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RELIGION LIBRARY

Jehovah's Witnesses

  • Overview
  • Origins
  • History
  • Beliefs
  • Rituals and Worship
  • Ethics and Community

Sacred Time

Jehovah's Witnesses meet three times a week for worship. Meetings begin with a public lecture, followed by study of a biblical theme. The Watchtower magazine serves as a study guide.

Sacred Space

The buildings in which the Jehovah's Witnesses meet for worship and study are called Kingdom Halls, because they are regarded as symbolic of the coming kingdom. The buildings are simple in design, with no altar or images.

Rites and Ceremonies

Jehovah's Witnesses have two principle ceremonies. Baptism is restricted to adults and is performed by total immersion. The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial, is an annual event commemorating Jesus' "Last Supper." The Memorial is open to the public.

Worship and Devotion in Daily Life

Practicing Witnesses attend five meetings per week, including home Bible study and Watchtower study. They also commit to a minimum of ten hours per month to house-to-house proselytizing.

Symbolism

The symbol of the Jehovah's Witnesses is the Watchtower. Watchtower magazine's mission statement explains that like a watchtower of old, the Witnesses' Watchtower allows us to view the significance of events in the light of biblical prophecies.

Beliefs Ethics and Community Back to religion Library
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