subject: Jehovah's Witnesses are an established Christian religion, but are not considered to be a cult [print this page] Jehovah's Witnesses are an established Christian religion, but are not considered to be a cult
Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian religion that has its roots in the United States since the 1870s. It is Bible based religion, and all of its teachings are based on the Bible. The teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses are well-known and readily available, both in their books, such as What Does the Bible Really Teach, as well as on their three public websites, listed below.
While some have sometimes accused Jehovah's Witnesses of being a cult, this could not be farther than the case. Jehovah's Witnesses are, in fact, a religious denomination, a fact expressed by many reputable authorities.
These are many ways that Jehovah's Witnesses differ from a cult. A more complete consideration of this subject, covering 34 points of reference of the difference between the Christian religion of Jehovah's Witnesses and modern-day cults, can be found at the website, Jehovah's Witnesses Headlines (not an official site of Jehovah's Witnesses). This considers the 14th point mentioned in the article:
Jehovah's Witnesses have no charismatic leader. They have not modern day "prophets," but they recognize Jesus Christ as their leader. Therefore, those ministers who have been prominent among Jehovah's Witnesses in the past and present, endeavor to direct attention to the Bible, to God and to Jesus Christ. Jehovah is the personal name of God, as found in the Holy Bible. See: Psalms 83:18 Jesus Christ said, "But do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your teacher, whereas, you are all brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, Christ."
Jehovah's Witness elders or Governing Body members, therefore, do not use titles such as Reverend, or Father, but adhere to Jesus' admonition that you are all "brothers" and, within the congregation, refer to each other as "Brother Jones," or "Brother Smith," which applies to elders and all in the congregation. Woman in the congregation are similarly referred to as "sisters," "Sister Jones," etc.
Jehovah's Witness' meetings and assemblies are open to the public and there is no charge or collection plate passed. Any can attend regularly, or visit once, and are always warmly welcomed. Persons can participate, or observe and there are many non-members who attend the meetings regularly or on occasion.
The complete article on the subject of Jehovah's Witnesses, why they are not a cult, can be found on the website, Jehovah's Witnesses Headlines at this page, which considers 34 points of reference on this subject(not an official site of Jehovah's Witnesses).
