An Examination of The Jehovah’s Witnesses

An Examination of An Examination of The Jehovah’s The Jehovah’s

Witnesses Witnesses

OverviewOverview The Jehovah’s Witnesses have over The Jehovah’s Witnesses have over

6 million followers in 234 Countries.6 million followers in 234 Countries. Their “door to door” witnessing Their “door to door” witnessing

accounts for nearly 1.1 billion man-accounts for nearly 1.1 billion man-hours of labor annually.hours of labor annually.

They have aggressive and They have aggressive and extensive training programs for all extensive training programs for all their members.their members.

They are absolutely convinced that They are absolutely convinced that they are “The Only True Church.”they are “The Only True Church.”

Background of the GroupBackground of the Group Their services are conducted in Their services are conducted in

“Kingdom Halls” generally three “Kingdom Halls” generally three times a week.times a week.

They have no official pastors.They have no official pastors.

Their Headquarters is in Brooklyn, Their Headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York.New York.

Background of the GroupBackground of the Group Their Official name is the Their Official name is the Watchtower Watchtower

Bible and Tract SocietyBible and Tract Society..

They publish an enormous amount of They publish an enormous amount of material including two magazines material including two magazines AWAKE!AWAKE! and and The WatchtowerThe Watchtower..

They have produced their own version They have produced their own version of the Bible: of the Bible: The New World The New World TranslationTranslation..

History of the Jehovah WitnessesHistory of the Jehovah Witnesses

Began as a “Bible Study” led by Began as a “Bible Study” led by Charles Taze Russell in Charles Taze Russell in Allegheny, Pennsylvania (USA) in Allegheny, Pennsylvania (USA) in 1870.1870.

Officially organized in 1884 as Officially organized in 1884 as the the Watchtower Bible and Tract Watchtower Bible and Tract SocietySociety with Russell as the with Russell as the President. important of the six.President. important of the six.

History of the Jehovah WitnessesHistory of the Jehovah Witnesses Since 1884 there have been only six Since 1884 there have been only six

Presidents: Presidents: Charles Taze Russell (1884-1916)Charles Taze Russell (1884-1916) Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1916-42)Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1916-42) Nathan H. Knorr (1942-77)Nathan H. Knorr (1942-77) Frederick William Franz (1977-92)Frederick William Franz (1977-92) Milton G. Henschel (1992-2002)Milton G. Henschel (1992-2002) Don Alden Adams (2002 to present)Don Alden Adams (2002 to present)

Russell and Rutherford are the most Russell and Rutherford are the most important of the six.important of the six.

Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916)Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) Russell came from a wealthy Russell came from a wealthy

family, was a member of the family, was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and Presbyterian Church, and himself a successful himself a successful businessman and writer.businessman and writer.

He began the group in 1884.He began the group in 1884.

He was not trained in either He was not trained in either theology or biblical studies. theology or biblical studies. subsequent leaderssubsequent leaders..

Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916)Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916) His personal life was littered His personal life was littered

with controversies.with controversies.

His theology was largely His theology was largely contained in his six volume contained in his six volume work: work: Studies in the Studies in the ScripturesScriptures..

A significant portion of his A significant portion of his teachings have either been teachings have either been modified or abandoned by modified or abandoned by subsequent leaderssubsequent leaders..

““Judge” Rutherford (1869-1942)Judge” Rutherford (1869-1942) Joseph Rutherford was able Joseph Rutherford was able

to become the President of to become the President of the the Watchtower SocietyWatchtower Society after the death of Russell.after the death of Russell.

There was a significant There was a significant schism between Rutherford schism between Rutherford and others in the group.and others in the group.

Rutherford named his group Rutherford named his group Jehovah’s WitnessesJehovah’s Witnesses in in 1931.1931.

““Judge” Rutherford (1869-1942)Judge” Rutherford (1869-1942) He was a successful attorney and a He was a successful attorney and a

“substitute Judge” in the US “substitute Judge” in the US Circuit Court.Circuit Court.

