For a large part of History, Jehovah Witnesses have often been ostracized and somewhat unwelcomed throughout the world, due to the sometimes misunderstood religious perspectives they have. Jehovah Witnesses do belong to the larger religious group of Christianity but also have many distinct beliefs that separate them from many modern day Christians. The beliefs they have can influence their relationship to health and health precautions, and may have lasting impacts on their population consequently. In order to understand this connection, it is important to examine their history, background and cultural factors that may relate. In America, Jehovah’s Witnesses, “who make up just less than 1% of U.S. adults, are known for their door-to-door proselytism”.
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There are many various stages throughout Jehovah Witness history but the “the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses began at the end of the 19th century”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, “a small group of Bible students, began a systematic analysis of the Bible”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Among this group was a man named Charles Taze Russell. It is understood that “Russell took the lead in the Bible education work at that time and was the first editor of The Watchtower, [however] he was not the founder of [the] religion. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Therefore, due to Jehovah Witnesses belief that “Jesus is the Founder of Christianity, [and they] view him as the founder of [their] …show more content…
They “are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Despite this loose grouping of the congregation, “the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried.” (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) This is reflects due the belief neither member is more significant than another. The cultural implications offer a very different perspective than other populations. Therefore, in order to better relate and connect to Jehovah’s witnesses their perspectives should be evaluated. Even more distinct from typical churches, they not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at [their] meetings”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) This unique practice leads to heavy reliance on anonymous and silent donations.
After examining the background, culture and beliefs that are important to Jehovah’s Witnesses it is easier to understand their relation to health and public health services. Because of how diverse the Jehovah’s Witness population it is not possible to specifically pinpoint certain related diseases or conditions. However, there are specific beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Due to the unhygienic conditions of “the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, missionaries of that period preached what might be termed “a
There are many various stages throughout Jehovah Witness history but the “the modern-day organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses began at the end of the 19th century”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Located near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, “a small group of Bible students, began a systematic analysis of the Bible”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Among this group was a man named Charles Taze Russell. It is understood that “Russell took the lead in the Bible education work at that time and was the first editor of The Watchtower, [however] he was not the founder of [the] religion. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Therefore, due to Jehovah Witnesses belief that “Jesus is the Founder of Christianity, [and they] view him as the founder of [their] …show more content…
They “are organized into congregations, each of which is overseen by a body of elders”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) Despite this loose grouping of the congregation, “the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried.” (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) This is reflects due the belief neither member is more significant than another. The cultural implications offer a very different perspective than other populations. Therefore, in order to better relate and connect to Jehovah’s witnesses their perspectives should be evaluated. Even more distinct from typical churches, they not practice tithing, and no collections are ever taken at [their] meetings”. (Jehovah's Witnesses, 2014) This unique practice leads to heavy reliance on anonymous and silent donations.
After examining the background, culture and beliefs that are important to Jehovah’s Witnesses it is easier to understand their relation to health and public health services. Because of how diverse the Jehovah’s Witness population it is not possible to specifically pinpoint certain related diseases or conditions. However, there are specific beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Due to the unhygienic conditions of “the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, missionaries of that period preached what might be termed “a