Are Jehovah Witnesses Christians? (What Is the Difference Between Jehovah Witness and Christians?)

As part of our theology studies, we were each assigned a church denomination to present on and I got Jehovah’s Witnesses.

With a lot of rumors and misinformation clouding this Christian group, with some believing they are not Christians, I endeavored to consult with as many members and leaders of this denomination as possible.

I even went on a Jehovah’s Witness mission with some of them.

Using my extensive research, I gave an in-depth presentation to my class and demystified the topic of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their proximity to Christianity.

Based on this extensive research, I wrote this article to teach more people about Jehovah’s Witnesses. So, are Jehovah’s Witnesses Christians?

In this article, you will take a walk with me as I deeply explore the beliefs held by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Using information from Biblical scripture, scholars, and other relevant resources, I will attempt to explain whether or not they are Christians, how they differ from mainstream Christian beliefs, and ways in which they are similar.

Are Jehovah Witness Considered Christians?

Yes, according to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, they identify as Christians. In fact, their very name means “Christians who proclaim the truth about Jehovah.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they are part of the Christian faith because they pray in Jesus’ name (John 15:16), follow the teachings of Christ (1 Peter 2:21), and believe in baptism in the name of Christ.

Despite this, a section of Christians believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses are not part of the religion and they are separate from Christianity.

Murray Campbell, renowned theologian and pastor, states that Jehovah’s Witnesses subscribe to the most basic Christian principles but openly go against well-established doctrines and Biblical teachings.

With the inception of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the late 19^th century and Christianity’s being 2,000 years ago, Campbell thinks this is another great inconsistency.

What Type of Christianity Is Jehovah’s Witness?

According to scholars, Jehovah’s Witness is a part of the millennialist denomination, which originated from the American Adventist movement in the 19^th century.

It was formed by Charles Taze Russel around the 1870s before it spread past the American borders to regions all around the globe.

Contrary to popular belief, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not identify as Protestants despite not believing in the Trinity. They are also not affiliated with other Christian denominations like Catholicism and the Orthodox Church.

Jehovah’s Witnesses’ places of worship are known as ‘Kingdom Halls’ as opposed to ‘churches,’ and they do not have typical sacrament ceremonies such as Holy Communion.

Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses are under the administration of a separate governing body known as The Society, which is a collection of various corporations descended from The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.

What Are the Differences Between Jehovah Witnesses and Christians?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are thought to have starkly different beliefs on important doctrines that are central to the Christian faith. Let us have a look at some of them.

Belief About Salvation

According to Jehovah’s Witness teachings, salvation is achieved by good deeds such as missionary work. It can, therefore, be lost if one does not adhere to religious practices.

On the other hand, Christians believe salvation is achieved by grace given when we declare Jesus Christ as Lord.

Belief About God

In the Jehovah’s Witness faith, it is believed that God is Jehovah alone, and He does not exist as a Trinitarian God like many Christians do.

They follow the doctrine that Jesus Christ is a separate entity from Jehovah although he is His son. Christians, however, acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and God Himself.

Belief About Death and Resurrection of Jesus

Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe Jesus Christ underwent a bodily resurrection. Instead, they think Jesus Christ was resurrected with a new spiritual body three days after His death.

Contrastingly, Christians believe that Jesus Christ was physically resurrected before His ascension.

Belief About the Holy Spirit

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the Holy Spirit is God’s active force but is not God Himself.

Unlike Christians who interpret the Holy Spirit as coequal to God the Father, Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the personality of the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity and view the Spirit as a means by which God interacts with His people.

Belief About the Trinity

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, which many Christians believe in. They only accept one God and not His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ in the Jehovah’s Witness faith, is known as the Son of God but is simultaneously the archangel St. Michael. The concept of the Holy Trinity is a satanic doctrine of apostate Christianity in the Jehovah’s Witness belief system.

Do Jehovah Witness Share the Same Beliefs as Christians?

Yes, both religious groups have a few shared beliefs in spite of their numerous differences. For instance, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians both revere the Bible and see it as God’s inspired writings to His people as noted in John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

In both faiths, the Old and New Testaments are recognized.

Additionally, Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Kingdom of God and Heaven as a spiritual realm where God resides with Jesus Christ and His angels.

This is where the souls of the faithful shall go upon death. Lastly and most importantly, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christians worship the Almighty God, the Creator and God of Abraham and Jesus Christ.