Jehovahs witnesses funeral rites

Who founded the Jehovahs witnesses?

Charles Taze Russell

When and where was the Jehovahs witnesses denomination founded?

in the USA towards the end of the 19th century

Who was Charles Taze Russel?

• an Adventist, whose ideas were controversial to the beliefs of the Millennial Adventist denomination.

• His teachings motivated his followers to spread the word through circulation of his books and paphlets, This led to the creation of the monthly periodical, The Watchtower, which is used as a Bible study aid

In 1884 what did Charles Taze Russel do?

He formed The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of Pennsylvania

In 1909 what did Charles Taze do concerning the Tract Society of Pennsylvania?

He relocated their headquarters to Brooklyn, NY

When did Jehovahs witnesses get their current name and why?

The Society was renamed in 1931 after Russell’s death to highlight the group’s beliefs

What does the name Jehovahs witness highlight belief wise?

1. Emphasizes their belief that Jehovah is the one true God

2. The Witnesses are his specially chosen followers (144,000)

What are JW’s churches called?

Kingdom Halls

Who leads JW congregations?

led by unpaid spiritually mature men called “Elders“

Who does the JW governing body (the top of the “earthly” hierarchy) consist of?

Consists of senior elders that oversee all activities of the denomination

Do all JW members take on missionary work?

Yes

What does JW missionary work consist of?

Telling outsiders about Witness beliefs

Who are considered ordained ministers in the JW church?

All baptized members

How many JWs are there wordwide?

8.7 million

How many JWs are there in the united states?

1.2 million

Do JWs celebrate Christmas or easter?

No

what is Jesus according to JWs?

An agent of god

What/when is the JW holy day?

It is the observance of Christ’s Death

- Anniversary of Last Supper

What do JWs not recognize as a governing body?

The nations government

• They follow the laws of God

• They do not vote in public elections

• They do not salute the flag (false God)

• They do not serve in the military

What are the funeral director concerns for a JW funeral?

• No need to notify specific clergy

• No church requirements for removing deceased

• Embalming is often chosen

• Clothing and casket is left up to family

• Viewing is part of funeral event

How are JW clergy referred to as?

Do not use titles Reverend, Pastor or Father

• Address as Mr. or Mrs. and Last name

Where is the viewing for a JW funeral typically held?

At the funeral home

• Customs and traditions of community may define visitation activities

Where may the JW funeral service be held?

In the funeral home or Kingdom Hall

Describe a JW funeral service

• An elder conducts the service

• Service is around 30 minutes long

• Centered around the reading and discussion of scripture

• Music comes from Jehovah’s Witness hymnal

• Committal may last several minutes with a short scripture reading and a few words from the officiant

Non-Jehovah’s Witness persons _______ permitted to participate in the funeral

are not

What are the common methods of disposition for JW funerals?

Earth burial and cremation