Jehovahs WitnessesEdit

Jehovah's Witnesses are a global Christian movement distinguished by distinctive doctrinal interpretations, organized evangelism, and a sober set of lifestyle practices. Emerging in the late 19th century from the Bible Students movement in the United States, the group adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931 to emphasize the use of God's personal name, Jehovah. While sharing roots with broader Protestant and Restorationist currents, they have developed a tightly centralized organizational structure centered on the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and its leadership, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, which oversee doctrine, publishing, and global ministry. The movement publishes its teachings through The Watchtower and Awake!, distributes literature worldwide, and gathers in local congregations at venues called Kingdom Halls.

Adherents are united by distinctive beliefs about the Bible, the nature of God, and the near-term future. They hold the Bible to be the inspired and authoritative word of God, albeit interpreted through their own scholarly and organizational conclusions. A core point of their theology is nontrinitarian monotheism: they worship Jehovah as the one true God and view Jesus as the Son of God, created and subordinate to the Father, not co-equal with God. They believe Jesus provided a ransom sacrifice to redeem faithful humans, and that the Holy Spirit is God’s active force rather than a distinct person. Eschatology emphasizes the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, the restoration of the earth to human paradise, and a testing period in which loyalty to God is demonstrated. The organization teaches that a limited number of faithful believers—often described as the 144,000 anointed ones—will reign with Christ in heaven, while the “great crowd” will live forever on earth.

Key features of their organizational life include a strong emphasis on preaching and literature distribution, a culture of doctrinal unity across language and culture, and a strict moral code. Local congregations, known as Kingdom Halls, meet regularly for Bible study, instruction, and communal worship. The movement operates a worldwide publishing and distribution network, with the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses providing doctrinal direction and administrative oversight. Publication efforts and field ministry are coordinated through the Watch Tower Society's publishing program, which produces The Watchtower and Awake! in dozens of languages. The group’s approach to politics and warfare is notable for its insistence on political neutrality and refusal to participate in nationalistic or military activities, a stance that has shaped interactions with governments in various jurisdictions.

Beliefs and practices

Theology and scripture

Nontrinitarian view of God; Jehovah is the only true God, and Jesus is God’s first creation, the Son, who came to earth for redemption.
The Holy Spirit is viewed as God’s active force rather than a personal divine person.
The Bible is the primary authority, and the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is the version most frequently used in worship and study by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jesus’ death and resurrection are understood as a ransom for humanity, enabling faithful followers to attain eternal life either in heaven (for the anointed) or on earth (for the great crowd).

Eschatology and afterlife

A central expectation is the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, with Christ’s return at a future date demonstrated through ongoing preaching and moral renewal.
The 144,000 who will reign with Christ in heaven are a recurring theme in their teaching, contrasted with the larger number of faithful believers who will live forever on a restored earth.

Worship, publishing, and governance

Worship centers on meetings at Kingdom Halls, with a program of Bible study, exhortation, and instruction.
The organizational structure is highly centralized, with doctrinal matters and publishing policy controlled by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and implemented through regional branches and local congregations.
Major periodicals, notably The Watchtower and Awake!, are used to disseminate doctrine, ethical guidance, and practical instruction for living.

Lifestyle and moral conduct

Adherence to a strict code of conduct, including abstaining from blood transfusions for religious reasons and avoiding procedures that would violate conscience regarding blood.
Emphasis on modesty, sexual morality, and avoidance of materialism; members are encouraged to prioritize spiritual goals over secular pursuits.
Political neutrality and avoidance of participation in patriotic rituals or war-related activity; some legal systems address how this stance interacts with civic duties.
The practice of disfellowshipping (formal disciplinary action) for serious breaches of doctrine or conduct, with shunning by members who remain in the congregation, a practice that has drawn discussion and debate in secular and religious contexts.
Men and women participate in preaching and teaching roles within bounds defined by organizational policy, and education for youth emphasizes moral instruction and devotion to the group's practices.

Evangelism and community life

A hallmark is door-to-door preaching and distribution of literature in local communities, supported by a global network of publishers and volunteers.
The Memorial of Christ’s Death (observed annually) is a central observance and marks a key annual event for congregations.
The community emphasizes brotherly conduct and accountability within congregations, and many adherents dedicate substantial time to outreach, Bible study, and service.

History

Origins and development

The movement traces its roots to 1870s–1880s religious revival and the preaching activities of early Bible Students in the United States, culminating in the formation of the organizational structure associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
The name Jehovah's Witnesses was adopted in 1931 to reflect the emphasis on the use of God’s name and a distinct identity from other Bible student groups. Over the following decades, the hierarchy solidified around a centralized leadership model and a global publishing operation.

Expansion and modernization

The organization expanded rapidly after World War II, building a worldwide network of congregations, publishing centers, and support structures to sustain a growing field ministry.
Changes in governance and policy over time included revisions to child safety practices, publishing guidelines, and how congregations address issues of discipline and accountability. The movement emphasizes doctrinal unity and practical evangelism as sources of stability in diverse cultural settings.

Controversies and debates

The community has faced criticism and legal scrutiny over its handling of allegations of abuse, the interpretation of the two-witness rule in certain cases, and the process by which disciplinary actions are applied within congregations. Critics have argued that internal procedures can hinder independent investigation or reporting, while proponents contend that the organization seeks to uphold spiritual accountability and care within a defined religious framework.
Medical ethics and medical consent have also been points of discussion, particularly regarding the prohibition on blood transfusions for minors and the policies that govern medical decision-making within families. Supporters emphasize religious liberty and parental rights, while opponents highlight potential conflicts with medical best practices in specific cases.
The organization’s political neutrality and avoidance of secular citizenship activities have generated debate in some countries about civic responsibility, while supporters view neutrality as a principled stance that protects religious liberty and prevents sectarian entanglement.