Jehovah's Witnesses and Fuping County, Shaanxi: Difference between pages

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'''Fuping County''' ([[Chinese character|Chinese:]] 富平县; [[Pinyin]]: Fùpíng Xiàn) is a county in [[Weinan]] City, [[Shaanxi]] Province of [[China]].
{{POV|date=September 2008}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name=Jehovah's Witnesses
| image=Watchtower-brooklyn.jpg
| caption=Watchtower Buildings in Brooklyn, New York
| main_classification=[[Restorationism|Restorationist]]
| orientation = Christian
| polity = [[Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses|Hierarchical]]
| founder = [[Charles Taze Russell]] (founded [[Bible Student movement]])
| founded_date = 1876: Bible Students founded<br/>1931: Adopted name
| founded_place = [[Pennsylvania]] and [[New York]], [[United States|USA]]
| separated_from =
| parent = [[Millerites|Millerite]] and [[Adventism|Adventist]] movements
| merger =
| separations = See ''[[Jehovah's Witnesses splinter groups|Jehovah's Witnesses<br/>splinter groups]]''
| associations =
| area = Worldwide
| congregations = 101,376
| members = 7.6 million
| footnotes = Statistics from ''2008 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses''
}}
{{clearright}}


It's located in center of Shaanxi Province.
'''Jehovah's Witnesses''' are for gay poeple lololololol
| last = Evans
| first = Allan S.
| authorlink =
| coauthors = Riley E. Moynes, Larry Martinello
| title = What man Believes: A study of the World’s Great Faiths
| publisher = McGraw-Hill Ryerson
| date = 1973
| location =
| pages = 424
| url =
| doi =
| id =
| isbn = 0-07-077440-4}}</ref>


Area: 1233 km<sup>2</sup>; Population: 750,000; Postal Code: 711700
The religion has achieved significance through its contributions to medical practice in [[Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions|bloodless surgery]], US & Canadian [[Supreme Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses|constitutional law]] concerning civil liberties and conscientious objection to military service, and an international publishing and [[Watchtower Bible School of Gilead|missionary]] activity.<ref>{{cite book | last = Penton | first = M.J. | authorlink = M.J. Penton | title = Apocalypse Delayed | publisher = University of Toronto Press | year = 1997 | pages = 7 | url = http://books.google.com.au/books?id=38SYXalMLeQC | isbn = 0802079733, 9780802079732}}</ref> The religion's pacifist stance has brought it into conflict with governments which [[conscription|conscript]] male citizens for military service<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL15452518 "Armenia violates Jehovah's Witnesses' rights-Amnesty", Reuters news agency, January 16, 2008]</ref><ref>[http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/country,,AMNESTY,,ERI,,483e27893c,0.html UNHCR report, May 28, 2008]</ref> and activities of Jehovah's Witnesses are banned in some countries.


It comprises 24 towns, 337 administrative villages.
The group has been criticized as authoritarian<ref name=Vancouver>[http://www.rickross.com/reference/jw/jw289.html “Jehovah's Witnesses case heads to B.C. court”, Vancouver Sun, April 1, 2007]</ref> and accused of coercing members to obey doctrines including the ban on blood transfusions.<ref>[http://www.pulsus.com/journals/abstract.jsp?HCtype=Consumer&sCurrPg=journal&jnlKy=5&atlKy=6964&isuKy=460&spage=1&isArt=t& Medical emergencies in children of orthodox Jehovah's Witness families: Three recent legal cases, ethical issues and proposals for management”, by J Guicho and, I Mitchell, Paediatrics & Child Health, Canadian Pediatric Society, December 2006.]</ref> The religion is said to demand unquestioning obedience from members, with the threat of expulsion facing any who fail to comply with, express doubts about, or disagree with, doctrines.<ref name=freedom>{{cite book
| last = Franz
| first = Raymond
| authorlink = Raymond Franz
| coauthors =
| title = In Search of Christian Freedom
| publisher = Commentary Press
| date = 2007
| location = Atlanta
| pages = 754
| url =
| doi =
| id =
| isbn = 0-914675-17-6}}</ref>

==History==
{{See main|History of Jehovah's Witnesses}}

[[Image:Russell Charles Taze 1911 .jpg|left|140px|thumb|[[Charles Taze Russell]] (1852–1916)]]
===Charles Taze Russell and the Bible Students===
In July 1879, [[Charles Taze Russell]] began publishing his own magazine, ''Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence''.<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement.'' (p.18) Routledge.</ref><ref>Online copies of ''The Watch Tower'' from 1879–1916 can be viewed by issue at [http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/Reprints/index.asp] or by article at [http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/links.htm] or in a PDF at [http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/docs/1879–1916_Watch_Tower.pdf]. These are taken from the seven-volume ''Watch Tower Reprints'' published by the Watch Tower Society in 1920 which reprinted all the issues from 1879–1919.</ref> On February 16, 1884, he formed ''Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society'' with W. H. Conley as president and C. T. Russell as secretary and treasurer. <ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|publisher=Watchtower|year=1993|pages=576}}</ref> In 1884, it was incorporated, with Russell as president.<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement.'' (p.18) Routledge.</ref>

===Presidency of Joseph Franklin Rutherford===
Following Russell's death on October 31, 1916, an editorial committee of five was set up to supervise the writing of the ''Watch Tower'' magazine, as set forth in Russell's [[Will (law)|Last Will and Testament]].<ref>{{cite book | title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom | publisher=Watchtower | pages = 64–65}};{{cite web | title=C.T. Russell's Last Will and Testament| url=http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5999.htm}} from the December 1, 1916 ''Watch Tower.'' This editorial committee was requested to not write, or be connected with, any other publications.</ref> On January 6, 1917, [[Joseph Franklin Rutherford]] (also known as "Judge" Rutherford) was elected unopposed as the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.<ref> by George D. Chryssides, paper presented at the 2001 International Conference "The Spiritual Supermarket: Religious Pluralism in the 21st Century", organized by INFORM and CESNUR (London, April 19-22, 2001.</ref> [[Image:Jfrutherford1911.jpg|left|thumb|[[Joseph Franklin Rutherford]] (1869&ndash;1942)]]

A power struggle soon developed between Rutherford &mdash; described as an autocrat who ruled with a rod of iron<ref name=Penton>M James Penton, "Apocalpyse Delayed: The Story of jehovah's Witnesses", University of Toronto Press, 1997, ISBN 0802079733</ref> &mdash; and four of the seven-member Board of Directors of the Society. Matters reached a climax on July 17, 1917 as the book ''The Finished Mystery'' was released to the headquarters staff in Brooklyn.<ref>{{cite book|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=dDQSOQV2RBIC|publisher=Watchtower|title=The Finished Mystery}}, published 1917, was called the seventh volume of ''Studies in the Scriptures''. [http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/docs/The_Finished_Mystery.pdf PDF version of ''The Finished Mystery'']</ref> Rutherford announced to the staff that he was also dismissing the four directors and replacing them with new members, claiming they had not been legally elected.<ref>{{cite book|author=A.H. MacMillan|title=Faith on the March|pages=80|url=http://www.quotedstatements.com/FOTM.pdf|accessdate=2007-10-25|format=PDF}}. The ousted directors disagreed: "...if the directors were not legally elected, neither were the Society's three officers: Rutherford, Pierson, and Van Amburgh. In order to have been chosen officers in January 1917, they would have had to have been legally elected directors. Yet, they had not been, and hence, by Rutherford's own logic, did not hold office legally."—''Apocalypse Delayed'', M. James Penton, p. 52</ref> As a consequence of the leadership controversy, a number of splinter groups formed from the International Bible Students Association. <ref> by George D. Chryssides, paper presented at the 2001 International Conference "The Spiritual Supermarket: Religious Pluralism in the 21st Century", organized by INFORM and CESNUR (London, April 19-22, 2001.</ref>

