There are over 1 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in the USA, and there’s a chance you count one as a friend.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses religion, also known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, traces its origin to the teachings of Charles Taze Russell in the late 19th century. Russell developed his own interpretations and founded a Bible study in Pittsburgh, PA. He published various magazines and materials, including what came to be known as “The Watchtower.”
Russell and his teachings had developed a following, and his movement grew significantly into the early 20th century. After Russell’s death, Joseph Franklin Rutherford succeeded him, and the group eventually adopted the name Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931.
As a Christian and a friend, it may be beneficial to ask questions regarding their beliefs, for your own education but also to begin important spiritual discussions about God and salvation. When asking these questions, we must be respectful and loving during these discussions. Even if we disagree with others, God calls us to love our neighbors and work for their good.
Here are 7 essential questions to ask Jehovah’s Witness friends.
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1. “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses understand the nature of Jesus Christ, particularly in relation to his divinity?”
As the person of Christ is central to Christianity, beliefs about Jesus are an important place to begin a dialogue.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ is the first and greatest creation of Jehovah God, and that he is not part of a Trinity. They view Jesus as a mighty spirit creature, similar to the archangel Michael, who was sent by God to fulfill a specific role in salvation history. According to Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus is not God incarnate, but rather a separate and distinct being from God the Father.
However, according to traditional Christian doctrine rooted in the Bible, the nature of Jesus Christ is understood differently. Christians affirm the divinity of Jesus Christ, teaching that he is the eternal Son of God who became incarnate for the salvation of humanity. In John 1:1, it is stated, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This passage emphasizes the divine nature of Jesus Christ and his equality with God the Father.
When discussing the nature of Jesus Christ with a Jehovah's Witness, it's important to acknowledge their beliefs while also respectfully presenting the biblical basis for traditional Christian doctrine. This may involve discussing relevant passages from the Bible, such as John 10:30, where Jesus declares, “I and the Father are one.” Through open dialogue and mutual respect, meaningful conversations about the nature of Jesus Christ can deepen understanding and promote healthy dialogue.
2. “What is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ understanding of salvation? How does it differ from the Christian understanding?”
Since the work of Christ and the Gospel are foundational to mainline Christianity, understanding perspectives on salvation can shed light on both religions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe salvation is achieved through faith in Jehovah God and obedience to his commands as outlined in the Bible. They emphasize the importance of living a morally upright life, engaging in evangelism, and participating in Kingdom Hall meetings and door-to-door ministry. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, salvation is not based on faith alone but requires active participation in the activities and teachings of their faith community.
However, according to traditional Christian doctrine rooted in the Bible, salvation is understood differently. Christians affirm that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” Christians believe that salvation is freely given by God, apart from any merit or effort on the part of the individual. To Christians, obedience follows salvation, flowing from the gift of grace.
Discussing this topic may involve discussing relevant passages from the Bible, such as Romans 10:9-10, which emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in him for salvation. Open dialogue and mutual respect can clarify understanding of these issues.
3. “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Holy Spirit? Do they believe in the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit?”
Another distinction between orthodox Christianity and Watch Tower doctrine hinges upon the Holy Spirit—his person, nature, and role.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Holy Spirit is not a person but rather a force or power that emanates from Jehovah God. They do not believe in the personality or deity of the Holy Spirit, viewing it as a divine energy or influence used by God to accomplish his purposes in the world. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Holy Spirit is not a separate being from God the Father and is not worthy of worship or adoration.
However, according to traditional Christian doctrine, the Holy Spirit is understood differently. Christians affirm the personality and deity of the Holy Spirit, teaching that it is the third person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. The Bible portrays the Holy Spirit as possessing attributes of personality, such as intellect, emotions, and will, and ascribing divine qualities and actions to Him.
A few passages from the Bible may prove relevant to this discussion, such as John 14:26 and Acts 5:3-4, which portray the Holy Spirit as a distinct person who possesses divine attributes and works alongside the Father and the Son.
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4. “What is the Jehovah's Witnesses’ perspective on the Bible? How do they interpret it, and what role does it play in their faith?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses regard the Bible as the inspired word of God and the primary source of authority for their faith and practice. They interpret the Bible using a literalistic approach, emphasizing the importance of adhering strictly to its teachings and commandments. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that their interpretation of the Bible is guided by the Holy Spirit, although not a divine person, and they rely heavily on the publications and teachings of their governing body, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, for doctrinal guidance.
