A recent case in British Columbia brought the faith of the Jehovah’s Witnesses to the news. In this case, grandparents were ordered not to discuss their faith with their granddaughter because the mother had asked them not to. The case was more about parental rights, not necessarily religious freedom, but many people do not understand the Jehovah’s Witnesses. There are many myths about the religion. Partly because of members’ refusal to serve in the military, they have been targeted and oppressed.

Historical Notes

It’s estimated that there are between seven and eight million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide, with about 113,000 in Canada. During World War I and World War II, the religion was banned in Canada, which is probably the main reason this faith is such a minority. The faith grew out of the ministry of the Restorationist minister Charles Taze Russell in the United States, but because of its evangelical nature, it has grown internationally. It still faces persecution in many parts of the world because of beliefs that keep members out of government affairs.

What They Believe

According to their official website, Jehovah’s Witnesses have core beliefs that define who they are.

• They believe in God, who is called Jehovah.
• They recognize the Bible as an inspired message to humans. Jehovah’s Witnesses are not fundamentalists, but accept that parts of the Bible are symbolic and figurative.
• Jesus is honored as the Savior and as the Son of God.
• They do not accept blood transfusions, but do accept most medical treatment.
• Jehovah’s Witnesses do not participate in war or politics.

Worship and Traditions

The worship of Jehovah’s Witnesses includes praying to God, meditating, and Bible study. They do support disaster relief and helping those in need. This faith is probably most known for their door-to-door evangelism. They do not worship the cross or any other figure in their meeting place, which is known as a Kingdom Hall. Congregations are overseen by a body of elders who are not considered clergy. These elders do not get paid, and the congregation does not adhere to tithing, nor do they take collections at their worship service. Anonymous donations support their ministry.

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays, Christmas, or Easter, believing that these holidays are secular and pagan in nature. They believe in commemorating Jesus’ death each year, based on the Bible’s lunar calendar. It is not because they do not recognize the resurrection of Jesus, but because the Bible commanded that people remember the death of Christ. They also refuse to salute national flags.

Jehovah’s Witnesses may not participate in war relief, but that does not mean they don’t care about people. They are very active in literacy, helping teach people to read and write. Also, they believe in helping others overcome addictions to drugs or alcohol. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to have a positive impact on others in their community.

Publications and Printing

Jehovah’s Witnesses have translated the Bible into many different languages. They also produce other literature relating to their religion in more than 700 different languages. With 15 printing presses worldwide, this is one thing that they are well known for. Each issue of their main journal, known as “The Watchtower,” has a printing of around 45 million copies. Men and women donate time to printing these publications, and most learn on the job through in-house training.

Learning More

Jehovah’s Witnesses strive to be peaceful and helpful. You are always welcome to visit their Kingdom Hall to learn more about their faith and who they are. Each of their bi-weekly meetings is open to visitors, and they never take up a collection. Respect their faith by opening your mind to their beliefs and trying to understand why they take the stand that they do. Education is the beginning of tolerance.