Seven: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, etc. Sacraments in Catholicism and Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom songs no use of religious symbolsĬharitable work social justice initiatives Personal prayers no use of religious symbolsĮncouraged often in organized study groups Seven Sacraments: Baptism, Eucharist, etc.įormal prayers like the Rosary personal prayers Comparing Catholic and Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Practices This reflects their non-Trinitarian view. Jehovah’s Witnesses’ New World Translation renders the verse as “the Word was a god,” suggesting Jesus is a divine being but distinct and lesser than Almighty God. Orthodox Christians interpret this as affirming Jesus’ divinity, equating the “Word” with Jesus. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” How do Christians and Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret John 1:1 differently? Primarily available through Jehovah’s Witnesses limited editions Used by Jehovah’s Witnesses for study and evangelism Limited footnotes focus on doctrinal points What are the important practices in each tradition? See below New American Bible (NAB) vs. The Magisterium is the final arbiter in interpreting the Bible and Sacred Tradition. It interprets and preserves doctrine, ensuring teachings remain consistent. In Roman Catholicism, the Magisterium is the church’s teaching authority, exercised by the Pope and bishops.

Imminent will establish God’s Kingdom on Earth

Rejects church tradition only Bible mattersĪwaited details guided by church teaching Sacred Tradition and Magisterium important Only true organization led by the Governing Body Literal resurrection not bodily for Jesus Holy Spirit is God’s active force, not a personĬhrist’s sacrifice redeems humanity opens path to paradise Third person of the Trinity active in the world One God in three persons omnipotent, omniscientįully God and fully man Savior of humanityįirst creation by God not divine Savior Infallible New World Translation preferred Infallible when interpreted by the Magisterium These three are co-equal, co-eternal, and indivisibly united in one essence.Īll orthodox branches of Christianity, including Catholics, Protestants, and Eastern Orthodox, affirm this doctrine. The Trinity in Christian theology refers to the belief in one God existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Paradise Earth for most Heaven for 144,000Ĭatholic and Jehovah’s Witnesses Doctrine Salvation through faith and works sacraments Jehovah is the ultimate reality omnipotent, omniscientĬreated in God’s image fallen due to original sin God is the ultimate reality omnipotent, omniscient One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit What does each tradition teach about the Trinity, the Bible, and the sacraments? See below Catholic and Jehovah’s Witnesses Beliefs Keeping reading to see a comparison table of the New American Bible, which is officially endorsed by the Catholic Church, and the New World Translation. It’s been translated into multiple languages. The NWT is distinct for its use of “Jehovah” in both Old and New Testaments. The New World Translation (NWT) is a Bible version produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses.įirst released in 1950, it was created by the Watch Tower Society’s Translation Committee. They believe that accepting blood, even medically, is a serious violation of God’s law and can jeopardize their relationship with Him.Īlternatives to transfusions are sought in medical treatments. Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid blood transfusions based on their interpretation of biblical passages that command abstaining from blood. Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid blood transfusions? No major divisions organized congregations No Trinity, God’s Kingdom, Jesus as first creationĭoor-to-door evangelism, no blood transfusions, Kingdom Hall meetings Trinity, Papal authority, seven Sacraments

“Jehovah’s Witnesses” uses “Jehovah,” an English-language representation of God’s name, and “Witnesses” to signify those who bear witness to Jehovah. “Roman Catholicism” combines “Roman” to indicate the church’s base in Rome and “Catholicism,” meaning universal. Is Catholicism or Jehovah’s Witnesses larger? See below Comparing Catholicism and Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Comparison

Christian vs jehovah witness beliefs