Question

How do you view Jehovah's Witnesses? && Do you think they are different from other religions && if so how?

Answer 1

I view them as I view all other religions. The religion differs from other religions by a weird theological position, not to mention the amount of scandals to its' name.

Answer 2

I personally view them as a blind group; they gather their information solely from the Watchtower organization, and not the bible itself. They utterly distort the bible's message by way of deliberate misquoting and promoting their man-made theology. They are the only group to say that Christs kingdom already is established on Earth, ever since 1914.

Answer 3

@Opcode What scandals are you referring to?

Answer 4

Covering up rape, etc.

Answer 5

Oh, nvm.

Answer 6

To add to this, I don't believe that JW's are true Christians, and I'd be elated to inform you why if you'd like, @xo.minnie.xox

Answer 7

Yes please explain. @JonnyVonny
And why do you feel we do not use the bible? We do very often we have scriptures in our watchtowers that explain our lesson so I dont see where you could have got that from.
and @Opcode what do you mean "the amount of scandals to its name"?

Answer 8

The JWS uses parts of the bible, but they use it incorrectly; when they use parts of the scripture, they're actually changing the meaning of what it originally was.

Answer 9

I mean by the watchtower scandals as well as child abuse scandals.

Answer 10

If you read the bible, Christ himself when talking about punishment, he says that "There will be weeping and gnashing of the teeth"; this implies that there is a hell (a place of punishment). The JW's believe that there is no hell.

Answer 11

Let me ask you something..do you believe that God created all? @JonnyVonny

Answer 12

Also which bible do you have

Answer 13

Yes, but I don't think that relevant. Also, KJV.

Answer 14

But minnie, I advise you to read what the bible says. Forget what any person tells you what the bible says; for all you know, they're lying in your face. Please, read the bible on your own; its not hard. Start off with John; its easily understood, and you learn the fundamentals of Christianity.

Answer 15

Okay...Do you believe in Satan or the Devil?
And okay well Jehovah's Witnesses use "The New Worlds Translations Of The Holy Scriptures"

Answer 16

I actually do read my bible and everything has just backed up what my brothers and sisters at my congregation have taught me

Answer 17

Yes, Satan is a real, malicious being.

Answer 18

Okay and do you believe he "rules over Hell"

Answer 19

No, Satan does not rule hell. He actually doesn't want to go to hell for he knows that his punishment awaits then.

Answer 20

In the bible, it says he is the Prince of the Earth, at the moment.

Answer 21

Okay. Then who do you think has control over Hell?

Answer 22

God.

Answer 23

I think he allows other demons to carry out the punishment in hell. But idk, I don't think the bible says all that much about hell; its not very specific.

Answer 24

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Jehovah%27s+Witness&defid=954656 (Out of context) But okay and God is love right? Why would he create such a horrid place? He wouldn't want to torture people...God does not even contemplate eternal torment. The idea that he would punish people in hellfire is contrary to the Bible’s teaching that “God is love.”—1 John 4:8; Jeremiah 7:31. Hell (“Sheol” and “Hades” in the Bible’s original languages) is simply the grave, not a place of fiery torment. Who go to hell? Both good people and bad people. (Job 14:13; Psalm 9:17) The Bible says that this common grave of mankind is “the house of meeting for everyone living.”—Job 30:23. So many people would think HELL is a fiery torture place but really..the bible says it is just the grave

Answer 25

All those who go to hell will come back out, brought to life by Jesus through God’s power. (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) Speaking of that future resurrection, the prophecy at Revelation 20:13 says that “death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them.” (King James Version) Once hell has been emptied, it will no longer exist; no one will ever go there again because “death will be no more.”—Revelation 21:3, 4; 20:14.

Not everyone who dies goes to hell, though. The Bible shows that some people become so steeped in wickedness that they are beyond repentance. Hebrews 10:26, 27When such ones die, they go, not to hell, but to Gehenna, which is a symbol of everlasting destruction. (Matthew 5:29, 30) For example, Jesus indicated that some of the hypocritical religious leaders in his day would go to Gehenna.—Matthew 23:27-33.

Answer 26

Some Bible translations use the word “hell” for the Hebrew word “Sheol” and the matching Greek word “Hades,” both of which refer to the common grave of mankind. (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27) Many people believe in a fiery hell, as shown in the religious artwork accompanying this article. However, the Bible teaches otherwise.

Those in hell are unconscious and so cannot feel pain. “There is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol.”—Ecclesiastes 9:10.

