Jehovah's Witnesses serve by sharing God

Published: Thursday, February 22, 2007

Updated: Tuesday, February 3, 2009

They preach door-to-door, by telephone and to anyone who will take time to listen.

They are members of Jehovah's Witnesses, and despite numerous misconceptions about their beliefs, their religious views rest entirely on faith.

Shasta O'Neal, Murray State administrative secretary for media services, said the religious beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses focus on a selected group of believers who are destined to serve God.

She said only a special 144,000 people will be chosen to be the servants of Jehovah in heaven.

"We believe that there's a group going to heaven and a group staying on earth," O'Neal said.

As for the afterlife, O'Neal said Jehovah's Witnesses don't recognize the existence of a hell. Instead, O'Neal said they believe in the common grave, or a return of the deceased to the earth. O'Neal said not every member of the Jehovah's Witnesses will be accepted into heaven because there are only 144,000 destined servants of God.

But O'Neal said each follower must have faith in God's plan.

"That person knows," O'Neal said. "You just know you're one of the 144,000. And our main goal in life is to follow Jesus' footsteps as close as possible. Basically, to be balanced."

Aside from the religion's base beliefs, O'Neal said prayer plays a dominant role in the daily lives of Jehovah's Witnesses.

"Prayer is something we do regularly everyday," O'Neal said. "We meet together (as a congregation) three times a week."

Because of the large number of church members, O'Neal said the congregation divides into two groups to allow everyone to worship and take part in theocratic ministry school, a program to help church members learn how to spread the word of Jehovah.

"We call, we go door-to-door, we write letters," O'Neal said. "Whenever we get the guts up to (preach), we do it."

Dustin Spears, sophomore from Murray, was baptized into Jehovah's Witnesses in 2000. He said he chose to join the church after much of scriptural study and personal reflection.

"Growing up as a kid, I wasn't actually a Jehovah's Witness," Spears said. "I listened to what (church members) said and it made a lot of sense to me. As a witness, you actually have to study up and know what you're talking about."

After this period of preparation, Spears said he also met with church elders to determine if he was ready to become a member. Spears said this method also allows incoming members to verify that becoming a part of the church is their own decision.

"Nothing is force-fed," Spears said. "You take it pretty seriously."

Since becoming a Jehovah's Witness, Spears said he has encountered a mix of acceptance and opposition.

"A lot of people have different beliefs," Spears said.

Of this opposition, he said there are a lot of negative misconceptions about his religious beliefs.

"I've been told I don't believe in Jesus," Spears said. "Some people believe we're kind of a cult. Some people will take that preconceived notion as fact."

Still, Spears said the teachings of Jehovah emphasize understanding.

"It's all about if you don't agree, let's look it up in the bible," he said. "We're more than happy to say what we believe."

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Preacher

Fri Jul 10 2009 21:34

The jehovah witnesses claim that they can directly prove their beliefs in any bible translation in the article. I will have everyone here know that that is impossible. EVERY OTHER bible version other then the New World Translation is the accepted bible of christianity. The main change other than "Active Force", "Torture stake", "Jehovah" (an error in the combination of Gods names considered a slap in the face to God) is in John 1:1 they change it to where they declare that the word (another name for Jesus) is A God while all others say just God. This one verse proves the deity of Christ and thus serves as a main argument in putting two and two together to form the belief of the trinity or the triune God. The New World Translation was not completely finished until 1961 under Knorr (the same man who forced them all to attend their weekly 5 hours of brain washing classes) and was translated by 6 men including Knorr who were unqualified in the translation of the ancient scriptures. Even later on in court they asked the men to translate some simple hebrew in front of then and they said that they couldnt so how were the qualified to translate the bible? Once released, the NWT was proven to be incorrect by both religious influenced and non religious influenced scholars alike as being incorrect and corrupt. So no, the JW's cannot prove their beliefs to a real christian and there is much evidence on the mind control techniques of the watchtower. Doing things "voluntarily" is just part of them.

