Two Major Errors of Jehovah's Witnesses

Those nice people who come to your door attempting to convert you to the One True Church™ are usually cultists, and the two most likely groups are Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses. Some people boast about slamming the door in their faces, but that is a lousy Christian witness. Also, they put most professing Christians to shame because they are actively sharing their false beliefs while so many of us wallow in our complacency. Sadly, both groups are working toward earning their salvation.

Desert View Watchtower, Flickr / Grand Canyon National Park (CC BY 2.0)

Jehovah's Witnesses reject evolution, but are also not friendly toward biblical creation. This is most likely due to isolation efforts of this and other cults; your JW coworker will not be attending a social club or (shudder) your church with you.

Their rejection of voting, standing for a National Anthem, refusal to participate in Christmas and birthdays, and several other isolating peculiarities are famous. JWs are adamant that one must know and worship God using his true name, Jehovah. In addition, they insist that Jesus was not crucified on a cross, but a stake. It seems trivial, especially since they ignore church history as well as play word games that a word can mean something other than the clear meaning — like deniers of literal days trying to force in millions of years in Creation week. In both cases, they make assertions that cannot stand up under scrutiny. But...why do English translations use LORD?

Frank K. from USA wrote to us asking for clarification on various claims often made by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Hi, my name is Frank. I am 85 years old. I think it’s time I try and get right with my creator. I have some Jehovah’s Witness friends who seem to live a very commendable way of life. I was raised catholic so when they told me Jesus was hung on a stake and not a cross, I was surprised. I was told that the translation of the original word we have believed was cross actually meant stake or possibly tree.

Can you give me any input on this subject? Also, why most Christian religion seldom use the name Yehova or Jehova in their preaching?

I’m really trying to get my worship right so a little help would be great.

Frank K.

Dear Frank, 

Thank you for taking the time to write to us.

You raise several good questions, and I am glad that you are seeking the truth. I will try to write as plainly as possible.

To find out what Joel said, click on "Refuting Jehovah’s Witnesses’ errors." If you're wondering about the Mormons (a.k.a. Latter-Day Saints), their beliefs are saturated with evolution. See "Mormonism and Biblical Creation."