I`m not a Jehovah's witness, I`m a Christian,and I just curious..And I don`t mean to offend Jehovah's witnesses, I just know nothing about them.Thank you
Religion & Spirituality - 24 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
They must not sell too many cheap brown suits in Russia then, huh.
2 :
We think they are less dangerous than the fundies.
3 :
Go to the source. The official website for Jehovah's Wittnesses is http://watchtower.org/. Also some great information here from their official media outlet about JW's in Russia http://www.jw-media.org/rights/russia.htm
4 :
There is complete religious freedom here in the U.S. All religions are tolerated. The Jehovah's Witnesses are viewed as more of a cult than a religion.
5 :
Wow. I didn't know any country had banned Jehovah witnesses. I think is due to their belief in rejecting blood transfusions, not celebrating any holidays/birthdays, and they don't believe in the Trinity. I'm not Jehovah's witness but I do understand their belief of not participating in Christmas since we don't know the exact date of Jesus's birth, Pope Julius II decreed Christmas will be celebrated on December 25th. Jehovahs consider themselves Christian, they consider their beliefs biblical. You can go to watchtower society to learn more about them. You can also check the link below, they give an unbiased information about Jehovah witnesses.
6 :
Well, in the USA we have the freedom of religion as one of our inaliable rights, and since Jehovah's Witnesses are a religious group, they are allowed to practice their faith freely without persecution.
7 :
There are a lot of hateful people in religion. There are many here. But JWs are legal, have no real problems here. We just don't hang out with mean gripey people who do nothing but look for an argument. If you are interested in Bible versions in the Russian language, we publish the Makarios OT with Russian Orthodox NT in Russian and it is free. There is no cost to our things. I don't know if the Russian language NWT is online at the official site or not, but you can get one of those free as well along with other Bible versions. We print many things. All our stuff is free also. There are no costs, collections, salaries, mandantory tithes, etc. http://www.watchtower.org Many countries ban JWs, but it is not because of our refusal to take blood. It is from our refusal to fight in wars or participate in politics. We will not kill, but love our enemies. Another reason for the banning is churches get on the government to ban us because they don't want their members to be able to talk to us, learn what we know and perhaps leave that faith. Many countries still have required state religions (maybe a Christian faith, maybe Muslim or other....Russian Orthodox and Sunni Muslim I believe share it in Russia now. Russia is against ALL religions that are not those 2. They are doing awful things to Baptists, Catholics, Pentecostals and pretty much anyone else. If you penpal, you can write to me if you want. Debbie
8 :
There's no jehovahs witnesses in russia???? I think I might emigrate.
9 :
" As a dangerous sect? ".... Do they Carry Guns?..Are they trying to acquire Nuclear Weapons, How about Bombs?.. Do they Blow up Buildings?..Dont you see the Hypocrisy? No wonder people are delusional. .....Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.â€â€”Rev. 12:12.
10 :
We have relative freedom in the USA. It did not come without effort. This government operates mostly by the Constitution of laws. Radical people have for the last century tried to avoid those laws and deny freedoms of speech, religion and assembly to US citizens. Over 50 times we have had to go before the highest court in this land to secure these laws of freedom for all the citizens, not just us. Though we have many loud detractors, I doubt any would admit their noise is permitted because of our efforts. LOL! The facts are, in any country we live, we obey all laws of the local governments except those directly in conflict with God's Laws. For the governments, this means lower costs in control of populace. We willingly pay taxes, obey laws, even when no one is looking, and in general cause no trouble for them. At all our assemblies, between 2,000 to 10,000 JWs attend. No need for Police. They only send one or two for appearance. Stadium crews love us as their work load will be light. We clean up after ourselves like true Christians should. Contrast this with a hockey game, when several dumpsters are needed and the cleanup work lasts until the next day. I still remember when I was a kid, I believe it was a quote from a New York cabbie. "Them Jehovah's Witnesses came to town with $10 in one hand and the 10 commandments in the other and never broke either one here!" I hear that Russia is getting better, lightening up on restrictions. This is as it should be as we are no threat. We have nothing to do with political actions for or against. Our hopes are all with God's Kingdom as the solution for the planet's problems. ---------------------------------------------------------------- I should add the reason we have smaller comparative numbers for our assemblies is few places today can hold more people for two or three days. So we have broken us up into many smaller assemblies rather than one giant assembly.
11 :
First, I am a Christian. I recently moved from a major U.S. city (Phila.) In a city (and neighborhood) full of crime and corruption, the Jehovah Witnesses stood out as fine out-standing citizens and as an "oasis" in an otherwise dreary place. I have attended Kingdom Hall as a guest and have many fine friends among them. They were caring and helpful during my Mother's extended illness and eventual passing (2002). They are caring and wonderful, dedicated people: although I personally do not agree with their teachings and interpretations!