He continued to practice law, He continued to practice law, arguing 14 cases before the arguing 14 cases before the Supreme Court until just before he Supreme Court until just before he died.died.

Most of the foundational principles Most of the foundational principles of the group were formulated by of the group were formulated by Rutherford, including the “door to Rutherford, including the “door to door” witnessing, and the door” witnessing, and the publication of the publication of the AWAKE!AWAKE! magazine. magazine.

New World Translation of the BibleNew World Translation of the Bible Published in serial form Published in serial form

in the 1950’s and as a in the 1950’s and as a single volume in 1961.single volume in 1961.

The translators names The translators names have never been have never been released and no one has released and no one has ever admitted to being ever admitted to being involved in the project. involved in the project. However, it is known However, it is known that three of the that three of the Watchtower presidents Watchtower presidents were instrumental in the were instrumental in the “translation.”“translation.”

New World Translation of the BibleNew World Translation of the Bible None of those known None of those known

to have worked on the to have worked on the NWT had any training NWT had any training in the Biblical in the Biblical languages, and none of languages, and none of the presidents had a the presidents had a college degree in any college degree in any subject.subject.

In a court hearing In a court hearing Franz was forced to Franz was forced to admit that he could admit that he could not translate a simple not translate a simple passage (Gen 2:4) from passage (Gen 2:4) from Hebrew into English.Hebrew into English.

New World Translation of the BibleNew World Translation of the Bible In English, the style is In English, the style is

often turgid and forced. often turgid and forced. The translation of The translation of important passages is important passages is trumped by their trumped by their doctrinal considerations. doctrinal considerations.

Bruce Metzger, one of the Bruce Metzger, one of the outstanding New outstanding New Testament scholars of Testament scholars of this generation stated this generation stated that they “incorporated that they “incorporated several quite erroneous several quite erroneous renderings of the Greek” renderings of the Greek” into their version.into their version.

What Do They Believe?What Do They Believe? It is perhaps simpler to begin with It is perhaps simpler to begin with

what the Jehovah’s Witnesses DO what the Jehovah’s Witnesses DO NOT believe:NOT believe:

They reject the Doctrine of the They reject the Doctrine of the Trinity.Trinity.

They reject the Deity of Christ and They reject the Deity of Christ and affirm the early heretic Arius, as a affirm the early heretic Arius, as a “Great Christian Leader” and place “Great Christian Leader” and place him in their line of teachers.him in their line of teachers.

What Do They Believe?What Do They Believe? They reject the bodily resurrection They reject the bodily resurrection

of Christ.of Christ.

They reject the personality of The They reject the personality of The Holy Spirit. He is viewed as a Holy Spirit. He is viewed as a “force” or “activating power,” not “force” or “activating power,” not an individual member of the an individual member of the Trinity.Trinity.

They reject the idea of eternal They reject the idea of eternal punishment.punishment.

What Do They Believe?What Do They Believe?Jehovah Is God: The true God is not aJehovah Is God: The true God is not anameless God. His name is Jehovah. Hisnameless God. His name is Jehovah. Hisprincipal attributes are love, wisdom,principal attributes are love, wisdom,justice, and power. God is a "spiritbeing,”justice, and power. God is a "spiritbeing,”invisible and eternal, but has a spiritualinvisible and eternal, but has a spiritualbody and is not omnipresent. The historicbody and is not omnipresent. The historicChristian doctrine of the Trinity is denied.Christian doctrine of the Trinity is denied."The dogma of the Trinity is not found in"The dogma of the Trinity is not found inthe Bible, nor is it in harmony with whatthe Bible, nor is it in harmony with whatthe Bible teaches. It grosslythe Bible teaches. It grosslymisrepresents the true God”misrepresents the true God”Biblical Response: The Bible teaches there is only one God. Biblical Response: The Bible teaches there is only one God.