Answer 27

Jehovah's Witnesses are just like any other religion. But they are a bit pushy and charismatic. I don't like them coming to my doorstep. It gives me a headache. Always trying to argue someone out of believing in their religion and then converting them.

Answer 28

Well, upon reading this, I came to the conclusion that JW's have Sheol and hell totally confused; before Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father, there existed Sheol, and Sheol was split in two; one was Paradise, the other a place of torment. After Christ ascended to the Father, there was no more Sheol; the righteous would go to heaven with the Father, and the unrighteous would be damned to hell. Now, in revelation, Hell, the unrighteous, Satan and his demons, and even abstract concepts like Death would be thrown into the lake of fire.

Answer 29

If you look at it chronologically, the JWS have it TOTALLY mixed together; they talk about Hell when Sheol was still about.

Answer 30

@RabbiMordcha you think we are pushy for going door to door? We honestly don't try to be. If someone says not interested we leave but it doesn't mean we aren't coming back because we cant cross off everyone because times change and maybe someone will want a study a year later rather than the 1st time we visited them. If someone is violent or swears at us viciously we usually write on the back of our territory card not to go there again.

in its original languages, the Bible uses the Hebrew word sheʼohl′ and its Greek equivalent hai′des more than 70 times. Both words are related to death. Some Bible translations render them as “grave,” “hell,” or “pit.” However, in most languages there are no words that convey the precise sense of these Hebrew and Greek words. The New World Translation therefore uses the words “Sheol” and “Hades...To what kind of place, then, does “Sheol” refer? God’s Word indicates that “Sheol,” or “Hades,” refers to something much more than even a large mass grave. For instance, Isaiah 5:14 notes that Sheol is “spacious and has opened its mouth wide beyond bounds.” Although Sheol has already swallowed, so to speak, countless dead people, it always seems to hunger for more. (Proverbs 30:15, 16) Unlike any literal burial site, which can hold only a limited number of the dead, ‘Sheol does not get satisfied.’ (Proverbs 27:20) That is, Sheol never becomes full. It has no limits. Sheol, or Hades, is thus not a literal place in a specific location. Rather, it is the common grave of dead mankind, the figurative location where most of mankind sleep in death. And by talking about Hell when Sheol was still around, Hell (“Sheol” and “Hades” in the Bible’s original languages) is simply the grave, not a place of fiery torment. I took the sentence directly from the JW website...so its saying Hell && Sheol are the same thing.

Answer 31

@JonnyVonny ^

Answer 32

Well, according to the BIBLE, which, the JW's should be believing in, Hell wasn't even existing while Sheol was. Also, that verse the JW used, regarding the huge chasm, is taking out of context; they're lying about what it originally meant, to put it simply. Just read the bible and you'll find out. Jesus himself said to the thief on the cross, "...you shall be with me in paradise". Paradise is NOT heaven; they are two different places; paradise is in Sheol.

Answer 33

My information comes directly from the bible, not from the Watchtower.

Answer 34

The Watchtower uses some scripture, but it is taken out of context, thus making it void.

Answer 35

I've always had a open door policy when it comes to proselytizing, whether its JW, LDS, or just an acquaintance discussing our own position related to the Bible. I'm always interested in others views and sometimes I'm able to clarify thing with my own. I've discovered many things from these visits and sometime it sparks for me to do individual research. One thing a outsider can catch is "Group Think" which is where everyone in a group may have the same misconception, this occurs in many fields from science to religion.

Answer 36

Don't believe what man says about the bible; read the bible yourself. If the JW's call themselves Christians, they should believe what the bible, right? If a Muslim says he is one, it is to be expected that he believes the Quran. Don't be afraid to read the bible by yourself; without people telling you what it means; God will show you what it means.

Answer 37

Supposed reading and Comprehending scriptures is not an easy task, I use the KJB which is written in the 16th century language. I used the Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition which gives the definitions of words and the date they were first used in the English language. I usually use the first or second definition, this gives a greater understanding of a verse at that time. I don't use newer versions because I don't know what definition their using, the first or last.

Answer 38

I tried Christianity once and this is why I left. All the denominations turn against themselves.

Answer 39

"Oh waaaa... You da hypocrite, no you da hypocrite, etc." That is all I hear.

Answer 40

@RabbiMarcha , You must understand that a lot of false religions out there call themselves "Christians". The easiest way you can tell if a person is a Christian, or if a religious group are real Christians, is compare their doctrine to what the bible teaches. The Watchtower has an agenda, so they deliberately misquote the bible.

Answer 41

Does Catholicism count?

