It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses. (Discuss)

Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses include activities common to many Christian denominations, such as evangelism, gathering for group worship and study, and donating money to support their religious activities. This article discusses how the doctrines as well as non-doctrinal organizational and cultural arrangements manifest themselves in the practices and stances of Jehovah's Witnesses. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... The following reflects the current beliefs and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Average Publishers, 1945-2005 As of August 2005, Jehovahs Witnesses have a membership of more than 6. ... // 1870-1916 Charles Taze Russell and his associates formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny. ... Jehovahs Witnesses are organized into a hierarchy. ... The Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses is a body of elders that oversees all the activities of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Bible verses quoted from the New World Translation except where noted The spiritual authority among Jehovahs Witnesses is vested in the Faithful and Discreet Slave (also known as the remnant,[1] the anointed,[2] Gods prophet[3], and Gods channel[4]), which is a term used to... A number of corporations are in use by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Jehovahs Witnesses face legal or governmental opposition in many countries. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Doctrines and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... The eschatology of Jehovahs Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. ... It has been suggested that Jehovahs Witnesses: Controversial Issues be merged into this article or section. ... To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... The Jehovahs Witnesses have beliefs and practices that are commonly regarded as controversial; by governments for the Witnesses complete refusal to participate in patriotic activities, by some scientists for their belief in creation and by members of Christendom for their doctrines that differ from mainstream Christianity, and by the... William Miller William Miller (1782 - 1849) was an American Baptist preacher, whose followers have been termed Millerites or Millerists. ... Nelson Homer Barbour, (1824-1905) a Millerite Adventist born in Toupsville, New York USA, is best known for his association with Charles Taze Russell from 1876 through 1881. ... Elder Jonas Wendell (Dec. ... Following is a list of Jehovahs Witnesses who are in some way prominent Joshua Elliot Rodrigues - English Student, name comes from the Book of Joshua Maher Shalal Hash Baz - Japanese musician, name comes from the Book of Isaiah Tom Edur - Former NHL ice hockey player. ... Charles Russell in 1911 Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), known as Pastor Russell, was an American evangelist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who founded what is known as the Bible Student movement. ... Milton George Henschel (August 9, 1920 - March 22, 2003) was the person who succeded Frederick W. Franz as the president of Watchtower Society. ... Joseph F. Rutherford Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869—8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Frederick William Franz - (12 September 1893–22 December 1992) served as President of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the legal organization used to direct the work of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Don A. Adams is the current president of the Watch Tower Society, the most important of the Legal instruments of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Nathan Homer Knorr (April 23, 1905 - June 8, 1977) was the third president of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society doing so on January 13, 1942, replacing Joseph Franklin Rutherford, who had served in the position since 1916. ... Raymond Franz was a member of the Governing Body of Jehovahs Witnesses for nine years (1971–1980), and served at the organizations world headquarters for fifteen years (1965–1980). ... Doctor Edmund Charles Gruss (c. ...

Funding

Jehovah's Witnesses fund their activities, such as publishing, constructing and operating facilities, evangelism, and disaster relief via donations. There is no tithing or collection, but all are encouraged to donate to the organization; Witnesses typically provide an opportunity for members of the public to make such donations as they encounter them in their preaching work. Donation boxes labeled for several specific purposes, are located in Kingdom Halls and other meeting facilities. Generally there is a Kingdom Hall fund for operating expenses locally, and a general fund for the "Worldwide Work", which includes the printing of literature, organization of conventions, supporting missionaries and disaster relief. A tithe (from Old English teogotha tenth) is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a religious organization. ...

The accounts (including donations) and the financial operation of the local congregation are reviewed monthly with the entire congregation at the Service Meeting. (This meeting is open to the public.) Donations are also accepted via mail, and the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society can be named as a beneficiary to an estate, and also accepts donations in the form of life insurance policies, pension plans, bank accounts, certificates of deposit, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, annuities and trusts.

