Jehovah’s Witnesses

Big Idea: Jehovah's Witnesses reject core Christian beliefs such as the Trinity and salvation by grace, so Christians should approach them with biblical knowledge and patience.

Key Facts

As of 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses had a total world membership of 4.9 million, referring to themselves as "publishers." The number of adherents may be equally large.

The group's fastest growth areas are in Central and South America, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. It takes, on average, 3,500 hours of evangelistic work for each baptism, including children of Witnesses.

The primary literature distributed includes two magazines: The Watchtower and Awake!, in addition to Bibles and other doctrinal books. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is central to their movement.

There are at least ten splinter religious groups with similar roots. All reject the doctrine of the Trinity and other key tenets of biblical Christianity.

History

Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916), the founder of the movement, was born in Pittsburgh and raised in Presbyterian and Congregational churches. However, he became skeptical of Christianity after struggling to accept the doctrine of hell.

In 1869, Russell attended an Adventist lecture that denied eternal punishment, which reignited his faith. He began a Bible study group and was soon referred to as "pastor." Later, he partnered with Nelson Barbour, who taught that Christ’s second coming had occurred invisibly in 1874. Their partnership dissolved after Barbour’s prophecies failed.

In 1879, Russell launched Zion’s Watch Tower, asserting that Christ's invisible presence began in 1874 and would culminate in 1914. During the 1880s, he established the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, where he held the majority of shares. Russell passed away in 1916, convinced that World War I was Armageddon.

Joseph F. Rutherford (1869–1942), Russell’s successor, became the second president of the Society. He expelled rival leaders and, in 1931, introduced the name "Jehovah’s Witnesses." Under Rutherford’s leadership, the doctrine shifted, teaching that Christ’s invisible presence began in 1914, not 1874.

Nathan Knorr became president in 1942. He created a Governing Body to manage the organization and introduced the anonymously published New World Translation, their own version of the Bible. During the 1960s, speculation about Armageddon occurring in 1975 gained traction, leading to widespread disappointment when it failed to materialize.

Frederick W. Franz (1893–1992) succeeded Knorr in 1977. Known for his theological expertise, Franz encouraged the use of more biblical-sounding language in Watchtower publications. His tenure was marked by internal disputes, culminating in the disfellowshipping of several leaders, including his nephew, Ray Franz.

Practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses abstain from nearly all holidays and celebrations—birthdays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Remembrance Day, New Year’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.

Political involvement is forbidden: no voting, lobbying, office-holding, flag saluting, or even non-combatant military participation.

Theological Beliefs

Authority

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they are the only true religion, led by the Watchtower Society, and consider the New World Translation as the only valid Bible. In contrast, orthodox Christianity teaches that the “one faith” is not confined to a single visible organization. Believers are called to examine all teachings critically (Acts 17:11), recognizing that no leader is beyond question.

Trinity and the Deity of Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses view Jehovah as a singular being, with Jesus as his first creation. Jesus is not considered Almighty God or eternal but is empowered by Jehovah. The holy spirit is viewed as an impersonal “energy” or “force.” Orthodox Christianity affirms the Trinity: Father, Son, and Spirit are fully God. Jesus is eternal and fully divine, and the Holy Spirit is a divine person, not a mere force.

Death, the Soul, and Hell

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that death ends personal existence, denying the existence of an immortal soul or eternal punishment. Orthodox Christianity holds that the soul is immortal, there is conscious existence after death, and eternal punishment awaits the wicked.

Resurrection of Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus was resurrected as a spirit, with his human body destroyed. Christianity teaches that Jesus’ resurrection was bodily—the same body that was crucified was raised in glory.

Salvation

Jehovah's Witnesses categorize people into two groups: the "anointed" (144,000 who will rule in heaven) and the "great crowd" (those who will be resurrected to live on earth). Salvation, in their view, requires faith in Christ and diligent works, with only the anointed considered “born again.” Christianity teaches that all believers are equally “in Christ,” saved by grace through faith, and destined for eternal life.

Christ’s Return

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Christ has been invisibly present since 1914 and will never return bodily. His complete revelation will take place during Armageddon and the Millennium. Orthodox Christianity asserts that Christ will return visibly, personally, and bodily. His reign began with his resurrection and ascension, and he will come again to consummate his kingdom.

Tips on Witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses

Treat them with dignity, remembering they need the Gospel as much as anyone else.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are required to study approximately sixty pages of Watchtower material weekly but only four pages of the Bible. They are strongly discouraged from reading anything outside their approved texts, particularly works by critics or former members.

Gently challenge stereotypes and respect the biblical insights they do hold, while confidently demonstrating your own knowledge of Scripture. Instead of making statements, ask thoughtful questions. Jehovah’s Witnesses often have scripted answers but may not have a wide understanding of the Bible.

Tactfully highlight instances where the Watchtower has been proven wrong, encouraging them to think independently. Always come prepared by doing your research, and don’t shy away from admitting when you don’t have an answer. Follow up with well-prepared, thoughtful responses.

Finally, be patient. Allow them time to reflect, as admitting doubt or error is often a gradual process.