What are some of the differences in Buddhism and Jehovah's Witness?

Answer 1

A more appropriate question might be probably be: "are there any similarities between Jehovah's Witnesses and Islam" since there are in fact few links between the two religions. Islam, is founded on the premise that the Quaran is an inspired book of god, while Jehovah's Witnesses reject the Quaran as such and believe that only the 66 books of The Bible should be held as inspired. Jehovah's Witnesses also believe that the bible has been handed down to us, in tact and has not be changed or corrupted, while Islam claims that the need for the Quran arose because the bible had been 'changed by man and could no longer be fully trusted. While the God of Islam is "Allah" (arabic for 'god'), Jehovah's Witnesses refer to God by his personal name as revealed in the bible: Jehovah (see Psalms 83: 18). Islamists do not profess to be 'christians' Jehovah's witnesses accept Jesus, not only as a great prophet but as the son of God, of divine nature (although not equal to god) and as having had a pre-human existance. Islam, in fact claims that Jesus did not actually die while Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus death was central to God's plan for mankinds salvation. Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept Mohamed as a prophet of God.

Answer 2

Jehovah's Witnesses use the bible as the basis for their belief system.

They believe in a supreme Creator (Jehovah) and follow the example of his son Jesus. Thus they are a Christian religion that are known worldwide for their public preaching work in accordance with Jesus command in Matthew 28: 19, 20.

The main thrust of their message is that one day, God will intervene in mans affairs and establish a paradise earth for all who love goodness and are willing to submit to Gods rules.

Answer:

A few of the differences:

• Buddhism is a religion Jehovahs Witnesses are a sect in the Christian religion
• Buddhism shares a cultural background with Hinduism, JWs with Abrahamic religions
• Buddhists are ot deity based, JWs have a god
• Buddhists have no creation myth, JWs belief in a point of creation
• Buddhists allow blodd tranfusions, JWs do not
• Buddhists do not seek converts, JWs seek converts
• Buddhists do not seek "salvation" JWs do
• Buddhists have no literal heaven or hell, JWs have a literal heaven ruled by a god, Jesus, angles, and specially "anointed" JW humans who have died. They consider the earth to be Satan's home for now, but reject a belief in hell. See more on this below.*
• Buddhists encourage meditation, JWs encourage prayer
• Buddhists have no "holy" text, JWs have a "Bible"

More on Jehovah Witness Belief of heaven/hell *:

JWs have a literal heaven ruled by a god, Jesus, angles, and specially "anointed" JW humans who have died. However some JW who claim themselves to be anointed, have not yet died and look forward to a rule over "mankind" in heaven. Anointed members awaiting heavenly rule partake from emblems (wine & crackers representing Jesus blood & flesh) at the JW celebration of the passover or "memorial of Christs death". The anointed are eventually expected to number 144,000 these "chosen ones" are expected to rule from heaven with Jesus over the eventual paradise earth. Armageddon or survival of Armageddon due to ones good deeds is believed to be followed by a resurrection of the dead who led morally good lives, this event is followed by 1000 years of rebuilding after the catastrophic destruction of Satan's world by god( an event that may come at any time and is expected to happen soon), Armageddon is a surprise war on Satan and a "destruction"/murder of the humans who knowingly are not following the JW understanding of bible law/rules. A war in which Satan is imprisoned by god for 1000 years, during which is a peaceful rebuild, no death is possible during this time. The 1000 year period is ended with a final test of "Satan" allowed by god, this is considered the ultimate final act and death of Satan, Ones who pass (including the ones brought back to life) "the final test of Satan allowed by god" will experience a true life in paradise for all eternity. In this way Jehovah's witnesses reject the idea of a hell.

The activities described are also believed to be the result of a disagreement between God and Satan, an disagreement being watched by the angels and demons. The argument is that man can or cannot rule himself. These events are believed to be God's way of handling the situation who is considered to be all powerful, omniscient and perfect in every aspect.

Some other information on Buddhist heaven/hell:

- Buddhist do contemplate hell realms and god realms. These realms are seen as ways the mind can interpret reality due to human confusion. So they are not seen as actual places but manifestations of the mind, which then are considered actual places. Contemplation of Hell realms is a tool used to generate compassion by noticing where shared human confusion may take ones mind. Average non anointed Jehovahs witnesses have no expectancy of hell and no expectancy of heaven. They have expectancy of survival or destruction in "Armageddon". In Buddhism Contemplation of "God" realms are sometimes used as a tool to recognize that even if everything is perfect it will eventually come to an end and god realms are considered a possible distraction from serving to others and is recognized as an impermanent state.

-There are many types of Buddhism. It is difficult to compare to Jehovah Witnesses. Each type of Buddhism would have to be compared on it's own. It is said there are different types of Buddhism because there are different types of people.