Evangelism

As their name implies, Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their intensive witnessing, or, proselytizing, efforts. Witnesses generally refer to their evangelizing activities by terms such as: "preaching," "disciple-making", "service," "the ministry," and, more formally, but less frequently, "evangelizing". All 'publishers' who are healthy enough are strongly encouraged to go from door to door, participating in this activity to the extent that their circumstances allow, every week if at all possible. Even children are encouraged to participate, accompanied by their parents. However, all publishers must possess a basic understanding of Bible based teachings and profess to be living in harmony with such teachings. For example, use of illegal substances(drugs) or employing dishonest business practices(fraud, tax evasion) would disqualify such a person from hypocritically participaing in this public work. Witnesses who spend at least 840 hours of witnessing during a year (an average of 70 hours per month) are known as "regular pioneers". Witnesses who wish to spend 50 hours per month are known as "auxiliary pioneers" and can serve in this capacity either a month at a time or consecutively. The English language word proselytism is derived ultimately from the Greek language prefix pros (towards) and the verb erchomai (to come). ...

Missionary service is another opportunity that members have to reach persons in other lands. Those invited to share in such work are usually given specialized training at the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. On average, these individuals dedicate over 120 hours per month to their work. As of 1998, there were 2,390 Witnesses having missionary status serving in 148 lands. ^[1] Watchtower Bible School of Gilead is the name given to the missionary school of Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

Witnesses have, in the past, used a wide variety of methods to spread their faith, including information marches, where members wore sign boards and handed out leaflets, to sound cars, and syndicated newspaper columns and radio spots devoted to sermons. Between 1924 and 1957, the organization operated a radio station, WBBR, from New York. They discarded this medium largely due to the prevalence of evangelistic radio programs to minimize identification with other religious groups. In recent decades, additional methods have included preaching by telephone, at bus stops, places of business and in the street. Specialized territories of residential and commercial areas are made up within a congregation's boundaries and distributed to publishers. The Four Evangelists, by Jakob Jordaens It has been suggested that Christian evangelism be merged into this article or section. ...

Currently, door-to-door evangelizing for the Witnesses involves endeavouring to engage individuals in discussion of religious matters and offering literature about their faith, with the goal of starting a Bible study with anyone who shows an interest. The production of literature is supported by donations. Publishers carry forms knowns as "not-at-home slips" to keep record of those homes that need revisiting at another time when its occupants are at home.

Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses call their meeting places "Kingdom Halls" instead of churches, to indicate that the gathering of the congregation is what is important, not the physical location itself. Another reason is that they deem the use of the term church to now be largely confusing and inaccurate because the term in its Biblical context actually refers to a gathering or a "congregation" of people and not to the meeting place or the building itself (see the etymology of the word). In general, the buildings are functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2672x1872, 3925 KB) Summary Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (2672x1872, 3925 KB) Summary Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Kingdom Hall is the name of meeting places for Jehovahs Witnesses. ... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ... A church building (or simply church) is a building used in Christian worship. ...

In many countries, the Witnesses have "Assembly Halls" where about twenty congregations meet two or three times a year for one-day or two-day Assemblies. In countries and areas without such Assembly Halls, or when attendance is expected to exceed seating capacity, the annual assemblies are held in borrowed or rented facilities suitable for the purpose, such as public auditoriums. Seating capacity refers to the number of people who can be seated in a specific space, either in terms of the space available, or in terms of limitations set by law. ...

The great majority of the Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls, as well as the Watchtower Society's headquarters and branch office facilities around the world, have been constructed by the Witnesses themselves freely contributing their own time. The needed finances come from voluntary contributions.

Meetings

Congregational meetings, which are open to the public, are held three times a week.^[2] All meetings are generally synchronous, so that all congregations are studying the same material at the same meeting. Meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses open and close with prayer. Hymns called Kingdom songs are usually sung at meetings held in the Kingdom Hall, as well as at assemblies and conventions. Dress for meetings is local formal attire. In most Western countries, this would consist of a suit and tie for males, and conservative dresses/skirts for females (pants are considered inappropriate for meetings). Maria Magdalene in prayer. ... Kingdom songs or Kingdom melodies are the religious songs used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

The Theocratic Ministry School

On a weekday evening, the 'Theocratic Ministry School' is held. The School is designed to train publishers to be more effective in their ministry. The publishers are trained in how to use the Bible. Over the course of a few years, the entire Bible is discussed and part of it is read aloud. The publishers are encouraged to read the rest personally. Practical training is then given on how to give a short public talk, do Bible research, and present material to people one might meet in the public ministry. Enrolment is voluntary and open to all congregation members in good standing. At each meeting, six students give brief speeches on pre-selected Bible topics, and an instructor provides feedback. Jehovahs Witnesses are organized into a hierarchy. ...

