Do I Hold Extreme Views?

Do you believe that your perspective on politics or religion is the only correct one, rejecting all others as false?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their religion is the only true faith. They see themselves as practicing Christianity in its purest form, based on their interpretation of the Bible. They believe that all other religions, including mainstream Christian denominations, have strayed from true biblical teachings.

Jehovah’s Witnesses often refer to other religions collectively as “false religion” or part of “Babylon the Great,” a term they take from the Book of Revelation, which they interpret as representing a corrupt global system of religious belief. They believe that this system will be destroyed by God during Armageddon, after which only Jehovah’s Witnesses and those who accept their teachings will survive into God’s new kingdom on Earth.

Are you unable, or unwilling to consider alternative viewpoints or adapt to new information?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are unwilling to consider alternative religious viewpoints or adapt to information that contradicts their beliefs. This is largely because their faith emphasizes strict adherence to the teachings of their Governing Body and published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, which they believe provides the most accurate interpretation of the Bible.

They will, however, adapt quickly to changes when those changes are made by the Governing Body. For example, for about a century, men were not permitted to wear beards and engage in congregational activities, and women were not permitted to wear slacks when participating in the ministry and when attending congregation meetings. In a short announcement at the end of 2024 Governing Body Update #2 (18 minutes into the video),  governing body member, Mark Sanderson read out to viewers that beards and slacks are no longer forbidden.  In no time at all, members embraced the change.

Do you view those with different opinions as enemies rather than people with differing perspectives?

Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t typically view individuals with different religious opinions as “enemies,” but they do see those outside their faith as part of a world that is under the influence of Satan. Those who leave the faith or openly disagree with their teachings are identified as “apostates”, or spiritual enemies.  Apostates are considered especially dangerous because they have insider information, reveal harmful aspects of their practices that are usually done in secret – i.e. judicial committee meetings, and provide the public with documents that were never intended for public dissemination – ie. the Elder Book, letters to bodies of elders, etc. It’s no wonder then that the Governing Body instructs members to avoid contact with such individuals, as their perspectives provide details of an organization that may have some things to hide.

Do you view the world in black-and-white terms, where one group is entirely “good”, and everyone else is “bad”?

Jehovah’s Witnesses often see the world in a black-and-white framework, where they are on the side of “good” and the rest of the world is on the side of “bad.” This perspective is deeply embedded in their teachings and shapes how they view themselves and others. They offer a number of Bible verses to support this binary worldview.

1 John 5:19 – “We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”
They interpret this to mean that Satan controls the entire world outside of Jehovah’s organization, reinforcing the idea that they must remain separate from it.

John 17:14-16 – “I have given your word to them, but the world has hated them, because they are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”
Jesus’ words here are seen as a directive for Jehovah’s Witnesses to remain apart from worldly influences, including political, social, and religious systems outside their faith.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?… Therefore, get out from among them, and separate yourselves, says Jehovah.”
This passage is used to justify avoiding close relationships with non-Witnesses and rejecting practices they believe are “pagan” or “worldly.”

Matthew 7:13-14 – “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are those going through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are those finding it.”
They interpret this as meaning that only a “few” (Jehovah’s Witnesses) are on the path to life, while the majority of the world is headed toward destruction.

Revelation 18:4 – “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues.”
“Her” is interpreted as false religion (often referred to as “Babylon the Great”), and Witnesses believe they have “gotten out” by rejecting all other religious systems.

Do you advocate for discrimination, isolation, suppression, or other harms against dissenters?

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not advocate for violence or physical harm against dissenters, but they do practice forms of isolation and social exclusion, particularly through a process called disfellowshippingSince 2024, they refer to disfellowshipping as ‘removed.’* or disassociation. This can have significant emotional and psychological impacts on those who leave the faith or disagree with its teachings. When a baptized Jehovah’s Witness is deemed guilty of serious wrongdoing (such as questioning doctrine, leaving the religion, or engaging in behavior the organization considers sinful) and is unrepentant, they are disfellowshipped.

All members, including family and close friends within the faith, are instructed to avoid contact with the disfellowshipped person (except in cases of necessary family business, like living arrangements or caregiving). Even a simple greeting like “hello” is discouraged, except brief within the confines of a kingdom hall, as it is seen as endorsing or tolerating the person’s choices. Disfellowshipped individuals often experience intense isolation, which can be deeply painful, especially for those who have grown up in the faith and have no support system outside of it.

