What is the difference between a Jehovah's Witness and a Brethren?

Answer 1

Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ) teach from both the Book of Mormon and the King James Version of the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses teach using the New World Translation of the Bible.

Much of the Mormon religion focuses on both God the Father and Jesus Christ (Mormons believe they are separate beings united in purpose), while Jehovah's Witnesses believe in Jesus and follow his example but believe that Jesus and God[which they call Jehovah Psalms 83:18] are two different people! Jehovah is God and Jesus his is son whom he sent to earth to preach his word and sacrifice his life for imperfect humans.While both religions have some very distinct beliefs from mainstream Protestant Christianity, their beliefs highly differ from one another. Both churches are usually considered Restorationist and Millenialist Christianity and came out of the Second Great Awakening period in the early 1800's. Both Churches consider themselves the restoration of the true and original Christianity. Both churches are very active in spreading their faith and are excited to welcome visitors. If you are interested in learning more about either one, visit the "Related Links" below.

Distinct beliefs of the Mormons include:

• Modern, living prophets and apostles receiving the word of God just as in ancient times
• Baptism to offer salvation to those who died without a knowledge of the Gospel
• Adherence to a moral and health code, including rejecting the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea, gambling, and premarital sex
• Belief that the soul is eternal, which existed with God before this life, and will return to God after this life
• Sacred Temple ordinances and worship, in addition to Sunday meetinghouse worship

Distinct beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses include:

• Adherence to a moral health code, including rejecting smoking, blood transfusions, homosexuality, and premarital sex
• Strong belief and teaching that these are the 'end times' and that the end is eminent
• Jesus died on a stake, not a cross
• The soul is mortal and dies with the body at death
• 144,000 will be resurrected and reign with Jehovah

Answer 2

My understanding of the Pentecostals/Charismatics having been amongst them for many, many years is that they tend to go for the Gifts of The Holy Spirit...i.e. miracles, healing, tongues, prophecy etc (they tend to in Australia). They are Bible-based and don't go into "added doctrines" as the JW's do. The JW's are known as a cult. Their bible is the New World Translations and it is the original Bible plus whatever they have thrown into it. Some of its early leaders got involved in criminal activities and adultery. One of their edicts some years ago was not to have children because when the children grow up they will leave JW and cause family hardships (circa late 1980's was this edict). Here in Australia it's not too long having joined with the Jehovah's Witnesses that they will try and get you to sign over all of your wealth to the church; leaving your children with no inheritance. The Pentecostals are a happy people and look forward to Jesus Christ coming back soon whereas the JW's have a strong dark, end of time vision.

Here is more from WikiAnswers contributors:

• Theologically speaking:

  The major difference between the Pentecostal movement and the Watch Tower Bible and tract society are as follows.

• The Pentecostals are a liberal Christian movement that puts emphasis on "signs and wonders" with the belief that all true Christians should speak in tongues to prove themselves. They do believe that Jesus was the son of God and was simultaneously God (ie traditional trinitarian belief).

• JW's believe that Jesus was the archangel Michael thereby denying the deity of Christ (Ref John 10:30). They believe that one must work to earn salvation by gathering more converts before the end of time (which they seem to predict every other year or so).

• They are two totally different beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses are the people who come knocking at your doors in groups and don't believe that you can celebrate birthdays, and don't celebrate holidays. They focus on rules and are trying to become part of the select group of 144.000. To achieve this, there's little change, since from 33 after Christ, they believe that there had been already true JW! Jesus is the only total perfect and blameless person because he is the Son of God, according to the Pentecostals. As a pentecostal, I would like to tell you lovingly that there are many differences in these two beliefs. It will feel like the difference between day and night, especially since great parts of the Pentecostals believe they have eternal security, while the Jehovah's Witnesses try to achieve a state where they have something like that. We are not a liberal Christian movement. The Bible talks about the day of Pentecost and how people were baptized in the Holy Spirit. We believe that God intended for us to have gifts of the Holy Spirit.

• Jehovah's Witnesses believes there is one God Almighty - a Spirit Being with a body, but not a human body. They believe there is no Trinity, ( Father, Son, Holy Spirit) because they believe that Jesus Christ is a god, but not the God of the Bible, and that the Holy Spirit is an active force (rather than a real Person). They believe that you have to do good works and strive to do active things to be good enough. You live your life trying to measure up and make God happy because you can't make God happy through your good works. You only have to believe that he is the only way, the truth, and light. That he is the one and only God and that he was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and rose again three days later. They believe that no soul remains after death. They also believe that at some point in the future, Jesus Christ will return to resurrect the dead, restoring soul and body. There will then be a judgment day, and those judged righteous will be given everlasting life on a paradise earth (not in heaven). Those judged unrighteous will not be tormented, but will die and cease to exist (i.e. annihilated). Pentecostals believe that when you die, if you believe and have given your heart to the Lord you will live for eternity in Heaven with the Lord. Let's just say, these two religions have absolutely nothing in common.

