Jehovah's Witnesses practices

Jehovah's Witnesses' practices are based on the biblical interpretations of Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916), founder (c. 1881) of the Bible Student movement, and of successive presidents of the Watch Tower Society, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (from 1917 to 1942) and Nathan Homer Knorr (from 1942 to 1977). Since 1976, practices have also been based on decisions made at closed meetings of the group's Governing Body.^[1] The group disseminates instructions regarding activities and acceptable behavior through The Watchtower magazine and through other official publications, and at conventions and congregation meetings.

Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to remain "separate from the world",^[2] which they regard as a place of moral contamination and under the control of Satan. Witnesses refuse to participate in any political and military activity and are told to limit social contact with non-Witnesses.^[3] The denomination requires adherence to a strict moral code, which forbids premarital sex, homosexuality, gender transitioning,^[4] adultery, smoking, drunkenness and drug abuse, and blood transfusions.^[5]

A system of judicial committees maintains discipline within congregations, exercising the power to expel members who breach the denomination's rules and to demand their shunning by other Witnesses.^[6] The threat of shunning also serves to deter members from dissident behavior.^[7]

Members are expected to participate regularly in evangelizing work and to attend congregation meetings and conventions that present material based on Watch Tower Society publications.^[8]

^ Franz 2002, p. 106.
^ "Keep Clear of False Worship!". The Watchtower. March 15, 2006. p. 30. [Jehovah's Witnesses] are 'no part of the world.' (John 15:19) The term 'world' here refers to human society alienated from God. (Ephesians 4:17–19; 1 John 5:19) We are separate from the world in that we shun attitudes, speech, and conduct that offend Jehovah. (1 John 2:15–17) Moreover, in harmony with the principle that 'bad associations spoil useful habits,' we avoid intimacy with those who do not live by Christian standards. (1 Corinthians 15:33) To be no part of the world is to remain 'without spot from the world.' (James 1:27) Hence, being separate from the world does not mean that we physically withdraw from all contact with other people.
^ Holden 2002, pp. 7, 109–112.
^ "Alternative Life-Styles—Does God Approve? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY". wol.jw.org. 2003. Retrieved 2021-07-29.
^ Holden 2002, pp. 26, 28.
^ Penton 1997, p. 90.
^ Holden 2002, p. 163.
^ Holden 2002, pp. 66–68.

[1] Franz 2002, p. 106.

[2] "Keep Clear of False Worship!". The Watchtower. March 15, 2006. p. 30. [Jehovah's Witnesses] are 'no part of the world.' (John 15:19) The term 'world' here refers to human society alienated from God. (Ephesians 4:17–19; 1 John 5:19) We are separate from the world in that we shun attitudes, speech, and conduct that offend Jehovah. (1 John 2:15–17) Moreover, in harmony with the principle that 'bad associations spoil useful habits,' we avoid intimacy with those who do not live by Christian standards. (1 Corinthians 15:33) To be no part of the world is to remain 'without spot from the world.' (James 1:27) Hence, being separate from the world does not mean that we physically withdraw from all contact with other people.

[3] Holden 2002, pp. 7, 109–112.

[:0-4] "Alternative Life-Styles—Does God Approve? — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY". wol.jw.org. 2003. Retrieved 2021-07-29.

[5] Holden 2002, pp. 26, 28.

[6] Penton 1997, p. 90.

[7] Holden 2002, p. 163.

[8] Holden 2002, pp. 66–68.

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