jehovah's witnesses
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- A Protestant Christian denomination: A distinct religious group within Christianity, characterized by specific beliefs and practices that differ from mainstream Christian denominations. It was formally established in the United States in the late 19th century.
- A millenarian restorationist movement: The group emphasizes a return to what it considers original Christian teachings, anticipates the imminent establishment of God's Kingdom on Earth, and is known for its distinctive methods of evangelism.
Usage and Examples
- Proper noun:
- The beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses differ from those of many other Christian churches.
- A group of Jehovah's Witnesses was offering literature near the subway station.
- She has been one of Jehovah's Witnesses since her childhood.
Advanced Usage and Notes
- The term is always used in the plural form ("Witnesses") when referring to the members collectively. The singular form ("a Jehovah's Witness") refers to an individual member.
- The group is known for its door-to-door evangelism, distribution of literature (such as and magazines), and its refusal of certain medical procedures (like blood transfusions) based on scriptural interpretation.
- They do not celebrate most holidays (e.g., Christmas, birthdays) or participate in political activities or military service.
Variants and Related Terms
- Witness (informal): A shortened, informal way to refer to a member.
- He's a Witness.
- The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society: The legal and publishing corporation used by the group.
- Kingdom Hall: The term for their local places of worship.
Synonyms and Related Concepts
- Christian denomination: A broader category to which the group belongs.
- Millenarian group: A group that emphasizes a future thousand-year reign of Christ.
- Restorationist movement: A movement seeking to restore primitive Christianity.
Key Distinctions
- Not "Jehovah's Witness": The singular form is not used as the name of the denomination itself. The denominational name is strictly plural: Jehovah's Witnesses.
- Capitalization: Both "Jehovah's" and "Witnesses" are always capitalized, as it is a proper noun.
Noun
- Protestant denomination founded in the United States by Charles Taze Russell in 1884