AboutBrenda Martin Expertise I have been one of Jehovah`s Witneses now for over 30 years, in those years I have brought up 4 children, teaching each of them the bible.Being one of Jehovah`s Witnesses has helped me cope with my Epilepsy and bring up a daughter with learning difficulties.I have conducted bible studies with people from nearly every denomination i.e. Muslim. Having used the bible all these years to answer peoples questions, I feel I am qualified to give any answer regarding Jehovah`s Witnesses and the bible.
Experience My experience has been one of attending bible lectures 5 times a week,taking part in these lectures in front of an audience and being with thousands of J.W. at conventions where I have seen the bible at work in peoples lives.It is truly a miracle when you see thousands of people meeting together and not one policeman needed, and not even a piece of litter in sight.It is like another world.
Question my husband's family are jehovah witness and he is studying to be one,but my religins is baptist. with him studying will it mess up our marriage or will we have to divorce because he will be a baptisted jehovah witness and what will happened to our kids. Also why don't they celebrate valentin day it's not a religous day it's not in the bible is there any day that they celebrate.
Sincelery a confuse wife
Answer HI Benita, you asked--"WILL IT MESS UP OUR MARRIAGE?"
Jehovah's Witnesses believe and apply what is written in the bible, applying God's counsel found in the Bible promotes happiness in marriage and self-respect.—1 Corinthians 6:18.
If anything, becoming a Witness will add to your marriage and make it stronger and more loving. I became a Witness when I was not long married and it has helped our marriage enormously. We were married at 16 & 18 and 32 years later we are still together with 4 lovely kids and 9 lovely grandchildren, even although my husband is still not a Witness.
"WILL WE HAVE TO DIVORCE?"
No, the bible tells us “God hates a divorcing” and the only grounds for divorce according to God is: “adultery” if your hubby asked for a divorce for any other ground, he would not get to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses and if he already were baptised, he could be put out, so you can rest assured that will never happen.
"WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR KIDS?"
He will want to teach them what he believes that is only natural and it is a command from God in the bible to teach our children. If they listen, they will benefit beyond belief, my kids for example were virgins when they married and so were the lads they married, where do you hear of something like that in this world. He will want to take them along to the meetings and teach them the bible at home and take them round the doors with him later, but as a loving husband he will no doubt discuss this all with you beforehand as he is being taught to; “love and respect his wife” and “listen to her”
The bible says the husband is head of the house, and he should take the lead, but that doesn't mean he will ignore your feelings on the matter, you will both discuss what is best for the kids I'm sure.
Oh and by the way if your worried about Christmas presents etc. don't, my kids had a great time and ended up with more than most, because my hubby would buy them at Christmas and I would buy them at other times, so they didn't miss out they got twice :¬)
"WHY DON'T THEY CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY?"
The World Book Encyclopedia informs us: “Valentine's Day comes on the feast day of two different Christian martyrs named Valentine. But the customs connected with the day . . . probably come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia which took place every February 15. The festival honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature.”—(1973), Vol. 20, p. 204.
Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable says: “Valentine, St. A priest of Rome who was imprisoned for succouring persecuted Christians. He became a convert and, . . . he was clubbed to death. His day is 14 February. . .
“The ancient custom of choosing Valentines has only accidental relation to [the] saint, being essentially a relic of the old Roman Lupercalia . . . or from association with the mating season of birds. It was marked by the giving of presents and nowadays by the sending of a card on which cupids, transfixed hearts, etc., are depicted.”
And what does Cupid have to do with Valentine Day? The same source says: “Cupid (Lat[in] cupido, desire, love). The Roman god of love, identified with the Greek Eros. He is usually represented as a beautiful winged boy, blindfolded, and carrying a bow and arrows.”
The World Book Encyclopedia gives further information, offering various theories on the origin of Valentine Day practices. “According to one story, the Roman Emperor Claudius II in the A.D. 200's forbade young men to marry. The emperor thought single men made better soldiers. A priest named Valentine disobeyed the emperor's order and secretly married young couples. . . . Many stories say that Valentine was executed on February 14 about A.D. 269. In A.D. 496, Saint Pope Gelasius I named February 14 as St. Valentine's Day.”
Regardless of the true origin of the practice, it is evident that it is rooted in ancient pagan beliefs and in Christendom's listing of so-called “saints.” Valentine Day is also another excuse for commercial exploitation of an often uninformed public.—2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate anything that is of pagan origin, because the bible says we shouldnt.
"IS THERE ANY DAY THAT THEY CELEBRATE?"
Yes we celebrate our wedding anniversary and we celebrate the “Lords death”, once a year we pass the wine and bread in commemoration of his death and what it meant for mankind, as Jesus commanded.
I hope this has put your mind at ease, honestly, only good will come of this, and I'm sure you have observed his family and see they are nice people living a good life, so you have nothing to worry about. Just take comfort in what he is being taught about marriage and how to treat his wife and you just sit back and enjoy the results :¬)