Pentecostals believe in the present day manifestations of the Holy Spirit which may include ecstatic displays and 'speaking in tongues'. These are their interpretations of 'the sound of a rushing, stiff breeze' that alerted the people. Pentecostals focus on the New Testament and works of the Holy Spirit.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe they live by the entire Bible, 'Old' and 'New Testaments'. Witnesses have a strong focus on preaching door-to-door as a means of making disciples of all who will listen, preaching about God's will and purpose, His Kingdom and the coming Paradise on the Earth, with Jesus Christ as King. Acts 2:1-12. Witnesses believe that the 'tongues' spoken to the foreign worshippers in Jerusalem were merely the foreign languages spoken by the crowds. (verses 6-12) and that the 120 disciples spoke to them of the Good News of Jesus Christ, who had fulfilled the Law of Moses and all of the prophecies leading to the promised Messiah. Until Pentecost 33 C.E., persons only had the 'Old Testament' to worship God. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that verses 2-6 mean no loud prayers, shouting or dancing were necessary for them to receive the Holy Spirit and that no-one spoke in unknown or mystical languages that needed interpreters. They believe no-one was 'overcome' by the Holy Spirit and driven into an ecstatic state. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that if they want to preach in foreign languages, they need to learn them. This is being done by many Witnesses around the world, in fulfillment of Matthew 28:19, 20.

Answer 3

Baptists know that Jesus Christ is the true Son of the Living God(John1:1; John 3:16). Jesus is the Saviour of the World and by accepting Him as your personal Saviour and by repenting of your sins is the only way to know for sure you can go to Heaven when you die(John 14:6; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23). Baptist baptize by immersion after accepting Christ as Saviour. Baptist know that we are only saved by God's grace and not of our own works.(Eph 2:8-9)

Jehovah Witnesses believe that Jesus was a prophet not the son of God and that there you can live forever on the new earth if you do enough good here on earth. (This is what I learned from studying with them before I was a born again Christian). Jehovah witness do believe that Jesus is the son of God. My uncle is a preacher or whatever you call it for a Kingdom Hall. They call him the son when in prayer. They also believe that you can only get to heaven, through Jesus.

A LITTLE FURTHER

The first answerer stated that we believe that Jesus was a prophet not the son of GOD. Actually that is what Muslims believe. We as Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ was BOTH a prophet AND the Son of GOD.

In fact, the whole reason that we go preach door to door is in obedience to Jesus command to do so, and in recognition to the fact that he is now in heaven, ruling upon his throne as GOD's appointed king and judge. We recognize that we must obey him as our king and we can only pray to GOD through him. Since Jesus paid the ransom for our sins through his sacrificial death, we also recognize that he literally owns us, having bought us with his own blood.

PAUL RYL'S Answer starts here:

Commonalities between Baptists (as well as other mainstream traditional Christian religious groups) and Jehovah's Witnesses are few in the details although many of the same subjects headline.

Baptists teach that a public declaration of full faith in the death of Jesus Christ as the complete payment for our sins and his resurrection is the only criteria qualifying one to be saved. Good works follow faith in God. The Holy Spirit directs each individual. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that works including Meeting attendance; reading all the Watchtower's literature; preaching door-to-door called "Field Service"; and maintaining a good standing in the congregation by obeying directives, teaching doctrines as taught, following moral guidance - being a good example of what they desire in a member Jehovah's Witness and other requirements ultimately qualifies one for salvation if one stays "faithful to the end". The Baptist Faith and Message section IV. Salvation explains:

Salvation involves the redemption of the whole man, and is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

A.) Regeneration, or the new birth, is a work of God's grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus. It is a change of heart wrought by the Holy Spirit through conviction of sin, to which the sinner responds in repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Repentance and faith are inseparable experiences of grace.

Repentance is a genuine turning from sin toward God. Faith is the acceptance of Jesus Christ and commitment of the entire personality to Him as Lord and Saviour.

B.) Justification is God's gracious and full acquittal upon principles of His righteousness of all sinners who repent and believe in Christ. Justification brings the believer unto a relationship of peace and favor with God.

C.) Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God's purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual maturity through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in him. Growth in grace should continue throughout the regenerate person's life.

D.) Glorification is the culmination of salvation and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed.

Sixty-four references to scripture passages follow.

