Questions tagged [jehovahs-witnesses]

The group known as the Jehovah's Witnesses was founded in the 1870s. They originally called themselves Bible Students, but they changed to their current name in 1931.

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Crucifixion -- torture stake or cross?

The Jehovah's Witnesses state that Jesus was not nailed on a cross, but on a torture stake. The New World Translation of the Bible is phrased accordingly. For example: Matthew 10:38 (NWT) And whoever ...
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6 answers
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Are Jehovah's Witnesses allowed to marry outside the faith?

Some Christian denominations allow their members to marry whomever they please, others discourage it, and others just don't allow it (you are either disfellowshipped or the church refuses to perform ...
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What is the origin of the idea that Michael is Jesus?

I recently came across the idea of identifying the angel Michael as Jesus. I'm surprised I hadn't heard it before. Wikipedia documents it as common to Seventh Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses. I'...
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What is the basis that many mainstream Christian groups justify labeling groups like the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses as Non-Christians?

If there is no clear definition stemming from the Bible of what makes one a Christian, how does mainstream Christianity justify labeling groups like the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses as Non Christians?...
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What is the Biblical basis for the belief that Jesus is Michael?

Congregations such as the Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists believe that Jesus is Michael. What is the Biblical basis for the belief that Jesus is Michael? Jehovah's Witnesses ...it is ...
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According to Jehovah's Witnesses, who are the 144,000 mentioned in the book of Revelation?

The book of Revelation refers to 144,000 servants of God who will be sealed in two different places. I have heard that the Jehovah's Witnesses often refer to this number. Who, exactly, do the ...
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What problems, if any, do Jehovah's Witnesses have with the Apostles' Creed?

I'm listening to an audio series in which the Apostles' Creed is used as the framework for "Christian theology," implying that those who believe the Apostles' Creed are orthodox. However, it's ...
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From where do Jehovah's Witnesses derive the doctrine that Jesus was and now is Michael the Archangel?

According to some Watchtower literature, it is taught that Michael the Archangel is Jesus and that Jesus, after He ascended into heaven, resumed the name of Michael. "It proves Michael the ...
Narnian's user avatar
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8 votes
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Is it accurate to say Jehovah's Witnesses do not view Jesus as divine?

I am fully aware that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah and Jesus are separate beings. However their translation of John 1:1 says that "the word (logos) was a god. Do Jehovah's Witnesses ...
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How do Jehovah’s Witnesses explain the unique wording of Colossians 1:15-17 in the NWT?

Compare the wording of the NWT and the NKJV at Colossians 1:15-17 NKJV says 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are ...
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses have their own version of the Bible?

Do Jehovah's Witnesses have their own version of the Bible? What is their reason for not accepting other versions such as the NIV or the KJV?
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses use different language for theological reasons?

They don't have churches: they have Kingdom Halls (though it's not wrong to refer to a Kingdom Hall as a type of church). They don't have hymns: they have Kingdom Songs (though it's not wrong to ...
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Was Jesus a separate god? [closed]

The New World Translation of John 1 seems to indicate that Jesus was a separate god from the Father. 1 In [the] beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. 2 This one ...
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe in annihilation?

What is the official position of the Jehovah's Witnesses in regards to hell, specifically the doctrine of annihilation which says that people will not go on existing, that eventually God will just ...
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According to Jehovah's Witnesses, does Jesus make the same claim as God, that he is the "first and the last,"?

Isaiah 44:6, "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the Lord of host; I am the first and I am the last, And there is no God besides Me." But Jesus Christ makes the same claim in ...
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How do Jehovah's Witnesses understand Hebrews 1?

Hebrews 1:4–14 contrasts Jesus with the angels. How do groups like Jehovah's Witnesses, who see him as an angel, understand these verses?
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What is the Biblical basis for Jesus Christ being a created being according to Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ is a created being. What is the Biblical basis for this position?
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What is the basis of the Jehovah's Witnesses' belief that Jesus died on a Stake instead of a Cross?

