What are the main doctrinal differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and mainstream Christianity?

[Aunty Jane]

Aunty says: "This is nothing more than a desperate attempt to have the scriptures say what you want them to....a somewhat pathetic attempt, IMO."

LOLx100 = thank you

And I am sure the readers here will note that you have provided not a single word in defense of what you believe…you are a bit of a ‘hit and run’ Christian who cannot substantiate a thing you say, and you don’t stick around to answer anything asked of you with any credibility….you just keep on posting misapplied and misinterpreted scripture…..but no defense or apology for the mistake you made with the one before…..just moving right along like no one will notice. Lots of things have been brought to your attention, but you just ignore them….tell me any point I raised that was not valid and scripturally supported…..
Sometimes the truth is painful….

Derision is a cheap substitute for discussion.….

 

[theJW]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did. (His Name wasn't in the Koine Greek)
But I have come to realize that Churchianity doesn't teach ANY Biblical doctrine!

I may be wrong- try me!

 

[Behold]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did.

Jesus said "I and my Father, are One".

Jesus said...>>"if you've seen ME, you've SEEN the Father".

Jesus said, "i have the power to lay down my life and take it up again",..... and "God hath raised Jesus from the Dead"..

 

[Randy Kluth]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did. (His Name wasn't in the Koine Greek)
But I have come to realize that Churchianity doesn't teach ANY Biblical doctrine!

I may be wrong- try me!

I would refer you to "The Kingdom of the Cults" by Walter Martin. But you've probably heard of him, and cringe at the sound of him?

The JWs resemble Christianity but don't want to be associated with organized Christianity, just like Separatists in the Christian World don't wish to be associated with high churches like Catholicism. It is thought by a number of independent-type churches that organization is evil or worldly, and that the worst thing to ever happen to Christianity is that it became a State Religion.

How ludicrous, but nevertheless.... JWs focus on their particular sect more than Christian denominations do. Many Christian denominations admit that there is authentic Christianity in other denominations. I don't think JWs would do that?

JW religion is, in my view, Arian with respect to questions about the Trinity. Jesus was not "A Word made flesh," but rather, "THE Word made flesh."

So the critical difference between JWs and Christianity is in how Christ is viewed as divine in the Scriptures by Christians, whereas JWs apparently do not see things this way. And if the Deity of Christ is removed, then religious practice becomes, from the Christian perspective, an empty legalistic exercise void of Divine approval and blessing.

Going through the motions lacks the power of the Holy Spirit, and thus cannot truly witness to Christ, except in the form of legalism. Even worse, it results in a lack of any sense of spiritual unity with other Christians, reinforcing the need to be separate and sectarian, which is not a true Christian attribute.

 

[theJW]

Jesus said "I and my Father, are One".

Jesus said...>>"if you've seen ME, you've SEEN the Father".

Jesus said, "i have the power to lay down my life and take it up again",..... and "God hath raised Jesus from the Dead"..

Jesus and his apostles were too.
So- Jesus was his own Father?
He had the power since God gave it to him.


NEXT!

 

[theJW]

I would refer you to "The Kingdom of the Cults" by Walter Martin. But you've probably heard of him, and cringe at the sound of him?

The JWs resemble Christianity but don't want to be associated with organized Christianity, just like Separatists in the Christian World don't wish to be associated with high churches like Catholicism. It is thought by a number of independent-type churches that organization is evil or worldly, and that the worst thing to ever happen to Christianity is that it became a State Religion.

How ludicrous, but nevertheless.... JWs focus on their particular sect more than Christian denominations do. Many Christian denominations admit that there is authentic Christianity in other denominations. I don't think JWs would do that?

JW religion is, in my view, Arian with respect to questions about the Trinity. Jesus was not "A Word made flesh," but rather, "THE Word made flesh."

So the critical difference between JWs and Christianity is in how Christ is viewed as divine in the Scriptures by Christians, whereas JWs apparently do not see things this way. And if the Deity of Christ is removed, then religious practice becomes, from the Christian perspective, an empty legalistic exercise void of Divine approval and blessing.

Going through the motions lacks the power of the Holy Spirit, and thus cannot truly witness to Christ, except in the form of legalism. Even worse, it results in a lack of any sense of spiritual unity with other Christians, reinforcing the need to be separate and sectarian, which is not a true Christian attribute.

Hey, I'm not talking about JW, who have their faults.
I'm talking Churchianty.

 

[theJW]

(PS- Kingdom of the Cults include it?)

 

[David in NJ]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did. (His Name wasn't in the Koine Greek)
But I have come to realize that Churchianity doesn't teach ANY Biblical doctrine!

I may be wrong- try me!

Well, the first mistake you have made is believing in jw doctrine.

