The Rules. Here's What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe.
Jehovah's Witnesses love their God Jehovah and want to please him. That's why they obey all his rules as explained by their religious leaders.
Right or wrong, the rules must be followed because they obey the teachings of the Apostle Paul who said, 'I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.' 1 Cor 1:10 NIV
Jehovah's Witnesses may have nagging doubts about their beliefs, but if they want to avoid excommunication (disfellowshipping), they must completely trust the guidance given by their organization. They avoid independent thinking because speaking in agreement and being like minded indicates to them they are God's organization and the truth.
The following list of 141 rules was written for people who want to quickly know what JW's can't to. The rules were compiled by former members who lived by these rules at one time.
The religion has many rules but these are learnt by Jehovah's Witnesses over a long period of time instead of all at once. Even though the rules can seem overly restrictive, Jehovah's Witnesses (JW's) don't see it that way.
141 Rules. Things Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Do.
Belong to another organization or club for the purpose of socializing with nonbelievers. See Religion First
Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. This is very true. The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization.
Here's what our experience was when we were Jehovah's Witnesses.
If a Jehovah's Witness wants to be loved and accepted by their family and the only friends they are allowed to have, they instinctively know it's best to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of the Watchtower Society.
The last thing a Jehovah's Witness wants to do is get in trouble with the organization or be called in for a 'judicial committee hearing'. In an effort to stay out of trouble, some Jehovah's Witness like to blend in and not be noticed. Others prefer to take the lime light as a leader, doing far more than is required.
141 Rules.
The rules were compiled by former Jehovah's Witnesses who were happy to live by these rules when they were active in the organization.
That being said, the rules can be very restrictive for young children who are singled out because they can't do many things fellow students do. Many adult JW's don't have a problem following the rules. The ones that do, are free to leave. However leaving is very difficult.
Some rules could be condensed to make the list shorter and some rules could be expanded to make the list longer.
The rules are not organized in order of importance.
Why do some JW's say this list is incorrect and that '141 rules' don't exist? Are The 141 Rules Correct?
Everyone is afraid of challenging the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Even some highly inactive Jehovah's Witnesses who rarely go to meetings, are afraid to speak out against the organization. Secretly they break the rules when no one is watching. But they will not publicly voice their viewpoints or disagree.
Saying anything negative about their religion could result in disfellowshipping and being shunned. If this were to happen, they would lose relationships with family and friends inside the organization.
If caught, some things Jehovah's Witnesses can't do are very serious and can result in disfellowshipping or disassociation. Other things are looked down upon or judged negatively by individuals within the organization. Some things are a matter conscience. Not every rule is given equal weight. In serious matters there needs to be two or more witnesses to the 'wrong doing' unless the accused admits guilt. Matthew 18:15-17
For some items on this list, there are no formal rules that say you must not do these things. No one forbids them from being a cheerleader, buying girl scout cookies, reading literature from other religions, playing competitive sports, etc. ... Jehovah's Witnesses 'can' technically do some of the things on this list, but they don't. Zealous JW's choose to follow stricter guidelines. They don't participate because most are overwhelmed by fear and guilt at the mere thought of displeasing Jehovah.
For example, Jehovah's Witnesses must not celebrate Halloween. Does that mean they can't give out candies when children come to their door? No. However many Jehovah's Witnesses will not participate in giving out candies, because to them it's part of the Halloween celebration. [5]
Why do Jehovah's Witnesses feel guilty about doing so many things? Because their God Jehovah has many attributes. He is a God of love, but he is also a God of righteousness and judgment. Obedience is required. When angered, Jehovah is capable of wiping out entire nations in a fit of rage. Deut 9:6-8; Zechariah 8:14; 2 Kings 22:13; Isaiah 13:9-16; Nahum 1:2.
Jehovah is a tribal God. He demands sacrifice and obedience to tribal rules and regulations. For ancient tribes, group survival was far more important than individual rights and freedoms. Because strict rules are easy to break, worshipers of Jehovah are never certain of salvation. See Jehovah vs Jesus
Jesus brought with him a new, more accurate understanding in which individuals answer directly to God. They do not worship God by being faithful to a tribe, religion, or visible organization. Their personal relationship with God is symbolized by baptism Followers of Jesus are not saved by keeping rules. Eternal life is a free gift.
Christians are free from strict laws, rules, and regulations. They don't have as much guilt or fear because they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Christians are saved by God's grace. There is nothing they can do to earn salvation. The God of Christians is kind, loving, humble, and gentle. Matthew 11:29; 1 John 4:8-21; Luke 6:27,35; He is forgiving and understanding. Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25; See Law of the Christ
The Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the teachings of Jesus, but they choose to put Jehovah first. Even though Jesus came to do the will of his Father, there is evidence that Jehovah is a very different God. Of course God has not changed. However our understanding of God has evolved. There is only one Creator. Jesus explained the true nature of God and disagreed with the Pharisees who focused on rules instead of God's love.
Since Jehovah's Witnesses serve Jehovah, they must earn God's love just like the ancient Israelites did. There is guilt because whatever they do for Jehovah, it may not to be enough. Oftentimes Jehovah's Witnesses believe they could have done more, and because they didn't, there is worry that Jehovah may not save them. What if they have angered Jehovah in some way that they are not aware of? What if Jehovah punishes them for not doing enough in these last days before armageddon? What if they could have attended more meetings, spent more time going from door to door, etc. ... ?