I understand that the Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Jesus died on a Stake (a vertical pole) instead of a Cross. What is the basis—biblical or other—for this belief? Does history and archaeology ...
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Did JWs believe in trinity and immortality of the soul before they got their own Bible?

This is a question about the Bible translation called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) that was produced by Jehovah's Witnesses as a complete Bible first in 1961, and about its ...
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How do Jehovah's Witnesses interpret Jesus' words in Matthew 24:1–34, about the generation that would not pass away before great tribulation?

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the last days started in 1914 because that was the year that the world changed from the start of WW1. The drastic changes from 1914 onward are the sign of the Lord's ...
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11 votes
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Why were Jehovah's Witnesses holding a Memorial Service for Jesus on Tuesday, March 26 2013?

I was approached by two Jehovah's Witnesses who invited me to a memorial service for Jesus to be held on Tuesday, March 26th. The flier they gave me said that this is the anniversary of Jesus' death. ...
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How do Jehovah’s Witness support their belief that Jesus started ruling (invisibly) from heaven in 1914? What has been happening in those 107 years?

I have been asked to write an article on what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe with regard to Jesus’ return or presence in 1914. Here are some quotes from official J.W. sources that I know about: The 2,...
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If according to the Jehovah Witnesses that "there was a time when God was alone," who was with God at John 1:1?

The source for my question is found at the Jehovah Witnesses own web site: The Watchtower : His Origin Was From Early Times: "Since all created things had a beginning, there was a time when God was ...
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How do Jehovahs Witnesses understand Jesus inheritance of Gods name

Hebrews 1:3-4 reads: the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, ...
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe in exorcisms?

Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe in demons and that they can be cast out today? If so, how do they go about casting demons out of a demon-possessed person? Do they have deliverance ministries or ...
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3 votes
3 answers
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All the references where Jesus is offered worship

What are all the references to the instances where where Jesus is offered worship in the Bible? I am raising this question because some of my friends from some specific denomintations believe only ...
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What is the difference between Jehovah's Witnesses and Pentecostals?

What are the dogmatic differences between Jehovah's Witness Churches and Pentecostal Churches? Until recently I thought both churches were one and the same in beliefs.
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What are the main differences between Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses?

Both Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses go from door to door, talking to people about their beliefs. Also neither group accepts the notion of Trinity. What are the main differences between these two ...
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12 votes
4 answers
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Why do Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to pledge allegiance or salute the flag?

I have heard that Jehovah's Witnesses are forbidden to recite the Pledge of Allegiance (to the United States flag) or even to salute it. What is the basis for this prohibition? I'm wondering what ...
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11 votes
2 answers
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What does this reference in the Watchtower Online Library mean?

I found the Jehovah's Witnesses Bible research site (the Watchtower Online Library) and wanted to look up their explanation regarding the year 1914. According to the section highlighted in red on ...
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4 answers
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses maintain 'secret' teachings?

I have heard that within the JW faith, there are additional teachings that converts do not learn until after some time has passed since their inclusion into that group or the convert achieves some ...
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10 votes
4 answers
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What are the Biblical arguments against man having an immortal soul separate from the body?

Belief in an immortal soul seems quite common in Christianity although some denominations do not seem to believe in this. What specific scriptures, and scriptural arguments, are used by those that do ...
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2 answers
933 views

Jehovah's Witnesses claim Jerusalem was destroyed in 607 BCE. What is the evidence?

The usual date given for the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in academic and Christian publications is either 587 BCE or 586 BCE. The Watchtower claims it was destroyed in 607 BCE. This ...
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10 votes
6 answers
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Does "no part of this world" mean no involvement in politics? [closed]

Jesus is reported as having said that his kingdom was "no part of this world", and further of assuring Pontius Pilate that his followers posed no risk to the secular authorities. Given that, ...
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Do any other denominations agree with the Jehovah Witnesses that Satan was cast to earth in 1914?

In my discussion with some Jehovah Witnesses, they claimed 1914 was the year referred to in revelation and that Satan came to earth. According to their belief, this is why from 1914 the world has ...
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2 answers
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe only they will be saved after their organization came into existence?