JESUS said so!

Try believing in JESUS

 

[theJW]

Well, the first mistake you have made is believing in jw doctrine.

JESUS said so!

Try believing in JESUS

Where?

 

[theJW]

Jesus said that all authority was GIVEN to him.
Try believing in JESUS.

 

[David in NJ]

Where?

John 8:52 - JW Doctrine
Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’
Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead.
Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

 

[theJW]

John 8:52 - JW Doctrine
Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’
Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead.
Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

Are you saying people never die?

 

[Wrangler]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did. (His Name wasn't in the Koine Greek)
But I have come to realize that Churchianity doesn't teach ANY Biblical doctrine!

I may be wrong- try me!

I wouldn’t go that far! We all hold Jesus is the way, the life and the truth, right?

 

[theJW]

I wouldn’t go that far! We all hold Jesus is the way, the life and the truth, right?

Jesus God-theSon, not the REAL Jesus!

 

[David in NJ]

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did. (His Name wasn't in the Koine Greek)
But I have come to realize that Churchianity doesn't teach ANY Biblical doctrine!

I may be wrong- try me!

The MAIN difference is that we worship the same God Jesus did.

No you do not.

If you did, you would know the Only True Living Elohim and the LORD who He sent

 

[Aunty Jane]

I would refer you to "The Kingdom of the Cults" by Walter Martin. But you've probably heard of him, and cringe at the sound of him?

LOL...why would we cringe at the sound of anyone who twists the truth to paint an entirely different picture to the one that the Scriptures paint? Is it anything new? Did not Jesus and his apostles have to defend themselves against such people?......those who claimed Yahweh as their God but who failed to obey his written word and who ignored and silenced his prophets.....and who murdered his son....where are they now?

The JWs resemble Christianity but don't want to be associated with organized Christianity, just like Separatists in the Christian World don't wish to be associated with high churches like Catholicism. It is thought by a number of independent-type churches that organization is evil or worldly, and that the worst thing to ever happen to Christianity is that it became a State Religion.

How ludicrous, but nevertheless.... JWs focus on their particular sect more than Christian denominations do. Many Christian denominations admit that there is authentic Christianity in other denominations. I don't think JWs would do that?

Again, Jesus and his disciples were ostracised and derided as trouble making heretics.....and yet public opinion did not change the truth they preached....did it? Was popular opinion ever the criteria that identified the truth that Christ taught?

God’s worship has always been organised because he is a God of order.

He had one truth that all had to accept as none were left to make up their own interpretation of it, or to hold their own festivals, or teach any other truth than what was contained in Scripture....it’s why we have Scripture...it is the measuring rod for all that we believe...or it should be.

When the Jews wrote their Talmud, it was a twisted version of the Scriptures, according to what they wanted them to say...just as the RCC wrote its catechism, twisting the teachings of Jesus Christ to promote their version of Christianity.....all “churches” who rely on the foundational doctrines of the Catholic church are built on a faulty foundation. It will not withstand the ‘storm’ that is coming.

JW religion is, in my view, Arian with respect to questions about the Trinity. Jesus was not "A Word made flesh," but rather, "THE Word made flesh."

I cannot find a single statement in our literature that even infers what you have said here.....
Jesus is, was, and always will be “The Word of God”....he is the “logos” (or spokesman...one who speaks for God) as it is seen all through Israel’s history.....the logos has featured in all of God’s personal dealings and communication with mankind from the start.

He was chosen for the role of redeemer because he is a “servant” of his God and Father. (Acts 4:27, 30)

And because he was not an immortal, could fill the role as “the last Adam”.....the sinless equivalent of the first Adam. The Creator could never fill the role of redeemer because what was offered had to balance the scales of God’s perfect justice....”a life for a life”......how could the Creator himself fill such a role? The over-payment would have been tantamount to umteen trillion cans of bug spray to kill one mosquito.
“The only true God” sent his son....(John 17:3)

So the critical difference between JWs and Christianity is in how Christ is viewed as divine in the Scriptures by Christians, whereas JWs apparently do not see things this way. And if the Deity of Christ is removed, then religious practice becomes, from the Christian perspective, an empty legalistic exercise void of Divine approval and blessing.

In what way does the lack of deity alter the ransom demand? Can God be offered as an equivalent for a mere mortal?

Having done deep study on the meaning of the word “theos” (god) in Greek, it becomes very apparent that this word does not only mean a “deity”......it can apply equally to one who is of a higher standing than man, a divine being, like angels......it can also apply to divinely authorised humans as well, such as the judges in Israel. (John 10:31-36) As the “son of God”, duly authorised by his Father for the mission for which he was sent...he qualifies for the term “theos” without being “deity”......by his “divinity”, (his divine origin) he qualifies for that designation.

