We break down the popular public myths concerning this religious group.
It is common knowledge that Jehovah’s Witnesses is a religious group that a lot of people have misconceptions about.
Pulse Religion looks at the most common ones and offers the truth about them. They include:
Jehovah Witness is a cult
This is a popular opinion that turns out to be a myth. This is actually a religious group. Members identify as Christians, according to the group’s official website.
It reads: “Jehovah’s Witnesses are not a cult. Rather, we are Christians who do our best to follow the example set by Jesus Christ and to live by his teachings.”
They are against science
Quite a large number of people believe that Jehovah’s witnesses reject medical treatment. The reality is that this is not true.
This group is not against science, neither do they refuse medical treatment. They only reject blood transfusions. This is because blood is seen as sacred.
According to the official site, “We seek the best possible medical care for ourselves and our families. When we have health problems, we go to doctors who have skill in providing medical and surgical care without blood.
“We appreciate advancements that have been made in the medical field. In fact, bloodless treatments developed to help Witness patients are now being used to benefit all in the community. In many countries, any patient can now choose to avoid blood-transfusion risks, such as blood-borne diseases, immune-system reactions, and human errors.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses are not allowed to drink or party
This is another myth. The group has no problem with drinking alcohol or even partying.
This belief is based on Psalm 104:15, which says, “Wine to make us happy, olive oil to make us cheerful, and bread to give us strength.”
However, it should be noted that they preach moderation in order to prevent members from getting drunk (See Luke 21:34; 1 Peter 4:3; 1 Timothy 3:8; Titus 2:3 and 1 Corinthians 6:9–11).
Moderation and caution is also recommended when it concerns partying.
Members are advised to avoid R-rated movies, music, and dance moves in order ‘cleanse themselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit’ (See 2 Corinthians 7:1).
This group does not celebrate birthdays and holidays
It is well known that Jehovah’s Witnesses will not be caught marking their birthdays. Their reasons include that the fact that these celebrations have pagan roots and that they were not celebrated by the early Christians.
The official website of the Jehovah’s Witnesses explains:
“Jesus never commanded Christians to celebrate his birth. Rather, he told his disciples to memorialize or remember, his death. (Luke 22:19, 20) Christmas and its customs come from ancient false religions. The same is true of Easter customs, such as the use of eggs and rabbits.
“The early Christians did not celebrate Christmas or Easter, nor do true Christians today. The only two birthday celebrations spoken of in the Bible were held by persons who did not worship Jehovah. (Genesis 40:20–22; Mark 6:21, 22, 24–27) The early Christians did not celebrate birthdays. The custom of celebrating birthdays comes from ancient false religions. True Christians give gifts and have good times together at other times during the year.”
Holidays like Easter, Christmas, Father’s day, Mother’s day, Valentine’s day are also not celebrated because of their pagan origins.
However, the group DOES observe things like wedding anniversaries, bridal showers and the birth of a baby.
Another thing that is celebrated is the “Memorial of Christ’s Death.” This occurs around Easter. This is acknowledged because it was ordained by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper.
Luke 22: 19 says, “And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
NOTE: Gifts are given, accepted and encouraged as long as they do not fall on the above days that have pagan roots.
ALSO READ: 5 churches that don't celebrate Christmas and why
They do not believe in Heaven or hell
The truth is that this group does not believe in the existence of hell. The website states: “People who die pass out of existence. (Psalm 146:4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) They do not suffer in a fiery hell of torment.”
However, they do believe in Heaven, which is seen as a spiritual realm where Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the faithful angels live. This is based on Bible verses like Psalm 103:19–21 and Acts 7:55).
It is important to note that they believe that only 144,000 will be taken to Heaven, where they rule the earth, which is where the rest of humanity will live in good health forever.