''The Finished Mystery'' was controversial for its criticism of Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in war.<ref>''The Finished Mystery'' [http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/finishedmystery/fmr16.html pp. 247&ndash;253] [http://books.google.com/books?id=dDQSOQV2RBIC&pg=PA468&dq=editions:OCLC38151368 468] and [http://books.google.com/books?id=dDQSOQV2RBIC&pg=PA474&dq=editions:OCLC38151368 474]. See also [http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/downloads/1917%20Bible%20Students%20Monthly%20-%20Fall%20of%20Babylon.pdf ''The Fall of Babylon''], published in 1917, which contains extracts from ''The Finished Mystery.''</ref> Citing this book, the United States federal government indicted Rutherford and the new board of directors for violation of the [[Espionage Act|''Espionage Act'']] on May 7, 1918. They were found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment. However, in March 1919, the judgment against them was reversed and they were released from prison.<ref>Trial documents: [http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/docs/1918_Rutherford_vs_the_United_States_Trial.pdf ''Rutherford et al. vs. the United States''], [http://www.pastor-russell.com/misc/jfrdoc.html Application for Executive Clemency &ndash; 1919], [http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/downloads/1919_May_14__Appeals_Court_reverses_conviction_of_WT_Directo.pdf Reversal by Appeals Court]</ref> The charges were later dropped.<ref>{{cite book|title=Apocalypse Delayed|author=M.J. Penton|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=38SYXalMLeQC&pg=PA55&lpg=PA55&dq=apocalypse+delayed&sig=9rClKXiom_GcQPMLkgsCyoFYzws|pages=55–56}} {{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|publisher=Watchtower|year=1993|pages=647&ndash;654}} Rutherford gives his defense against the charges in {{cite book|title=Souvenir Report of the Bible Student's Convention (1919)|url=http://cchasson.free.fr/deposit/CR/1919convention.pdf|publisher=Watchtower|pages=62&ndash;63|format=PDF}} and in the tract [http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/tracts/1919_Case_of_the_IBSA.pdf ''The Case of the IBSA'']</ref> Patriotic fervor during World War I fueled persecution of the Bible Students both in America and in Europe,<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Golden Age|title=Distress of Nations: Cause, Warning, Remedy|pages=712–718|year=1920|month=September 29|url=http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/docs/1920_Golden_Age.pdf}}</ref> including mob violence and tarring and feathering.<ref name=Penton/>

===Doctrinal changes under Rutherford's presidency===
At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching.<ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|publisher=Watchtower|year=1993|pages=72-77}}</ref> The period from 1925&ndash;1933 saw many significant changes in doctrine. Attendance at their yearly [[Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses#Memorial of Christ's death|Memorial]] dropped from a high of 90,434 in 1925<ref>{{cite book|title=Your Will Be Done on Earth|publisher=Watchtower|year=1958|pages=337}}</ref> down to 17,380 in 1928,<ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose|publisher=Watchtower|year=1959|pages=313}}</ref> due to the previous power struggle, the failed expectations for the year 1925,and the evolving doctrinal changes which alienated those who sided with Russell's views. <ref>{{cite book|title=Apocalypse Delayed—The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses|author=M. James Penton|pages=61}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://www.pastor-russell.com/legacy/wprd.pdf|title=When Pastor Russell Died|publisher=Dawn Bible Students Association|year=1946|pages=6&ndash;16|format=PDF}} Attendance at the annual Memorial (statistics were published each year in the ''Watch Tower'') shows the growth in the period before 1925. 1919: 17,961, 1922: 32,661, 1923: 42,000, 1924: 62,696, 1925: 90,434. 1926 marked the first decrease: 89,278. There are no published statistics from 1929&ndash;1934. In 1935, Memorial attendance was 63,146.{{cite journal|title=Watchtower|date=August 15, 1996|pages=31}}</ref>

On July 26, 1931, the name ''Jehovah's Witnesses'' was adopted by resolution at a convention in Columbus, Ohio.<ref>{{cite book | last = Penton | first = M.J. | authorlink = M.J. Penton | title = Apocalypse Delayed | publisher = University of Toronto Press | year = 1997 | pages = 62 | url = http://books.google.com.au/books?id=38SYXalMLeQC | isbn = 0802079733, 9780802079732}}</ref> By 1933, the year [[1914]] was seen as the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: pa'rou'si'a), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days" instead of being considered the terminal date in their chronology.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Harp of God|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Fjw3AAAAMAAJ&pg=PA231|year=1921|pages=231–236}} affirms that "the Lord's second presence dates from 1874." {{cite journal|title=Watchtower|pages=71|year=1922|month=March 1|publisher=Watchtower}} and {{cite book|pages=65–66|title=Prophecy|year=1930}} reiterated this position. The eschatological changes during this period are documented in {{cite book|title=Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses|pages=3–37|author=Thomas Daniels|url=http://www.catholic-forum.com/members/popestleo/Historical%20Idealism%20and%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses.pdf|accessdate=2006-02-01|format=PDF}}</ref>
The offices and election of elders and deacons (called "ministerial servants") were also discontinued during this era with all such positions in local congregations being appointed by headquarters.<ref>''Proclaimers'', p. 214. June 15, 1938 ''Watchtower''</ref>Converts to the movement after 1935 were generally identified as those who, if worthy, would survive [[Armageddon]] and live on a paradise earth. Membership before this time was generally composed of those who believed they would be resurrected to live in heaven to rule over the earth with Christ. <ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|publisher=Watchtower|year=1993|pages=84-85}}</ref>