Baptists believe that good works proceed from faith but that works cannot produce faith or earn salvation. Humans were created to perform only good works, sin is the failure to satisfy that divine intention. God's grace is his undeserved favor despite our sin.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith---and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10 Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Jehovah's Witnesses in The Watchtower frequently deal with the question, "What Must We Do To Be Saved" and is the title of an article in the February 1, 1996 issue of The Watchtower. This article contains these statements:

"A man once asked Jesus: "Lord, are those who are being saved few?" How did Jesus reply? Did he say: 'Just accept me as your Lord and Savior, and you will be saved'? No! Jesus said: "Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able." ---Luke 13:23, 24.

Did Jesus fail to answer the man's question? No, the man did not ask how hard it would be to be saved; he asked if the number would be few. So Jesus merely indicated that fewer people than one might expect would exert themselves vigorously to receive this marvelous blessing.

'That's not what I was told,' some readers may protest. These may quote John 3:16, which says: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (King James Version) However, we reply: 'What, then, must we believe? ...

(This author notes the context for John 3:16 in the King James Version:

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

This statement by Jesus indicates the imperative of believing in his peculiar death on the cross as instrumental in our salvation and believing in his name "Christ Jesus" which literally means "Anointed Saviour.")

The February 1, 1996 issue of The Watchtower states further:

Many people who have been told that they are "saved" seem to have little intention of either following or obeying Jesus. ...

--the Bible lists immoral practices that are common among some people who think that they are "saved." ...

-- Many people who have been told that they are "saved" seem to have little intention of either following or obeying Jesus. ...

-- Are we following Jesus if we do not at least try to live in harmony with his example? Do we not have to work on making our lives more Christlike? That vital question is rarely, if ever, considered by people who say, as one religious tract does: "Come to Christ now---just as you are." ...

-- How might we, in fact, turn God's mercy "into an excuse for loose conduct"? We could do so by assuming that Christ's sacrifice covers deliberate sins that we intend to keep on committing rather than sins of human imperfection that we are trying to put behind us. Surely we would not want to agree with one of America's best-known evangelists, who said that you do not have to "clean up, give up, or turn around." ...

(Billy Graham, In his book How To Be Born Again, actually says on page 156 : 'All you have to do to be born again is to repent of your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus as your personal Lord and Saviour. You don't clean up, give up, or turn around yourself, you just come as you are. This is why we sing the hymn 'Just As I Am'

The publishers of The Watchtower article imply that Billy Graham is speaking of future sins and that he was claiming that we do not have to clean up our act once we are saved. In fact, Graham was referring to our position prior to being saved and how, as sinners, we cannot possibly wash ourselves clean before God.

Jesus promised to make his disciples fishers of men. No one has ever caught a fish that was already cleaned. - PR)

The February 1, 1996 issue of The Watchtower states further:

-- Disown ourselves? Follow Jesus continually? That would require effort. It would change our lives. ...

-- Paul did not make converts, as some TV evangelists do, by saying: 'Accept Jesus right now, and you will forever be saved.' Nor did he have the confidence of the American clergyman who wrote: "As a teenage boy, . . . I was already saved."

(Zane C. Hodges, Implying that he had already started his Christian course actually wrote on page xiii of Absolutely Free :

'Many years ago, as a teenage boy, I attended a series of evangelistic meetings in a small Baptist church in Hagerstown, Maryland. Although I was already saved, the meetings made a lasting impression on me as a young believer.')

The February 1, 1996 issue of The Watchtower states further:

-- Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned. Yet it does require effort on our part. If someone offered you a very valuable gift and you did not show enough appreciation to pick it up and take it with you, your lack of gratitude might prompt the giver to present it to someone else. Well, how valuable is the lifeblood of Jesus Christ? It is a free gift, but we must demonstrate deep appreciation for it.

-- True Christians are in a saved condition in that they are in an approved position before God. As a group, their salvation is sure. Individually, they must meet God's requirements. ...

-- We do not earn salvation by doing these things, for no human could ever do enough to merit such an astounding blessing. We are not worthy of this magnificent gift, though, if we fail to demonstrate our love and obedience by doing the things that the Bible says God and Christ want us to do. Without works to demonstrate our faith, our claim to follow Jesus would fall far short, for the Bible clearly states: "Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself." ---James 2:17. (END WATCHTOWER QUOTE.)

This author adds: It seems that the last quoted paragraph lends to a requirement for positive works rather than maintaining an injunction against sinful disobedience of God.

A Watchtower publication: Jehovah's Witnesses, Who are they? What do they believe? (2002) p.29 states:

"Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved? No. Millions that have lived in centuries past and who were not Jehovah's Witnesses will come back in a resurrection and have an opportunity for life. Many now living may yet take a stand for truth and righteousness before the "great tribulation," and they will gain salvation."