The Service Meeting

The Ministry School meeting is followed by the 'Service Meeting', a training program for preaching work. This 45-minute meeting gives the publishers instructions on how to be more efficient in their door-to-door ministry. Our Kingdom Ministry, a monthly publication, outlines material to be covered during Service Meetings.

The Public Talk

An elder or ministerial servant delivers a discourse on a Bible-based subject. The speaker may be from the local congregation or from a nearby congregation. This Public Meeting is generally held on Sundays, but may be on another day if that is more convenient for the congregation (this is most usual when more than 4 congregations share a Kingdom Hall). The talk is particularly directed toward interested members of the public who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Watchtower Study

Generally following the Public Talk, after the intermission of a Kingdom Song, is the Watchtower Study. The Bible is studied with the aid of an article in the Watchtower magazine. An experienced elder leads the discussion from the platform. Questions from the article are posed to the audience after the reading of each paragraph, with review questions typically asked at the end of an article. The Public Talk and Watchtower Study together usually last 2 hours.

The Book Study

At a separate time during the week the 'Congregation Book Study' is held, for which Witnesses meet in groups of about 10 to 15, usually in the private homes of members, and typically lasting an hour. Spiritual topics are covered using a study book or a brochure prepared by Jehovah's Witnesses. The material usually has some questions prepared to initiate discussion. The format and conductor-reader arrangement is similar to the Watchtower Study, but the meeting format is less formal and more interactive. The elder who serves as conductor for a book study group is generally loosely responsible for 'shepherding' those publishers who attend it and for organizing field service meetings and arrangements for them. In areas exercising a ban on the activity of Jehovah's Witnesses, such book study groups become "mini-congregations" that meet individually for all meetings except on occasion. This allows their activity to go relatively unnoticed by governmental authorities as would larger gatherings.

Memorial of Christ's Death

See also: Eucharist

Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate Christ's death by observing The Lord's Evening Meal, or Memorial, each year on Nisan 14 of the Jewish calendar. They believe that this is the only celebration commanded for Christians in the Bible, often citing Jesus' words in 1 Corinthians 11:25-26 (NWT), "'Keep doing this ... in remembrance of me'". Of those who attend the Memorial, a small minority worldwide will partake of the eating of the unleavened bread and the drinking of the wine. (For statistics of the number of partakers in relationship to non-partakers, see Jehovah's Witnesses (Membership)) For the death metal band from Sweden, see Eucharist (band) The Eucharist or Communion or The Lords Supper, is the rite that Christians perform in fulfilment of Jesus instruction, recorded in the New Testament,[1] to do in memory of him what he did at his Last Supper. ... Quartodecimanism (fourteenism) was the practice of fixing the date of Easter (in the Bible called Pesach) to the 14th day of Nisan in the Bibles Hebrew Calendar which, according to the Gospels, was the time Jesus was crucified in Jerusalem. ... The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a modern-language translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. ... Kingdom Hall of Jehovahs Witnesses Jehovahs Witnesses are members of an international religion who believe they are the restoration of first-century Christianity. ...

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only a small minority, called the "anointed," can partake of the bread and wine. (see Jehovah's Witnesses (Salvation)) The persons who actually partake, are in general considered of the "anointed," though Jehovah's Witnesses believe that some of them may be in error. It is common for the bread and wine to be passed and have no partakers. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Doctrines and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

External links

• Reliving Jesus' Last Days on Earth - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
• The Last Days of Jesus' Human Life - Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site

Neutrality

Although in general respecting the law of the land, Jehovah's Witnesses do not salute flags, sing national anthems, or pledge allegiance to any state or nation. This is not intended as disrespect for any particular nation or for governments, as Witnesses recognize the legitimacy of political leaders. They make a distinction, however, between a show of respect and what they consider to be a manifestation of worship. Jehovah's Witnesses feel that saluting a flag or singing a national anthem crosses the dividing line between the two. A salute is a gesture or other action used to display respect. ...