===World War II and more persecution===
[[Hitler]]'s [[Nazi Germany]] persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses and many were imprisoned in [[concentration camps]]. Their identifying [[Nazi concentration camp badges|badge]] was a [[purple triangle]].<ref>See article on the persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses from the {{cite web|title=United States Holocaust Memorial Museum|url=http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/article.php?lang=en&ModuleId=10005394|accessmonthday=February 22 |accessyear=2005}}</ref> In the book, ''Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi Regime'', author Hans Hesse commented, "Some five thousand Jehovah's Witnesses were sent to concentration camps where they alone were 'voluntary prisoners', so termed because the moment they recanted their views, they could be freed. Some lost their lives in the camps, but few renounced their faith."<ref>{{cite book|title=Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi Regime|author=Hans Hesse|url=http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN3861087502&id=mcxD0qxHMO0C&printsec=frontcover|year=2001|pages=10}}</ref> During this time period, Witnesses also experienced mob violence in America and were temporarily banned in Canada and Australia because they were perceived as being against the war effort.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses|author=American Civil Liberties Union|url=http://www.theocraticlibrary.com/downloads/The_Persecution_of_Jehovah's_Witnesses_-_ACLU.pdf|year=1941|pages=1&ndash;24|format=PDF}} {{cite book|title=Visions of Glory|author=[[Barbara Grizzuti Harrison]]|pages=185, 281|year=1978|url=http://www.exjws.net/vg.htm}} {{cite web|title=The Banning of Jehovah's Witnesses in Australia in 1941|url=http://www.tasa.org.au/conferencepapers05/papers%20(pdf)/religion_persian.pdf|author=Jayne Persian|month=December | year=2005|format=PDF}} [http://cchasson.free.fr/deposit/trial/Adelaide%20Company%20of%20Jehovah's%20Witnesses%20Inc%20V%20The%20Commonwealth%20of%20Australia..pdf ''Adelaide Company of Jehovah's Witnesses, Inc. v. The Commonwealth of Australia'']</ref>
{{see also|Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany}}

===Nathan Knorr and reorganization===
On January 13, 1942, [[Nathan H. Knorr|Nathan Homer Knorr]] succeeded Rutherford and was named the third president of the [[Legal instruments of Jehovah's Witnesses|Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society]]. Knorr founded the [[Gilead school|Watchtower Bible School of Gilead]] to train missionaries, as well as the [[Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses#The Theocratic Ministry School|Theocratic Ministry School]] to train preaching and teaching at the congregational level. Significant [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] victories involving the rights of [[Freedom of speech|free speech]] and [[Freedom of religion|religion]] for Jehovah's Witnesses have had a great impact on legal interpretation of these rights for others.<ref>Flynn Patrick J, Writing Their Faith into the Law of the Land: Jehovah's Witnesses, the Supreme Court and the Battle for the Meaning of the Free Exercise Clause, 1939&ndash;1945, Texas Journal on Civil Liberties and Civil Rights, December 1, 2004</ref> In 1943, the United States Supreme Court ruled in [[West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette]] that school children of Jehovah's Witnesses could not be compelled to recite the Pledge of Alliegance. In the United States, over 60 [[Supreme Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses]] have shaped [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment]] law. By 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court had reviewed 71 cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses, two thirds of which were decided in their favor.

[[Image:Casaemcasa.jpg|thumb|left|Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their preaching from house to house]]
Knorr's vice-president [[Frederick W. Franz|Frederick William Franz]] became the leading [[theology|theologian]], and is believed to have been the principal translator of the ''[[New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures]].''<ref>At a trial in Scotland, Fred Franz was asked: "Were you yourself responsible for the translation of the Old Testament?" He replied: "I cannot answer that question." [http://cchasson.free.fr/deposit/trial/Walsh_Trial.pdf Pursuer's Proof: Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh], p. 92.</ref> Since 1942, Witness publications have been produced under a policy of anonymity. Also produced were a Greek-English New Testament interlinear (''The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures'') and a Bible dictionary (''[[Aid to Bible Understanding]]'').<ref>In 1988, the latter was replaced by the two-volume set ''Insight on the Scriptures''.</ref> The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments being made from headquarters.<ref>{{cite book|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom|publisher=Watchtower|pages=106|year=1993}}</ref>

During the 1960s<ref>The year 1975 was first mentioned in 1966. See {{cite journal|title=How Much Longer Will It Be?|journal=''Awake!''|year=1966|month=October 8|pages=17–20|doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3|author=Sniecinski, Roman M.|volume=104}}</ref> and early 1970s, various references were made in Witnesses' literature and at assemblies, implying that Christ's thousand-year millennial reign might begin by 1975.<ref>See [http://www.escapefromwatchtower.com/1975franz.html 1975: 'THE APPROPRIATE TIME FOR GOD TO ACT']. Page 14 of the October 8, 1968 ''Awake!'' demonstrates the disclaimer that was made at the time: "Does this mean that the above evidence positively points to 1975 as the complete end of this system of things? Since the Bible does not specifically state this, no man can say...If the 1970s should see intervention by Jehovah God to bring an end to a corrupt world drifting toward ultimate disintegration, that should surely not surprise us."</ref> The chronology pointing to 1975 was noted in the secular media at the time.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Witnessing the End|year=1969|month=July 18|journal=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,901074–1,00.html|accessdate=2006-09-12}}</ref> From 1975 to 1980, there was a drop in membership following an uneventful 1975.<ref>{{cite book|title=Crisis of Conscience|author=Raymond Franz|chapter=1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act|pages=237–253|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20031209184316/http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/9.pdf|accessdate=2006-07-27|format=PDF}}This drop in membership has been variously analyzed. Richard Singelenberg ([http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/index.php/dates/the-1975-prophecy-and-its-impact-among-dutch-jehovahs-witnesses/ "The '1975'-prophecy and its impact among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses"]) in ''Sociological Analysis'' 50(1)1989, pp 23–40 notes a nine per cent drop in total publishers (door-to-door preachers) and a 38 per cent drop in pioneers (full-time preachers) in the Netherlands. Stark and Iannoccone have analyzed the impact on US Witnesses. {{cite journal|title=The Journal of Contemporary Religion|article=Why the Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application|url=http://www.geocities.com/rogueactivex/JWGrow-O.pdf|year=1997|pages=142–143|format=PDF}} The January 30, 1982 ''Los Angeles Times'' ("Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth" by John Dart, p. B4) cited statistics showing a net increase of publishers worldwide from 1971–1981 of 737,241, while baptisms totaled 1.71 million for the same period.</ref> In 1980, the Watchtower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding the year 1975.<ref>The Watchtower, March 15, 1980, p.17 "With the appearance of the book ''Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God'', ... considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. ... there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. ... ''persons having to do with the publication of the information'' ... contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date."</ref>

===Further reorganization===
In 1976, the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses was reorganized, and the power of the presidency passed on to the [[Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses]] of the Watch Tower Society. After Knorr's death in 1977, the presidents have been [[Frederick William Franz]], [[Milton George Henschel]] and [[Don A. Adams]]. However, since 1976, doctrinal and organizational decisions have been made by the Governing Body and they supervise the writing of Watchtower publications.<ref>''1977 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses'', p. 258</ref>

==Organization==
{{See main|Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses}}

Jehovah's Witnesses have no formal clergy-laity division. All baptized members are ordained ministers and share in the preaching and teaching work. Spiritually mature men in each congregation serve as Elders. A body of Elders supervises each congregation. Guidance and instructions are provided by a multinational governing body made up of longtime Witnesses who currently serve at the international offices of Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn, New York.<ref>Love, C. (2005) ''20 Questions Jehovah's Witnesses Cannot Answer'', (p.22). Xulon Press.</ref>

==Beliefs==
{{main|Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses}}
===Jehovah===
[[Image:YHWH.svg|thumb|right|120px| Also pronounced YAHWEH, the name "Jehovah" is a hybrid rendering of the Biblical [[Hebrew]] letters "yod-hey-vov-hey" (YHWH), the [[Tetragrammaton]] combined with the vowel sounds of adonai.]]