He was called by several names in the Scripture. He was called by several names in the Scripture. Christians acknowledge that the term "Trinity" is not Christians acknowledge that the term "Trinity" is not found in the Bible. Nonetheless, the doctrine is clearly found in the Bible. Nonetheless, the doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture. The Bible teaches that the One God taught in Scripture. The Bible teaches that the One God exists in the three persons of the Father, Son, and Holy exists in the three persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21- 22; Spirit (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21- 22; 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2).13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2).

What Do They Believe?What Do They Believe?Biblical Response: The Bible teaches Biblical Response: The Bible teaches

there is only one God. He was there is only one God. He was called by several names in the called by several names in the Scripture. Christians acknowledge Scripture. Christians acknowledge that the term "Trinity" is not found that the term "Trinity" is not found in the Bible. Nonetheless, the in the Bible. Nonetheless, the doctrine is clearly taught in doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture. The Bible teaches that Scripture. The Bible teaches that the One God exists in the three the One God exists in the three persons of the Father, Son, and persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. Holy Spirit (see Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21- 22; 13:14; 8:6; 12:4-6; 2 Cor. 1:21- 22; 13:14; 1 Pet. 1:2).1 Pet. 1:2).

Jehovah Witnesses and SalvationJehovah Witnesses and Salvation

The KEY issue with the Jehovah’s The KEY issue with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, or any cult, after their Witnesses, or any cult, after their view of God and Christ, is their view of God and Christ, is their position on the doctrine of salvation.position on the doctrine of salvation.

Jehovah Witnesses and SalvationJehovah Witnesses and Salvation Jehovah Witnesses teach salvation Jehovah Witnesses teach salvation

by works:by works:

““It is for the reward of eternal life It is for the reward of eternal life that every last person on earth that every last person on earth should be working for” should be working for” ((Watchtower 15 Oct 1972Watchtower 15 Oct 1972, p. 492)., p. 492).

Jehovah Witnesses and SalvationJehovah Witnesses and Salvation Jehovah Witnesses teach salvation by Jehovah Witnesses teach salvation by

works:works:

““Jehovah God will justify, declare Jehovah God will justify, declare righteous, on the basis of their own righteous, on the basis of their own merit all perfected humans who merit all perfected humans who have withstood that final, decisive have withstood that final, decisive test of mankind [the release of test of mankind [the release of Satan from bondage after the 1,000-Satan from bondage after the 1,000-year reign of Christ]” (year reign of Christ]” (Life Life Everlasting-In Freedom of the Sons Everlasting-In Freedom of the Sons of Godof God, 1966, p. 400)., 1966, p. 400).

Jehovah Witnesses and SalvationJehovah Witnesses and Salvation Two Classes of Saved People: OnlyTwo Classes of Saved People: Only144,000 faithful elect Jehovah’s witnesses,144,000 faithful elect Jehovah’s witnesses,known as the "Anointed Class” will go toknown as the "Anointed Class” will go toheaven at death to rule with Jesus. Onlyheaven at death to rule with Jesus. Onlythose born since 33 C.E. (A.D.) can be partthose born since 33 C.E. (A.D.) can be partof that number (based on Rev 14:1-3).of that number (based on Rev 14:1-3).Most Jehovah's Witnesses hope to beMost Jehovah's Witnesses hope to beamong the "other sheep" or "great crowd”among the "other sheep" or "great crowd”who will not go to heaven, but, afterwho will not go to heaven, but, afterArmageddon and the millennium, will liveArmageddon and the millennium, will liveforever in Paradise on earth.forever in Paradise on earth.