Are there any statements in JW literature that indicate that they do not dogmatically believe that they are the only channel of God's truth and direction today, or that today, one does not have to be ...
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1 answer
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What are the main differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and Biblical Unitarians?

What are the main differences between the two? I know that both reject the trinity and the divinity of Jesus, but that's about it. I'm particularly interested in knowing their doctrinal differences (...
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7 votes
1 answer
402 views

According to the Jehovah's Witnesses, why was Jesus likely not born in December because of Levite temple service schedule?

This is about a particular reason why it was not likely for Jesus to have been born in December, based on an explanation I remember hearing from a Jehovah's Witness over a decade ago. I know that ...
user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
667 views

Since there is only one God who is not formed then how can the Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that Jesus is a created god?

If there is only one God, how can Jesus be another "god" as taught by the Jehovah's Witnesses? Isaiah quotes Jehovah in Isaiah 43:10-11 the very verse from which the Jehovah's Witnesses ...
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6 votes
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How do the Jehovah's witnesses reconcile Isaiah 44:24 with their belief that Jesus is the only direct creation of God?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, and that it was Jesus who created all other things: Since all created things had a beginning, there was a time when God was ...
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5 votes
2 answers
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What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe about the nature of God?

What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe about the nature of God and, specifically, Jesus? A common Christian belief is that God is One in Three co-equal, co-eternal Persons--the Father, the Son, and the ...
Narnian's user avatar
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5 votes
4 answers
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How trained are the elders in the Jehovah's Witness denomination?

Jehovah's Witnesses are known to have no pastors or priests, because having pastors or priests would go against their theology. Instead, they have "elders". From an outsider's perspective, elders ...
Double U's user avatar
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4 votes
2 answers
366 views

What do Jehovah's Witnesses say about Matthew 16:28?

If Jesus didn't come until 1914 why didn't those surrounding Jesus not experience death until then? [Mat 16:28 KJV] 28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of ...
Ruminator's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
271 views

Have Jehovah's Witnesses ever encountered a demon-possessed person in the mission field or in other contexts?

Many Christians of different denominations have reported encounters with demon-possessed individuals. Catholic exorcists are an obvious example. In the mission field, reports of demonic possessions in ...
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2 votes
3 answers
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The founder of Zion's Watch Tower Charles Taze Russell made the following statements and now directly contradict new information by the organization

One of the statements is from the November 1879 Watch Tower page 48. https://i.stack.imgur.com/8O0Jr.jpg Mr.Russell clearly states that all the angels including Michael are to worship Jesus and I ...
Mr. Bond's user avatar
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2 votes
2 answers
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Would Jehovah’s Witnesses anointed with the Holy Spirit be unable to suffer demonic possession, whilst un-anointed Jehovah's Witnesses could?

Given that barely 1% of all JWs today claim to be anointed with the Holy Spirit and thus have the heavenly calling (Romans 8:15-17), would that indwelling protect them? I speak of demon possession as ...
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2 votes
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Do Jehovah's Witnesses believe in ghosts (or what-ever these may be)?

Here's a bit of a story from my childhood that's related to this question. (Sorry if this is too long but I wanted to explain what I mean.) I grew up in Sweden in a family of Finnish immigrants. ...
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1 vote
2 answers
2k views

Why do JW think other faiths are unbelievers?

Why do JW think other faiths are unbelievers? I have a JW friend and we have always respected each others faiths. I would ask Questions about her faith and she would answer, with out getting it ...
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25 votes
2 answers
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What denominations, besides JWs, hold that the Star of Bethlehem was sent by Satan?

I looked up information about the Star of Bethlehem on Jehovah's Witnesses website and it looks like their point on it was that it was actually created by Satan in an attempt to kill Jesus. Now of ...
user avatar
19 votes
6 answers
3k views

What support is there for the Jehovah’s Witness translation of John 1:1?

Rather than the more traditional “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,” Jehovah’s Witnesses use the New World Translation, which gives John 1:1 as “In the ...
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