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Baha'i vs. Jehovah's Witness

What's the Difference?

Baha'i and Jehovah's Witnesses are both religious movements that emerged in the 19th century and emphasize the importance of spreading their beliefs to others. However, they have distinct differences in their teachings and practices. Baha'i followers believe in the unity of all religions and the oneness of humanity, while Jehovah's Witnesses focus on the imminent return of Jesus Christ and the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth. Additionally, Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate holidays or birthdays, while Baha'is have their own calendar and celebrate certain holy days. Despite these differences, both groups are known for their strong sense of community and dedication to their faith.

Comparison

AttributeBaha'iJehovah's Witness
FounderBaha'u'llahCharles Taze Russell
ScripturesKitab-i-Aqdas, Kitab-i-IqanBible (New World Translation)
Belief in GodMonotheisticMonotheistic
Belief in JesusBelieve in Jesus as a Manifestation of GodBelieve in Jesus as the Son of God
Belief in AfterlifeBelieve in the soul's progression after deathBelieve in resurrection on Earth

Further Detail

Beliefs

Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness are both religious movements that have distinct beliefs and practices. Baha'is believe in the oneness of God, the unity of all religions, and the essential harmony of science and religion. They also believe in the equality of men and women, the elimination of all forms of prejudice, and the establishment of world peace. On the other hand, Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the sovereignty of Jehovah God, the authority of the Bible, and the imminent establishment of God's kingdom on earth. They also reject the Trinity doctrine and believe in the resurrection of the dead.

Scriptures

One major difference between Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness is their respective scriptures. Baha'is believe in the teachings of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, as well as the writings of the Bab and Abdul-Baha. These writings are considered to be divinely inspired and authoritative for Baha'is. On the other hand, Jehovah's Witnesses believe in the Bible as the inspired word of God and the ultimate authority for their beliefs and practices. They also use their own translation of the Bible, known as the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Practices

Both Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness have specific practices that are central to their faith. Baha'is are encouraged to pray daily, observe a nineteen-day fast each year, and participate in community-building activities. They also have regular gatherings, known as Feasts, where they come together to pray, consult, and socialize. Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand, are known for their door-to-door preaching and evangelism efforts. They also hold regular meetings at Kingdom Halls, where they study the Bible, sing hymns, and participate in discussions.

Leadership

Another difference between Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness is their approach to leadership. Baha'i does not have a clergy or priesthood, and instead, they have elected councils at the local, national, and international levels that oversee the affairs of the community. These councils, known as Spiritual Assemblies, are responsible for making decisions and guiding the community. Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand, have a hierarchical leadership structure with elders and ministerial servants who provide spiritual guidance and oversight to the congregation. They also have a Governing Body that sets policies and doctrines for the worldwide organization.

Attitudes towards Society

Both Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness have unique attitudes towards society and the world at large. Baha'is believe in the principle of the oneness of humanity and strive to promote unity, peace, and social justice in the world. They are actively involved in various social and humanitarian projects, such as education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Jehovah's Witnesses, on the other hand, have a more insular approach to society and focus on preaching their message of God's kingdom to others. They also have strict rules and regulations regarding social interactions and involvement in worldly affairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness are two distinct religious movements with their own beliefs, scriptures, practices, leadership structures, and attitudes towards society. While Baha'i emphasizes the oneness of God and the unity of all religions, Jehovah's Witnesses focus on the sovereignty of Jehovah God and the imminent establishment of his kingdom on earth. Both groups have a strong sense of community and a commitment to spreading their message to others. Ultimately, the differences between Baha'i and Jehovah's Witness highlight the diversity and richness of religious beliefs and practices in the world.

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