- Jehovah’s Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to God alone, who runs an actual government in heaven.
The people who live below me are Jehovah’s Witnesses and to know that they don’t celebrate even birthdays was really eye-opening. Here are a bunch of others things you didn’t know about Jehovah’s Witnesses.
They don’t believe in military service or saluting the flag.
They don’t believe in the national anthem or voting.
Because they don’t believe in the national anthem, they don’t stand during it, either.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to God alone, who runs an actual government in heaven.
They don’t celebrate holidays that honor people that aren’t Jesus including but not limited to birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day or Halloween.
They also don’t celebrate Easter or Christmas believing
that these customs have Pagan origins.
According to the group, “Christmas is not approved by God” because there is no proof that Jesus was born on December 25th and that the symbols of Christmas, including the lights and the tree, have pagan roots.”
They shun those who go astray, whether they leave the religion of are kicked out they are subjected to an extreme form of shunning. Parents, siblings, and friends are all urged to cut ties.
They are also advised against joining groups or teams outside the faith and are also discouraged from higher education.
The group defends the shunning, again citing the bible. “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”
They limit contact with non-Jehovah’s Witnesses as they are discouraged from having close relationships with people not of the faith. People considered “worldly” are seen as bad influences or “bas associations.”
They don’t accept blood transfusions and they cite the Old and New Testament for the basis of refusing the blood of others. They believe it is God’s will to “abstain from blood” (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10; Deuteronomy 12:23; Acts 15:28,29).
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Satan is real and that he’s here on Earth. They believe that Satan controls the world using religion, government, commercial organizations and the media to mislead and corrupt people. “Since the governments of this world are not under God’s authority, Jehovah’s Witnesses see no reason to adhere or submit themselves to the authorities of the world, including government, the courts and police, especially when laws go against their beliefs,” says André Gagné, Concordia University Theological Studies’ professor.
They believe sins require two witnesses. That is that to Jehovah’s Witnesses within their interpretation of scripture that, in the absence of confession, there must be two material witnesses to a sin for them to be acted upon. Critics say the policy protects accused pedophiles, because there are rarely witnesses to sexual abuse. (The Jehovah’s Witnesses Governing Body insist they “abhor sexual abuse,” do not protect pedophiles and educate followers on protecting children.)
They believe the end is very near and that Armageddon is imminent. The group has previously provided a number of dates for the end of the world as we know it but now instead tell followers, “any day now.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses showcase conflicts, ISIS and natural disasters as signs that we are on the verge of the Apocalypse.
They don’t believe in Hell.
What do you think about all these Jehovah’s Witnesses rules and ways of life? For the rest, go to Things You Didn’t Know About Jehovah’s Witnesses: Part Two.
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