Jehovah's Witnesses have numerous implications for the words "truth and righteousness" all of which are defined by the Watchtower's publications. Studying all the Watchtower publications is a requirement for salvation according to Jehovah's Witnesses' teachings based on their unique translation of John 17:3: "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."

Most bibles read in this manner:

"This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent ---Jesus Christ. (John 17:3 Holman)

Thus, Baptists believe that an intimate relationship is meant.

Baptists enjoy numerous celebrations and observances common to the land in which they live. The Biblical reasons for the observance is recognized. For example, Easter gained its name by the concurrent ancient pagan feast of Astarte but is observed as the memorial of Jesus Christ's Resurrection and is taught as such. Some movement toward referring to the day as "Resurrection Sunday" has begun. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that all traditional Christian celebrations are of pagan origin or contaminated with pagan ideas and emphasize only those elements.

Jehovah's Witnesses do not observe any national holidays. Baptist services for the United States' Memorial Day recognizing fallen soldiers are common.

Many Baptists have died in wars trusting God to direct their efforts for eventual good. (Romans 8:28) They fought to free the European nations from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy, as well as regaining freedom for Pacific peoples from Imperial Japan. This reminds of Abraham's rescue of Lot. Genesis 14 describes the capture of Lot by invaders. Lot was Abraham's nephew who he had adopted.

When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. And he divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and defeated them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the possessions, and also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. (Genesis 14:14-16 English Standard Version)

Hebrews 7:1 refers to this as "the slaughter of the kings" after which the King-Priest Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group, object to participating in any wars, and in WWII did not fight for the Fascist powers. -- Their concept of political neutrality banned members from giving any assistance to rescuing the European or Pacific people including providing medical care for wounded soldiers or civilians or other organized humanitarian efforts.

Baptists believe that Matthew 25:31-46 is literal and that providing the vital physical needs of other persons, locally and internationally, is a standard for eternal judgment by Jesus and they have programs for food distribution, disaster relief, etc. and operate facilities such as Children's homes and hospitals.The Baptist Faith and Message under heading XV. The Christian and the Social Order says, "Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause." and James 1:27 is listed there which reads, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Jehovah's Witnesses, as a group, do not support or have any programs for charitable care of strangers to their group. Instead, they teach that the "sheep" are those who obey the Watchtower's directives and the "goats" refuse. A Watchtower publication, "designed as a Bible study course", What Does God Require of Us? , Lesson 6, What Is the Kingdom of God? Paragraph 5 states:

Soon Jesus will judge people, separating them as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. The "sheep" are those who will have proved themselves his loyal subjects. They will receive everlasting life on earth. The "goats" are those who will have rejected God's Kingdom. (Matthew 25:31-34, 46) In the near future, Jesus will destroy all goat-like ones. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9) If you want to be one of Jesus' "sheep," you must listen to the Kingdom message and act on what you learn. ---Matthew 24:14.

Baptists have a tradition for frequent fellowship gatherings; weekly church dinners and prayer breakfasts; special event congregation meals; new member socials; youth fellowships; hobbyist clubs and game nights; musical events, etc. Music for worship includes choirs, men's quartets, soloists; instrumentalists, small bands, and larger ensembles.

Jehovah's Witnesses lack all of those congregational socializing features except for infrequent congregation picnics. Independent large group recreational gatherings are discouraged unless the meeting is supervised by elders. Use of music consists only of congregational singing from their own Song Book. Independent musical groups or public performance by members is discouraged.

Both Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses use the Bible extensively. The Baptist Faith and Message section I. The Scriptures states:

The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man. It is a perfect treasure of divine instruction. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. It reveals the principles by which God judges us, and therefore is, and will remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and religious opinions should be tried. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation.

(This author affirms that concise statement.)

The Watchtower's publication What Does the Bible Really Teach? Chapter Two - The Bible--- A Book From God reads:

The Bible is a gift from God, one for which we can be truly grateful. This unique book reveals things that we could never find out otherwise. For example, it tells us about the creation of the starry heavens, the earth, and the first man and woman. The Bible contains reliable principles to help us cope with life's problems and anxieties. It explains how God will fulfill his purpose and bring about better conditions on the earth. ...

-- Furthermore, the Bible "is inspired of God." (2 Timothy 3:16) In what way? The Bible itself answers: "Men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit." (2 Peter 1:21) ....

-- Despite the varied backgrounds of its writers, the Bible is harmonious from beginning to end. ...

-- The Bible is scientifically accurate. ...

-- The Bible is also historically accurate and reliable. Its accounts are specific. ...

-- Because the Bible is inspired of God, it is "beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight." (2 Timothy 3:16) ...

-- Some Bible principles deal with family life, work habits, and relationships with others. The Bible's principles apply to all people, and its counsel is always beneficial. The wisdom found in the Bible is summarized by God's words through the prophet Isaiah: "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself."---Isaiah 48:17.