Grieving Mom

Thu Jun 25 2009 08:40

David A. Reed’s Blood On The Altar estimates 250,000 Jehovah's Witnesses have bled to death since 1945 due to the Watchtower society policy on no Blood transfusions.

Remember,they praise these 'martyrs for Jehovah' who have died keeping integrity on blood and we in the general population have all heard of it over and over on the news and there has even been TV drama shows on the issue.

So there is no way that JW can deny the deaths! You can't have your cake and eat it too either no blood saves or it kills.

Gary

Sat Jun 13 2009 19:13

A few words on JW’s: In a recent conversation with a “pioneering” woman and some of her “students” (pioneering is the practice of going door to door by the JW’s); she clearly indicated that she “did not want to go to Heaven.” A doctrine taught and believed by the JW’s. It’s a serious matter because the Bible only gives one other option as a place of eternal existence – and it is by our choice. Another conversation with a JW concluded with his disbelief of the doctrine of Hell, the Trinity and the accuracy of the New World Translation of the Holy Scripture (JW’s bible). I was writing a study on Bible translations and caught his attention. I stated that his bible was no more than a contradiction of itself. It crosses the bounds of language in an attempt to justify their own beliefs and creates imbedded contraction within its text. He responded by asking the question “How can you tell the difference?” The answer is easy – just compare the two by reading them. They are strongly restricted from reading, interpreting, comparing any form of literature outside the Watchtower for understanding any kind of Biblical truth. They say their “free”, but only as long as the Watchtower‘s leash is long. It is reported that approximately 5% of so called “Christians” ever read the Bible. An interesting fact! But do you see my point? Does it ever make you wonder why they call themselves “Christians” when they don’t follow the normative; and isn’t that just like Satan (and he even wants to be God)? And as far as the literature they pass out; it’s like the fruit in Genesis – it all starts there and you can read about it!

I had a very close friend who is a JW and tried to convert me (sorry). They keep knocking on my door and come to me in public venues. The Bible teaches us to love God first and then love thy neighbor as we would love our self; and plant the seed of the Gospel. As it’s said, “friends don’t let friends…” You can beat that I will knock on their door when they come knocking on mine. I’m commanded to do so

alohawaii

Thu May 28 2009 20:52

First century Christians were hated by Jews and Pagans alike...Acts 24:5 - For we have found this man a pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth and a spearhead of the sect of the Naz·a·renes (Reguarding the Apostle Paul). We are still stirring it up, the world loves and accepts its own...we remain no part of the world. and therefore are branded a sect or cult, only thing is at 7.000.000 worshippers and growing we have nothing to hide and will readily make a bible based defense of our beliefs; using your bible if you like. The brainwashing theme is passe, many of us are educated and just as passionate about our well researched beliefs as any other faith. If we should happen to be doing gods will, it will be sure to have success....

L. L

Sun May 24 2009 06:34

We've all heard the 'you do not have a soul' account although the Bible repeatedly refers to the human soul. Only atheists talk like that but guess what if you are a Jehovah Witness you can be a religious atheist and tell people they do not have a soul. I don't care what atheists believe but these people are part atheist. The relationship man has with God involves the human soul.

It gets more and more BIZARRE - they dont take blood transfusions but you can catch them anytime filling their bellies with red meat!!! You cannot, cannot, cannot drain every single microscopic drop of blood out of red meat no matter how much it is drained!!! Cooked blood or blood transfusions they are the same - don't rant and rave about blood transfusions, then fill your glutinous bellies with red meat.

They are so brainwashed and controlled that they keep records of their activities throughout the day and report on every study they conduct with people they study with. In other words - there is no such thing as a PRIVATE LIFE!!!! The Watchtower is exactly what is says!!! Its BIG BROTHER for every single member of the church!!!

