AboutDerrick Holland Expertise I was raised in the religion known as Jehovah`s Witnesses for 13 years. Since becoming a born-again Christian, I have researched extensively this religion, especially their doctrines and their history. I can answer questions about their doctrines from the perspective of Biblical Christianity.
Experience 23 years of Biblical research into the fundamental doctrines of the Christian faith, and how they differ from the teachings of the Watchtower.
Question One of my close cousins is a JW. She is going to turn 18 yrs old in July and 1 week later, she is going to be married. I have met the JW that she is to marry, he is 6 years older than her and they have nothing in common, they dont even seem to get along very well. I dont want to offend her by asking but I was wondering if JWs do arranged marriages?
Answer Hello Heather, and thanks for writing.
This is a question I have never had before, so I am simply going to tell you what I have seen from my own experience.
First of all, the situation you describe does sound like a pre-arranged marriage, so I guess maybe some JWs may do it. I do not believe this is a teaching of theirs, however. I have known many JWs over the years who have married, and I know of none of those that were pre-arranged.
In fact, this religion has historically discouraged marriage in general, though not forbidding it. Many JWs have opted not to marry, because the Watchtower has a history of telling its members that the "end is near", and that it would be better to wait and marry in the "new system".
So, while I cannot think of a time I have ever known a pre-arranged marriage between JWs, I cannot say that it has never happened either.
Personally, I do not see why your cousin would be offended, provided you ask her in a "just wondering" sort of way. Or, you could just ask her how they got together. I cannot see why she would be upset at that.
I wish I could give you a better answer, but like I said, this is a question I have never had before. But if I had to say, based on what I have personally seen, my answer would be...."No", arranged marriages are not a teaching or official practice of Jehovah's Witnesses.
If I can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to ask.