-- The Bible contains numerous prophecies, many of which have already been fulfilled. ...

-- Reading God's "word," or message, in the Bible can change our life. It can help us to examine ourselves as never before. We may claim to love God, but how we react to what his inspired Word, the Bible, teaches will reveal our true thoughts, even the very intentions of the heart. -- (End Watchtower Quote.)

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that "accurate knowledge" of the Bible is required for salvation and is only available from them. The Watchtower December 1, 1981, p. 27 tells readers that "unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using [the Watchtower Society], we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do". -- Thus, they do not accept the Scriptures alone as the final authority. Baptist belief contrasts strongly with firm faith in the sufficiency of Scripture for all our knowledge of God and salvation. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 in The King James Version taught that "All scripture is given ... That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." And "no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (2 Peter 1:20 K.J.V.). God's word by itself is guaranteed to succeed as Isaiah 55:10,11 informs:

"The rain and snow come down from the heavens

and stay on the ground to water the earth.

They cause the grain to grow,

producing seed for the farmer

and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word.

I send it out, and it always produces fruit.

It will accomplish all I want it to,

and it will prosper everywhere I send it." (New Living Translation)

Baptists study the Bible for all its practical applications emphasizing that we are saved from the punishment for our sins through Jesus Christ and that this revelation is the purpose of Scripture. Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize God's literal and visibly present Kingdom as its main subject matter with the Watchtower Society as its visible Earthly representative. Baptists hold that:

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God's will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Jehovah's Witnesses are completely under the absolute authority of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society with power concentrated with Governing Body Members in New York City. The Governing Body says they represent God's Heavenly Kingdom on Earth. All literature a Jehovah's Witness uses is provided by the Watchtower with anonymous authors. Citations for non-Jehovah's Witness source material, the identity of persons quoted or the identity of authors and their works is noticeably lacking making checking the sources difficult. Independent research and reading other religious authors is expressly prohibited. Even researching older Watchtower publications is discouraged likely due to the numerous variations in Jehovah's Witness belief along with some bizarre but abandoned concepts.

The Southern Baptist Convention is not a denomination, they are a cooperative of independent autonomous Baptist Churches to accomplish greater good than a single congregation can do alone. Individual Baptists direct their Church who direct their local, state, and national Baptist associations. The 2000 production of The Baptist Faith and Message was by motion in a convention session directing the Convention chairman to appoint a blue ribbon committee to review its contents. Those persons are listed in report therein. Section XII. Educationsays, "In Christian education there should be a proper balance between academic freedom and academic responsibility." Baptist discipleship classes use literature written by numerous independent authors of varying denomination. Discipleship materials rely on the authoritative nature of the Scriptures.

This author spent 40 years as a Jehovah's Witness. I was required to studiously read about 45,000 pages of Watchtower publications. Most Jehovah's Witness beliefs are only fully understood with this level of commitment. The core doctrines of the Jehovah's Witnesses correspond to other Adventist groups such as Seventh Day Adventists, Worldwide Church of God and its offshoots, Christadelphians, Advent Christian Church, Mormons and offshoots of Russell's original followers called "the International Bible Students." These originate from the Advent Movement of the 1800's that was based on the time prophecies of William Miller (February 15, 1782 -- December 20, 1849).

William Miller's Baptist faith is curiously his original and final. Miller rejected his Baptist heritage and became a deist. He was an active Freemason and is reported to have been a Royal Arch Mason as was Charles Taze Russell. Miller had a conversion experience and became an American Baptist preacher. He somewhat grudgingly resigned his Masonic membership in 1831, stating that he did so "to conciliate the feelings of my Brethren in Christ" and to "avoid fellowship with any practice that may be incompatible with the word of God among masons". Miller appears to have remained sympathetic to Masonry and influenced by Masonic imagery. Charles Taze Russell studied Miller's writings before founding the Watchtower stating how he wanted to "prove the freemasonry of the Bible". The Jehovah's Witnesses are heavily influenced by apocalyptic expectations.

William Miller records his conversion experience that occurred while he was reading a sermon during the local minister's absence: "Suddenly the character of a Savior was vividly impressed upon my mind. It seemed that there might be a Being so good and compassionate as to Himself atone for our transgressions, and thereby save us from suffering the penalty of sin. I immediately felt how lovely such a Being must be; and imagined that I could cast myself into the arms of, and trust in the mercy of, such an One."

That is the heart of a Baptist's.