However, according to traditional Christian doctrine rooted in the Bible, the perspective on the Bible is understood differently. Christians also regard the Bible as inspired, however by the person of the Holy Spirit, one member of the Trinity, and Christians regard the Scripture’s authoritative role in faith and practice. But Christians also employ varied approaches to interpretation and study, including historical, literary, and contextual analysis. Christians believe in the importance of studying the Bible diligently, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit in understanding its meaning and application.
These two views seem more closely aligned on the surface, but Jehovah’s Witnesses use a more legalistic and literal approach, often disregarding context or other passages if one of their leaders teaches a different doctrine. For Christians, making sure to discuss and understand other points of view along the way, it’s important to respectfully present the biblical basis for traditional doctrines, often using wider context and the narrative arc for constructive discussion.
5. “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses understand the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ? What are their beliefs regarding the end times?”
A primary and distinctive doctrine for all Christians involves the Second Coming of Christ.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the Second Coming of Christ is a future event that will mark the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. They interpret passages such as Matthew 24 and Revelation as referring to Jesus’ invisible return in 1914, inaugurating a period of judgment and the beginning of the last days. Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus’ presence since 1914 has been marked by significant world events and the preaching of their message of the Kingdom to all nations.
However, according to traditional doctrine rooted in the Bible, the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ is understood differently. Christians affirm the belief in a future, visible return of Jesus Christ to earth, accompanied by the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. The Bible portrays the Second Coming as a climactic event that will bring about the consummation of God’s redemptive purposes and the renewal of all creation, which clearly hasn’t happened yet.
When discussing the doctrine of the Second Coming of Christ and the end times, it’s important to acknowledge their beliefs while also respectfully presenting the biblical basis for traditional Christian doctrine. This may involve discussing relevant passages from the Bible, such as Matthew 24:30 and Revelation 1:7, which depict Jesus’ future return in glory and power, and the resulting effects such as new heaven and earth.
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6. “What does the Kingdom of God mean to Jehovah's Witnesses? How do they believe it will be established?”
Jesus spoke extensively about the Kingdom of God, which is related to the Gospel and Christ’s second coming.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Kingdom of God is a literal government established by Jehovah God in heaven, with Jesus Christ as its reigning king. They interpret passages such as Daniel 2:44 and Revelation 11:15 as prophesying the future establishment of God’s Kingdom, which will rule over the earth and bring about righteousness and peace. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that this Kingdom was inaugurated in 1914, marking the beginning of Jesus' invisible presence and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
However, according to passages from the Scripture, Christians have a somewhat different view. Christians agree in the heavenly kingdom and Jesus’ reign in that sense, but Christians affirm a future, visible reign of Jesus Christ over all creation, accompanied by the restoration of all things and the defeat of evil, something that didn’t happen in 1914. The Bible also portrays the Kingdom of God as a present reality in the hearts of believers and as a future fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
Support for the orthodox Christian doctrine may involve discussing relevant passages from the Bible, such as Matthew 6:10 and Luke 17:20-21, which emphasize the spiritual nature of the Kingdom and its future establishment on earth.
7. “What are Jehovah's Witnesses’ beliefs about life after death? How do they understand concepts such as heaven, hell, and the resurrection?”
A main doctrinal consideration for many Christians deals with what happens after people die.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that death is a state of unconsciousness, with no awareness or activity, and that the soul ceases to exist after physical death. They reject the concept of an immortal soul and believe that the dead are awaiting resurrection. According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the righteous will be resurrected to life on earth during Christ’s millennial reign, while the wicked will be permanently destroyed, ceasing to exist.
However, according to traditional Christian doctrine, Christians teach the existence of an immortal soul and believe in the resurrection of the dead to face judgment. The Bible teaches that the righteous will inherit eternal life in the presence of God in a new body, while the wicked will experience eternal separation from God in a state of punishment, which Christians commonly believe is the place of hell.
Belief in what happens after death connects to doctrines about salvation. Therefore, conversing about the afterlife with dignity and respect can bring more understanding for each. For Christians, this may involve discussing relevant passages from the Bible, such as John 5:28-29 and Revelation 20:11-15, which speak of the resurrection of the dead and the final judgment.
For Christians with friends who are Jehovah’s Witnesses, this becomes an amazing opportunity to show interest in what people believe and how your friend interprets and practices those beliefs. At the same time, Christians can share their own experience and views in a fruitful exchange where at least two people better understand each other, support one another, what they have in common, or perhaps reevaluate beliefs and traditions in their own lives. Again, remember to broach such subjects with love and respect, desiring to deepen friendships instead of winning arguments.
Originally published Monday, 13 May 2024.