For Jehovah's Witnesses, Neutrality is defined as:

"The position of those who do not take sides with, or give support to, any of two or more contending parties. It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality as to conflicts between factions of the world. They do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies, serving in the armed forces, joining a political party, running for a political office, or voting." - (Reasoning from the Scriptures, pages 269-270)

In this regard, Jehovah's Witnesses feel that their position is similar to that of the early Christians, who refused to sacrifice a few drops of wine or a few grains of incense to the Roman emperors, even when faced with execution. A Christian is a follower of Jesus of Nazareth, referred to as Christ. ...

Saluting flags

Among the results of this belief in the United States are several legal cases regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. The early cases, which established that government schools cannot mandate either the recitation of the Pledge or the salute to the flag, all involved Witness students who were being punished or threatened for their refusal. Dorothea Lange photograph of Japanese-American students reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in a War Relocation Authority education facility. ...

Some courts in other countries have also protected the Witnesses' right to abstain from patriotic ceremonies. For example, in 1986, the Supreme Court of India held that no one can be forced to join in the singing of the national anthem if the person has a genuine, conscientious religious objection.

In a decision handed down on 1 March 1993, the Philippine Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of Jehovah's Witnesses in a case involving Witness youths who were expelled from school because they respectfully declined to salute the flag. March 1 is the 60th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (61st in leap years). ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ...

Military service

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to serve in military organizations, citing the principle they call Christian Neutrality. They understand Jesus' words, "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world," to mean that they should take a neutral stand concerning political and military controversies. ^[3]

Historically, this stance has created serious difficulties for Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly during war times. During World War II, young Witnesses in a number of countries were executed for their conscientious objection to war; even in more democratic countries they were generally refused exemption from conscription and have often been imprisoned.

Currently, there is less conflict between Witnesses and most governments over this matter, as many countries have abolished conscription, or recognized the views of conscientious objectors. In certain republics of the former Soviet Union, however, as well as in South Korea, Singapore, and some countries in Africa, young Witness males continue to serve prison terms in connection with this issue. A world map showing the continent of Africa. ...

Political activity

In accordance with the principle of Christian Neutrality, referred to above, Jehovah's Witnesses are discouraged from voting in elections, but not prohibited from voting. ^[4] They do not run for any political office, but do not seek to prevent or discourage non-Witnesses from doing so.

Association

Jehovah's Witnesses are a close-knit community (members address each other as Brother and Sister) and take seriously the Scriptural injunction to "be no part of the world," thus many are not inclined to socialize with non-members, whom they consider "bad association".

Since a Witness has social interactions while on the job or at school, he or she is encouraged to use these times for witnessing to non-members. Such contacts are often used as opportunities for starting conversations about their beliefs, referred to as "informal witnessing".

Each congregation operates under the oversight of a body of elders. Social events deemed to be wholesome are encouraged, since they strengthen the bonds of the congregation. However, if elders deem a social event to be inappropriate, scripture or elsewhere-published spiritual information is brought to the attention of those deemed to be in need of it to discourage attendance. Large social gatherings without proper oversight are discouraged.

Although many young Witnesses do engage in casual recreational sports, the association discourages its members from extensively participating in athletic activities to avoid giving undue importance to sports or recreation. Members are discouraged (but not prohibited) from watching or participating in violent sports. An exception would be an inherently violent sport, such as boxing, for which participation could result in disfellowshipping. To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

Members not of marriageable age are strongly discouraged from courting, which, the Witnesses believe, is for those considering marriage only and should be avoided until both members are prepared for marriage. Little research has been done on the average age at which Witnesses marry, but former and current members agree that witnesses are more likely to marry at an early age - often between their late teens and early twenties. A 1994 survey in which all Jehovah's Witnesses in the Germany were invited to participate, revealed that only 4.9% of them are divorced or separated, and many of these were already in this state before becoming Witnesses^{[citation needed]}. The 2001 academic study ARIS identified an above average number of never-married adults in the U.S. among those self-identifying as Witnesses (27%), as well as below average numbers of unmarried cohabiting adults and separated or divorced adults. The same study noted that 71% of adults self-identifying as Witnesses were female. Caricature of courtship rituals in 1805 England Youth conversing with suitorsYoung men courting a youth in a garden. ...

