Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Jehovah's Witnesses

Lately, I have been seeing quite a few Jehovah's Witnesses walking the streets of Jarabacoa, particularly American Jehovah's Witness "missionaries".  These Americans have moved here in order to target the English-speaking population of Jarabacoa and bring them the information of the JWs.  The funny part about this is that about 98% of the native English-speaking population here are Christian missionaries!

The JWs have started an English service at their hall and have been going around to find English-speaking people in town to invite to their services and share the literature.  One of them in particular has latched on to me.  I met C when she was driving through the neighborhood looking for houses that were for rent.  She stopped to ask me about a house she thought she had seen for rent (turns out it was my house- apparently right before I moved in).  We started talking and I found out she was a JW.  Ever since then, she has made it a point to stop frequently here at the house to give me literature and talk to me about the "Bible" and the "truth". 
Since her visits have become more frequent, I have started researching more about what the JWs actually believe and have discovered how much they truly are a cult.  Let me outline just a few of the beliefs of the JWs that is in contradiction to Christianity.

  • They believe that there is only one God in one person- there is no Trinity.
  • They believe that Jesus was the first creation of God- that He was created, was the first angel, was named Michael, and that Michael (Jesus) helped in the creation of the rest of the universe.
  • They believe that Michael became Jesus when he was born on Earth, that he died on a torchure stake, and that he rose spiritually but not physically.
  • They believe that the Holy Spirit is an impersonal force and not a member of the Trinity (no trinity).
  • They believe that a person must do good works in order to be in favor with Jehovah (God).
  • They believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven.  These specially chosen people will inherit immortal life and live in heaven with Jehovah (God).
  • They believe the rest of the JWs will inherit eternal life and will live on Earth paradise forever.
  • They participate in communion only one time per year and only those who have immortal life can partake.
  • Before a JW can be baptized, they must attend a certain number of classes to learn about the religion and answer questions before a panel of leaders.  These classes are held every day and the JW is encouraged to attend class 5 days a week.
  • The JW bible has been wrongly translated- changed in order to fit the beliefs of the JWs. 
While Jehovah's Witnesses may use the same vocabulary as Christians use, they are not talking about the same thing.  They have been brainwashed by their constant studies to believe that only JWs will live forever.  They have had extensive training on how to speak to non-JWs and how to defend their faith.  Be careful if you encounter a JW.  While they may talk about Jesus and God and the Bible, THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS!