Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs

Until late 2012, the Governing Body described itself as the representative[9] and "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class",[10] a limited number of "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses.

[15] The view is based on their interpretation of Proverbs 4:18, which they believe refers to a continuous progressive advancement in doctrinal knowledge and scriptural understanding for "righteous ones",[16][17] with the holy spirit helping "responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood".

[18] Watch Tower literature has suggested such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[19] the guidance of holy spirit, and direction from Jesus and angels.

[21] Robert Crompton, author of a book on Watch Tower eschatology, has noted that it is difficult to trace the development of doctrines, because explicit changes are often not identified in Jehovah's Witness literature, leaving readers to assume which details have been superseded.

[24] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research.

[31] Witnesses undergoing baptism are required to publicly confirm that they are associating themselves "with God's spirit-directed organization",[32] thereby submitting themselves to its direction and judicial system.

[37] Disagreement with the Watch Tower Society's concept of God's organization, figured prominently in events that led to a 1980 purge of high-level members at the group's Brooklyn headquarters.

[43] Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points.

Influenced by Restorationism in the 19th century, Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, developing teachings that they considered to be a revival of "the great truths taught by Jesus and the Apostles".

[44] Watch Tower publications claim both the Great Apostasy and Russell's subsequent "restoration" of original Christianity[45] were a fulfilment of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30,36-43.

[59] They believe God is "infinite, but approachable"; he is not omnipresent, but has a location in heaven;[60] it is possible to have a personal relationship with him as a friend;[61] he is kind and merciful, and would not eternally torture wicked people.

[62] Being respectful of the principle of free will, he does not force his sovereignty on people, choosing to save only those who want to serve him, even though the course of mankind in general may lead them to harm.

[71] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Archangel Michael, "the Word" of John 1:1, and wisdom personified in Proverbs 8 refer to Jesus in his pre-human existence and that he resumed these identities after his ascension to heaven following his death and resurrection.

[80] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God.

[87][88][89] Watch Tower Society publications state that Witnesses need not harbor dread or superstitious fear of demons, because their power over humans is limited.

[116] For anointed Witnesses, salvation is said to be achieved through their death and subsequent resurrection to heavenly life to share with Christ as a co-ruler of God's kingdom;[117] for others, it is gained by preservation through the Great Tribulation and the battle of Armageddon.

[122] Based on a literal interpretation of scriptures such as Revelation 14:1–4, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that exactly 144,000 faithful Christians go to heaven as spirit creatures to rule with Christ in the kingdom of God.

[124] They associate the terms "Israel of God" (Galatians 6:16), "little flock" (Luke 12:32), and "the bride, the Lamb's wife" (Revelation 21:9) in the New Testament with the "anointed".

[127] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that being anointed involves a personal revelation by God's spirit which "gives positive assurance of adoption" to the individual alone.

"[12] Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope.

They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914.

[140] Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence.

This judgment will begin with the destruction by the United Nations of false religion, which they identify as "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17.

[150] Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20.

[163] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims his research indicated many Witnesses who would otherwise defect because of disillusionment with the organization and its teachings remain affiliated out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members.

[164] Other identifying behavior is said to include deviation from the truth, twisted, empty speech, hypocrisy and involvement in deeper forms of ungodliness.

[167] Watch Tower Society literature says apostates are motivated by vitriolic bitterness and that their writings are poisonous, distorted and false, display the characteristics of "cunning, contrived error, prideful intelligence, lack of love and dishonesty" and are designed to undermine the faith of Jehovah's Witnesses.

[173] Higher education is discouraged,[174][175] based on their belief that it is futile to plan for secular advancement in a world that faces imminent destruction, as well as fears about succumbing to greed, corruption, and materialism.

[176] Because evangelistic activities take priority over educational success, young Witnesses rarely progress to college or university,[177] which Holden describes as a source of regret in subsequent years among those who are raised in the organization and later choose to leave.

[177] Watch Tower Society publications advise parents to recommend alternatives to university education for their children, suggesting associate degrees from community or technical colleges or short courses in subjects.