Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe That They Have the One True Religion?

Among the thousands of beliefs across the world, some with billions of members, do Jehovah’s Witnesses have the one true religion?

Those who are serious about religion should think that the one they’ve chosen is acceptable to God and Jesus. Otherwise, why would they be involved in it? – Jehovah’s Witnesses

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe they practice the one true religion. They hold that their organization is the only group accurately following the teachings of the Bible and that all other religions are false or misguided. They believe they are restoring true Christianity, which they claim was corrupted over time.

Bible verses supporting their belief that they have the one true religion

Jehovah’s Witnesses cite several Bible verses to support their claim that they are the one true religion.

Matthew 7:13-14 – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

They believe this passage indicates that true worship is followed by only a small group, not the majority of the world.

John 17:3 – “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

They emphasize that correct knowledge of God is essential for salvation, which they believe only they possess.

John 4:23-24 – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”

They argue that worship must be based on truth, which they claim their teachings uniquely reflect.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17 – “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers… Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord.”

This supports their belief in avoiding association with other religions and maintaining strict religious separation.

Matthew 24:45-47 – “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his servants to give them their food at the proper time?”

They interpret this as a reference to their Governing Body, which they believe provides spiritual food as God’s chosen representatives.

Revelation 18:4 – “Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins…”

They identify “Babylon the Great” in Revelation as false religion and believe that people must leave all other religions to be saved.

The interpretation of these verses varies depending on doctrine, historical context, and theological perspective of different religions. However, many Christian denominations and religious groups, – including Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox and even Non-Christian faiths – use the same Bible verses to claim that they are the one true religion.

What criticisms do Jehovah’s Witnesses have of other religions?

Jehovah’s Witnesses strongly believe that true Christians should remain politically neutral. They criticize churches that participate in politics, vote, or endorse political leaders. They oppose Christian involvement in military service and war, citing Jesus’ command to be “no part of the world” (John 17:16).

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the concept of a professional clergy class, believing it leads to corruption and false teachings. They criticize Catholic priests, Protestant pastors, and other religious leaders for receiving salaries, arguing that true Christianity does not have a paid clergy. They claim church leaders mislead people for financial gain, referencing Jesus’ condemnation of religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27).

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that many religious practices have pagan origins and are not part of true worship. They reject Christmas and Easter, claiming they stem from pagan festivals and are not commanded in the Bible. They believe Jesus died on a “torture stake” rather than a cross, which they view as a pagan symbol. They avoid birthdays, citing two negative biblical examples (Pharaoh’s and Herod’s birthdays) where executions took place (Genesis 40:20-22, Mark 6:21-28).

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe interfaith movements dilute true worship. They reject religious unity efforts (such as ecumenical councils) as compromising biblical truth. They discourage association with other Christian groups, believing that only Jehovah’s Witnesses teach the truth.

Jehovah’s Witnesses see other religions as morally compromised and hypocritical. They point to scandals within religious institutions (e.g., child abuse cases in the Catholic Church) as evidence that God does not support them. They criticize churches for blessing same-sex marriages, considering it a departure from biblical morality.

What criticisms do other religions make of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Different religious groups argue that Jehovah’s Witnesses misinterpret Scripture. For example, most Christian denominations believe in the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as one God). They argue that Jehovah’s Witnesses misinterpret the Bible by denying Jesus’ divinity and treating the Holy Spirit as merely a force rather than a person. Common verses used against them are John 1:1, Matthew 28:19, and John 10:30.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the Archangel, a claim rejected by nearly all Christian groups, which see it as a downgrade of Christ’s divine nature. Common verses used against the Witnesses are Hebrews 1:5-8 and Colossians 2:9

Critics argue that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Bible, the New World Translation (NWT), is intentionally altered to fit their doctrines. An example they provide is John 1:1, where most Bibles say, “The Word was God,” but the NWT says, “The Word was a god,” which changes Jesus’ divinity.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have made several end-of-the-world predictions that did not come true. Some of their failed dates include 1914, 1925, and 1975. They made other claims including that some of their “anointed Christians” who lived through the events of 1914 would live to see the end of the world. They all died. Critics cite Deuteronomy 18:20-22, which says a false prophet is known by failed predictions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses practice disfellowshipping, meaning members who leave or disagree with the organization are cut off—even from family. Critics say this is emotionally abusive and forces people to stay out of fear. Common biblical counterarguments include Jesus associating with sinners and outcasts (Luke 15:1-7), and Paul pointing out in his second letter to the Corinthians that Christians should not be overly harsh with sinners that they become “overwhelmed by excessive sadness”, which is a common emotional distress experienced by shunned victims (2 Corinthians 2:5-11).

Jehovah’s Witnesses reject blood transfusions, citing Acts 15:29 (“abstain from blood”). Critics argue that the passage refers to dietary laws, not medical procedures. This belief has caused preventable deaths, including among children.

Many former members and cult researchers argue Jehovah’s Witnesses exhibit cult-like behaviors:

Jehovah’s Witnesses discouraging independent thinking. Members are told to avoid external sources and trust only the Watchtower Society. They strictly control information. Criticism of the organization is seen as a betrayal. Members are required to avoid Higher Education. Jehovah’s Witnesses often discourage college, which critics argue keeps members dependent on the organization.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have faced lawsuits and government investigations for their handling of child abuse cases. They have been accused of covering up abuse within congregations. Ironically, they have criticized the Catholic Church for their handling of abuse for decades. Now that they are in the spotlight, their go-to response is, “Abuse is in every religion”, instead of acknowledging and accepting that the true religion should not be covering up the abuse.

In short, other religions and critics argue that Jehovah’s Witnesses misinterpret the Bible, control their members, and harm members with controversial policies.

Should I join the Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Before considering becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it’s important to understand their shunning policy (disfellowshipping) and its potential emotional and social consequences.

Jehovah’s Witnesses place a strong emphasis on obedience to their doctrines and practices. There can be pressure to conform to strict behavioral and doctrinal expectations, and non-compliance can lead to exclusion.

If you question or criticize the beliefs, you may be viewed as disloyal or apostate, and this can lead to disfellowshipping or other forms of social exclusion.

Jehovah’s Witnesses discourage higher education and often limit socializing with people outside the faith. This can affect personal growth, career opportunities, and relationships with non-members.

Some critics argue that the organization is not transparent, especially when it comes to handling internal issues like abuse cases, which can create a lack of trust in the leadership.

If you leave or are disfellowshipped, you will likely be shunned by your family and friends within the faith. This can lead to a deep sense of isolation, as relationships are severed even if you simply disagree with the organization or its teachings.