12 :
Point of correction, dear questioner. The Witnesses are banned in Moscow, but not "in Russia". Life goes on for the rest of the Witnesses in other parts of Russia. Even the Assembly Hall in Moscow lies under the jurisdiction of St. Petersburg, so it is still open for use by the Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses can still preach openly in Russia and they are experiencing great growth, what with the immigrants from other countries accepting Bible studies as well. Many foreign language congregations have been formed as well. June/July were large district conventions "Follow the Christ!" (Следуйте за ХриÑтом!). In St. Petersburg there was an attendance of 10,380, and if you add all those who listened in by transmission, the total in attendance was 28,000. 167 new ones were added to our ranks (baptised). The highlight of that convention was the release of the complete New World Translation in Russian. Have you visited their branch office at Solnechnoye (Солнечное) in St. Petersburg? If you need more info, feel free to email. Буду рада помочь!!
13 :
My good friend Vot corrected you as you can see. So, I don't know if there is another Russia on the face of this Earth or not but I think you may be wrong. And we are dangerous in NO way ANYWHERE!
14 :
Jehovahs Witnesses are not a cult or a sect. They are Christians who hold to the Bible as the standard for all their beliefs. They are probably outlawed in your country because they present a threat to the Church because Jehovahs Witnesses expose Christendom for the lies and false teachings they preach to their followers. Jehovahs Witnesses worship Jehovah as the only true God and freely speak to others about him and his loving purposes toward mankind. They believe,not that Jesus Christ is part of a Trinity,but that,as the Bible says, he is the Son of God,the first of God's creations;that he had a prehuman existence and that his life was transferred from heaven to the womb of a virgin,Mary; that his perfect human life laid down in sacrifice makes possible salvation to eternal life for those who exercise faith;that Chrsit is actively ruling as King,with God given authority over al lthe earth since 1914. They believe that God's Kingdom is the only hope for mankind;that it wil soon destroy the present wicked system of things,and that it will produce a new system in which righteousness will prevail. They beleive that 144,000 spirit anointed Christians will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom,ruling as kings with him.They do not believe that heaven is the reward for everyone who is "good". They believe that God's original purpsoe for the earth will be fulfilled;that the earth will be completely populated by worshipers of Jehovah and that these will be able to enjoy eternal life in human perfection;that even the dead will be raised to an opportunity to share in these blessings. They believe that the dead are conscious of absolutely nothing;that they are experiencing neither pain nor pleasure in some spirit realm;that they do not exist except in God's memory, so hope for their future life lies in a resurrection from the dead. These are some of the beliefs of Jehovahs Witnesses.All of these beliefs are found in the Bible. What seperates Jehovahs Witnesses from all other so called Christians is the preaching work that Witnesses undertake in obedience to Jesus command found at Matthew 28:19,20.Jesus himself did a similiar work and taught his disciples to do the same.(Acts.20:20,5:42). Jesus also said that his followers would be hated just as he was hated.So it comes as no surprise to us that we are ridiculed and persecuted.
15 :
It's very obvious these people are about themselves, and being right. They thrive on people just like you. Which I would recommend taking full advantage of. They will help you change your life, completely. They will employ you, they will transport you, they will teach you about the great day of God's vengeance. But if you ever decide you don't want to follow their rules, or you want to marry someone who is not a Jehovah's Witness, they will leave you stranded. And if you have Jehovah's Witness children, they will encourage them to limit their time with you. If you are disfellowshipped, they will completely cut off association with you. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sect
16 :
They are free to come and go as they please.
17 :
They are free to practice their religion here in the U.S. but frankly they are a cult. They do NOT believe that Jesus is God and Lord and they lead people astray.
18 :
"Russia—Jehovah's Witnesses Test Religious Freedom": http://www.jw-media.org/rights/russia.htm "The History of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia": http://www.jw-media.org/region/europe/russia/english/prb_who/article_02.htm "Today Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia enjoy their freedom of worship. Currently, there are some 1,100 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses in the territories of the former U.S.S.R." Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians.
19 :
We have Jehovah's Witnesses in California. I have spoken to them on several occasions. They are very nice people. People would tell me not to talk to them because they won't leave you alone after that but I really wasn't in fear of that happening. One day, a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at my door and starting speaking to me about God. I'm a christian and will not slam the door on them. I had a cast on my leg because I had broken my foot so I wasn't going anywhere and had time on my hands. I invited them inside where we spoke for 30-45 minutes. They felt bad because of my broken foot and offered to go get me some groceries. They offered to mow my lawn to help me out. And then they actually offered me some cash to help me get by because of my situation. I didn't take them up on their offer but I was taken back by their generosity. For them to have this much faith in a stranger amazed me even to this day. As they left to visit others, they gave me one of their Bibles to check out and read. I don't know much about them or their religion, but I can say I had a very good experience being around them.
