"Wormwood" today

QUESTION:

Hey I'm doing a religion project and I was curious on
1.what is the code of conduct for jahovahs witnesses?
2. What are practices for this religion?
Thank you!


REPLY:

Below is the reply I wrote when I was originally asked this question. I am inserting this initial section, twelve years later. My reason for this insertion, is that the answer to the questions above, have changed since I originally responded. The reason for the change, is that the leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses have made changes. 

We must logically accept, that any change in tenet is indicative that the original tenet was faulty. Jesus described such changes in teaching, as a fulfillment of symbolic rotten fruit (Matt.7:15,20). Those who teach from genuine spirit and truth, provide teachings that last. That is the meaning of symbolic fine fruit (John 15:16; Matt.24:35). Fruit that does not last, rots away and needs to be replaced... just like the teaching and rules of Jehovah's Witnesses.

ORIGINAL REPLY:

This is a huge question when it comes to "Jehovah's Witnesses".
I'll do my best.
I will respect that you are not specifically asking for religious beliefs, so I will only refer to them as is necessary to answer your questions.

First off, if you asked a practicing "witness" your first question, their reply would likely be brief and simple. They would likely say that their "code of conduct" was all the things which Christ directed, and that this "code" is founded upon the scriptures.

The problem with that assumption, is as follows...
Like all Organized religions, "Jehovah's Witnesses" believe that their doctrine is based upon the Truth of the Bible...that they are loyal to the Scriptures...and that they worship in harmony with Holy Spirit, and the tenets of the Bible. Like all Organized religions who have this belief, they would be wrong.

The "Code of Conduct" for witnesses, can not be separated from their "practices". All "Witnesses" are expected to make their religion, their life, completely.
Those practices, and that Code, are as follows:

Conformity to all current "organizational arrangements" is expected by all, as directed by those in authority, such as:

  dress and grooming:
       MALES: (full formal-wear when engaged in any public religious activity.
                      No hair long enough to touch the collar. No beards, in the USA.
                      Until recently, there used to be a white shirt requirement for giving a talk/sermon.
                      Dress and grooming specifications, while firm, differ in various Countries.
   FEMALES: No denim; skirts must be below the knee; nothing tight; high neckline.
                      Cars and homes also, must reflect diligence and a degree of affluence.
      Behavior: Five meetings per week, plus attendance at "service" meetings as often as
                      possible. (They are normally held twice daily.) "Field service" to
                      follow that meeting, for as many hours as possible.
                      Attendance at meetings should be even if one is subjected to
                      mortal threat. Arrival at meetings is expect to be 20 minutes before the
                      meeting starts. Children also, are to learn to imitate the parents, in
                      developing self-control enough to sustain rapt attention at meetings.
                      Meetings are to be fully prepared for; by a thorough preview of the
                      materials to be covered. Participation is expected. In addition,
                      there is to be a weekly "family study" conducted by the family head
                      (male if existing) in a member's own home.
                      Children are expected to do as well as possible in school, but are strongly
                      discouraged from pursuing higher education. They are to avoid any
                      friendships with the opposite sex, and dating is prohibited until the
                      intentional pursuit of marriage. They are to refrain from an extra-
                      curricular school activities. Their goal in life should be a career going
                      door-to-door proselytizing and that should begin at as early an age as
                      possible.
                      Men are only respected if they actively seek to "climb the ladder" within
                      their Congregations. A lack of diligence in this regard puts marital prospects in doubt.

                      Advancement in the organization is achieved in steps, according to how well a
                      man conforms to "organizational arrangements" and provides a strong example
                      as one who is in unquestioning loyalty to those who direct.
                      Women are only respected if they are completely directed by the male figure
                      in their life, are always mild-mannered, have "exemplary" children,
                      are skilled as housewives, and spend a good deal of their time proselytizing.
                      All "Witnesses" must remain current in present doctrine. They must completely
                      espouse whatever that current doctrine is. If they fail to keep current with
                      changes in doctrine...perhaps believing something outdated...they run the
                      risk of being expelled from their Congregation, Family, and Friends.
                      In addition, there are "Assemblies" and "Conventions" to attend periodically.
                      Leisure activities are to be monitored by the standards of the organization,
                      which are exhaustive. Leisure and vacationing is to include proselytizing. 

Some of these expectations are rooted in the Bible....most are not. An in-depth examination of all the doctrines and "arrangements" which "Jehovah's Witnesses" practice, and how these are NOT based on scripture, would be an exhaustive article indeed. I will not attempt to cover all of them with you, but here is a brief sampling:

PIONEERING:
                         This designation/title has a set hour requirement for proselytizing.
                         Those who enroll are given special privileges and esteem. This "arrangement" is
                         not found in the Bible, and in fact, violates Bible principles.
                         (Luke 21:1-2,3-4; James 2:1-2,3-4; Matt.6:1-2,3-4; Mark 12:42-43,44)
RECORD KEEPING:
                         A count is made of attendance at various meetings, as well as how many
                         "partake" at the annual "Memorial" of Christ's death.
                         This is also in violation of scripture (1Chron.21:1; Rev.7:9).
FAITH IN HUMAN DOCTRINE:
                         Bible interpretations are often published without scriptural backing. It is sourced
                         in interpretations by men, and changes are made repeatedly as a result. There is to
                         be no "independent" study, nor comparison with other doctrine, including past 

                         Jehovah's Witness doctrine. This also violates scripture 

                         (Matt.15:9; Isa.29:13; Col.2:20-21,22-23;  1John4:1;  2Cor.13:3).
                         All are expected to be loyal to these doctrinal changes, above loyalty to scripture.
                         Any who express disagreement based upon scripture, are labeled as 

                         disloyal to God Himself. Such a dissenter will be expelled.
                         This also betrays the Bible.
         (1John4:1; Acts 17:11;  1Thess.5:21;  2Cor.11:3-4,12-13,20; Rom.6:16;
          1Cor.7:23; Gal.1:10; Col.3:24; John 4:24; Rom.1:25; Acts 5:29)

Jesus left his disciples with the following command:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you". (Matt.28:19,20)

"Jehovah's Witnesses" break both of Christ's commands. They teach all to observe all the commands of men, and they baptize additionally, in the name of their Organization. They expect one's dedication, to be to them, rather than exclusively to God (which also violates God's Command). 

Mark 12:30; Isa.42:8; Deut.11:16,18; Luke 4:8; Matt.4:10)

I hope my reply to you has helped satisfy your need for information.
If you need something further, please follow up.
All the best for success with your project,
Regards,
Pearl

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