Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses is a nontrinitarian, millenarian, and restorationist Christian denomination.

Being nontrinitarian means they do not believe in the doctrine of the Trinity. Millenarianism refers to their belief that God's kingdom will soon rule the earth. Restorationism involves their goal to restore original Christian practices. The group is primarily known for its intense focus on evangelism. They frequently distribute religious literature to the public. This includes magazines like *The Watchtower* and *Awake!*

They also use a specific Bible translation called the *New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures*.

Many of the group's core beliefs set them apart from mainstream Christianity. They reject the idea of an inherently immortal soul. They also do not believe in a literal hell. Instead, they believe the destruction of the current world system at Armageddon is imminent. They believe God's kingdom is the only solution for humanity. This belief leads them to avoid holidays like Christmas, Easter, and birthdays. They consider these customs to have pagan origins that are incompatible with Christianity.

Members also practice conscientious objection to military service. They refuse to salute state symbols like national anthems or flags. Additionally, they refuse blood transfusions based on their religious convictions.

Organizational authority is centralized within the denomination. A group known as the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses establishes all doctrines. This body directs the entire organization from its leadership level. Doctrine is not developed through discussion among the rank-and-file members. Instead, it emanates from the Society's leadership. The group also utilizes a system of congregational discipline. This can include formal expulsion and shunning for serious offenses. When members leave formally, they are termed "disassociated." Some members who leave voluntarily may "fade" to avoid being shunned. This process can cause significant mental distress for those involved.

The movement began in the nineteenth century with the Bible Student movement. Charles Taze Russell founded this movement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He co-founded the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society in 1881. Russell was a prolific author and organized many traveling preachers. He moved the headquarters to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909. After Russell died in 1916, Joseph Franklin Rutherford was elected president.

Rutherford's leadership was marked by significant organizational and doctrinal changes. He faced leadership disputes that caused many members to leave. In 1931, he adopted the name "Jehovah's Witnesses." This change was intended to distinguish them from other Bible Student groups. It also symbolized a break from the traditions left by Russell.

The group maintains a massive global presence with diverse demographics. In 2021, the organization reported many active publishers worldwide. Publishers are members who are actively involved in preaching. In that same year, 4,091 members served as missionaries. The group reported a worldwide annual increase of 1.1 percent. In the United States, they are considered the most racially diverse Christian denomination. However, a 2008 Pew Forum study noted a low retention rate. Only about 37% of people raised in the group continued to identify as Witnesses. In contrast, the retention rate for Catholicism was 68%.

Economic and social data provide further insight into the community. A 2016 study found they had the lowest average household income among surveyed religious groups. In the United States, about half of Witness households earned less than $30,000 per year. Sociological research shows they rank very high in several religious metrics. This includes belief in God and the importance of religion in life. They also rank high in the frequency of prayer and Bible reading. Conversely, they rank lowest in interest in politics. This reflects their focus on spiritual matters over secular governance.

The history of the group includes significant legal and social challenges. Their refusal to serve in the military has caused conflicts with various governments. In some countries, their activities have been banned or restricted. These legal battles have actually influenced civil rights legislation in several nations. Scholars have debated whether to call the group a church, a sect, or a new religious movement. Some sociologists in the mid-twentieth century compared their structure to totalitarianism. However, by the 1980s, academics moved away from the term "cult." They now often use more neutral academic classifications to describe the group's unique role in religious history.