The Baptist Faith and Message contains twenty-one subject sections in twenty pages with a concise confessional statement and over 700 scriptural references from which the concepts expressed are derived. The subject headings are:

I. The Scriptures

II. God

A. God the Father

B. God the Son

C. God the Holy Spirit

III. Man

IV. Salvation

V. God's Purpose of Grace

VI. The Church

VII. Baptism and the Lord's Supper

VIII. The Lord's Day

IX. The Kingdom

X. Last Things

XI. Evangelism and Missions

XII. Education

XIII. Stewardship

XIV. Cooperation

XV. The Christian and the Social Order

XVI. Peace and War

XVII. Religious Liberty

XVIII. The Family

This defines Baptist belief along with the 1500 pages or so in ones personal choice of Bible translation.

The Baptist conception of the nature and function of confessions of faith is:

(1) That they constitute a consensus of opinion of some Baptist body concerning those articles of the Christian faith that are most surely held among us.

(2) That we do not regard them as complete statements of our faith.

(3) That any group of Baptists have the right to publish their own confession of faith.

(4) That the sole authority for faith and practice among Baptists is the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

(5) That they are statements of religious convictions and are not to be used to hamper freedom of thought or investigation.

In the Bible's records, God indicated whom he was using through powerful signs. He spoke directly to Abraham, Moses and other prophets and provided powerful miracles through Moses and Prophets. First century Christians witnessed God personally speaking in approval of his Son and watched Jesus heal the sick and raise the dead. The Apostles and other Christians continued to display such powerful works. Though not often comfortable with Charismatic Christianity, Baptists frequently report miraculous healing and divine interventions. Jehovah's Witnesses have never produced a powerful sign or a successful prophecy of any kindto identify their Organization as approved today. Notice the many sequences of dates for the end of the age / Armageddon as an event. (PAUL RYL'S ANSWER ENDS HERE) --

Baptists historically are reformists that broke away from the Church of England in the 17th century and can be described protestant group divided into many different sects**. The differences between the Jehovah's Witnesses and most Baptists therefore are basically the same as the differences between them and most other protestant denominations:

*Many Baptists groups believe in the present day spiritual gifts such as divine healing and prophecy.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe such first century miraculous gifts ended with the last of the Apostles.

*Some Baptists denominations believe in "speaking in tongues" as a manifestation of Holy Spirit

Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in present day miraculous speaking in tonges and hold that what is practiced in such charasmatic churches is far removed from the first century model.

*Baptists rarely refer to God by his personal name (Yawheh/Jehovah)

The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's name should be Sanctified, honoured and praised at every opportunity (Math 6:9)

*Baptists believe Jesus to be BOTH Almighty God and Amlighty God's son while

JW believe Jesus to be the Son of God (Luke 3:21-22)

*Baptists believe in a trinity (three Gods in one) while

JW believe there to be only One True God and Creator (Deut 6:4)

*Baptists believe God tortures the wicked forever in hellfire

JW believe God is love and that eternal burning in hell is not a biblical teaching (Jer 7:21)

*Baptists teach the "immortality of the soul"

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the soul can be destroyed (Matthew 10:28 .)

*Baptists: The cross is heavily featured in Baptist Worship

JW reject the use of all idols and religious symbolism including the cross (1 Cor 1:14)

*Baptists Generally do not publically preach the gospel

Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their public ministry (Math 28:19:20)

*Baptists have no objection to participating in War or politics

Jehovah's Witnesses insist on remaining politically neurtral (John 15:19)

**Baptists are divided into a number of sects

Jehovah's Witnesses pride their worldwide unity (Col 3:14)

**According to Wikipeadia: "The beliefs of Baptist churches are not totally consistent from one Baptist church to another, as Baptists do not have a central governing authority, unlike most other denominations." so general comparisons are difficult.

Answer 4

I am not familiar with this organisation, however a brief look at their website indicates some differences: While the Brethren do not believe in a truine god, they do not identify the Creator by his personal name Jehovah. The Bretheren believe in Hell described as "a place of conscious suffering and of despair place of torment" while Jehovah's reject this teaching as unscriptural. While the Brethren claim that "The "cross" has a special meaning" Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus died on an upright stake (with no cross bar) and reject all use of the cross as a religious symbol. The Brethren seem to have a number of ritualistic "Ordinances": such as --- feetwashing, supper, communion, the laying on of hands"an salutation of the holy kiss" while Jehovah's witneses to not interpret the mention of such things as literal commands that must ritualistically be performed on a regular basis.

Answer 5

Jehovah's witnesses do not believe in eterrnal hellfire. They do not believe Jesus is equal to Almighty God. They engage in regular house to house ministry and address the Creator by his personal name "Jehovah". These are but some of the differences between Jehovah's Witnesses and Baptists. For a more detailed outline of the beliefs of witnesses click on the links below.

Answer 6

FROM ONE OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES:

There are many different sects within the Baptist church itself, each with differences in worship and beliefs, so this question will have to be answered in generalities.

