Thread: Is anyone here a Jehovah Witness ?

It seems that this thread has turned into more of JW bashing than actually helping. I'm not trying to start anything, I just think it's sad some of the things people are saying. I don't think their beliefs are silly simply because I choose to see things differently. I don't agree with many of their beliefs but I would never talk badly about those that follow that religion. We're all free to worship whomever and however we see fit.

And with that being said...

My daughter went to a Christian private school but there were children from different religious backgrounds so when it was time for holiday parties, they did more of a seasonal theme so no one would be left out. For Halloween, they all dressed up as scare crows, they had a party but the parent's were only allowed to bring in seasonal items... like, the Snickers in fall colors or the candies that have fall leaves but obviously, candy with ghosts and jackolanterns were out of the question. We brought in pencils with leaves on them, the leaf shaped erasers in the fall colors,

They still celebrated Valentine's though. Just as they would at a public school, I'm sure. If your child is in public school, you don't HAVE to do anything different. As long as the school allows it (and I'm sure they do), you can do all the "normal' holiday crafts and decorations. Jack o Lanterns, Santas, Reindeer, Ghosts... all that stuff. But, if you don't want to have that little girl be left out, you can PM me and I'll share some of the crafts my daughter did with her class.

I think it's great that you're thinking of this one little girl... goodluck with whatever you decided to do on holidays!

Originally Posted by Candice

It seems that this thread has turned into more of JW bashing than actually helping. I'm not trying to start anything, I just think it's sad some of the things people are saying. I don't think their beliefs are silly simply because I choose to see things differently. I don't agree with many of their beliefs but I would never talk badly about those that follow that religion. We're all free to worship whomever and however we see fit.

I think it's great that you're thinking of this one little girl... goodluck with whatever you decided to do on holidays!

Very well put, and I totally agree. I would hope, that regardless of what religion someone is, that they get the same respect that we all expect and deserve.... I would NEVER trash another's religion either.

Some people didn't thoroughly read the thread, and thought they were wanting the whole room of children to 'suffer' to pacify the one child... and that was never the case.

I think the masses agreed though, that the answer is simple... while the other kids do holiday things, the one child can do seasonal things... even coloring... fall scenes etc... or crafts with fall leaves, acorns, pumpkins etc...

OK I am ready for the bashing so get out the whips and chains. JW IMO are not a cult they are just like any other religion. My gram came up and had Christmas dinner with us. When she came by she always left her stuff outside. I grew up learning about the JW religion and it doesnt differ that much from any other religion really. To this day any one of the people in the Kingdon Hall would do anything for me.

Originally Posted by evrita

OK I am ready for the bashing so get out the whips and chains. JW IMO are not a cult they are just like any other religion. My gram came up and had Christmas dinner with us. When she came by she always left her stuff outside. I grew up learning about the JW religion and it doesnt differ that much from any other religion really. To this day any one of the people in the Kingdon Hall would do anything for me.

Yea, you can't deny that, overall and as a rule, they are fine, fine people.

Goodness - I just wanted some craft ideas and some insight into their beliefs. I didn't mean to begin a a Holy War !

Here Jolie this might add some insight I hope I dont get flamed for posting it http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnesses/...ir_beliefs.htm

for craft ideas, you could definately play up the seasons. You know, leaves for fall, snow flakes for winter. It would be fun to have each of the kids make their own snowflakes, you know, put glitter on them. We do not celebrate Xmas or Easter, but my kids always knew that the other kids around them did, & they learned to be OK with it. You could always decorate with the idea of say, learning about a certain author that month. example: decorate the room with William Shakespere stuff for a couple of months, like Romeo & Juliet stuff. Or maybe, study ppl from medicine, & work with that. I think your best bet is going to be to find out what the kids are doing & go from there.

Just tell the child's mother to keep the child home that day. I wouldnt even try to figure anything eles out.

I don't check out this forum too often so I didn't know this discussion was going on. Otherwise, you would have heard from me sooner.

I am a Jehovah's Witness. If anyone really wants to know what we believe, please go to:

http://www.watchtower.org/

The site listed earlier in this discussion contains inaccurate information.

Yes, we are a real religion. We are Christian and believe in Jesus Christ and accept him as our savior.

In everything we do, we look to the Bible (God's Word) for guidance. All of our beliefs are based on the Bible and not on human ideas or religious traditions.

In my personal experience I have found that many faiths believe that the New Testament is all that is really relevant to Christians, however 2 Tim. 3:16, 17 says, "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work".

God's name is Jehovah (look up Ps. 83:18; Isa. 26:4; 42:8, AS; Ex. 6:3).

Jesus Christ is God's Son and is inferior to God. Jesus himself said at John 14:28 "... the Father is greater than I am. (also look up Matt. 3:17; John 8:42; 20:17; 1 Cor. 11:3; 15:28).

Christ sacrificed his life as a ransom for obedient humans. Without his sacrifice, we would not have a wonderful future to look forward to, of living in peace in God's Kingdom, with Christ as our King.

There are very valid Biblical reasons as to why we don't celebrate the various holidays you all mentioned. What matters is how God and His son Jesus Christ view such things - not whether they seem okay and acceptable to us.

No 'brain washing' is done in our faith. Children attend all of the Bible studies, sermons, etc that the adults attend. There is no separate 'Sunday school' or class for children. If a child doesn't know why they don't celebrate certain things, they obviously have not paid attention at the Bible studies or their parents have not taken the time to find out if they know why we believe as we do. We are not robots, programmed to perform certain duties or fed information that we MUST follow. We are free to believe or not believe. Nothing is shoved down our throats. You will find that Witnesses really know the Bible as we follow along in the Bible (any translation of the scriptures is acceptable) during the sermon, etc. We are all given time to find the scriptures being read so that we can see what God's word really says on a matter.

The apostle Paul referred to the Beroeans, "They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11) Jehovah's Witnesses believe that all religious teachings should be verified to see if they are in agreement with the Scriptures.

I have a non Jehovah's Witness friend who is a school teacher. She gives the Witness children the option of going (or staying) home when holiday events and projects are held. I agree with some of you who felt that the mother of the child should have been much more helpful in this matter. Quite frankly, I am very surprised that she wasn't.

I am happy to answer any questions that you cannot find the answer to at:

http://www.watchtower.org/

You may pm me if you wish. Just please don't resort to flaming me.

Originally Posted by aussiegirl

Just tell the child's mother to keep the child home that day. I wouldnt even try to figure anything eles out.

Why should a child have to miss a day of school so others can celebrate a party?

We do Harvest parties, winter parties, etc. We have a very diverse group of students in our school and this way everyone gets to be involved.

I think it is unfair and mean to tell a child oh you don't believe like we do so you get to stay home while we have fun.

Jolie- I would stick with leafs, pumpkins, etc. for fall. Snowflakes, snowmen, etc. for winter. In the spring there are flowers and those trees you make with the tissue paper leaves on them. You get the idea? Good luck!

Originally Posted by MistyWolf

Yes every religion does, but I do not consider JW a religion. Sorry it's just how I feel.

But why?

I've been a JW since I was 7 (36 now). No, I didn't feel left out...b/c I enjoyed going to the library,and that meant I was special. We do things all year long for our kids not just on certain days of the year because retail stores tell us to. I do agree that the mother should have helped you with an idea or something. Yes I'd do anything for my kids (and I do) but there are other safer and more biblical appropriate ways to safe a life without blood. Really, would you physically eat the blood of another person? Technically it's what you're doing when you get a transfusion. Anyway, love and hugs to everyone whether you like it or not, lol.