Answer 42

Nope; they have totally manipulated the bible, literally; they added books to the canonized bible, in between the OT and NT.

Answer 43

They are, in part, why real Christians get a bad name; the Catholics did the inquisition, the crusades, and are partly responsible for the dark ages. Since they called themselves "Christians", people remember these horrible things and associate it with Christianity.

Answer 44

That's Christianity for you. Catholicism isn't the only denomination causing evil though. But Catholicism is the most authentic denomination. Those "added books" are authentic books written by Jews just like all the rest. Especially the books of Maccabees. Those books are the basis of Our Jewish Holiday, Hanukah.

Answer 45

Well, those extra books permit prayer to the dead, amongst other things, which is unfavorable in God's eyes. And by "most authentic", what do you mean?

Answer 46

Well I don't know what you're talking about, but I was mainly referring to the books of Maccabees, the story of Hanukah, of which the catholic Church includes in it's canon. by "most authentic," I mean that it is perhaps the oldest surviving denomination in Christianity. And of course throughout history, it has been corrupt, just like every other denomination.

Answer 47

@JonnyVonny okay yes we do use watchtowers, awakes ect. but that does NOT mean we dont use or believe in a bible...we do we actually just in 2013 had our bible revised to more modern terms. If we didnt use the bible why would we bother taking ALL that time for it? In NYC and many other places there are Watchtower buildings and a place called Bethol where bible printing is held.
@KenLJW thats is very cool that you like to hear other opinions
@RabbiMordcha I am not trying to call anyone a hypocrite I hope you know that..

Answer 48

You asked this question just so you could go around proving everybody wrong. Just like any other JW would do.

Answer 49

No, my question wasn't about what me and Jonny were talking about. Me and a few other Witnesses on this website, were just curious on what other people thought of us and if they think we are different than other religions I wasn't expecting to have that conversation because that is not what I asked...

Answer 50

@RabbiMordcha ^

Answer 51

One of the question asked was "what about Catholics" as there was only one. Actually there's two, Roman Catholic and the Church of England, Anglican Church, Episcopal Church, the later Catholic Church is known as Protestant due to the protest the English King had wanting a divorce. Frankly I don't consider other denomination Protestant, as the Puritans left England to get away from the Church of England. If you want to consider your religion associated with the Anglican Church that's you prerogative.

Answer 52

@RabbiMordcha , The bible existed even before the Catholic religion came about; yes they are probably the oldest """"Christian""""" RELIGION, but the truth was about even before them.

Answer 53

@xo.minnie.xox , well, that is where I disagree with you about; ya'll use the bible to prove your man-made religion, but you don't adhere to its fundamentals. You all may go through the trouble to make YOUR version and translation of the bible, but if you literally translate the Hebrew and Greek from the bible, it will not at all line up to your doctrine.

Answer 54

"but you don't adhere to its fundamentals." What do you mean by that?

Answer 55

Whether or not hell exists is one of the numerous concepts that the JWS' doctrine adhere to that the bible doesn't. There are only 2 fundamentals, which, honestly, can be boiled down into one, because if you follow one, the other is basically automatic.

Answer 56

That is, Jesus Christ is God himself, and he literally shed his blood for all who are willing to accept it, thus, that by faith ALONE is Jesus Christ, anyone may enter with God eternally. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever shall believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life" Amen.

Answer 57

Im sorry I am really slow right now im tired...so im not exactly getting your point or what you are saying right now or trying to prove...lol

Answer 58

You see, you talk about "how could a loving God" make Hell? Well, a just God would. But nonetheless, how would a just God ONLY allow 144k people into heaven? No one before Charles Russel could have been possibly saved, except old testament prophets.

Answer 59

I'm saying that what the JW believe does NOT AT ALL align to what the bible teaches. Just pick up a bible, and start reading; you'll see numerous accounts which they don't align.

Answer 60

Yes a loving god will allow 144k to be in Heaven because the rest of the people who have a kind heart will later on be resurrected in paradise Earth so it is still a loving action.

Answer 61

Is that what the JWS says about the non 144k? Link pls, if so.

Answer 62

How do you draw the latter part form the Bible? It seems made up just to accommodate the idea of a benevolent God.

Answer 63

Nvm, I found it, the link that is.

Answer 64

http://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/nwt/introduction/hope-for-the-dead/#?insight [search_id]=780d0665-081d-4de4-bb53-1d3224711b95&insight[search_result_index]=1
http://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/dead-live-again-tract/dead-live-again/

Answer 65

However the latter is still biblically baseless. @JonnyVonny

Answer 66

Yeah, @Opcode , the JWS, along other "Christian" organizations, deliberately misquote the bible, thus distorting the truth.