Do you prioritize your religion or political position over reality, reason, or ethical consideration?

Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Bible as the ultimate, divinely inspired authority on truth, morality, and the nature of reality. Because of this belief, they interpret everything—from scientific findings to ethical dilemmas—through the lens of their scriptural teachings. They believe the Bible is without error and provides a complete guide for life. If any secular information seems to contradict scripture, they tend to reframe or reinterpret that information in light of what they see as God’s revealed truth.

From their perspective, reason and ethical considerations are best understood when they align with biblical principles. For them, following the Bible isn’t about disregarding reality or reason; it’s about aligning with what they believe is a divinely provided framework for understanding all aspects of life. When critics argue that they prioritize their religious views over other sources of evidence or ethical reasoning, they counter that secular methods are limited by human fallibility, claiming that the Bible offers a higher, infallible standard. In short, they do prioritize their religious teachings because they see them as the most reliable and complete source of truth.

Are you willing to sacrifice your well-being, your relationships – family or otherwise – of even your life, for your beliefs?

Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the ultimate reward—eternal life in God’s Kingdom—justifies significant personal sacrifices. They  are taught that maintaining a close relationship with God must come before any earthly relationship or personal comfort. This often means accepting the pain of estrangement from family or friends who do not share their views.

Witnesses have a history of enduring imprisonment, violence, or other forms of persecution rather than renouncing their beliefs. Their willingness to suffer for their faith is seen as a testament to their devotion. Their refusal to participate in military service or political activities—even when such stances might lead to significant personal or legal hardships—illustrates a readiness to sacrifice aspects of their well-being for religious principles. 

Jehovah’s Witnesses view life on earth as temporary. The sacrifices they make are framed as necessary steps toward a promised future, where they believe eternal life will far outweigh present hardships. So, while not every individual will face extreme circumstances, the overall teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasizes that spiritual fidelity is worth any sacrifice, including personal well-being, relationships, and in some cases, even life itself.

Do you see any compromise of your beliefs as betrayal or weakness?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to view any compromise of core doctrinal beliefs as a serious matter—often equating it to a betrayal of faith or a sign of spiritual weakness. Their teachings emphasize unwavering loyalty to the doctrines as revealed through the Bible and interpreted by the Governing Body. Even small deviations can be seen as opening the door to further compromise.

Compromising on beliefs is often interpreted not only as a doctrinal error but as a lapse in moral or spiritual integrity. Members are encouraged to view their commitment as a reflection of their character and relationship with Jehovah. There’s a strong cultural expectation within the community that each member must remain steadfast. Any deviation might not only affect the individual’s standing with the congregation but could also be seen as a personal failing.

In practice, individuals who show signs of compromising—whether through adopting alternative views or questioning established teachings—may face disciplinary actions like disfellowshipping.

Do you actively avoid, dismiss, or attack opposing views rather than engage with them?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to rely on the interpretations and guidelines provided by their Governing Body rather than engaging with dissenting viewpoints. They are often cautioned to steer clear of discussions or sources that challenge their beliefs. For example, they’re typically discouraged from reading or listening to material produced by former members or critics. 

Opposing views are frequently dismissed as being influenced by error or even by Satan, rather than being seen as alternative perspectives worthy of serious consideration. In some cases, especially when dealing with apostates or persistent critics, members might actively refute, challenge those views, or even make ad hominem attacks to protect the integrity of their faith.

Do you support or engage in violence or intimidation – whether it is physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological – to impose your beliefs?

ehovah’s Witnesses as an organization officially advocate nonviolence and maintain a stance of neutrality, which means they do not promote physical violence or overt coercion. However, there are aspects of their internal disciplinary practices and social dynamics that many former members and critics have described as forms of emotional or psychological pressure.

Members who dissent or leave the faith are often subjected to shunning, where current members are instructed to limit or cut off social and even familial contact with them. This can lead to feelings of isolation and emotional distress. The tight-knit community structure can create an environment where deviating from established beliefs might result in significant social and emotional repercussions. This pressure may discourage questioning or dissent. In cases where members are perceived as compromising their beliefs, they might be publicly criticized or corrected according to the organization’s standards, which can also contribute to a climate of psychological pressure.

