Many people, who may know a little about Christianity, still don’t understand the differences between Christianity and Jehovah’s Witnesses. The two are similar in some ways but they have enough distinctions to differentiate them. To begin with, it must be said that Christianity is much broader in scope, a vast collection of branches based on similar beliefs in the Christian God, Jesus, and their teachings in the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses, on the other hand, represent a distinct religious movement that subscribes to a unique system of belief built upon the observations and interpretations of their founder, Charles Taze Russell.
For Christians, the crux of their religion lies in the belief that Jesus is the son of God, who was sent it to save humanity from its sins. The belief in Jesus is combined with the teachings of Old and New Testament of the Bible. Recognizing Jesus as the son of God is also fundamental to Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, their movement is founded upon more than a thousand years of additional historical and literal explanations, interpretations, and beliefs exclusive to them. This includes their belief in what is called Theocratic Leadership, classifying the Witnesses as a cult-like religion with a hierarchical structure.
Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs are also focused on living out a life dedicated to God. Much like Christians, they believe that living life as God commands is the key to eternal life. But, unlike Christians, they abhor individual interpretation. They have established an authoritative body that provides specific interpretations of scripture and has authority over believers. Their version of the Bible, the New World Translation, is seen as the only authoritative source from which to draw beliefs from. It is much more restrictive than the Christian canon.
Another distinct difference is that Christians believe in the “trinity” or the belief that God exists in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, the Witnesses conceive of God only as the Father and Jesus as the archangel Michael and created being in the same sense as human beings. They do not use the term “trinity” to refer to God because they do not believe he is one being divided into three persons.
Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that the end-times are near and they should prepare for Armageddon, after which they hope to live in paradise. It is only then that Christ will supposedly return to Earth. The Witnesses also refuse to accept blood transfusions, salute the flag, vote, or celebrate holidays like Christmas and Easter. In this sense, many would consider them to be a quite different from other Christians, though other believers are known to abstain from some of these activities too.
Finally, the two religions have some more differences that set them apart. Jehovah Witnesses do not participate in communion and reject the Holy Spirit. One of the most defining distinctions is the Witnesses’ practice of “door-to-door” preaching and evangelizing. This is an activity that Christianity does not officially engage in and is something that further sets the two beliefs apart.
Christianity and the Lord’s Supper
For Christians, the Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament that marks the end of Jesus’ life and the beginning of a life dedicated to Him. It is a remembrance of the Last Supper that Jesus had with His apostles. Wine and bread are used to represent the body and blood of Jesus and Christians often come together in worship to share in the Lord’s Supper. In contrast, Jehovah Witnesses do not practice Communion, rejecting the concept as a memorial of Jesus’ death.
Jehovah’s Witnesses consider this sacrament a pagan tradition, thus to them honoring Jesus means more than merely partaking in Communion. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, faithfulness and dedication to the teachings of Jesus is paramount and subjecting oneself to the power of His soul is what gives Christians their place in the Kingdom of God.
Jehovah Witnesses are taught that Jesus was redeemed from his sins and was made a spirit ruler in heaven. He did not need his body, which was destroyed in death, and therefore could not be remembered in the event of the Lord’s Supper. They explain that it is possible to remember Jesus without the sacraments. They believe they can honor Jesus through a life of service, following the teachings of their faith.
Members of the Jehovah Witness religion also object to the idea of transubstantiation, the concept that the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Jesus and become inseparable from them. Instead, they cling to the belief that the bread and wine are symbols of the death and resurrection of Jesus, without the presence of His body and blood being involved in the ritual.
Tithing And Offering In Christianity And Jehovah’s Witnesses
Tithing and offering are important parts of the Christian faith, and many churches require members to give a portion of their income in the form of tithes or gifts. Such giving is seen as helping spread God’s work in the world and to give back from the blessings He has already given. In most denominations of Christianity, what is given is left to the individual, though in certain sects like Catholicism, tithing is seen as very important and is mandatory for members.
Jehovah’s Witnesses practice is a form of tithing as well that is mandatory for members. This tithing system operates differently than what is practiced in Christianity. The Witnesses have a specific program in which they expect their members to follow. All members of the faith must give a portion of their income to the Kingdom Hall, the observed central institution of their faith. This money is then redistributed to the world headquarters, which provides resources and funds to local congregations.
The Witnesses are expected to tithe a tenth of their income or much more, depending on their financial ability. This tithe is mandatory, though Witnesses are still allowed to give additional money in the form of donations or gifts for their congregations. Unsurprisingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses are required to observe the giving of a tithe, much like those of the Christian faith, though its program is much stricter.
Birthdays, Holidays, And Other Celebrations
Celebrating birthdays and holidays is a staple within Christian culture and is something that many of its member’s partake in. Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving are holidays that are celebrated among many Christians in a variety of ways. This may include gatherings with family and friends, attending services, and engaging in a variety of activities such as carol singing and other festive activities.
In contrast, the celebration of holidays and birthdays are strictly forbidden within the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith. It is an offense to take part in such activities. The Witnesses cite various portions of the Bible which speak against such festivities, specifically identifying pagan origins for the more well-known holidays. Holidays like Christmas and Easter, events the Christian faith in general celebrates, the Witnesses deems as not being worthy of celebrating.
Given their beliefs about the imminent end of the world and the need to remain vigilant, Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that such festivities distract them from doing good works and waste precious time. According to their beliefs, any time devoted to celebration could have been used serving God. The Witnesses instead promote what they call as “Theocratic Nations and Celebrations”. These are commemorations that honor biblical figures and the history of their faith.
Military Service And Voting
Both Christianity and Jehovah’s Witnesses oppose war and the use of violence, though their beliefs on military service, and voting are distinct. Generally, members of the Christian faith are not required to render military service and are usually of the belief that what one chooses to do in regards to military service depends on their personal guidance from the Holy Spirit. Compulsory service is not supported and many churches encourage members to opt for alternate non-military service.
On the other hand, Jehovah’s Witnesses adamantly reject military service and are opposed to political and social activities. The Witnesses believe that the state is controlled by Satan and should be avoided. Any form of political activity, even voting, is strictly forbidden.
Further, Jehovah’s Witnesses are forbidden to support or have any connection to any government body. They are also strongly opposed to nationalism, viewing it as another thing that leads to war and violence. The Witnesses believe that it is each individual’s duty to stand up for what is right and good, not to serve any earthly government or higher power.
Charitable Works
Christians have a strong tradition of offering extra support to society by doing works of charity. Good works and humanitarian help, is something Christians believe to be part and parcel of their faith. Certain churches are extremely active in volunteer work, organizing and encouraging their members to do charitable works. Many Christians give generously to help the poor, the elderly, and the ill, as well as other organizations in need of help.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that service to God is the most important responsibility and any charitable works must first be approved by their Authoritative board. This means that activities to help those less fortunate are still done but there must be an approval from the governing body. For example, a church mission trip must be constitutionally acceptable for a Witness to participate in. They also place heavy emphasis on the idea of community service and good works, as part of their commitment to God.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are instructed to help out their congregations when they are in need. Helping out the brotherhood by providing resources is seen as a high priority by the faith. Social welfare is also taken into account, with most members believing that the responsibility to look out for those who are less fortunate is an indispensable part of their faith.