Disfellowshipping (excommunication)

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and disfellowshipping To meet Wikipedias quality standards, this article or section may require cleanup. ...

All members are expected to abide by by the Bible requirements as understood by Jehovah's Witnesses, and violations of these requirements may result in disfellowshipping, or excommunication. Offenses that can result in disfellowshipping include: Abortion, adultery, apostasy, associating with one who is disfellowshipped or disassociated, bestiality, blood transfusions, drug abuse (non-medical), drunkenness, extortion, fornication, fraud, gambling, heresy, homosexual activity, idolatry, striking another person, manslaughter, non-neutral activity, incest, interfaith activity, and "loose conduct" - conduct that is immoral but in a minor or not so serious way or associating with persons, who have been disfellowshipped or disassociated themselves. If a baptised Witness begins to teach doctrines contrary to the organisation's interpretation of the Bible it is grounds for disfellowshipping for apostasy. Disfellowshipping only occurs if the member of the congragation is unrepentant, and unwilling to ameliorate the situation. A short announcement is made to the congregation stating the following sentence: "XXX XXX is no longer one of Jehovah's Witnesses". Adultery is generally defined as consensual sexual intercourse by a married person with someone other than his or her lawful spouse. ... Apostasy (from Greek αποστασία, a defection or revolt from a military commander, from απο, apo, away, apart, στασις, stasis, standing) is a term generally employed to describe the formal renunciation of ones religion, especially if the motive is deemed unworthy. ... Look up Bestiality in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... A drug of abuse is a substance implicated in drug abuse. ... Infirmary of a rock festival Drunkenness, in its most common usage, is the state of being intoxicated with ethyl alcohol to a sufficient degree to impair mental and motor functioning. ... Extortion is a criminal offense, which occurs when a person obtains money, behaviour, or other goods and/or services from another by wrongfully threatening or inflicting harm to this person, reputation, or property. ... Fornication refers to any sexual activity between unmarried partners. ... Gambling has had many different meanings depending on the cultural and historical context in which it is used. ... Heresy, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is a theological or religious opinion or doctrine maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the Catholic or Orthodox doctrine of the Christian Church, or, by extension, to that of any church, creed, or religious system, considered as orthodox. ... Homosexuality refers to sexual and romantic attraction between two individuals of the same sex. ... This article or section may contain original research or unverified claims. ... The terms interfaith or interfaith dialogue refer to cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions, (ie. ... Apostasy (from Greek αποστασία, a defection or revolt from a military commander, from απο, apo, away, apart, στασις, stasis, standing) is a term generally employed to describe the formal renunciation of ones religion, especially if the motive is deemed unworthy. ...

Jehovah's Witnesses practice shunning (ignoring) after disfellowshipping and disassociation as they feel that: Shunning is the act of deliberately avoiding association with, and habitually keeping away from an individual or group. ...

• to tolerate violations of the Bible's standards in their ranks would bring reproach on God's name and organization.
• shunning keeps the congregation free of possible corrosive influences^[5]
• such a serious consequence may motivate the person in question to re-evaluate his or her course of action^[6]

Shunning is also practised when written letters of disassociation have been submitted by an individual, or if it is believed that a person has disassociated by their actions, such as by attending another religion's services; thus Jehovah's Witnesses refer to these as "disassociated".

If a disfellowshipped person repents of his former conduct, he may be reinstated into the congregation. No specific period of time is prescribed before this can happen; in most cases, at least six months pass. Statistics appear to show that about one third of those disfellowshipped eventually return to the group.

Medicine and health

The Witnesses' teachings in general promote a healthy lifestyle. Magazine articles in the Awake! often discuss ways of maintaining both mental and physical health. In general, they encourage standard medical practices such as regular checkups, reliance on modern medical techniques to treat illnesses, etc. except when they consider certain techniques to violate Biblical principles.

