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Jehovah's Witnesses by
This is the first major study of the enigmatic religious society. By examining the Jehovah's Witnesses' dramatic recent expansion, Andrew Holden reveals the dependency of their quasi-totalitarian movement on the physical and cultural resources have brought about the privatization of religion, the erosion of community, and the separation of 'fact' from faith.
The a to Z of Jehovah's Witnesses by
Originating from a small group of Bible students led by Charles Taze Russell in the 1870s, the Watch Tower Society grew into an international society. After Russell's death in 1916, Franklin Rutherford was named his successor and gave the society a new name: "Jehovah's Witnesses." The A to Z of Jehovah's Witnesses shows how World War I & II influenced Watch Tower attitudes to civil government, armed conflict, and medical innovations like blood transfusion, as well as to mainstream churches and the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' door-to-door evangelism. The theme of prophecy, the doctrine of the 144,000, end-time calculations, Armageddon, and the Witnesses' denial of hell are all considered in The A to Z of Jehovah's Witnesses, which contains a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and 250 cross-referenced dictionary entries relating to key people and concepts.
Jehovah's Witnesses have several religious observances that are important to their faith and practices. Here are some of the key ones:
Memorial: The Memorial of Christ's Death is the only annual event that Jehovah's Witnesses celebrate. It commemorates Jesus Christ's death, and it is observed once a year on the evening of Nisan 14 according to the biblical lunar calendar, which typically falls in late March or early April.
Meetings: Jehovah's Witnesses hold regular meetings for worship, study, and fellowship. These meetings usually take place multiple times a week at Kingdom Halls, which are their places of worship. Meetings include the Public Talk, Watchtower Study, and Congregation Bible Study.
Field Service: Jehovah's Witnesses engage in door-to-door preaching and evangelism, known as field service. They believe it is their responsibility to share their faith and the message of the Bible with others. Field service involves distributing literature, engaging in conversations about the Bible, and offering free home Bible studies.
Baptism: Jehovah's Witnesses practice baptism as a symbol of their dedication to God. Individuals who wish to become Jehovah's Witnesses undergo a process of study and examination before being baptized. Baptism is typically performed during a special assembly or convention in the presence of fellow Witnesses.
Assemblies and Conventions: Jehovah's Witnesses hold larger gatherings known as assemblies and conventions throughout the year. These events include talks, demonstrations, and discussions on various aspects of their faith. They provide opportunities for spiritual refreshment, instruction, and fellowship.
Family Worship: Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the importance of family worship and Bible study. Families are encouraged to engage in regular Bible study and discussion together, as well as to participate in spiritual activities such as prayer and singing.
These observances are central to the religious life of Jehovah's Witnesses and play a significant role in their worship, community, and spiritual growth.