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'''Jehovah's Witnesses''' is a religious organization which considers itself [[Christianity|Christian]], but rejects the divinity of [[Jesus Christ]], (while still regarding Jesus as the son of [[God]]). It is headquartered in the United States and legally known as the ''Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.''
'''Jehovah's Witnesses''', a Christian religious organization that is headquartered in the United States and legally known as the ''Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.''
The group originated in the 1870s with a movement called the Bible Students, founded by Charles Taze Russell. They are best known in America for their refusal to pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and for going door-to-door to spread their message. In addition to their use of the Bible, they are known by distributing copies of ''The [[Watchtower]]'' and ''Awake!'' magazines.
The group originated in the 1870s with a movement called the Bible Students, founded by Charles Taze Russell. Beginning in 1870, C.T. Russell organized a Bible class with the goal of directly studying the scriptures without consideration of established creeds. The study process involved raising a question, discussiing the topic and reviewing all related scriptures on the point. After being satisfied with what the Bible stated on a matter, whether or not it agreed with a long-standing theological viewpoint, they would state and record what conclusion was determined.
They do not celebrate holidays that have connections with non-Biblical origins or that serve to exalt individuals, human organizations or national groups, believing them to be an affront to God. Jehovah's Witnesses do observe an annual celebration of the Last Supper, or Lord's Evening Meal (1 Corinthians 11:20). This event, which they refer to as the Memorial of Christ's Death, falls on the night of Nisan 14 which corresponds with the ancient Passover celebration observed by Jews.
They are well known worldwide for their door-to-door preaching which features use of the Bible and distribution of ''The[[Watchtower!]]'' and ''Awake!'' magazine. They do not celebrate holidays that have connections with non-Biblical origins or that serve to exalt individuals, human organizations or national groups, believing them to be an affront to God (see below).
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their faith is the restoration of the early [[Church]].
* Jehovah's Witnesses do observe an annual celebration of the Last Supper, or Lord's Evening Meal (1 Corinthians 11:20). This event, which they refer to as the Memorial of Christ's Death, falls on the night of Nisan 14 which corresponds with the ancient Passover celebration observed by Jews.
Their position of political neutrality has led to their being well known for their refusal to pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America (or other governments) and participation in military service. Jehovah's Witnesses base their position on their understanding of Romans 13:1,5-7; Mark 12:17; and Acts 5:28, 29. Individual Witnesses are expected to be law abiding, tax paying citizens of the country in which they reside.
The group was one of the most heavily persecuted non-Jewish groups during the [[Holocaust]] because of their refusal to serve in the German military. Opposition to the Witnesses has been manifested in recent years in such diverse countries as South Korea, Greece, and various republics of the former Soviet Union including Russia, Georgia and Uzbekistan.
* The group was one of the most heavily persecuted non-Jewish groups during the [[Holocaust]] because of their refusal to serve in the German military. Opposition to the Witnesses has been manifested in recent years in such diverse countries as South Korea, Greece, and various republics of the former Soviet Union including Russia, Georgia and Uzbekistan.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their faith is the restoration of the early [[Church]]. This belief is based on their attempts to align their organizational structure as closely as possible to the example set by the Christian congregation of the first century. There is no clergy-laity distinction as all, male and female members, are considered to be ordained ministers at the time of baptism (note that Witnesses do not practice infant baptism).
Regarding their position on secular holidays, Jehovah's Witnesses reference Christ's words at John 17:16, that his followers would be no part of the world. They also refrain from most celebrations that focus on individuals, such as birthdays, referencing scriptures such as Acts 10:25, 26; 12:21-23; Revelation 19:10.<ref>Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (p. 214) </ref>
Regarding their position on secular holidays, Jehovah's Witnesses reference Christ's words at John 17:16, that his followers would be no part of the world. They also refrain from most celebrations that focus on individuals, such as birthdays, referencing scriptures such as Acts 10:25, 26; 12:21-23; Revelation 19:10.<ref>Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life (p. 214) </ref>
'''Controversy'''
Like an religious movement, Jehovah's Witnesses have had their share of controversy. Nathan H. Knorr (3rd president of the Watchtower Society) acknowledged that no human organization can be infallible, even Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah's Witnesses operate two offical websites:
Jehovah's Witnesses operate two offical websites:
*[http://www.watchtower.org Watchtower.org]
*[http://www.watchtower.org Watchtower.org]
*[http://www.jw-media.org Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses]
*[http://www.jw-media.org Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses]
'''Additional references'''
* ''Faith on the March'' (by A.H. Macmillan, published by Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1957)
[[category:Christianity]]
[[category:Christianity]]