Answer 3

Jehovah's Witness answer:

• Mainstream Christians believe Jesus to be Almighty God, while JW believe Jesus to be the Son of God (Luke 3:21-22)
• Mainstream Christians believe in a triune godhead (three in one), while JW believe there to be only One True God and Creator (Deut 6:4)
• Mainstream Christians believe that non-believers, when they die, go to hell. JW believe that eternal burning in hell is not a biblical teaching (Jer 7:21)
• Mainstream Christians don't normally refer to God by his personal name (Yahweh/Jehovah). The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's name should be Sanctified, honoured and praised at every opportunity (Math 6:9).
• Most Christians generally do not preach the gospel. Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their public ministry (Math 28:19:20).
• Most mainstream Christians have no objection to participating in War or politics. Jehovah's Witnesses insist on remaining politically neutral (John 15:19).
• Mainstream Christianity teaches the "immortality of the soul". Jehovah's Witnesses believe the soul can be destroyed (Matthew 10:2
• Mainstream Christians usually have a human leader (a pope, a pastor, a Bishop). JW only recognise Jesus as their leader (Mat 23:10)
• Some Christians have many pagan rituals incorporated into their religious rituals. Jehovah's Witnesses reject all celebrations and ceremonies with pagan origins (2 Cor 6:15)
• Some Christian churches use a lot of idols in their worship and they venerate the cross. JW reject the use of idols (1 Cor 1:14)
• Mainstream Christians have a clergy/laity class of ministers. JW consider all their members ministers and all partake in preaching and teaching (Matthew 23:9)
• Mainstream Christians have no formal system to ensure their churches are free from members that are unscriptural. Jehovah's Witnesses apply the bible principle of removing unrependent members that insist on living contrary to scriptural norms (1 Cor 6: 9, 10)

This question is not logical. It is like asking "What is the difference between a car and an automobile?".

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians, and we base our beliefs solely on God's Word the Bible.

There are quite a few differences, however, between the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses and professedChristianity.

I will post some links for your consideration below where you can see what some of our basic Bible-based beliefs are.

Christian viewpoint

The Christian Church accepts Jesus as Lord; the JWs do not. Christians accept the biblical authority that describes the Trinitarian God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One God in Three Persons. This is clearly noted in many places in scripture including the beginning of Genesis, the end of Matthew's Gospel and in the prologue to John's gospel. This latter reference caused a stir among the JWs where John clearly states that Jesus was with God and Jesus was God. The JW bible translated this (incorrectly) as 'Jesus was 'a' 'god' (with a small 'g' - whatever that means) in order to fit in with their beliefs, despite the many many claims by Jesus that he was divine.

Unlike the Christian Church, JWs believe that all others except themselves are damned and regard other religions and the Trinity, as the work of Satan. They refuse to celebrate Christmas and birthdays as these events are 'pagan' yet undergo many other activities that have a pagan origin. They refuse to accept blood in a transfusion because of one verse in Leviticus and a similar verse in the New Testament, both taken out of context and both mistranslated. They obey the Levitical law about blood and yet shun the others about nor wearing more than one cloth type and so on. They shun the New testament ruling on blood (which in context was placed there simply not to offend the Jews who became new Christians and not as 'God's Law'. These are all against the wish of God that we "all have life and life in its fullness". They will not accept the Virgin Birth despite its clarity in scripture, nor accept the apocalyptic nature of Revelation - taking it literally instead (although it was never meant to be read like that). If a JW disobeys the elders in the church they run the risk of being disfellowshipped. This means that they are shunned by the church members, any member having anything to do with them running the same risk of being shunned as well. This is against Christ's teaching of love and forgiveness.

These are just a few of the many differences between Christians and Jehovah's Witnesses. A JW will insist that he/she is a 'Christian' but their beliefs are very different - and much more lacking in love for all, not just fellow JWs - from Christians of any denomination.

Further Christian Comment

Most Christians are of the opinion, backed by a great deal of evidence, that Jehovah's witnesses have misread the bible completely.It is a sad tragedy.The biggest and most profound difference in Jehovah's witnesses are the fact they don't believe Jesus Christ is God

Christians over the past 2000 years believe that Jesus Christ is God. He died on the cross... and on the third day rose from the dead. They believe that Jesus lived a perfect life without one sin. He was born to a virgin whose name was Mary, after being conceived by the Holy Spirit. He was not created, Jesus was always... and always will be. Because He is God. God and Jesus are the same, Jesus was God and was with God in the beginning. He has always been with God, he has always been God (Jn 1).

Because of the original Creeds of the Church, this is what Christians believe. Any variation of this is not Christianity in the real sense. Sadly Jehovah's witnesses do not believe in this. (If any one is wondering Mormons do not believe this either.). Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus was an Angel... and archangel named Michael,and not God in human form.

Answer 4

Jehovah is the one and only God. Jehovah is supposed to be a God, while Buddha was just a wise man.