They believe that smoking and recreational drug use are incompatible with Witness principles.^[7] This is mostly due to the legality, the addictive nature, and established health risks associated with those activities^{[citation needed]}. Drinking alcohol is viewed as permissible in moderation. Drunkenness is not permitted.^[8] The cigarette is the most common method of smoking tobacco. ... Recreational drug use is the use of psychoactive drugs for recreational purposes rather than for work, medical or spiritual purposes, although the distinction is not always clear. ...

Overview of blood-based treatments

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood

Jehovah's Witnesses view of blood has been a common source of controversy. Though Jehovah's Witnesses view "Abstinence from blood" to have health benefits, their basis for the belief is a spiritual rather than medical in nature. Their stand on blood has historically been to reject whole blood transfusions or any of the four major components of blood, (red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets). However, recent JW publications state that a number of "blood products can be used by a Jehovah's Witness as a matter of personal choice and without any sanction from the local congregation. The June 15, 2000 Watchtower made subtle but important changes to official policy. These relate primarily to the way blood products are classified. As a result, Jehovah's Witnesses now have the right to make a personal decision regarding the use of all blood fractions including the "mother of all fractions" hemoglobin, the single largest blood component after water." Reference: article, "Watchtower Blood Policy Changes Again." by AJWRB (Jehovah's Witnesses for Reform on Blood) It has been suggested that Jehovahs Witnesses: Controversial Issues be merged into this article or section. ... Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. ... Human red blood cells Red blood cells are the most common type of blood cell and are the vertebrate bodys principal means of delivering oxygen to body tissues via the blood. ... White Blood Cells is also the name of a White Stripes album. ... Blood plasma is the liquid component of blood, in which the blood cells are suspended. ... A 250 ml bag of newly collected platelets. ...

Vaccinations

In 1952, The Watchtower stated: "The matter of vaccination is one for the individual that has to face it to decide for himself. Each individual has to take the consequences for whatever position and action he takes toward a case of compulsory vaccination, doing so according to his own conscience and his appreciation of what is for good health and the interests of advancing God's work. And our Society cannot afford to be drawn into the affair legally or take the responsibility for the way the case turns out."^[9]

Organ transplants

The Witnesses' position on organ transplants has also changed over time. An organ transplant is the transplantation of an organ (or part of one) from one body to another, for the purpose of replacing the recipients damaged or failing organ with a working one from the donor. ...

Concerning organ transplants and autopsies, The Watchtower stated in 1952: "Is there any Scriptural objection to . . . accepting organs for transplant from such a source? Humans were allowed by God to eat animal flesh and to sustain their human lives by taking the lives of animals, though they were not permitted to eat blood. Did this include eating human flesh, sustaining one's life by means of the body or part of the body of another human, alive or dead? No! That would be cannibalism, a practice abhorrent to all civilized people. . . Those who submit to such operations are thus living off the flesh of another human. That is cannibalistic. However, in allowing man to eat animal flesh Jehovah God did not grant permission for humans to try to perpetuate their lives by cannibalistically taking into their bodies human flesh, whether chewed or in the form of whole organs or body parts taken from others."^[10] For the former Death Metal band called Autopsy, see Autopsy (band). ...

In 1980, the same magazine wrote that some "sincere Christians" felt that the Bible did not rule out medical transplants of human organs. It said: "Clearly, personal views and conscientious feelings vary on this issue of transplantation. It is well known that the use of human materials for human consumption varies all the way from minor items, such as hormones and corneas, to major organs, such as kidneys and hearts. While the Bible specifically forbids consuming blood, there is no Biblical command pointedly forbidding the taking in of other human tissue. For this reason, each individual faced with making a decision on this matter should carefully and prayerfully weigh matters and then decide conscientiously what he or she could or could not do before God. It is a matter for personal decision.^[11] Hormone is also the NATO reporting name for the Soviet/Russian Kamov Ka-25 military helicopter. ... The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber, providing most of an eyes optical power [1]. Together with the lens, the cornea refracts light and, as a result, helps the eye to focus. ... Kidneys viewed from behind with spine removed The kidneys are bean-shaped excretory organs in vertebrates. ... Hearts could be: Hearts, a four-player card game. ...

