Lisa O
Jehovah’s Witnesses are one of the most well-known yet misunderstood religious groups in the whole world. Their beliefs and practices never fail to spark curiosity—and sometimes even confusion—leading to plenty of myths about what they truly stand for. In this article, we’ll clear up 15 of the most common misconceptions about Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses Don’t Believe in Jesus
The truth: Jehovah’s Witnesses deeply respect Jesus Christ and believe that he’s the Son of God. They see him as the one who was sent to Earth to save humanity through his sacrifice. But here’s the main difference—they don’t think Jesus is God or part of a Trinity. Instead, they believe he’s a separate being created by God, which influences how they view his role in salvation.
Myth: They Reject the Bible
The truth: Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t just accept the Bible—they base everything they believe on it. Their teachings come straight from Scripture, and they’re big on regular Bible study. They use their own version—the New World Translation because they believe it’s a more accurate take on the original texts. Still, their faith is 100% Bible-based, and they want everyone to read it.
Myth: They Are a Cult
The truth: This label comes from people needing to understand their structure and practices fully. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a tight-knit global community, but they see themselves as another group. Yeah, their beliefs are different from mainstream Christianity, but that doesn’t make them a cult. They focus on personal study and outreach, not flashy leaders or secretive rituals.
Myth: They Don’t Believe in Medical Treatment
The truth: Jehovah’s Witnesses care about their health, and they get medical treatment just like everyone else. The thing that gets misunderstood is their refusal to accept blood transfusions. They choose based on Bible verses like Acts 15:28-29, which they believe tells them to avoid blood. To work around this, they look for alternative treatments and take advantage of medical advances that don’t involve any kind of transfusions.
Myth: They Don’t Celebrate Birthdays or Holidays Because They’re Boring
The truth: They skip these celebrations because of where they come from, not because they’re against having fun. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that holidays like Christmas and Easter have roots in pagan traditions, which don’t line up with Biblical teachings. For example, they point out that the Bible doesn’t show Jesus celebrating his birthday or telling his followers to do it. Instead, they focus on honoring God in all ways they believe are laid out in Scripture.
Myth: They Think Only 144,000 People Will Go to Heaven
The truth: While they do believe that 144,000 faithful Christians will rule with Jesus in heaven, they also teach that most people who are saved will live forever on Paradise Earth. This belief comes from their understanding of Revelation 7:4 and other scriptures. So their hope for salvation isn’t just for a small group—it includes millions who will enjoy eternal life here on Earth.
Myth: Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Anti-Government
The truth: That’s not right—they’re not anti-government, just neutral. They respect government authorities and follow the law as long as it doesn’t clash with their religious beliefs. For example, they don’t vote, salute the flag, or join the military because they believe their loyalty is to God’s Kingdom, not to earthly governments. But they’re still law-abiding citizens, and they cooperate with authorities when necessary.
Myth: They Predict the End of the World
The truth: While some early leaders of Jehovah’s Witnesses guessed when the world may end, today’s Witnesses don’t set any dates. They do believe we’re living in “the last days,” as the Bible calls it, but they leave the timing of the end up to God. Their main focus is on getting spiritually prepared and helping others understand what they believe the Bible says about the future.
Myth: They Can’t Have Fun
The truth: Fun’s not off-limits! Jehovah’s Witnesses enjoy many of the same things as everyone else—sports, music, travel, and hanging out with family and friends. They only try to keep their activities wholesome and in line with their values. So, while they may skip a crazy party, they’re all for having a good time in ways that line up with their faith.
Myth: They’re Not Allowed to Talk to Outsiders
The truth: You can’t be serious. Jehovah’s Witnesses are actually known for talking to people from all walks of life! Their door-to-door ministry is all about connecting with the public. What they do avoid is joining in with interfaith worship or practices that don’t match their teachings. But that doesn’t mean they shut themselves off—they’re just careful about connecting with others.
Myth: They Don’t Believe in Hell
The truth: Yes, that’s true, but there’s more to it. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe the idea of eternal torment in hell doesn’t match up with a loving God. Instead, they see death as being like sleep—an unconscious state. They believe in a future resurrection, where people will get a chance to live again under God’s Kingdom.
Myth: They Avoid Technology
The truth: This is the most unbelievable of every myth on this list. Jehovah’s Witnesses actually embrace technology, especially when it helps them spread their message (about their ideas). They use digital tools like jw.org, mobile apps, and even virtual meetings to stay connected with others. In fact, they use tech to keep their global community tight-knit.
Myth: They’re Not Allowed to Have Careers
The truth: Jehovah’s Witnesses can totally have careers, but they usually pick jobs that give them the flexibility to focus on their ministry. While they might stay away from all those jobs that clash with their faith, they work in all kinds of fields—teachers, nurses, mechanics, and many more. It’s all about finding a balance between work and their spiritual priorities.
Myth: They Shun Everyone Who Leaves
The truth: If someone is disfellowshipped (removed from the congregation for serious wrongdoing), Jehovah’s Witnesses may limit social contact with them. But this doesn’t apply to immediate family, and the person is always welcome back if they choose to return. The goal is to encourage them to repent, not cut them off completely.
Myth: They Don’t Believe in Charity
The truth: While Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t usually run big public charities, they do put a lot of effort into helping their community and providing disaster relief. For example, they quickly organize aid for fellow Witnesses after natural disasters. Their main focus is on spiritual work, but they still believe in stepping up with practical help when needed.