Do you promote authoritarian control through a central or governing body to enforce unity or conformity?

ehovah’s Witnesses are organized under a highly centralized structure, with the Governing Body at its head. This leadership is seen by members as divinely guided and is responsible for interpreting the Bible, setting doctrine, and providing organizational direction.  As a result, the Governing Body holds considerable authority over doctrinal matters and day-to-day practices.

Members are expected to follow its interpretations and instructions without deviation. The Governing Body emphasizes unity and conformity, often discouraging independent thought or external interpretations that could conflict with their official teachings. Their disfellowshipping  and shunning practices are used to enforce adherence, which is as their strongest method for maintaining strict conformity within the community. However, others contend that this structure is essential for preserving what they believe to be the true understanding of biblical teachings.

Despite clear evidence to the contrary, do you cling to conspiracy theories or demonstrably false claims, even if those claims are from a holy book?

Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere firmly to their interpretation of the Bible, which they believe to be divinely inspired and infallible. As a result, they tend to view any claims derived from their scriptural interpretation—including those that outsiders might label as conspiratorial or demonstrably false—as absolute truths rather than opinions to be reconsidered in light of secular evidence.

For example, their beliefs are rooted in the Bible and the interpretations provided by their Governing Body. If a claim comes from scripture or is endorsed by the leadership, it is accepted as truth, regardless of external evidence that might contradict it. The organization has, in the past, adjusted its interpretations of biblical prophecy when certain expectations (such as specific dates for Armageddon) did not come to pass. They frame these adjustments as deeper revelations of scriptural meaning rather than a retreat from truth. Their belief that the current world system is under the control of Satan could be interpreted as a conspiracy theory, but the Witnesses see this as biblically substantiated.

They tend to reject or reinterpret contrary evidence rather than alter beliefs that they view as ultimately true, even if those beliefs might appear conspiratorial or false from an external perspective. They view their interpretations as essential to understanding the spiritual battle they believe is taking place, not as theories open to empirical refutation.

Do you dismiss facts, science, or logic when your ideological position is threatened?

Jehovah’s Witnesses will favor a biblical explanation over external evidence. Rather than rejecting science or logic outright, Jehovah’s Witnesses often reinterpret or selectively apply these tools to fit within their theological framework.

For example, they rely on Acts 15:28-29 to prohibit blood transfusions. Despite modern medical research that supports the safety and efficacy of transfusions, they maintain that the biblical command is absolute. In doing so, they reinterpret or dismiss conflicting medical evidence as secondary to what they see as divine law.

While Jehovah’s Witnesses do not necessarily insist on a literal six-day creation model like some other groups, they do prioritize the biblical account of origins over mainstream scientific theories. For decades they believed that the creative days were “each 7000 years long“. Despite errors in their chronology, when secular evidence appears to conflict with their scriptural narrative, they often argue that the scientific interpretation is incomplete or is inherently flawed.

Do you view all issues through the lens of a single ideology, ignoring nuance and complexity?

Jehovah’s Witnesses tend to view many issues through a distinct, unified doctrinal lens. Rather than seeing issues as multifaceted or open to debate, they often evaluate them based on whether they align with their interpretation of biblical truth. For adherents, the teachings of the Bible, filtered through the organization’s interpretations, offer clear guidance, even if it means oversimplifying complex issues.

For this reason, discussions with Jehovah’s Witnesses, especially online, is simply a copy-and-paste exercise for them: they read questions from others, find the answer on jw.org, and paste it as their response. They may adapt the wording to suit the conversation, but there is little or nothing in terms of their own views of issues that might involve blood transfusions, shunning, divorce, or doctrinal matters including the Trinity, Jesus Christ, or prophecy.

Do you allow your ideology to dictate every aspect of your life without flexibility?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are encouraged to live by strict moral codes, avoid certain entertainment, and remain politically neutral. They also avoid activities like celebrating holidays or birthdays, as these are seen as not aligning with Biblical principles. While many Jehovah’s Witnesses adhere closely to these guidelines, the level of flexibility can vary. Some might interpret the teachings in ways that allow for more personal flexibility in some areas of their life. For example, one might justify downloading a pirated movie – not seeing it as stealing – but they will resolutely say that they would never consider having a blood transfusion.  which is easy to say when you are not faced with a life-and-death situation.  One source lists 95 Bible verses that forbid stealing, yet there is only … abstain … from blood – Acts 15:29one verse that says to abstain from blood.