Biblical Response: The WBTS' doctrine of a duality of saved Biblical Response: The WBTS' doctrine of a duality of saved people is not supported by a careful study of the Scriptures. people is not supported by a careful study of the Scriptures. The Bible makes no distinction of two classes of saved people The Bible makes no distinction of two classes of saved people (see Matt. 5:12; Phil. 3:20). In Revelation 7 and 14, both the (see Matt. 5:12; Phil. 3:20). In Revelation 7 and 14, both the 144,000 and the "great crowd" or "multitude" are "before the 144,000 and the "great crowd" or "multitude" are "before the throne" in heaven. All born-again Christians will live forever throne" in heaven. All born-again Christians will live forever in heaven (see John 3:16; 14:3).in heaven (see John 3:16; 14:3).

Jehovah Witnesses and SalvationJehovah Witnesses and Salvation Two Classes of Saved People:Two Classes of Saved People:

Biblical Response: The WBTS' doctrine Biblical Response: The WBTS' doctrine of a duality of saved people is not of a duality of saved people is not supported by a careful study of the supported by a careful study of the Scriptures. The Bible makes no Scriptures. The Bible makes no distinction of two classes of saved distinction of two classes of saved people (see Matt. 5:12; Phil. 3:20). In people (see Matt. 5:12; Phil. 3:20). In Revelation 7 and 14, both the 144,000 Revelation 7 and 14, both the 144,000 and the "great crowd" or "multitude" and the "great crowd" or "multitude" are "before the throne" in heaven. All are "before the throne" in heaven. All born-again Christians will live forever born-again Christians will live forever in heaven (see John 3:16; 14:3).in heaven (see John 3:16; 14:3).

Some Oddities of Some Oddities of Jehovah Witnesses’ TheologyJehovah Witnesses’ Theology

The Jehovah Witnesses have more The Jehovah Witnesses have more than a few oddities in their theology. than a few oddities in their theology. Items which do not matter as far as Items which do not matter as far as salvation is concerned, but are salvation is concerned, but are interesting:interesting:

Only the best 144,000 Jehovah Only the best 144,000 Jehovah Witnesses Go to Heaven, the rest Witnesses Go to Heaven, the rest remain in a “millennial” earth.remain in a “millennial” earth.

When Jesus went to heaven He When Jesus went to heaven He became who He had previously became who He had previously been, The Archangel Michael. been, The Archangel Michael.


While begun as a “Bible study” the While begun as a “Bible study” the Witnesses believe that only the Witnesses believe that only the organization can correctly organization can correctly interpret the Bible. “the Bible…interpret the Bible. “the Bible…belongs to the Christian belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe how sincerely they may believe they can interpret the Bible” they can interpret the Bible” (Watchtower, 1 Oct 1967, p. 587)(Watchtower, 1 Oct 1967, p. 587)


Biblical Response: All people who haveBiblical Response: All people who haveaccepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord are saved by grace through faith and are bornare saved by grace through faith and are bornagain (see John 3:3-16; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph.again (see John 3:3-16; Rom. 10:9-10; Eph.2:8-9). No single person, church, or religious2:8-9). No single person, church, or religiousOrganization can claim exclusive possession Organization can claim exclusive possession

ofofThe source of salvation or authority to The source of salvation or authority to interpret the Bible. All born-againinterpret the Bible. All born-againChristians are capable of understanding andChristians are capable of understanding andinterpreting the Scriptures through theinterpreting the Scriptures through theillumination of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Tim. illumination of the Holy Spirit (see 2 Tim.

3:16;3:16;John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).John 14:26; 15:26; 2 Pet. 1:20-21).


They teach that Christ returned in They teach that Christ returned in 1914. He is currently administering 1914. He is currently administering His “still invisible kingdom” from His “still invisible kingdom” from Watchtower headquarters in Watchtower headquarters in Brooklyn.Brooklyn.

They teach that to accept a blood They teach that to accept a blood transfusion would cause one to lose transfusion would cause one to lose their salvation.their salvation.

They reject all holidays regardless They reject all holidays regardless of the type. Do not vote, hold of the type. Do not vote, hold political office, serve in the military, political office, serve in the military, salute a national flag.salute a national flag.


