Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most recognized yet often misunderstood Christian groups in the world.
They’re best known for their door-to-door ministry and distinctive teachings, but few people know how their movement began. It all started in the late 1800s with the Bible Student movement, founded by Charles Taze Russell. Over time, that movement grew and organized under what’s now known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society — often just called the Watchtower Society.
From the beginning, their goal was simple: to study the Bible closely, free from the influence of church creeds and traditions. That independent approach led to beliefs that differ quite a bit from mainstream Christianity — especially when it comes to who God and Jesus are, and what life’s ultimate purpose is.
Even so, Jehovah’s Witnesses are firm that their teachings come straight from Scripture — not human ideas or theological debate.
Today, there are more than eight million Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world. They’re united by their faith, distinctive lifestyle, and a shared commitment to what they believe is true, Bible-based worship.
2. The Core Beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Centrality of Jehovah’s Name
At the heart of Jehovah’s Witness beliefs is the conviction that God’s personal name is Jehovah.
This name comes from the Tetragrammaton — the four Hebrew letters YHWH found in the original Scriptures. Witnesses believe that using God’s name honours Him and shows true worship. For them, calling on Jehovah personally strengthens their relationship with Him as Creator and Sovereign.
Jesus Christ: The Son of God
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son — but not God Himself.
They don’t accept the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one God. Instead, they see Jesus as Jehovah’s first creation — a perfect spirit who came to earth, lived as a man, and gave his life to redeem humanity.
Today, they believe Jesus reigns from heaven as King of God’s Kingdom and will soon bring peace and restoration to the earth.
The Bible and Salvation
Jehovah’s Witnesses rely on the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, a version they believe restores God’s name throughout the Bible.
Their understanding of salvation centres on faith in Jesus, obedience to God’s laws, and a personal role in sharing the “good news” about God’s Kingdom. They also believe that only 144,000 faithful Christians will rule with Christ in heaven, while the rest of obedient humanity will live forever on a paradise earth.
In short, when people ask “What do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe?” — the answer is that they look forward to a restored, peaceful world under God’s perfect rule.
The Daily Life and Lifestyle
Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to live moral, family-centred lives guided by Bible principles.
Their lifestyle reflects values like honesty, modesty, and kindness — not just in words, but in daily choices.
Moral Conduct and Family Life
A typical Jehovah’s Witness home often includes regular family worship, personal Bible reading, and attending meetings several times a week.
They try to avoid anything that conflicts with their moral values — things like gambling, excessive drinking, or entertainment that promotes immorality. In their view, true happiness comes from living clean, balanced lives in harmony with Bible standards.
Political Neutrality and Nonviolence
Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known for their political neutrality.
They don’t vote, run for office, or serve in the military. But this isn’t apathy — it’s a deliberate choice. They believe their loyalty belongs to God’s Kingdom, not to any earthly government.
As they often explain, Jesus said his followers should be “no part of the world.” Remaining neutral, in their eyes, helps them stay true to that command.
Why Jehovah’s Witnesses Don’t Celebrate Holidays or Birthdays
One of the practices that often draws attention — and curiosity — is that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t celebrate birthdays or traditional holidays like Christmas or Easter.
The Biblical Reasoning
Their reason goes back to history and Scripture. Many holidays, they believe, have pagan origins or include customs that go against Bible teachings.
For example, Christmas is not actually based on Jesus’ birth date — instead, it overlaps with ancient Roman festivals. And in the Bible, the only two birthday celebrations mentioned (Genesis 40:20–22; Matthew 14:6–10) both ended with violence.
A Focus on Spiritual Joy
Rather than celebrating certain dates, Witnesses focus on daily gratitude and spiritual milestones.
The one event they do commemorate each year is the Memorial of Christ’s Death, which honours Jesus’ sacrifice. For them, faith isn’t about rituals — it’s about living every day with devotion and purpose.
Inside the Kingdom Hall Worship
Jehovah’s Witnesses meet in buildings called Kingdom Halls, where worship focuses on Bible study and community learning.
Meetings and Worship
Meetings are simple, structured, and open to everyone. There’s no clergy, no collection plate, and no rituals.
Each gathering includes prayers, songs, and discussions based on Bible topics. Elders often lead the sessions, but everyone is encouraged to participate — making it more of a group study than a sermon.
The Preaching Work
Preaching is the heart of their faith.
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus commanded his followers to “preach the good news of the Kingdom,” and they take that literally. Their well-known door-to-door ministry is just one part of it — they also use literature, public stands, and digital tools to share their message.
Beyond preaching, many Witnesses volunteer in disaster relief and humanitarian work, helping people regardless of religion or background.
Common Misconceptions
Because their beliefs differ from many Christian traditions, Jehovah’s Witnesses often face misunderstandings. Let’s clear up a few of the most common ones.
“They Don’t Believe in Jesus”
Quite the opposite — Jehovah’s Witnesses deeply respect Jesus Christ.
They see him as the Savior, King, and perfect example for humanity. While they don’t believe he is Almighty God, they view him as central to God’s purpose and essential for salvation.
“They’re a Cult or Isolated Group”
Jehovah’s Witnesses live and work alongside everyone else.
They’re not socially withdrawn, though they prefer close friendships with people who share their moral values. Labelling them a “cult” oversimplifies what is actually a faith built on voluntary association, peace, and Bible study.
“They Reject Medical Care or Education”
This one’s also false.
Jehovah’s Witnesses do seek medical care, and many pursue higher education and professional careers. While they refuse blood transfusions, their faith encourages responsible decision-making — not blind obedience.
Most Jehovah’s Witness misconceptions stem from misunderstanding rather than fact.
Why People Are Drawn to the Jehovah’s Witness Faith
Many people who join the faith describe finding purpose, peace, and belonging.
Jehovah’s Witnesses offer clear moral guidance, a strong sense of community, and a hope-filled outlook for the future.
A Global Family
Witness congregations often feel like extended families.
Members help each other in times of need, celebrate spiritual milestones, and form friendships that cross cultural and national boundaries. That global unity is one of the faith’s defining features.
Hope and Stability in a Troubled World
In a world filled with uncertainty, the Witness message about God’s Kingdom and a future paradise earth brings comfort.
Their positive outlook, grounded in Scripture, gives many followers emotional strength and stability. For them, being a Witness isn’t just a religion — it’s a complete way of life.
Understanding Without Judgment
You don’t have to share their beliefs to appreciate what makes Jehovah’s Witnesses unique.
Their dedication to their faith, family values, and sense of purpose stand out in a world where many struggle to find direction.
So, the next time a Witness knocks on your door, maybe see them a little differently — not as intruders, but as sincere people trying to share a message they believe can change lives: peace and eternal life through God’s Kingdom.
For more information, you can visit JW.org or check the Encyclopedia Britannica entry on Jehovah’s Witnesses for a balanced overview.