This is a scary cult - they say they are persecuted because they are the only ones spreading the gospel' or should I say recruiting so they can become more powerful. Jehovah witnesses are only friendly with Jehovah witnesses. They are incapable of forming friendships with anyone outside of the church. That kind of control is just satanic.

And finally - For a group that is the only true religion - they sure look unhappy. They look programmed, unhappy and trapped. But don't worry! - they are even brainwashed into believing they are happy.

L.L

Your name

Tue May 19 2009 08:30

Jehovah’s Witnesses spend a lot of time explaining to people why they’re not a cult,” “That should be a sign that they’re a cult

Your name

Tue May 12 2009 05:59

Artificial blood in 10-20 years but not ready yet.

I DON’T want somebody else’s blood in me I DON"T want somebody else’s organs in me either. BOTH are risky and can carry disease,but if I need or will die I will take. There is NO substitute for whole blood yet. There is no substitute for a liver yet either.

BTW-The Jehovah's Witnesses had less to do with 'pioneering' bloodless surgeries and it had more to do with the scarcity of blood.The red cross makes $25 on a unit of blood the red cross will be happy when artificial blood is here for good of all.

Elad

Sun May 10 2009 09:28

From what I have learned.
Everone has a right to there own beliefs,JW's are just singled out because they are differnt in the world today but there beliefs have remained the same throughout history.All they strive to do is seek out people that want to learn about the world not forcing people.It says in (Matthew 24:14) "And this good news will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to ALL the nations and then the end will come."I dont see anyone else doin that,If they have a problem with JW's they should just tell them they arn't interested,and they will kindly leave.They are only doin as the bible says to do.(2 Tim 3:16)"ALL scripture is inspired of God,for teaching,for reproving,for setting things straight,for disaplining in righteousness,that man of God may be fully competent,completely equipped for every good work"
I sure dont feel safe in the world today and i feel its getting worse,alot of people dont realise how bad it is until something bad happens to their life or in there neibourhood.There beliefs appeal to me because I want to live in a paradise why are we so astounded by earths beautiful creations because we are meant to live on it.And why do we get scared of dying or upset when someone we love dies because we arent meant to get old sick and die.

And humans cant change things so im putting my hope in something else,and proud of it!!!!

Dr. Richard Phillips

Tue Apr 14 2009 20:08

First of all, I am a sociology professor not a Jehovah's Witness. The chapter I am teaching to my class right now is about Religious Bigotry. I'd like to share with you what my class has come up with about false conceptions on JW's (we did the project about all religions) But I dont have time to show you all how a class of 19-20 year olds can be so much wiser then you folks.

Do you know what would make this site better? If it were factual and not a propoganda site. My 2 cents.

Walter

Sun Mar 8 2009 21:30

Spears said "nothing is forced-fed in that religion". The truth is everything is forced-fed and mind-manupilated in that religon. 1925 was supposed to be the year for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to return to earth. Expecting their return on earth , the Watchtower built a big house in San Diego, Ca called "Beth Sarim". This big house supposed to be the home for these old prohets. 1975 was supposed to be the year for the end of the world. They also said that the generation of Jehovah's Witnesses who lived since 1914 would not passed away before the end of the world come. All these prohecies were false. All these prohecies were forced-fed to all Jehovah's Witnesses.

Walter

Sun Mar 8 2009 21:07

Spears said "we are more than happy to say what we believe".
saying what you believe is one thing but to prove the Jehovah's Witnesses doctrines with logic is another thing.
How can you logically say that Christ came back invisibly since the year 1914. to derrive of 1914, Jehovah's Witnesses counted from 607 bce as the year Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians. But the thing is 607 bce is totally wrong. This 607 bce is wrong according to historians. Even the State of Israel does not believe that Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 bce by the Babylonians. All encyclopedias do not subscribe to 607 bce as the year Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians. You may run to the Bible to prove 607 bce, but the Bible cannot give any credance to 607 bce either. So if 607 bce is wrong then 1914 is also wrong. If 1914 is wrong then the entire gospel of the Watchtower is wrong also. This religion is a big lie.