In the first edition of the In the first edition of the New New World TranslationWorld Translation, a note explains , a note explains why a particularly Greek phrase why a particularly Greek phrase egw. eimiegw. eimi (John 8:58) as “I have (John 8:58) as “I have been” on the basis of the word been” on the basis of the word being in the “Perfect Indefinite being in the “Perfect Indefinite Tense.” The problem is, there is Tense.” The problem is, there is no such tense in any language. no such tense in any language. The phrase is universally The phrase is universally translated as “I Am.”translated as “I Am.”

Witnessing to WitnessesWitnessing to Witnesses It must be remembered that Jehovah’s It must be remembered that Jehovah’s

Witnesses are highly trained in their Witnesses are highly trained in their doctrines before they go out.doctrines before they go out. They are well versed in their They are well versed in their New New

World TranslationWorld Translation and will use Greek and will use Greek and Hebrew grammatical terminology and Hebrew grammatical terminology although none that I have ever although none that I have ever encountered are trained in either encountered are trained in either language.language.

It also must be remembered that this It also must be remembered that this group is not Christian. A person group is not Christian. A person cannotcannot believe the Witness’ doctrines believe the Witness’ doctrines and be saved.and be saved.

Witnessing to WitnessesWitnessing to Witnesses The Major Issues to emphasize are The Major Issues to emphasize are

the Deity of Christ and Justification the Deity of Christ and Justification by Faith.by Faith.

Demonstrating that your know your Demonstrating that your know your Bible is important.Bible is important.

Do not allow yourself to be side Do not allow yourself to be side tracked by unimportant issues.tracked by unimportant issues.

Be polite and courteous (they are Be polite and courteous (they are taught that unbelievers will taught that unbelievers will persecute and ridicule them).persecute and ridicule them).

Make a deal with them: Allow them Make a deal with them: Allow them to speak for 15 minutes, to speak for 15 minutes, uninterrupted; as long as they will uninterrupted; as long as they will allow you do the same.allow you do the same.

Witnessing to WitnessesWitnessing to Witnesses

Have a clear understanding of your Have a clear understanding of your faith and the Bible.faith and the Bible.

Make a definite plan for the Make a definite plan for the witnessing encounter and take the witnessing encounter and take the initiative.initiative.

Initially, talk about personal concerns Initially, talk about personal concerns to establish a friendly, courteous, and to establish a friendly, courteous, and sincere relationship with the Jehovah's sincere relationship with the Jehovah's Witness. Witness.

Gradually move on to a discussion of Gradually move on to a discussion of theological issues.theological issues.


Be prepared to cite and explain Be prepared to cite and explain specific biblical passages supporting specific biblical passages supporting Christian doctrines.Christian doctrines.

Define your terms clearly and ask the Define your terms clearly and ask the Jehovah's Witness to do so also.Jehovah's Witness to do so also.

Present the basic plan of salvation Present the basic plan of salvation and encourage the Jehovah's Witness and encourage the Jehovah's Witness to make a decision.to make a decision.


Focus the discussion on the primary Focus the discussion on the primary issue of the person and work of Christ. issue of the person and work of Christ. Stress the need for a personal Stress the need for a personal relationship with Him.relationship with Him.Share your personal testimony of Share your personal testimony of God's grace and your faith in Jesus as God's grace and your faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.Savior and Lord.

Pray and trust the Holy Spirit to lead Pray and trust the Holy Spirit to lead you.you.

ReferencesReferencesThe Compact Guide to World Religions, Dean Halverson, General Editor, 1996

Nelson’s Illustrated Guide to Religions, by James Beverley, 2009

So What’s The Difference, by Fritz Ridenour, 2001

Online:www.4truth.netwww.wikipedia.org

www.tms.edu/FacultyDocuments/Jehovah%20Witnesses.ppt