctor considers it to be necessary. ''Human Tissue Act 1982''(Vic) s 24.Courts have ordered transfusions for some children, often the very young; in other cases they have respected the declared choice of an under-age minor who is able to defend his or her own beliefs to the court in a manner that reflects a mature understanding and without undue influence from the parents. Ibid., p. 808: " Watchtower Society builds a case that other doctors wish all surgeons would become bloodless surgeons, when in fact those doctors recognize the benefits of blood transfusions for those who are in desperate need." Note: Several children of Jehovah's Witness and baptised Jehovah's Witnesses and those associated with Jehovah's Witnesses, have died from receiving blood transfusions either as they were literally forced to have a blood transfusion or doctors were ordered to administer a blood transfusion by a court. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES AND GOVERNMENTS See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses and governments Jehovah's Witnesses exhort their members to obey all the laws, including the paying of taxes, of the country in which they reside, so long as these do not violate 'God's law'.God and Caesar, ''The Watchtower'' May 1, 1996, p. 9 At the same time, however, they hold a stance of political neutrality. Examples of this detachment in practice include:
One area in which Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced public policy is civil rights. The Watch Tower Society from the days of Joseph Franklin Rutherford has utilized the court systems of various countries to defend religious freedoms. In addition, they have occasionally organized letter-writing campaigns to protest "persecutions", most famously those addressed to Adolf Hitler during the Second World War and certain African nations during the 1970s. (See the publication ''Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News'' for examples.) According to the book ''Judging Jehovah's Witnesses'' (Shawn Francis Peters, University Press of Kansas: 2000), the Witnesses have helped to widen the definition of civil liberties in most western societies, hence broadening the rights of millions of people, due to their firm stand and determination. According to the preface to the book ''State and Salvation'' (William Kaplan, University of Toronto Press: 1989): "One of the results of the Witnesses' legal battles was the long process of discussion and debate that led to the Charter Of Rights , which is now part of the fundamental law of Canada. Other battles in countries around the world have involved the rights to decline military service or martial arts training, to decline to participate in political parties or governmental elections, to exercise free and anonymous speech, to exercise freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, medical self-determination, etc. Witnesses continue to, in their words, 'defend and legally establish the Good News' around the world." See the article Jehovah's Witnesses And Governments . Jehovah's Witnesses endured intense persecution under the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945, both as a religious group and individually. Unlike Jews , Sinti and Roma , persecuted and killed by virtue of their culture, Jehovah's Witnesses had the opportunity to escape persecution and personal harm by renouncing their religious beliefs. The courage the vast majority displayed in refusing to do so, in the face of torture, maltreatment in concentration camps, and sometimes execution, won them the respect of many contemporaries. These events are recounted in a documentary entitled ''Purple Triangles''.4 Jehovah's Witnesses males are currently imprisoned in Singapore for refusal to participate in the compulsory National Service .International Religious Freedom Report 2005 — Singapore, ''U.S. Department of State'' (2005). Available online at http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2005/51529.htm CONTROVERSY AND OPPOSITION See Also: Opposition to Jehovah's Witnesses See Also: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues Throughout their history, their beliefs, doctrines and practices have met controversy and opposition from governments, communities, and religious groups. Many Christian denominations consider the interpretation and doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses to be Heresy . Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the world's religions and governments can be instruments of Satan used to detract from the "true" worship of God. They believe that eventually, God will use the governments of the world to destroy these religions which they teach to be the "harlot" riding on the back of the seven headed beast (world governments) in the book of Revelation. In turn, God will then eliminate these governments in Armageddon. Because of these beliefs, governments of various political persuasions have considered the religion to be a subversive organization, and sometimes even a threat to national security stemming from their opposition to belonging to a government party, saluting a national flag or to take arms in favor of their country of residence. Political and religious animosity against them has at times led to Mob Action and Government oppression. There has also been opposition by locals to the building of facilities (such as Kingdom Halls), and the holding of large conventions. In those circumstances, at times the reason is opposition to the religion, but at other times, they are more mundane, such as concerns about traffic congestion and noise. In some legal cases, (such as ''Congrégation des témoins de Jéhovah de St-Jérôme-Lafontaine v. Lafontaine (Village)''), disputes that have actually been about appropriate land use have been claimed by the Witnesses to be a violation of their religious freedoms. See also Persecution Of Jehovah's Witnesses . SEE ALSO
FURTHER READING Watch Tower resources See also: List Of Jehovah's Witnesses Literature Three official histories of Jehovah's Witnesses have been published by the Watchtower Society. The first two are out of print. The most recent one is available in many public libraries and on the ''Watchtower Library CD-ROM.''
Supportive
Neutral or Miscellaneous
Critiques
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