Jehovah's Witnesses give emphasis to the use of [[God]]'s [[Bible|Biblical]] [[name]], the [[Tetragrammaton]], and in English they prefer to use the transliteration [[Jehovah]].<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Cavorting With the Devil: Jehovah’s Witnesses Who Abandon Their Faith'', (Endnote [i]). Published by the Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YL, UK at www.lancs.ac.uk/fass/sociology/papers/holden-cavorting-with-the-devil.pdf</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses see mankind as participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah God and Satan to universal sovereignty.<ref>''The Bible Answers Vital Questions of Our Day'' (November 15, 1999) ''The Watchtower''. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.</ref>

===Jesus Christ===
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that [[Jesus]] was created by Jehovah.<ref>{{cite book|title=Insight on the Scriptures Vol. 2|year=1988|pages=1019}}</ref> Then Jehovah created everything else by means of Jesus.<ref>Jesus Christ—God’s Beloved Son The Watchtower June 1 1988 p. 13 par. 17</ref> While on earth as a human, Jesus performed miracles, but he does not perform them now.<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: portrait of a contemporary movement'', (p.180). Routledge.</ref> The Appendix to the [[New World Translation]] Reference Edition contains one of the drawings by Justus Lipius as the Witnesses' understanding of the instrument of Christ's death, a [[torture stake]]. The New World Translation reads at 1 Peter 3:18 that Christ was made "alive in the spirit."<ref>By comparison, KJV reads "quickened by the Spirit."</ref> Jesus served as a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of mankind.<ref>{{cite book|title=Insight on the Scriptures Vol. e2|publisher=Watchtower|pages=60–61|chapter="His Vital Place in God's Purpose" and "Chief Agent of life"}}</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus and the [[Archangel Michael]] are the same being.<ref>''Angels: how they affect us'' (2006) The Watchtower, January 15. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society<br>"The angel foremost in power and authority is Michael the archangel, or Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Jude 9) Seraphs, cherubs, and other angels are under him."</ref><ref>Russell, C.T. (1877) ''Three Worlds and the Harvest of this World'', (p.107) Published by N.H. Barbour & C.T. Russell: Rochester, NY.<br>"There is not the slightest scriptural ground to oppose the fact that Christ is again present, and that Michael, his assistant, has also again returned to earth."</ref>

===Salvation===

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that salvation from sin is necessary because Jehovah punishes all wickedness, but that everlasting life is possible for those who repent.<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'', (p.84). Routledge.</ref> Their salvation is not experienced as a sudden moment of realisation.<ref>Beckford, (1975) in Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'', (p.60). Routledge. "Jehovah’s witness converts certainly experience no sudden conviction that they have miraculously received God’s grace nor that they attained an immediate assurance of salvation. In fact, very few Witnesses can isolate a particular moment in time as a decisive turning point in their religious or spiritual development: certainly none could remember having an overwhelming religious experience."</ref> Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses have stated that only those serving Jehovah will survive God's judgment of the world.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium|journal=Watchtower|month=September 1|year=1989|pages=19|quote=Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd", as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system now dominated by Satan the Devil. When will that day of judgment come? The bible states in several scriptures that only God himself knows when he will execute his judgment. For an example, see Mathew 24:36&ndash;39, Mark 13:23,33,|doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3|author=Sniecinski, Roman M.|volume=104 }}</ref>
{{Christianity|state=collapsed}}
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus' death was necessary to atone for the sin brought into the world by the first man, [[Adam (Bible)|Adam]], opening the way for the hope of everlasting life for mankind, and that 144,000 anointed Christians will receive immortal life in heaven as co-rulers with Christ, ruling over the rest of mankind during the [[Millennialism|Millennial Reign]]. Witnesses believe that God’s kingdom was established "in heaven with Christ Jesus as King" in [[1914]]<ref>''Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses'' (1975) in Gruss, (2001) ''Jehovah's Witnesses''. Xulon Press.</ref> and that during the war of [[Armageddon]], the wicked will be destroyed<ref>''The Watchtower'' (1945) 1 September (p. 259) in Gruss, E. (2001) ''Jehovah's Witnesses''. Xulon Press.</ref>, while the survivors along with millions of others who will be [[Resurrection of the dead|resurrected]] will form a new earthly society ruled by a heavenly government, with the possibility of living forever in an earthly [[paradise]].<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'' Routledge.</ref> and that all who reject Jehovah and his ways will die at the battle of Armageddon preceding this event.

The vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses expect to live in a renewed paradise on Earth.<ref>{{cite book|title=What Does the Bible Really Teach? |year=2005 |pages=33–36 |publisher=Watchtower}}.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus' first act as King in 1914 was to throw Satan out of heaven. Those of the 144,000 who had already died are believed to have been resurrected as spirit creatures to heavenly life 1918. Since then, any remaining members of the 144,000 who die are believed to be immediately resurrected to heavenly life, based on their understanding of 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. They also teach that it is up to Jesus, and not people, to judge individuals.<ref>[http://www.watchtower.org/e/jt/article_08.htm "Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved?"], ''Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?''</ref> The prospect for small children and the mentally ill is unknown. <ref>{{cite journal | journal = Watchtower | date = 8/15/98 | title = ?? | pages = p. 20 par. 18 | quote = 18 ... 'How will babies and small children be judged? Might it be that a large number of people will not yet have been reached with the good news when Armageddon arrives? One comforting answer to such questions can be found at Matthew 24:14. What about the mentally ill? ... at present we may not know how Jehovah will resolve these issues. He will do so, however, in a righteous and merciful way.}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness|journal=Watchtower|month=August 15|year=1998|pages=20|doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3|author=Sniecinski, Roman M.|volume=104}}</ref>

They believe that after Armageddon, the majority of mankind who have died, both righteous and unrighteous, will be resurrected, with the chance of being judged righteous and living forever in paradise. The resurrected ones have a period of 1000 years to demonstrate obedience. During this period the, 144,000 rule as kings and judges along with Jesus. After the period of 1000 years, Satan and his demons will be given a chance to mislead people again. Then Satan and any who follow him will be destroyed. Thereafter, faithful humans will live forever on earth.<ref>{{cite journal|title="Death Is to Be Brought to Nothing"|journal=Watchtower|month=July 1|year=1998|pages=19–24|doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3|author=Sniecinski, Roman M.|volume=104}}</ref><ref>What Does The Bible Really Teach? p. 214 par. 3 Judgment Day—What Is It? "To live forever, both Armageddon survivors and resurrected ones will have to obey God's commandments, including whatever new requirements Jehovah might reveal during the thousand years. Thus, individuals will be judged on the basis of what they do during Judgment Day"</ref>

===Mortality===
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. They do not believe in any [[Hell]] of fiery torment.. [[Hades in Christianity|Hades]] and [[Sheol]] are understood to be the "common grave".<ref>{{cite journal |title=Is There LIFE After Death? |journal=[[The Watchtower- Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom|The Watchtower]] |month=July 15 |year=2005 |url=http://www.watchtower.org/e/20020715/article_02.htm|accessdate=2008-09-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Hell—Eternal Torture or Common Grave? |journal=[[The Watchtower- Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom|The Watchtower]] |month=April 15 |year=1993 |pages=6 |doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3 |author=Sniecinski, Roman M. |volume=104}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Insight on the Scriptures Vol. 2 |year=1988 |pages=189}}</ref> They consider the [[soul]] to be the living being that expires.<ref>"The...Scriptures show 'soul' to be a person, an animal, or the life that a person or an animal enjoys." {{cite book |title=Insight on the Scriptures Vol. 2 |year=1988 |pages=1004}}</ref> Their hope for life after death involves being resurrected by God, either bodily on earth after Armageddon, or to heaven for the limited number of 144,000.