Ironically, in their fear of displeasing Jehovah (and the Apostle Paul who was a self-proclaimed Christian Pharisee, Acts 23:6), they have not fully accepted the teachings of Jesus. e.g. See Apostate Jehovah's Witnesses. It's important for Christians to follow Jesus because the Bible says all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Matthew 28:18.
By enforcing strict rules and regulations Jesus didn't teach, critics say they have run ahead of Jesus and their salvation may be in jeopardy. 2 John 1: 9 - 11. See Salvation. Best Religion. Can It Save You?
The 141 rules listed on this page are based on our personal experiences when we were Jehovah's Witnesses. This is the way we thought. We observed fellow Jehovah's Witnesses dealing with guilt, what's right, and what's wrong.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah's light gets brighter and brighter. That's why there is nothing wrong with changing beliefs as needed. Old understandings of what God requires are quickly forgotten and new doctrines are eagerly adopted as new truths from Jehovah.
When talking about things they can't do or are not allowed to do, there are 'gray' areas. Some things, they 'must' not do. Other things they shouldn't do. Some things are not recommended. And some things are a matter conscience. Faithful Jehovah's Witnesses often feel guilty that they might be doing something to displease God. Some consult with elders or write the Society's headquarters for guidance to make sure they haven't displeased Jehovah.
It is interesting that some people get disfellowshipped for the the smallest of infractions. While others get away with a lot and no one ever says anything. It all depends on how much you're liked in your congregation, how much time you spend going door to door, and how loyal you are to the organization.
If you get in trouble with the organization, the punishment varies depending on the seriousness of your crime, the number of eye witnesses to the wrong doing, how public the matter is, and most importantly your attitude towards the counsel the Elders give you. If you're truly sorry, repentant, and promise never to do it again, you might get away with a slap on the wrist. Pleading insanity or ignorance might work as well if your story is believable. Perhaps certain privileges or responsibilities within the congregation will be taken away from you. However if you argue, rebel, defend your position, and challenge WT doctrines your fate is likely to be sealed.
We certainly love and respect the desire Jehovah's Witnesses have to please God. It is commendable. However in their efforts to be the most righteous and best religion on the planet, they have added rules and regulations that Jesus did not teach. This is unfortunate because the Bible says that Jesus is the path to eternal life. John 6:40-68; Jude 1:21; John 17:2; John 10:25-30; John 3:14-16.
In addition, the Apostle John said, 'Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; ... If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.' 2 John 1: 9 - 11 NIV
Does this mean that the Apostle John supported the doctrine of disfellowshipping. No he did not. See Do Not Say A Greeting and find out what this scripture means.
Jehovah's rules can change at anytime and sometimes there are no clear guidelines. When this happens, Elders decide what to do or they call their corporate headquarters for instructions.
Here is a summary of rules someone sent us. They are based on the 2010 handbook for Elders, called "Shepherd The Flock Of God."
1. Wikipedia says a theocracy is 'a form of government in which a state is governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided.'
2. Mind Control. Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique language that they are proud of. It reinforces their belief that they are the only ones with the truth and living is a spiritual paradise. However no one has told them the true purpose of their unique wordology. Words like 'in the truth', 'God's organization', 'paradise earth', 'doomed system of things', etc, are repeated within the organization over and over again in literature, conversations, and meetings. Powerful words keep Jehovah's witnesses in a hypnotic state, afraid to question the authority of their religious leaders.
Some JW's try to reclaim their freedom by leaving the organization. However even then most are afraid to say what they really want to say especially if they have family and friends inside the church. Long after Jehovah's Witness leave their religion, they remain firmly attached to the beliefs of the Watchtower, until they understand how mind control works.
3. Obedience. Jehovah's Witnesses are required to 'speak in agreement' and defend all doctrines even when they have doubts. They are afraid to question Jehovah's wisdom as explained by the WT because they are told they belong to Jehovah's organization. Thus, the good of the organization is thought to be far more important than individual rights, beliefs, and freedom of speech. Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult?
Independent thinking is discouraged because unity of beliefs is a requirement. Speaking out against the church's doctrines is thought to be a dangerous path leading to 'apostasy' and termination of one's membership in Jehovah's organization. A JW's salvation as a Christian and making it through armageddon alive depends on their dedication and obedience to Jehovah's spirit guided organization, the WT. See Baptism
4. Equality. Importance of women in the JW religion based on the publication for Elders, "Shepherd The Flock Of God".
5. Halloween. If you want to meet a lot of JW's, without going to a Kingdom Hall service, go to stores, restaurants, and public places after dark on Halloween. They don't want to be home when children go trick or treating. Many of them leave their homes, turn out the lights, and go to out for the evening. Or they stay home in the dark. Whatever, ... It's just a really uncomfortable time of year for Jehovah's Witnesses.
6. Jehovah's Witnesses fear and obey their religious leaders based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:45-51
It is believed that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is God's only channel of communication in the world today. WT June 15, 2009 edition, entitled, "The Faithful Steward and It's Governing Body".
Videos: Discover why Jehovah's Witnesses are Leaving Their Religion
Video: Dr explains why their beliefs contribute to Mental Illness
Jesus taught us about God's love because the old Mosaic law had limitations. Likewise today, 'correct' religious beliefs and the observance of rules can't save us. We are saved by God's grace. The Bible says, 'I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!' Galatians 2:21
