After learning that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not worship Jesus or believe in the Holy Trinity, I was intrigued. The theologian in me began to wonder if this movement was a true religion.
Since one of my co-workers is a Witness, she agreed to help me understand the religious doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
After talking to her, I got the answer to the question: is Jehovah’s Witness a true religion?
Yes, Jehovah’s Witness is a true religion founded on Christianity. However, this group differs in several ways from other Christian groups. For instance, they call God Jehovah, unlike other denominations. They also refute the idea of the Holy Trinity. Witnesses believe that they are among the 144,000 faithful Christians discussed in Revelations 14.
Join me as we learn who Jehovah’s Witnesses are and what the religion represents. Keep reading to learn why they believe they are the only true religion.
What is the Jehovah’s Witness religion?
Jehovah’s Witness is a religion that cropped from Christianity in the 1870s. It broke away from the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. This movement began with one Charle Taze Rusell from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Russel began questioning certain Christian views and holding Bible study sessions with like-minded people to discuss these matters.
These meetings attended by Bible students gave rise to one of the most influential Christian dominations of the 21st century. Jehovah’s Witnesses refer to God as Jehovah.
They do not think Jesus is God, so they refrain from praying to Him. According to this religion, Jesus is God’s son and an agent sent to save humanity from sin.
Witnesses renounce Christian doctrines such as the Holy Trinity. They also prohibit blood transfusions and any contact with blood.
They support these beliefs with scriptures like Leviticus 3:17: “It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.”
Is Jehovah’s Witness the only true religion?
No, Jehovah’s Witness is just one more denomination that was founded on Christian beliefs. Although they believe that the Bible is the word of God, they interpret the contents uniquely compared to every other Christian group.
For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that celebrating Christmas is not supported by scripture. However, the majority of Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth with gifts like the wise men gifted baby Jesus in Matthew 2:1-12.
Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that theirs is the only true religion?
Witnesses share this belief due to the direct translation of Revelations 14:1-4. This scripture states that a select 144,000 righteous believers will be lifted to heaven to become co-rulers in the Kingdom of God .
You see, Jehovah’s Witness believe we are living in the very last days. The Watchtower doctrine teaches that the prophecies in revelations began manifesting in this world in 1914.
According to Witnesses, they are the chosen few who will enter the Kingdom of God and rule with Jesus Christ. They support this claim with Bible verses like John 10:16: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
Jesus talks about “other” sheep, which the Witnesses believe means other religious groups outside of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
How do you know if Jehovah’s Witness is a true religion?
True religion is believed to have certain characteristics. For starters, a true religion must recognize God and His sovereignty. Jehovah’s Witnesses trust in God or Jehovah.
That is why they strive to live lives that they consider pleasing to Jehovah.
Second, Witnesses’ doctrine teaches the value of unconditional love and treating others fairly. A true religion needs to emphasize such matters since the Bible repeatedly talks about it in verses like 1st John 4:16.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.