Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses are not secretive, their Kingdom Halls and all of their
meetings are open to the public. They have no special rites, other than baptism
and the celebration of the Lord's Evening Meal, also referred to as "The Memorial
of Christ's Death," or The Last Supper, as desribed in the Bible book of Luke 22,
and as commonly depicted in famous works of art with Jesus and his Apostles.
Most anyone can tour the branch facilities of Jehovah' Witnesses in any country,
including the headquarters in Brooklyn, NY. And all are invited to attend their
meetings or assemblies as observers.
Jehovah's Witnesses have been oppossed by totalitarian governements such as
by Hitler and his Nazi party, the USSR and by Communist China. Jehovah's
Witnesses have been banned in close to 30 countries at the present. They do
not get involved in politics or war, and this is one of the reasons they have been
persecuted.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and that he died
for mankind's sins, that there is salvation and forgiveness of sins only through
belief in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus.John 3:16,36. Jehovah's Witnesses
also endeavor to follows Jesus, obeying the commandments that he gave, as found in
the Holy Bible. They believe in the entire Bible, both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:16.17. Although they do not follow the Mosaic Law, the Laws found in what is commonly
referred to as the Torah, they do believe these to be inspired by God, containing
principles that Christians can benefit from. But, as Christians, they follow the
guidelines in the Christian Greek Scriptures, what is commonly referred to as the
New Testament.
While the Governing Body, as of this writing consisting of nine members, does
ultimately bear responsibility in doctrinal matters, Jehovah's Witnesses do not
hold Governing Body members to be prophets, nor do they view any of the former
presidents of the religion to have been prophets, or to be or have been infallible in
doctrine. Jehovah's Witnesses have gradually refined details in their doctrines
over the decades, while holding to the same basic beliefs. Proverbs 4:18.
Art by Pascal Adolphe Dagnan-Bouveret - 1852-1929,
a French Realist. This piece is oil on canvas.
The Last Supper, or the Lord's Evening Meal is the only religious celebration mentioned in
the Bible for Christians, see Luke 22:19-21, and was instituted the night before Jesus was
arrested and killed. Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate this dignified occassion annually and
invite you to attend. In 2010 it will be held on Tuesday, March 30 after sundown.
Over 18 million attended in 2009. See local listings for a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
in your area.
Thank you for visiting.