===Authority of the Bible===
Jehovah's Witnesses consider the entire Bible (following the [[Biblical canon#Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant|Protestant canon]], hence excluding the [[Deuterocanonical|deuterocanonical books]]), to be the inspired word of God, historically and mostly literally true.<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'' (p.23) Routledge.<br>"The exceptions [to literal interpretation] are the recorded visions in the Books of Daniel and Revelation."</ref><ref>They believe the Bible also uses [[symbolism]], [[parable]], [[figure of speech|figures of speech]], and [[poetry|poeticism]]. ''A Book for All People'' (2005) Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.</ref> They do not consider themselves to be fundamentalist.<ref>Watchtower 10/151974 p. 629 "How Are Jehovah's Witnesses Different?" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref><ref>Watchtower 10/15 1977. 618 par. 8 | "Obedience to the Good News a Way of Life" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref><ref>Watchtower 9/1 1994. 6 | "Science, Religion, and the Search for Truth" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref>

Because of the intellectual expounding of their interpretation of the Bible, they have been termed "a rational religion".<ref>Holden, A. (2002) ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement''>. (p.61) Routledge.</ref><ref>Holden, A. (2007) "True to thee 'til death: why Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood" The Journal, 20 November. The Edinburgh Journal Ltd.</ref> The New World Translation reads at John 17:3 that everlasting life depends in part on "taking in knowledge" of God.

Jehovah’s Witness consider their religion the “sole visible channel” of [[Jehovah]], and that the [[Bible]] cannot be understood without the assistance and guidance of what they call “Jehovah’s visible organization”.<ref>Watchtower, October 1, 1967, pages 587, 590, as cited by R. Franz, “In Search of Christian Freedom, chapter 4.</ref>

===Ethics and morality===

[[Image:Jehovas Zeugen Königreichssaal Heimfeld 04.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Jehovah's Witnesses meet in buildings called [[Kingdom Hall]]s, like this one in Germany.]]

Their view of morality reflects conservative Christian values. All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion (''disfellowshipping'') from the group.<ref>Chryssides, G.D. (1999) ''Exploring New Religions'', (p.103). Continuum International Publishing Group</ref> Abortion is considered [[murder]].<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Why Living a Godly Life Brings Happiness|title=Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life|year=1995|pages=118|publisher=Watchtower}}</ref>
Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. [[Gambling]]<ref>{{cite book|title=Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life|publisher=Watchtower|year=1995|pages=120}}</ref>, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are strictly forbidden.

The family structure is [[Patriarchy|patriarchal]]. The husband is considered the final authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be [[Monogamy|monogamous]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=''The Bible's Viewpoint'' What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?|journal=Awake!|month=July 8|year=2004|pages=26}}</ref> Divorce is condemned for any reason other than adultery. Abuse and willful nonsupport of one's family are considered grounds for separation.

===Avoidance of interfaith activity===
The Witnesses contend that the Bible has always condemned the mixing of religions because there can only be one truth from God.<ref>Watchtower 2/1/52 p. 69 Is Interfaith God's Way?"JEHOVAH is a God of truth. He does not compromise with error"</ref><ref>Awake! 11/22/89 p. 22 "this willingness to compromise has become more pronounced because of a growing acceptance of the idea that all "Christian" religions have an inherent God-given unity."</ref> They believe only their religion represents true Christianity and that all other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will be done away with. <ref>''What Does The Bible Really Teach?'' chap. 15 p. 145 par. 3 Worship That God Approves | "3 ... Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is ''not even enough just to claim to be a Christian''. Jesus said: "Not everyone saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will." "</ref> The Witnesses are opposed to 'councils' that unite or combine different religions. <ref>Watchtower 12/15/53 pp. 741&ndash;742 Should the Religions Unite? "While these councils may provide a strong political lobby, or aid in mission work, they have no unity of doctrine, no message for the world, no direction to the kingdom of God as earth's only hope, no counsel for the Christian conscience in the present crisis. They are merely "United Nations" of religions, 'agencies of cooperation' between widely divided denominations, but are not organizations that could bring their members to a unity of correct belief."</ref>

===Holidays===
Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are observed.

Religious holidays such as [[New Year's Day]], [[Halloween]], [[Easter]], and [[Christmas]] are not celebrated, for they regard these as [[pagan]] (non-Christian) in origin and have published information regarding the origins of these and others. Their sources have been varied, drawing upon ''The Encyclopædia Britannica'', ''The Catholic Encyclopedia'', ''The World Book Encyclopedia'', ''The Encyclopedia Americana'', and similar publicly available resources.<ref>http://www.conservapedia.com/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses</ref>

They also refrain from most celebrations that focus on individuals, such as birthdays, referencing scriptures such as Genesis 40:20; Ecclesiastes 7:1, 2; Matthew 14:6; Acts 10:25, 26; 12:21-23; Romans 13:13; Revelation 19:10.<ref>http://www.conservapedia.com/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses</ref>

===Relationship with governments===
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their allegiance belongs to [[Kingdom of God|God's Kingdom]], which is viewed as an actual government. Thus they refrain from saluting the flag of any country or singing nationalistic songs.<ref>{{cite journal|title="Salvation Belongs to Jehovah"|journal=Watchtower|month=September 15|year=2002|pages=21}}</ref> They believe that these acts are tantamount to worship. The political neutrality of Jehovah's Witnesses is also expressed by their refusal to participate in military service &ndash; even when it is compulsory &ndash; and by their detachment from secular politics. Voting in political elections is considered compromising their Christian neutrality. However, they believe that they owe the secular authorities their obedience. Members are expected to obey all laws of their native governments, so long as these do not violate God's law.<ref>"Watchtower" 11/15/00 p. 15 par. 18 Christians Find Happiness in Serving "There are many people who claim to worship God, but their worship is really directed to the gods of nationalism, tribalism, wealth, self, or some other deity"</ref><ref>"Watchtower" 2/15/67 p. 115 par. 15 "(Dan. 2:44) "Thus the nationalistic governments on which the various religious systems depend so heavily for support are destined to be crushed by God's heavenly kingdom."</ref> They are instructed to pay all taxes of the country in which they reside, considering the government to be solely responsible for how they are used.<ref>Watchtower 11/1/90 p. 24 par. 5 " … what if part of the tax money is used to finance something we disagree with, such as free abortions, blood banks, or programs that conflict with our neutral views? We still pay all our taxes. It is the authority that must take responsibility for how it uses the tax money."</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=God and Caesar|journal=Watchtower|month=May 1|year=1996|pages=9}}</ref>

===Education===
Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to make their preaching work the top priority in their life. Members who pursue tertiary education are instructed to keep their studies secondary to 'spiritual responsibilities'.<ref>Watchtower 10/1/84 p. 17 par. 10</ref>

Jehovah's Witnesses provide various religious training programs for their members. Some examples are the Theocratic Ministry School (available for everyone), Pioneer Service School, [[Ministerial Training School]], Gilead Missionary School, and others, specifically focused on improving skills for their ministry.