Answer 67

I just didn't know that that specific part was in their doctrine

Answer 68

When its all said and done, there is only one truth, and that truth has withstood the test of time, and the truth is Jesus Christ. All those who believe who Christ is (God himself) will be in heaven when they die.

Answer 69

You believe Jesus is god?

Answer 70

I believe that specific part was only included to entice people, that there was hope, etc. However, the Jehovah's Witnesses man-made structure of God that they hold to, is unbelievably cruel. I condemns nearly everything that does not agree with them, or is their own thought.

As for my belief on Jesus, I believe that Jesus is not God.

Answer 71

So you are saying that this whole paradise earth thing is just mde up by the JWs to give us hope?

Answer 72

I am saying that the JWs concept of paradise earth is not compatible with the Bible. This is due to the cruelty of the concept, which goes against mainstream Christian consensus. All the verses linked on that site, stretch the Bible verses.

Answer 73

How so? @Opcode

Answer 74

Refer to my other posts? I clearly state my issues there.

Answer 75

Okay, you may think that it stretches the bible verses..but if they really wanted us to think their "Stretched" versions do you think they would give us the bible to research it on??

Answer 76

They do not control our actions, with critical thinking, we \(\textbf{do}\) pick up the Bible and find that the JWs theology likes to stretch Bible verses, incorporate elements which are not biblical in any way, etc.

Answer 77

Okay you said you saw things in the links I posted. What did you see and what scripture did it stretch?

Answer 78

All three points where obliviously exaggerated if:
1) Read in context of surrounding text.
2) Realized none of the verses talk about it being earth.

Answer 79

Are you talking about the 2nd link because all the 1st link does is literally quotes the scriptures

Answer 80

Yes, it quotes the scripture and I say that the scripture is being exaggerated. They say it means what they say, however they do not incorporate context or mention the error in their method.

Answer 81

Sorry still tired and slow lol. But was there a specific one you are referring to or just the whole article? @Opcode

Answer 82

The Tanakh (old testament) existed before the Catholics. The Catholics are the ones who organized your precious Bris Chadesha (New Testament).

Answer 83

BTW, there is no "old testament." The Old law still applies to today. Nothing has changed.

Answer 84

What you are saying is Catholics created our bible? "The New Worlds Translations Of The Holy Scriptures" @RabbiMordcha

Answer 85

I use Old and New just to conform to Christian terminology, but the way I see it is its a continual testament. I do see where some thing in the new were placed just to conform with the old, and I also see in them things to attract the Hellenistic society. Many of the saying's attributed to Christ are actually out of the Old and sometimes with a different slant from the standard understanding at the time. Any one truly familiar with the Old definitely can see the correlations, even if you don't consider the prophecy's but just the general principles. I believe the Old is still relevant which sets a standard for man being more than biological, animal, and the New in miracles and the understanding of things like telepathy, akin to communion, which actually occurred in the Old but were brought to the world through Christ.

Answer 86

@RabbiMordcha , well, the bible (old and new), already existed before it got canonized. Also, the people who practice Judaism don't exactly follow it as they did 2000 years ago; today, there is no once a year sacrifice to the Father for the forgiveness of Jews sins.

Answer 87

And, @xo.minnie.xox , even though you "use" the bible verses, you are not using it properly; the meaning that the JWS say about one verse isn't at ALL what it means.

Answer 88

Okay well we also have bible readings 1 time a week (out of 2 meetings) where we read 3 chapters. So we dont only use one verse.

Answer 89

Don't you use your version, however? Please, be honest.

Answer 90

What do you mean?

Answer 91

Don't you use the version created, published, and distributed by the Watchtower?

Answer 92

The New Worlds Translations Of The Holy Scriptures

Answer 93

If you are referring to "The New Worlds Translation Of The Holy Scriptures" yes.

Answer 94

The reason why you use THAT bible when you read chapters at a time, is because THAT text doesn't match up (for the parts that matter) with what the bible actually says in Greek/Hebrew. The Watchtower does incorporate some text from the KJV, but ONLY when it can be taken out of context; only when the real meaning can be changed to mean something else.

Answer 95

We have access to the KJV on our app. So we could research it ourselves. Would they give us that bible to use if they didn't want us to find this out?

Answer 96

The thing is, do you even use it? When you read "the New Worlds.." version in your group, do you once even bring up the KJV? But let's stop beating around the bush; show in the KJV of the bible where Jesus Christ is depicted as less than God himself, in context.