First, I would like to address some similarities between Jehovah's Witnesses and Baptists. (I have come to know many Baptists at my place of employment, in my neighborhood, and in my door to door ministry.) Actually, there are more similarities between our faiths than most people would think.

One similarity is the respect for the divine name of God, Jehovah. The name Jehovah is recognized by most denominations with in the Baptist Church. The name is found in Baptist hymns, in the Bible used by many Baptists, and interestingly there is even one group of Baptists called the Jehovah Baptists. It has only been in recent years that there has been a push by some within the Baptists to eliminate the name Jehovah from their Bibles and hymns.

Another similarity is the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God gave up his life for our sinful condition, and generally have strong moral convictions about the importance of allowing the Bible to influence ones' lives.

The Baptists are concerned about missionary service. They send many missionaries to non-Christian areas of the world, as do Jehovah's Witnesses.

Baptists also, like Jehovah's Witnesses, believe that a person has to have reached the age of accountability before they can be baptized, that is completely immersed in water as a symbol of their dedication to God.

I personally have a lot of respect for Baptists in general. Of course, there are several differences as well. I feel compelled to say that my speaking of these differences is in no way meant to reflect any disrespect toward these people or their beliefs.

One difference is the amount of attachment to the name of God, Jehovah. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the Bible when it states that there is no other name as important as Jehovah, and that he is the Most High over all. (Psalms 83:18) Therefore, nothing would keep us from speaking, singing, or praising that name. For us, this name could never be eliminated, or pushed aside.

Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, not God Himself. The Father's name is Jehovah, and the Son's name is Jesus, and they are two distinct individuals, with Jesus being subject to his Father. The Bible says that the head of Christ is God. (John 17:3; John 20:17; 1 Corinthians 11:3)

We also believe that the holy spirit is not a person, but it is God's active force, or power. (Luke 1:41; Matt. 3:11; Acts 10:38) Therefore, Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept the trinity as a Biblical teaching.

Another difference is the teaching of hellfire. Some sects of Baptists teach that, as a punishment, God burns or tortures disobedient people in fire eternally. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe this for several reasons.

One reason is the condition of the dead. Ecclesiates 9:5,10, as well as other verses indicate that the dead are not conscious of anything. Therefore, dead persons cannot feel pain, nor can they be tortured. Ezekiel 18:4 indicates that nothing lives on after a soul (person) dies, and Romans 6:7, 23 shows that when one dies he has paid the price for his sins, so there is no reason for any punishment at that point.

A second reason is that at 1 John 4:8 the Bible says that God is love. Since God is love, it would be contrary to His personality to torture people, especially for eternity.

When the Bible speaks of hellfire or the Lake of Fire, it is using these as symbols of everlasting destruction, just as when Jesus used the term Gehenna, which was Jerusalem's garbage dump in the time of Jesus, thus a fitting symbol of death from which there will be no resurrection. (Matthew 23:33) This would apply to those who stubbornly refuse to obey God.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that hell (Sheol in Hebrew; Hades in Greek), as indicated in the Bible, symbolically refers to the common grave of mankind, just as the term "helling potatoes" at that time meant to bury or plant potatoes, not to incinerate them.

Another difference is that Jehovah's Witnesses have no sects or divisions. Jehovah's Witnesses are one united worldwide conregation of spiritual brothers and sisters. A person is either one of Jehovah's Witness or they are not. As a worldwide organization we may be found in more than 236 countries, lands, and territories throughout the earth, and consist of people from all nations, backgrounds, economic status, races and languages. Whether we are legally recognized by a country or not, our faith is still practiced there, and all continue to preach the good news about God's Kingdom with Jesus Christ as the king.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's Kingdom will do away with all human governments now in existence, according to Daniel 2:44, and will usher in a new world order with Jesus Christ as King over all the earth. (Matthew 6:9,10; 1 Peter 3:13) This will be accomplished completely by the hands of God and his king-designate, Jesus Christ, along with angelic forces, and none of Jehovah's people on earth will have any share in the conflict that will occur. This will be Armageddon, which the Bible speaks of at Revelation 16:16.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that we are now living in the last days (end times) of this system of things. (Matthew chapter 24; Luke chapter 21; Mark chapter 13; 2 Timothy 3:1-5)

Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that God's Kingdom will bring paradise to the earth, the dead will be resurrected, there will be no more sickness, and all obedient humans will live forever as God had originally intended when he created humans in the first place. (John 5:28,29; Psalms 37:10,11,29; Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:3,4)

Of course, there are other differences as well that maybe others could add here.

Answer 7

While both groups claim to be Christian and are identified to a greater or lesser degree with a public preaching work, there are many notable differences.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe ONLY in the bible to be God's inspired word (1 Tim 3: 16).