===Blood===
{{main|Jehovah's Witnesses and blood}}

[[Image:Bloedafname Sanquin.jpg|thumb|left|Jehovah's Witnesses most often reject transfusions of whole [[wiktionary:allogeneic|allogeneic]] blood]]
Jehovah's Witnesses are opposed to blood transfusions based on their understanding of how the Bible says blood should be treated.<ref>Penton, M.J. (1997) ''Apocalypse Delayed'' (p. i)</ref> In 1961, accepting a blood transfusion became grounds for expulsion from the religion.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=BMJ|title=Bioethical aspects of the recent changes in the policy of refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses|url=http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1119307|date=January 6, 2001|pages=37–39|pmid=11141155|doi=10.1136/bmj.322.7277.37|author=Muramoto, O.|volume=322}}</ref> They do not accept the threat of death as sufficient to dissuade them from rejecting blood transfusions for themselves or their children.<ref>Bowman, R.M, Beisner, E.C., Ehrenborg, Rev. T. (1995) ''Jehovah's Witnesses'', (p. 13). Zondervan.</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses cite the Biblical precedent that states: <blockquote> “For the holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to ''keep abstaining'' from things sacrificed to idols and ''from blood and from things strangled'' and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper. Good health to you!” (Ac 15:22, 28, 29)</blockquote>

While Jehovah's Witnesses choose not to accept red cells, white cells, platelets or plasma, they may choose to accept fractions made from these components at their own discretion.<ref>[[The Watchtower]], June 15, 2000 p. 30. {{cite journal|author=Sniesinski et al|journal=Anesthesia & Analgesia|title=Coagulopathy After Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Jehovah's Witness Patients: Management of Two Cases Using Fractionated Components and Factor VIIa|url=http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/sniecinski_analgesia2.pdf|month=April | year=2007 | volume = 104 | pages = 763 | doi = 10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->|format=PDF}}</ref><ref>Durable Power of Attorney form, published by [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania]], January 2001 p. 1, "I accept all fractions derived from any primary component of blood." Examples of permitted fractions are: [[Interferon]], [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Immune_Serum_Globulins Immune Serum Globulins] and [[Factor VIII]]; preparations made from [[Hemoglobin]] such as [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Polyheme PolyHeme] and [[Hemopure]]. Examples of permitted procedures involving the medical use of one's own blood include: [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Intraoperative_blood_salvage Cell Salvage], [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Acute_Normovolemic_Hemodilution Hemodilution], [[heart lung machine|Heart-Lung Machine]], [[Dialysis]], [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Epidural_Blood_Patch Epidural Blood Patch], [[Plasmapheresis]], [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Blood_cell_scintigraphy Labeling or Tagging of Blood] and [http://www.noblood.org/wiki/Platelet_Gel Platelet Gel] ([[Autologous]]). See [http://www.aggelia.be/km_nov2006.pdf November 2006 ''Our Kingdom Ministry''], pp. 5–6</ref> If a fraction, "makes up a significant portion of that component" or "carries out the key function of a primary component" it may be objectionable to some but is permissible.<ref>'' Awake!'' August 2006 box on P. 11</ref>

==Practices==
===Proselytization===
Witnesses are perhaps best known for the efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world. They do this mainly by visiting people from house to house.<ref>''Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'', chap. 25 pg. 570" –1993| "House-to-House Preaching —An Identifying Mark" | . © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref><ref>The Watchtower &ndash; May 15, 1981, p. 17. | "Showing Lifesaving Neighbor Love" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref> Free home Bible studies are offered to people having questions or interest in their beliefs. They use their publications, such as ''The Watchtower'', to explain their beliefs. Literature is published in many languages through a wide variety of [[book]]s, [[magazine]]s and other publications, with some publications being available in as many as 410 languages. Witnesses are instructed to devote as much time as possible in preaching activities.

They believe that their preaching work is a form of humanitarian effort by helping people apply Biblical principles to improve their lives, and that their preaching work gives people hope for the future.<ref>The Watchtower &ndash; January 15, 1987, p. 6. | "Social Ministry—How It Affects People" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania</ref><ref>The Watchtower &ndash; July 15, 1971, p. 426. | "How the True Church Helps" | © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania "The most important thing for you, for every individual—including the poor and afflicted—is to enter into a right relationship with God and Christ. To that end the Christian witnesses of Jehovah are sent into the world, not with material bread, which would be only a temporary help, but with spiritual food, the word of life. These words from God will open the way to peace with Him, and at the same time the way to eternal life in God's new order, when there will be plenty for all."</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Watchtower|date=November 1, 1966|pages=647}}</ref> All who qualify are encouraged to participate in the preaching work, but only active ministers are counted as current members.

===Aid work===
Aid work after large natural disasters is considered an important part of their work, though secondary to their preaching effort. Large sums of donated money are used in the affected areas to rebuild communities and provide aid. The focus of relief efforts is primarily on helping fellow members and rebuilding [[Kingdom Hall]]s, but usually, assistance is provided to non-members in need near the area in which they are working.<ref>Awake! 6/8/89 p. 30 From Our Readers "By no means do Jehovah's Witnesses ignore the plight of others when disasters occur. Previous articles have demonstrated how willing Jehovah's Witnesses are to assist their neighbors during such times. See, for example, the article entitled "The Levee Has Broken!" (October 8, 1986) We thus endeavor to "work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10)</ref><ref>Awake! 6/06 p. 19 Heeding the Warnings Made a Difference "This group cares for the Louisiana area, which took the brunt of Hurricane Katrina. Of the 2,700 homes of Witnesses needing repair there, work on 1,119 had been completed by the middle of February, so a huge task was still facing that relief committee. Again, neighbors and families with dire need were also helped."</ref> Examples of relief work include that provided to [[Hutu]] and [[Tutsi]] victims during the [[Rwandan genocide]], to [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]] refugees<ref>{{cite journal|quote=Since 1994, Jehovah's Witnesses in [[Europe]] alone have sent more than 190 tons of food, clothing, medicine, and other relief supplies to the Great Lakes region of Africa to fellow Jehovah's Witnesses|title=Christianity in Action: Amid Turmoil|journal=Watchtower|publisher=Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania|month=January 15|url=http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1998/1/15/|accessdate=2005-12-04|doi=10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3|year=2007|author=Sniecinski, Roman M.|volume=104|pages=763}}</ref>, and after [[Hurricane Katrina]] in the United States of America.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Awake!|month=June|year=2006|pages=14–19}}</ref>

===The Memorial===
Their most important annual event is the commemoration of Jesus' death on behalf of mankind, referred to as the Memorial or The Lord's evening meal. It is held after sundown, on the day corresponding to the date of the Hebrew Passover ([[Nisan]] 14 on the [[Hebrew calendar]]), usually in March or April. It relates to the first full moon, after the spring equinox.<ref>"What Does the Bible Really Teach?", Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania (2005), p. 206.</ref> The event is open to anyone by invitations given out about a month before.