Abortion

Abortions are forbidden, on the basis of the belief that human life starts at conception.^[12] An issue of Awake! magazine stated: "There might be a situation in which, at the time of childbirth, a choice has to be made between the life of the mother and that of the child. It would be up to the individuals concerned to make that choice. In many lands, however, advances in medical procedures have made this situation very rare."^[13] They are not against contraception, as long as the contraceptive method works by preventing conception.

Alternative Medicine and related health practices

Alternative forms of medical treatment are an area for personal decision. Aside from such things as discussed above, the Watchtower Society's official position on medical and health issues is that it "does not make recommendations or decisions for individuals on medical and diagnostic practices. If certain practices have aspects that are questionable in the light of Bible principles, however, attention may be called to these. Then each person can weigh what is involved and decide what to do."^[14] This would include a wide variety of practices such as tantra, shamanism, yoga, crystals, acupuncture, herbology, etc. Each issue should be examined on its own. For example:

• Yoga: Yoga is viewed as an activity not acceptable for Christians. ^[15]

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Jehovah's Witnesses' have no official position on whether or not Traditional Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture and Herbology are acceptable or unacceptable for Christians. Based on a recent Awake! article, it states "Awake! does not endorse any particular treatment for health problems. Christians should be certain that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles." In that article, they simply describe the different remedies, and leave it open to whether a Christian could utilize any of the techniques listed.^[16] Within the organisation, there are members who are practising herbologists and acupuncturists, especially among Chinese congregations.

A woman practising hatha yoga Yoga, meaning yoke in Sanskrit, is a family of ancient spiritual practices originating in India. ... Traditional Chinese medicine shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. ... Acupuncture (from Lat. ... Herbology is the art of combining medicinal herbs. ...

Disaster relief

Disaster relief to those within the organization is an important aspect of organizational activities. The organization of such relief is taken care of by the governing body in collaboration with a committee appointed by them.^[17] One of the Society's branch offices may be asked to take care of the need. The prime focus is on helping fellow believers, although others also receive assistance to some degree. The French Branch Office's AidAfrique organization, for example, provides material help to Witnesses experiencing disasters in Africa. A world map showing the continent of Africa. ...

Literacy programs

Jehovah's Witnesses offer literacy programs in some countries where there is a need. Witness literacy classes in Nigeria between 1962 and 1994 were attended by upwards of 25,000 persons. In the same country, the literacy rate among Witnesses is over 90%, in contrast to the average of 68% for the population in general^{[citation needed]}.

For this purpose, two booklets have been produced: Learn to Read and Write (1958 in Spanish) and Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing (1983 in French; 1997 in English).

For those with limited reading ability and comprehension, the magazine You Can Be God's Friend offers the ability to prepare for baptism without the standard literacy-intensive process. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Doctrines and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

See also

• Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses
• Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Doctrines and practices of Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Jehovahs Witnesses are organized into a hierarchy. ...

Notes and references

1. ^ Determined to Follow God’s Way of Life The Watchtower January 15 1999 p. 6
2. ^ Worship and Conventions[1]
3. ^ "They Are No Part of the World" Worship the Only True God 2002, p. 159.
4. ^ Watchtower 1 Nov 1999. p.28.
5. ^ Jealous for the Pure Worship of Jehovah, The Watchtower September 15, 1995, p. 11.
6. ^ The Bible's Viewpoint - Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement Awake! September 8, 1996, p. 96.
7. ^ Be a Vessel for Honorable Use, The Watchtower March 15 1973, p. 182.
8. ^ Maintain a Balanced View of the Use of Alcohol, The Watchtower December 1, 2004, p. 18.
9. ^ Questions From Readers The Watchtower, 15 December 1952 p.764
10. ^ The Watchtower, November 15, 1967, page 702.
11. ^ Questions from Readers The Watchtower March 15, 1980, p. 31.
12. ^ The Choices, the Issues Awake! September 22, 2004, p. 6.
13. ^ Awake! September 8, 1987, page 28.
14. ^ The Watchtower December 15, 1994, p. 19
15. ^ Yoga - Just an Exercise or Something More? The Watchtower August 1, 2002, p. 20. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/8/1a/article_01.htm.
16. ^ Awake! November 8, 2000. Web version available at http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2000/11/8/article_01.htm.
17. ^ Giving That Pleases God The Watchtower June 1, 2003, p. 4.