Going through the motions lacks the power of the Holy Spirit, and thus cannot truly witness to Christ, except in the form of legalism. Even worse, it results in a lack of any sense of spiritual unity with other Christians, reinforcing the need to be separate and sectarian, which is not a true Christian attribute.

And yet spiritual unity with those who do not hold to the same truth is nothing but a disorganised rabble. Who teaches this truth among the thousands who claim it?

Separating the “sheep from the goats” is not separating the “sheep from the pigs” because sheep and goats were both clean animals under God’s law.....both could be used for food and sacrifice, but Jesus separates them for two opposite destinations......one to life and the other to death.

There are those who Jesus said are “many” who will protest loudly when Jesus rejects their pathetic excuse for worship (Matt 7:21-23).....you talk about “going through the motions”...what do you think these thousands of churches are doing every week as their congregations dry up and they are often forced to compromise on God’s standards, watering down his word to keep backsides on seats and money in the coffers?

I suggest you take a good look at what you are defending.....because it is nothing close to the truth that Christ taught....in a world ruled by the cleverest of deceivers.....nothing is as it appears.

 

[Aunty Jane]

I wouldn’t go that far! We all hold Jesus is the way, the life and the truth, right?

Just in that short verse are several very important questions....

Jesus is “the way” to what?

If Jesus is the “truth”....what truth is that among the thousands of interpretations of his teachings?

And what is “the life” that faith in Christ leads to?

How would you answer Wrangler? Then compare that with the thousands of other answers to the same questions from other professed Christians.....there is but one truth...only one.

We all claim to believe it.....so what is “the truth”?

 

[Randy Kluth]

LOL...why would we cringe at the sound of anyone who twists the truth to paint an entirely different picture to the one that the Scriptures paint? Is it anything new? Did not Jesus and his apostles have to defend themselves against such people?......those who claimed Yahweh as their God but who failed to obey his written word and who ignored and silenced his prophets.....and who murdered his son....where are they now?

Martin's book is probably still used as an important reference examining the differences of JW and orthodox Christian beliefs. Unlike some who misrepresent various sects, I don't think Martin was ever successfully sued for misrepresenting JW beliefs.

Again, Jesus and his disciples were ostracised and derided as trouble making heretics.....and yet public opinion did not change the truth they preached....did it? Was popular opinion ever the criteria that identified the truth that Christ taught?

God’s worship has always been organised because he is a God of order.

A God of order, but not a God of exclusion no. It really depends on your orthodoxy. If your belief is heterodox (with respect to traditional Christian beliefs), I can understand why you would want to separate from the orthodox Christian formulas. You can maintain proper order among your own if you don't wish to avoid contamination with outsiders.

I cannot find a single statement in our literature that even infers what you have said here.....

The New World Translation Bible had inserted "a God" in the passage. from HERE ...

At the beginning of his classic work on Jesus Christ, John opens with the significant phrase “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was ____.” John 1:1 Throughout the history of the church, the end of this opening classic has been translated “God.” Opposing this translation, the New World Translation, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (the publishing arm of the Jehovah Witnesses) translates the ending “a god.”

Jesus is, was, and always will be “The Word of God”....he is the “logos” (or spokesman...one who speaks for God) as it is seen all through Israel’s history.....the logos has featured in all of God’s personal dealings and communication with mankind from the start.

As I said, your kind of claim that Jesus is THE Word of God is not orthodox Trinitarianism, but rather, a form of Arianism.

He was chosen for the role of redeemer because he is a “servant” of his God and Father. (Acts 4:27, 30)

And because he was not an immortal, could fill the role as “the last Adam”.....the sinless equivalent of the first Adam. The Creator could never fill the role of redeemer because what was offered had to balance the scales of God’s perfect justice....”a life for a life”......how could the Creator himself fill such a role? The over-payment would have been tantamount to umteen trillion cans of bug spray to kill one mosquito.
“The only true God” sent his son....(John 17:3)

In what way does the lack of deity alter the ransom demand? Can God be offered as an equivalent for a mere mortal?

Having done deep study on the meaning of the word “theos” (god) in Greek, it becomes very apparent that this word does not only mean a “deity”......it can apply equally to one who is of a higher standing than man, a divine being, like angels......it can also apply to divinely authorised humans as well, such as the judges in Israel. (John 10:31-36) As the “son of God”, duly authorised by his Father for the mission for which he was sent...he qualifies for the term “theos” without being “deity”......by his “divinity”, (his divine origin) he qualifies for that designation.

I rest my case. I've properly identified your belief as Arian in nature. Why deny it, since that's precisely what you've stated you believe? If that's what you believe, own it!