During the event, unleavened bread and wine, emblems symbolizing Jesus' perfect body and shed blood, are passed to each person in attendance though only those members who profess to be of the [[144000#Jehovah.27s_Witnesses|144,000]], also called the anointed remnant, partake of the emblems. The other attendees observe without partaking, as the Witnesses believe that those who partake unworthily of the emblems will be judged by Jehovah.

== Demographics ==
[[Image:JWStats.png|right|thumb|350px|Average Publishers, 1945–2005]]
{{main|Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses}}

Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, though they do not form a large part of the population of any country. [[Brazil]], [[Mexico]], and the [[United States]] are the only countries where the number of active Witness publishers exceeds half a million. As of February 2008, Jehovah's Witnesses have an average of 6.8 million members actively involved in preaching.<ref>To be counted, an individual must be approved as a minister and report at least 15 minutes in the ministry. In 2007, these reports indicated a total of over 1.3 billion hours.</ref> Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 7.0 million.<ref>Yearbooks of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1996–2008.</ref> However, there has been a decline in growth rates, from over 8% per annum in the mid 1970s, to 5% per annum in the mid 1990s, to about 2%&ndash;3% per annum since 1999.<ref>[http://jwfacts.com/index_files/statistics.htm Facts about truth and Jehovah's Witnesses<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Growth rates and activity reports tend to show significant geographical variation.<ref>[http://www.sektes.info/stats-e.htm Statistics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The official published membership statistics only include those who have reported preaching activity. 'Inactive' and disfellowshipped members, and any who have either not been involved in preaching or have not submitted reports, are not included in the reported figures but may be reflected in the attendance at the Witnesses' annual Memorial, with over 17 million attending in 2007.<ref>If Witnesses counted members like other churches, the number of members (1995 data) would then be over 15 million. (See study by Rodney Stark on Jehovah's Witness growth at http://www.geocities.com/rogueactivex/JWGrow-O.pdf and article comparing Mormon and other churches' growth, including the Witnesses, at http://www.sltrib.com/ci_2890645).</ref><!--the first cited website indicates 13 million for 1995 data--> In the United States where the religion’s world headquarters is located, Jehovah’s Witnesses have a very low retention rate among individuals raised in the religion. About one-third of children among Jehovah’s Witnesses still identify themselves with the religion as adults.<ref> U.S.Religious Landscape Survey Religious Affiliation: Diverse and Dynamic, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, February 2008, p. 9, 30</ref>

==Main publications used for teaching==
{{main|List of Jehovah's Witnesses Publications}}
{{Primarysources|section|date=September 2008}}
The publishing arm of Jehovah's Witnesses, known as the [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania]], engages in extensive publication work, with the production of books, brochures, and other media. The most widely spread are:

* ''[[New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures]]'' is a translation of the Bible by the New World Bible Translation Committee, last revised in 1984 in English. It extensively uses the name Jehovah, an English version of the Hebrew [[Tetragrammaton]], also replacing the Greek word for "Lord" some 237 times in the New Testament. It is available in 71 languages. The translators have opted to remain anonymous but others have identified them as being prominent leaders of the movement.<ref>(2004) Crisis of Conscience, 4th, Commentary Press, 56. 0–914675–23–0. {{cite book|title=Visions of Glory|author=Harrison|url=http://www.exjws.net/vg.htm|pages=231}}</ref>

* ''[[The Watchtower]]'' has been published continuously since 1879. Until 2007, ''The Watchtower'' was published twice a month, on the 1st and a 15th of each month. From 2008 onward, a Study Edition typically including five articles for use at the Watchtower Study, is published on the 15th of each month; a separate edition for use in the public ministry is published on the 1st of each month. It is published in 167 languages.

* ''[[Awake!]]'', a general interest magazine, has a wider scope than the ''Watchtower'', publishing articles on science, nature, and geography, usually with a religious slant. Earlier titles for this magazine were ''The Golden Age'' (1919–1937) and ''Consolation'' (1937–1946). Until 2005, ''Awake!'' was published on the 8th and 22nd of each month; from 2006 onwards, one issue is published each month. It is available in 81 languages.

* ''What Does the Bible Really Teach?'' (2005) The official textbook used to conduct Bible studies.<ref>"Our Kingdom Ministry 1/06 p. 1 "The Bible Teach Book—Our Primary Bible Study Aid" … "publishers are encouraged to begin using it immediately to start and conduct Bible studies."</ref>

==Controversy==
{{see main|Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses}}
There have been several controversial issues relating to Jehovah's Witnesses, including: doctrinal differences with mainstream Christianity; their bible translation;<ref>Robert M. Bowman Jr, ''Understanding Jehovah's Witnesses'', (Grand Rapids MI: Baker Book House, 1992); Ankerberg, John and John Weldon, 2003, ''The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses'', accessible from [http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/ATRI-Bible-School/Fall-Bible-School/fall-bible-school-jw-new-world-translation.htm this site], which quotes a number of scholars regarding theological bias of the New World Translation; Samuel Hass stated: "While this work indicates a great deal of effort and thought as well as considerable scholarship, it is to be regretted that religious bias was allowed to colour many passages." ''Journal of Biblical Literature'', December 1955, p. 283.</ref> their views on blood transfusion;<ref>[http://www.ajwrb.org/ Associated Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Blood]</ref> their attitude towards other religions;<ref>Penton, James (1997). ''Apocalypse Delayed''. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.</ref> unfulfilled predictions and changes in doctrine;<ref>Waldeck, Val ''Jehovah's Witnesses: What do they believe?''. Pilgrim Publications SA. ISBN 1-920092-08-0; Buttrey, John M (2004). ''Let No One Mislead You''. iUniverse. ISBN 0-595-30710-8.</ref> cult aspects;<ref>Kane, H.J. (1986) in Bjork, D.E. (1997) ''Unfamiliar Paths: The Challenge of Recognizing the Work of Christ in Strange Clothing : a Case Study from France'', (p.66) William Carey Library. <br>"They regard [evangelical missionaries] as a cult, just as we regard the Mormons, the Moonies, and the Jehovah’s Witnesses."</ref> treatment of apostates;<ref>''In Search Of Christian Freedom'' by [[Raymond Franz]], 2002, and ''In Search of Christian Freedom, pp.374–390 'The Misuse of Disfellowshipping', by [[Raymond Franz]]</ref> and sexual abuse.<ref>Robinson, B.A (2005). [http://www.religioustolerance.org/witness7.htm "Jehovah's Witnesses (WTS) Handling of Child Sexual Abuse Cases"], ''Religious Tolerance.org'' Retrieved Mar 3, 2006.</ref>