20 :
The preaching of the Kingdom of Jehovah will not be halted. Matt. 28:19,20 "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look I am with you al the days until the conclusion of the system of things." DANGEROUS: Ha Ha, Jehovah's people are like sheep, mild and meek. We are being taught by Jehovah. So although we are not perfect we try with our every being to cultivate the fruits of the spirit. Gal. 5:22 "The fruitage of the spirits is love, joy, peace, Long suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control..." CULT: A cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribe ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. the standards for what is orthodox, however should be God's Word, and Jehovah's Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. their worship is a way of life, not a retual devotion. they neither follow a hhuman nor isolate themselves from the rest of society. they live and work in the midst of other people. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES THE WORLDWIDE CHRISTIAN SOCIETY OF PEOPLE WHO ACTIVELY BEAR WITNESS REGARDING JEHOVAH GOD AND HIS PURPOSES AFFECTING MANKIND. WE BASE OUR BELIEFS SOLELY ON THE BIBLE. WHY ARE WE BAND ? Jesus said: "If they world hates you, you know that it has hated me beofre it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you." (John 15:18,19) The Bible shows that the whole world lies under Satan's control; he is the principal instigator of the persecution. 1John 5:19 ; Rev 12:17 Please visit the one an only offical website of Jehovah's Witnesses at WWW.WATCHTOWER.ORG
21 :
Jehovah's Witnesses are clean respectable citizens in every country they preach in. Many times because of their growth in some countries, prominent religions will seek to ban their activities. More JW's mean less parishioners, means less tithes. In some cases, individual goverments have issues because of mandatory military service. JW's usually say they maintain neutrality, with the exception of Mexico (vs. Malawi) some years ago. More recently, goverments are banning the witnesses because of the percieved fanatical stand toward blood transfusions. I think as a result of possibly losing legal standing in Bulgaria in 1998, the policy was altered to make tranfusions a conscience matter. This was actually double-speek because although you were not DF, the new standard was you disassociated yourself by taking a BT. Purely semantics. Many on this board appear to be new to the JW organization and are unaware of many of the issues that I mentioned. From active witnesses in the org. prior to 1995 or even 1975 they are questioning many of the policies and belief system as a whole. For many new in the org. this is the best thing since sliced bread.
22 :
I had heard about Russia banning the JW/s..If you want to know why, and why the should be banned in the U.S., go to freeminds.com. Read what you see there and go to the links provided. You will find lots of interesting info. The real Truth.
23 :
witnesses were forbidden by the communists in all comm. countries. the countries that are now NOT commie have agreed that jw's are NOT dangerous, but actually the best citizens you can have. we dont fornicate, use drugs, get drunk, abuse elderly or kids, dont start or engage in wars and pay our taxes on time. no, not all are perfect. geuss what, NONE of us are perfect. but we are the ONLY truly christian group in the world. we follow the christ totally and completely. that is why the new dictator of russia wants us banned. we worship only jehovah, not the state. if you ask your head church guy, you will find out that your group really does not measure up in russia. really, go ask him. as far as offending us? naaah. hitler had the same attitude about us as you do. does not bother us a bit. really. now, would you like to know what jehovah's witnesses believe? really? write me privately and i will get you the addresses of the kingdom hall in your area. where, btw, the witnesses are NOT banned. you were just lied to by someone, likely an ortho priest of some sort. adios from the beach where we are a LOT more warm that you folks are at the moment. gramps long beach ca usa
24 :
Jehovah's Witnesses, such as myself although i'm not under any direct persecution in the UK, are seen as 'dangerous' as unlike other religions they answer first to God, not the Government. Russia isn't the only country. China has a horrible hold on Witnesses. Governments like to be in control and if they happen to have laws which go against JW beliefs then they get angry because witnesses don't follow the gov.s laws. We are NOT dangerous. We have no weapons, we don't kill, threaten people etc, it's just a control thing. Places like the USA and UK are proud for letting religious groups practise any religion as long as it isn't 'morally wrong', ie dangerous. JW's are still persecuted (quite obvious when you look at the people on yahoo answers who are determined to wreck JW's reputations) Please ask any questions you have, I'd love to answer them!
Read more discussions :
- How are foreigners attempting to live and work in ...
- Do any black people live in Russia
- Hello.I live in Russia. I'm software developer (8+...
- Where do most people in Russia live (Asian Russia ...