In saying Jesus is THE Word, you're saying that at the same time he is less than God, and in fact must be less than God in order to redeem us. Isn't that what you just said? He's an angel or some kind of superior mortal representative of God?

Separating the “sheep from the goats” is not separating the “sheep from the pigs” because sheep and goats were both clean animals under God’s law.....both could be used for food and sacrifice, but Jesus separates them for two opposite destinations......one to life and the other to death.

Well, that's what you believe about outsiders, that they are not "pigs" but "goats?" So conventional Christians, to you, are "clean animals" who are destined for capital punishment? And JWs conveniently belong to the "sheep" group, who are destined for Eternal Life? Am I right?

There are those who Jesus said are “many” who will protest loudly when Jesus rejects their pathetic excuse for worship (Matt 7:21-23).....you talk about “going through the motions”...what do you think these thousands of churches are doing every week as their congregations dry up and they are often forced to compromise on God’s standards, watering down his word to keep backsides on seats and money in the coffers?

Salvation goes not to the multitude, but to the elect who properly worship, or who at least properly apply for divine mercy. There are many Christians who either are purely nominal Christians or who fail to present a true picture of what they were saved to be and do.

I suggest you take a good look at what you are defending.....because it is nothing close to the truth that Christ taught....in a world ruled by the cleverest of deceivers.....nothing is as it appears.

Nothing personal Aunty Jane--you seem like a nice person and I sometimes like what you say. But we aren't likely to come to any agreement on JW theology being anything other than heterodox from a Christian pov. But thanks for answering nonetheless.

I don't think any group is immune from lackadaisical, untrustworthy adherents of their faith. Why would JWs be any different from Christian churches who suffer some of this? If you ever come in to our church I'm sure you'll find some weak, unworthy, or false Christians there. But that's the church that Jesus founded. Let the wheat grow up together with the tares.

 

[theJW]

Martin's book is probably still used as an important reference examining the differences of JW and orthodox Christian beliefs. Unlike some who misrepresent various sects, I don't think Martin was ever successfully sued for misrepresenting JW beliefs.

A God of order, but not a God of exclusion no. It really depends on your orthodoxy. If your belief is heterodox (with respect to traditional Christian beliefs), I can understand why you would want to separate from the orthodox Christian formulas. You can maintain proper order among your own if you don't wish to avoid contamination with outsiders.

The New World Translation Bible had inserted "a God" in the passage. from HERE ...

At the beginning of his classic work on Jesus Christ, John opens with the significant phrase “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was ____.” John 1:1 Throughout the history of the church, the end of this opening classic has been translated “God.” Opposing this translation, the New World Translation, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (the publishing arm of the Jehovah Witnesses) translates the ending “a god.”

As I said, your kind of claim that Jesus is THE Word of God is not orthodox Trinitarianism, but rather, a form of Arianism.

I rest my case. I've properly identified your belief as Arian in nature. Why deny it, since that's precisely what you've stated you believe? If that's what you believe, own it!

In saying Jesus is THE Word, you're saying that at the same time he is less than God, and in fact must be less than God in order to redeem us. Isn't that what you just said? He's an angel or some kind of superior mortal representative of God?

Well, that's what you believe about outsiders, that they are not "pigs" but "goats?" So conventional Christians, to you, are "clean animals" who are destined for capital punishment? And JWs conveniently belong to the "sheep" group, who are destined for Eternal Life? Am I right?

Salvation goes not to the multitude, but to the elect who properly worship, or who at least properly apply for divine mercy. There are many Christians who either are purely nominal Christians or who fail to present a true picture of what they were saved to be and do.

Nothing personal Aunty Jane--you seem like a nice person and I sometimes like what you say. But we aren't likely to come to any agreement on JW theology being anything other than heterodox from a Christian pov. But thanks for answering nonetheless.

I don't think any group is immune from lackadaisical, untrustworthy adherents of their faith. Why would JWs be any different from Christian churches who suffer some of this? If you ever come in to our church I'm sure you'll find some weak, unworthy, or false Christians there. But that's the church that Jesus founded. Let the wheat grow up together with the tares.

But Randy- do you worship the same God Jesus has?

 

[Randy Kluth]

But Randy- do you worship the same God Jesus has?

I think you know what I believe? I believe what most Christians believe, that Jesus is the Word of God that is eternally generated from the Father as the source of this Word.

Actually, this may sound a bit aberrant to some, since it is the explanation of the Trinity I've adopted. But that's how I choose to explain how God can be eternal and yet revealed simultaneously in time.

Jesus is an abbreviated form of Deity, while Deity remains in His transcendent, omnipotent existence. Can we worship the Father and the Son at the same time? I should think there isn't any other way! ;) If you acknowledge the reality of a segment of a line, you may, at the same time, be acknowledging the reality of an infinite line.