<!--== See also == Please keep links in this section relevant to GENERAL issues about JWs.-->

==References==
{{reflist|3}}

==Further reading==
===Books===
<!-- Please discuss any books you wish to add to this list on this article's talk page before adding them. To avoid spam, link creep, and keep the resources in this section of high quality, we want to discuss any external resource inclusion before it is added. Thank you! -->
*''Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses'' by [[James Penton|M. James Penton]]. Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the religion, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. Read selections from: [http://books.google.com/books?ie=UTF-8&hl=en&id=38SYXalMLeQC&pg=PA3&;lpg=PA3&dq=apocalypse+delayed&prev=http://books.google.com/books%3Fq%3Dapocalypse%2Bdelayed%26lr%3D&sig=McaOJ75X4EEbvJHEsbwk4dTYk8o Apocalypse Delayed: the Story of Jehovah's Witnesses] University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3 (Canada, 1998) (Google book search)
* ''Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement'' by Andrew Holden. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon. Publisher: Routledge; 1st edition 2002, ISBN 978–0415266109. 224 pages.
* ''Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom'' (1993) by [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania]]. Official history of the development of the beliefs, practices, and organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses. 750 pages.
* ''A People for His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation'' by Tony Wills, (2006) 2nd edition. (The first edition was published under the pseudonym Timothy White.) He explores the Witnesses' doctrinal growth and shifts and notes schisms from the main body. 300 pages. ISBN 978–1-4303–0100–4 [http://books.google.com/books?id=iTt2EphfPr8C&printsec=frontcover Selections from Google Books]
* ''[[Controversies regarding Jehovah's Witnesses#Books Critical of Jehovah's Witnesses]]


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.fuping.gov.cn/ Official website of Fuping County government]
{{Commons|Category:Jehovah's Witnesses|Jehovah's Witnesses}}
<!-- Please discuss any links you wish to add to this list on this article's talk page before adding them. To avoid spam, link creep, and keep the resources in this section of high quality, we want to discuss any external resource inclusion before it is added. Thank you! -->

===Official sites===
* [http://www.watchtower.org Jehovah's Witnesses: Watchtower Society Official Web Site]
* [http://www.jw-media.org Authorized Site of the Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses]
* [http://www.jw.org/ The Worldwide Association of Jehovah's Witnesses]

===Other sites===
<!-- Please discuss any books you wish to add to this list on this article's talk page before adding them. To avoid spam, link creep, and keep the resources in this section of high quality, we want to discuss any external resource inclusion before it is added. Thank you! -->

*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/witnesses/ BBC Religion: Jehovah's Witnesses]

*[http://www.carm.org/witnesses.htm Jehovah's Witnesses entry at Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry]

*[http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/groups/j/jehovah/ Jehovah's Witnesses entry at Freedom of Mind Resource Center]

*[http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/ Watchtower Documents LLC] &ndash; A collection of historical Watchtower documents.

*[http://www.jwfacts.com/ Facts About Jehovah's Witnesses] &ndash; Evaluation of the claims of Jehovah's Witnesses concerning key topics using Watchtower literature.

*[http://www.jehovah.to/ Jehovah's Witnesses United] &ndash; A collection of information supporting the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society's teachings and its New World Translation bible.

*[http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/index.html Strictly Genteel Theocratic Resources] &ndash; Scans of complete books and booklets from Russell's era to Knorr's.

*[http://www.knocking.org/ 'Knocking'] &ndash; An independently made documentary about Jehovah's Witnesses. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj4cS4n9ZkA Sample Trailer]

*[http://www.tookyware.com/wordlists/e/eec/www/index.html Theocratese Glossary] &ndash; Glossary of terms and [[loaded language]] used by Jehovah's Witnesses.


[[Category:Antitrinitarianism]]
[[Category:County-level divisions of Shaanxi]]
[[Category:Jehovah's Witnesses| ]]
[[Category:Premillennialism]]
[[Category:Restorationism]]


[[fr:Xian de Fuping (Shaanxi)]]
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[[vi:Phú Bình, Vị Nam]]
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[[zh:富平县]]
[[ast:Testigos de Xehová]]
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[[zh-min-nan:Iâ-hô-hoa Kiàn-chèng-jîn]]
[[bi:Ol Wetnes Blong Jeova]]
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[[ceb:Saksi ni Jehova]]
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[[da:Jehovas Vidner]]
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[[fo:Jehova Vitni]]
[[fr:Témoins de Jéhovah]]
[[fur:Testemonis di Jeova]]
[[ko:여호와의 증인]]
[[hr:Jehovini svjedoci]]
[[id:Saksi-Saksi Yehuwa]]
[[ia:Testes de Jehovah]]
[[is:Vottar Jehóva]]
[[it:Testimoni di Geova]]
[[he:עדי יהוה]]
[[kw:Dustunyoryon Yehovah]]
[[kg:Bambangi ya Yehowa]]
[[ku:Şahidên Yahowa]]
[[la:Testes Iehovah]]
[[lv:Jehovas liecinieki]]
[[lt:Jehovos liudytojai]]
[[hu:Jehova Tanúi]]
[[mk:Јеховини сведоци]]
[[ml:യഹോവ സാക്ഷികള്‍]]
[[mi:Nga Kaiwhakaatu o Ihowa]]
[[ms:Saksi-Saksi Yehuwa]]
[[nah:Tlāchixqueh Xehova]]
[[nl:Jehova's getuigen]]
[[ja:エホバの証人]]
[[no:Jehovas vitner]]
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[[pl:Świadkowie Jehowy]]
[[pt:Testemunhas de Jeová]]
[[ro:Organizaţia Religioasă Martorii lui Iehova]]
[[ru:Свидетели Иеговы]]
[[tn:Basupi ba ga Jehova]]
[[simple:Jehovah's Witnesses]]
[[sk:Svedkovia Jehovovi]]
[[sl:Jehovove priče]]
[[sr:Јеховини сведоци]]
[[sh:Jehovini svjedoci]]
[[fi:Jehovan todistajat]]
[[sv:Jehovas vittnen]]
[[vi:Nhân Chứng Giê-hô-va]]
[[tr:Yehova'nın Şahitleri]]
[[uk:Свідки Єгови]]
[[zh:耶和華見證人]]

Revision as of 08:38, 11 October 2008

Fuping County (Chinese: 富平县; Pinyin: Fùpíng Xiàn) is a county in Weinan City, Shaanxi Province of China.

It's located in center of Shaanxi Province.

Area: 1233 km2; Population: 750,000; Postal Code: 711700

It comprises 24 towns, 337 administrative villages.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jehovah%27s_Witnesses&oldid=244534620"