Interestingly, each religious denomination entails various laws and regulations that believers must abide by. Last week, I discussed with my theology students each denomination and the rules in the doctrine.
One of my students expressed her interest in joining the Jehovah’s Witnesses and asked for the specific rules to adhere to. I was interested in using my theological knowledge to provide enough answers about the denomination.
I explained the rules that should be followed to live like a Jehovah’s Witness. I came up with this article for those interested in a deep understanding of the religion.
So, let’s dive into Jehovah’s Witness list of rules believers must follow.
The Bible does not mention specific scriptures which provide a set of rules for the believers. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses have developed a set of rules that should help them remain focused on their righteous path. The rules govern how they live, work, groom, and conduct family worship and traditions.
Join me in this article as I dive deep into explaining some of the rules that should be strictly followed and those that should be avoided.
Please read the article to comprehend the rules and so much more!
What rules are Jehovah’s Witness believers required to follow?
Working and conducting business
Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to engage in employment opportunities that will help them support their families. They should refrain from working in careers that deter them from the righteous path.
The careers include military engagement in working environments where cigarettes, tobacco and alcohol are sold. Jehovah’s Witnesses should refrain from conducting business with non-believers because it will deter them from religious beliefs.
Jehovah’s Witnesses should not prioritize their careers and wealth over participating in spiritual practices like door-to-door evangelism.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to remain honest while working or conducting business. They are discouraged from dishonest activities like stealing and lying to their colleagues and employers.
Grooming
Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to be modest in grooming and presenting themselves in society. Female believers should avoid wearing tight, short and revealing clothes, and all skirts and dresses should strictly remain below the knees.
They are expected to wear respectful clothes during the Kingdom Hall sermons, and their heads should remain covered until the preaching is completed.
Male believers should refrain from growing long, unkempt facial beards. They are expected to dress in modest attires like suits and refrain from adorning any women’s clothing.
All Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from making any tattoos, marks or piercings on any part of their bodies.
They should refrain from physical fights or verbal abuse that will contaminate their clean nature and path to righteousness.
Family Worship
Jehovah’s Witness families should engage in Bible study and family worship led by the father and mother. Parents in the Jehovah’s Witness household must teach children how to conduct family worship.
Parents should ensure that everyone in the household attends the Christian meetings and participates in door-to-door evangelism.
If one of the parents is a non-believer, the remaining parent should ensure that the children are taught in the way of the Jehovah’s Witness doctrines and always be involved in all the worship activities.
Holidays and traditions
Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from celebrating any holidays or following traditions that lead them away from the religious doctrines. Jehovah’s Witnesses should not attend any functions where holidays are being celebrated.
They should not give or receive gifts for birthdays, Easter or Christmas celebrations. Jehovah’s Witnesses should not feast on food and drinks meant for celebrating holidays.
The only traditions that should be followed are those in the Bible and the Jehovah’s Witness religious doctrines.
Most theologians believe Jehovah’s Witnesses should refrain from singing songs meant for specific holidays or traditions.
They should avoid engaging in prayer sessions with other denominations or celebrating any specific holidays.
Education
Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in higher education because it deters the believers from focusing on their responsibilities. They are discouraged from reading educational materials that compromise their faith and beliefs.
They are encouraged to receive education from Jehovah’s Witness believers. Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from engaging in school events and activities like sports or cheerleading.
They are expected to prioritize their Jehovah’s Witness activities over receiving any education. Jehovah’s Witness parents should ensure that the school curriculum includes religion for the students.
They should not be forced to learn about other denominations that provide different beliefs from Jehovah’s Witness that might alter their faith.
Medicine
Jehovah’s Witnesses must think through all medical treatments before receiving them. They should refrain from donating or receiving blood because it contaminates their religious beliefs.
It is suggested that Jehovah’s Witnesses should not concentrate on their health but instead look forward to dedicating their lives to God.
The medicine rules also forbid the Jehovah’s Witnesses from trusting health professionals.
Accommodations
Jehovah’s Witnesses should share their accommodations specifically with other believers. They should live together, engaging in worship and Jehovah’s Witness activities to help them build their faith.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from living with people from the opposite genders within the same accommodation.
People from opposite genders can only live with each other when they are officially married. Jehovah’s Witness doctrines discourage people from divorcing, but they should not live under one accommodation if it happens.
You should live with Jehovah’s Witnesses actively practicing the religion and following its doctrines.
Weddings
Jehovah’s witnesses should officiate their weddings in the Kingdom Hall, presided by the elders.
They should refrain from attending or officiating weddings for non-believers or getting married in other religious institutions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from sending or receiving wedding cards or invitations from non-believers. They are discouraged from marrying non-believers and family members.
Jehovah’s Witnesses should receive gifts from their fellow believers only if they follow the Scriptures.
Funerals
Jehovah’s Witnesses should only attend funeral services for other believers who lived and abided by the doctrines.
They should not send any flowers or condolence cards to the bereaved family but instead, use the opportunity to give them hope into believing that the dead will resurrect on judgment day.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from attending funerals from other denominations or believing in heaven, hell or purgatory.
The Jehovah’s Witness elders are expected to make wise decisions when dealing with suicide victims. They are also discouraged from holding funeral processions from non-Jehovah witness believers.
Courtship and relationships
Jehovah’s Witnesses should have courtship and relationships with other believers to help them unite their faith. They are discouraged from having any intimate relationships before the courtship is formalized.
They are discouraged from being alone with their courtship partners to protect them from falling into sexual temptation.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to increase their faith during courtship to ensure they have the right relationships to lead to a marital union.
Literature and entertainment
Jehovah’s Witnesses should read literature that aligns with their religious doctrines and not deter them from the path. They should engage in entertainment activities that help build their faith and evangelism.
Jehovah’s Witnesses should avoid entertainment that contains sexual content and boxing. They should refrain from attending any entertainment practices, especially when invited by other denominations.
Instead, the Jehovah’s Witnesses are advised to dedicate their entertainment time to engaging in religious activities like door-to-door evangelism.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
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