The Mormons have a book called "The Book of Mormon" which they also view as God's Word, along with the bible.

Mormons believe that God still calls prophets and apostles to guide his people.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was the last of the prophets.

Mormons believe that Jesus is Jehovah of the Old Testament

Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jehovah is the name of Almighty God (not Jesus)

Mormons believe "that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent"

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the New Jerusalem is a HEAVENLY rulership established not in America but in heaven.

LDS (Mormon) missionaries preach for a set period of time

all Jehovah's witnesses (male or female, young or old) preach the gospel and this for their whole lives.

"[Mormons] believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes".

Jehovah's Witnesses believe because of the Jew's rejection of Christ that the nation of Israel permenently lost its priveleged position as God's special people. Thus the Jews no longer figure as a people in bible prophecy.

Mormons (LDS) believe "that Christ will reign personally upon the earth"

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Christ will RULE FROM HEAVEN as a spirit.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe according to Romans 5:12 that death is the result of Adamic (from Adam) sin;

Mormons don't believe this.

Mormons believe that there are multiple 'levels' in the afterlife, the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. They also believe that everyone, good or bad, will be resurrected and judged.

Jehovah's Witnesss don't believe in an "afterlife" but in a resurrection of the dead

Mormons believe that our spirits were created long before our bodies.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe our existence begins at conception.

Mormons believe that all christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit through "the laying on of hands" (gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues)

Jehovah's Witnesses believe this was a first century arrangement limited to the period of the apostles and as such, these miraculous "gifts" have ceased (See 1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9)

**Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons claim their organizations reflect the "Primitive Church" (follow the first century christian model).

**Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe in a future earthly paradise.

While both groups claim to be Christian and are identified to a greater or lesser degree with a public preaching work, there are many notable differences.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe ONLY in the bible to be God's inspired word (1 Tim 3: 16).

The Mormons have a book called "The Book of Mormon" which they also view as God's Word.

Mormons believe that God still calls prophets and apostles to guide his people.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was the last of the prophets.

Mormons believe that Jesus is Jehovah of the Old Testament

Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jehovah is the name of Almighty God (not Jesus)

Mormons call refer to God as Elohim

Jehovah's Witnesses call him JEHOVAH (Psalms 83:18 .)

Mormons believe "that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent"

Jehovah's Witnesses believe the New Jerusalem is a HEAVENLY rulership established not in America but in heaven.

LDS (Mormon) missionaries preach for a set period of time

all Jehovah's witnesses (male or female, young or old) preach the gospel and this for their whole lives.

"[Mormons] believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes".

Jehovah's Witnesses believe because of the Jew's rejection of Christ that the nation of Israel permenently lost its priveleged position as God's special people. Thus the Jews no longer figure as a people in bible prophecy.

Mormons (LDS) believe "that Christ will reign personally upon the earth"

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Christ will RULE FROM HEAVEN as a spirit.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe according to Romans 5:12 that death is the result of Adamic (from Adam) sin;

Mormons don't believe this.

Mormons believe that there are multiple 'levels' in the afterlife

Jehovah's Witnesss don't believe in an "afterlife" but in a resurrection of the dead

Mormons believe that our spirits were created long before our bodies.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe our existence begins at conception.

Mormons believe that all christians receive the gifts of the holy spirit through "the laying on of hands" (gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues)

Jehovah's Witnesses believe this was a first century arrangement limited to the period of the apostles and as such, these miraculous "gifts" have ceased (See 1 Corinthians 13: 8, 9)

**Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons claim their organizations reflect the "Primitive Church" (follow the first century christian model).

**Both Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons believe in a future earthly paradise.

Answer 8

Both religions believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God and that salvation is only possible because of Jesus Christ's sacrifice on behalf of humanity. However, they do differ on the interpretation of the Bible in many instances. Here are a few of the main ones:

1. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Bible teaches there is a literal hellfire or burning place of eternal torture that wicked people will be sent to. Baptists believe anyone who has rejected Christ will suffer for that choice in eternal hellfire.
2. Jehovah's Witnesses reject the doctrine of the trinity and believe the Bible teaches that Jesus is actually Jehovah's firstborn angelic son sent to save mankind and is in complete subjection to his father. Baptists believe he is the same essence as God and therefore was God in man's form while on Earth and was raised back up to heaven as God and is therefore in subjection to no one.
3. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Bible says the soul is immortal but instead, a person dies and is in the grave which they say is a sleeplike state and will be their until resurrected by God, either to heaven for a limited number, or in the future on a paradise Earth for the rest of mankind that is in God's memory. Baptists believe the soul leaves the body at death and either goes to heaven or hell upon death.

Answer 9

Believes