walter

Sun Mar 8 2009 20:43

Jehovah's Witnesses serve by sharing the Watchtower. I think tthis is a more appropriate title for this article. Don't let any Jehovah's Witness foools you. This religion is a hard -core cult. In that religion, when the leaders ask a member to jump, the only thing a member of that religion is allowed to ask is: How high to jump?
Believe me, I spent 12 wasting years in that religion. I would not want not even my worst enemies to fall to the prey of the false gospel of Jehovah's Witnesses.

marty lewis 59

Wed Mar 4 2009 23:24

the chosen 144,000 come from the 12 tribes of israel. open your bible and read it. it's right there in the word of god.12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of israel. live your life for the lord jesus christ and keep his spirit in you at all times. that gives us as good a chance as any of being in that number. the twelve tribes were scattered over the face of the earth, and we could very well be descendants of one or more of those tribes. believe in his word and hold close to his commandments....god bless you all!

marty lewis 59

Wed Mar 4 2009 22:11

as long as this discussion seems to be dwelling on specific church's beliefs., what about the pagan-inspired,roman-catholic injected holidays such as christmas,easter,etc....not to mention the fact that , in this country, at the very least, most all of the major church denominationshold their sabbath worship services on the wrong day. the lord's sabbath day of rest and worship is not on sunday. good's fourth commandment says that we should keep his sabbath day holy.the sabbath falls between sunset on friday and sunset on saturday. you might want to rethink your next trip to SUNDAY school.by all means worship, but take heed to all the commandments., especially the fourth one. the lord was very, very adamant about that one, in particular. god bless

Jehovah's Witnesses are a religious cult who get brainwashed by mind control techniques into believing that their interpretation of the Bible is better than anyone else's.

It was started by some idiot that got this vision of the world coming to an end in 1914. When 1914 came and went, he then managed to pursuade his flock that it would happen in 1942. When 1942 came and went, well let me put it this way... Anyone who would even think about joining this cult is mentally ill to begin with.

They publish some toilet trash called the Watch Tower and are also known as the Watch Tower Society and JWs. In 1933 their leaders conspired with Hitler against the Jews. Several of their top members were thrown in jail for committing fraud, larceny, sexual deviant acts, etc. But somehow the cult manages to go on. Go figure.

If a member deviates in any way from their way of life all other members are required to scorn them. This is just one of their many mind control techniques.

But the worse thing about JWs is that every year hundreds of children die because these geniuses think that "Thou shalt not eat blood" refers to life saving transfusions instead of becoming a vampire.

Robert

Fri Feb 27 2009 23:29

Dear Lord Jesus, I pray that you will open the minds and hearts of the little lambs who have been tricked by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses who have told them that Jesus returned 'invisibly' in 1914 and appointed them to be God's channel of communication to humankind.

Steve

Thu Feb 26 2009 23:05

Response to Shawn Holland: Yes but it's just funny to hear believers ridicule and persecute other believers for ridiculous beliefs when they themselves hold equally ridiculous beliefs. If you think Jonah lived in a whale or that one man got every species on earth in a boat and dropped them off in the right places such as marsupials in Australia then you have no right to be critical of that number. They are all huge leaps of faith that require throwing away all logic. While I think their beliefs are ridiculous they only seem so because they are less common.

willy

Thu Feb 26 2009 21:41

Haszard couldn't make it as a JW so he trashes them all over the net.
He has nothing to say here.

Shawn Holland

Thu Feb 26 2009 15:03

Steve, I'm a secular humanist myself, but even if I wasn't, the math still doesn't add up. This doctrine of the 144,00 doesn't even make sense from a theist's standpoint. The majority of ex-JWs I've met are non-theists, just something to keep in mind.