Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe in Holidays?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious denomination with over 8 million adherents worldwide, have a distinct set of beliefs and practices that differentiate them from mainstream Christianity. One of the most notable aspects of their faith is their stance on holidays. So, do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in holidays? The answer is not as straightforward as one might think.
Jehovah’s Witnesses hold that the celebration of holidays, particularly those with pagan origins, is forbidden by the Bible. They believe that the observance of holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween goes against the teachings of the Bible and is a form of idolatry. This stance is rooted in their interpretation of the Bible, which they consider to be the ultimate authority in matters of faith.
According to Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Bible teaches that the celebration of holidays is unnecessary and can lead to apostasy. They argue that the holidays have no scriptural basis and that their origins are rooted in paganism. For example, they believe that Christmas has its roots in the Roman festival of Saturnalia, while Easter is associated with the goddess Eastre.
One of the key reasons Jehovah’s Witnesses refrain from celebrating holidays is their belief in the sanctity of the Sabbath. They observe the seventh day of the week, Saturday, as the Sabbath, which they consider to be a holy day of rest and worship. This belief is based on their interpretation of the Bible, which they believe commands believers to keep the Sabbath holy.
Despite their strong stance against celebrating holidays, Jehovah’s Witnesses do acknowledge some religious festivals and commemorations. They celebrate the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death, which they refer to as the Lord’s Evening Meal, as well as the Days of Unleavened Bread. These observances are based on their interpretation of the Bible and are considered to be scriptural.
In conclusion, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in celebrating holidays with pagan origins, such as Christmas and Easter. They believe that these holidays go against the teachings of the Bible and can lead to apostasy. However, they do acknowledge and celebrate certain religious festivals and commemorations that they believe have scriptural basis. This distinction highlights the unique and sometimes controversial beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses community.
