History
Jehovah’s Witnesses (also known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society) is a religious group that has evolved from several different Christian denominations. It is similar to Christianity, yet there are a few major differences. These differences range from scripture to worship practices, and are an essential part of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society’s identity. Jehovah’s Witnesses were founded in the 19th century in the United States by Charles Taze Russell who sought the truth in Biblical interpretation. He adopted the name, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and wrote a number of religious books and pamphlets which form the basis of their beliefs today.
Scripture and Worship Practices
One major difference between Jehovah Witnesses and Christianity is the interpretation of scripture. Jehovah Witnesses follow the Bible translated and interpreted by their own biblical experts using only the New World Translation. They claim to follow scripture more literally than other denominations, as they consider themselves guardians of the truth. Jehovah Witnesses also differ in terms of worship practices. They meet once a week in special Kingdom Halls, where they sing hymns and prayers and listen to sermons. Unlike Christianity, they do not celebrate traditional Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
Beliefs and Practices
Another key difference between Jehovah Witnesses and Christianity is their beliefs and practices. Jehovah Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ was only a man, and not truly divine as Christianity teaches. They also believe that Armageddon is coming soon, and that only 144,000 faithful will be chosen to go to Heaven, while the rest of mankind will remain on Earth and live in a paradise. This is a major point of divergence between Christianity and Jehovah Witnesses. Christianity teaches that all who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved from damnation and have eternal life.
The Role of the Government
Jehovah Witnesses also differ from Christianity in terms of the role of the government. They believe the government should have limited roles and should not interfere with their lives or choices. This means that Jehovah Witnesses do not generally vote in elections and do not serve on juries. This belief is an important part of their religion and separates them from other religious groups such as Christianity.
Evangelization
Finally, a major difference between Jehovah Witnesses and Christianity is their approach to evangelization. Unlike Christianity which emphasizes missionary work, Jehovah Witnesses encourage converts to study their teachings. They believe that only through a personal study of their literature can someone truly understand and convert to their faith. This method of evangelization encourages those interested in conversion to Jehovah Witnesses to complete an in-depth study of the religion prior to making the decision to become one.
Conclusion
Jehovah Witnesses and Christianity have many similarities, but there are some major differences as well. From their interpretation of scripture to their worship practices and beliefs, Jehovah Witnesses have a unique world view that sets them apart from other religious groups. They also take a different approach to evangelization, in that they encourage potential converts to study their literature before making a commitment. These differences are an important part of the Jehovah Witnesses identity and are an essential part of their faith.
