Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Denomination Comparison

Jehovah's Witness and Catholic

what is Christianity?

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. Christians believe that Jesus is a Son of God, incarnate of God or the savior of the world. He suffered and died for other's sins, which became the most crucial teaching: compassion. Afterwards, he resurrected divinely, giving people chance of salvation, if they believe in him. Christianity is the largest religion on the earth.

What is the core of each denomination?

The main belief of Jehovah's Witness is inexistence of Trinity but Jehovah as the only god. Christ is not equal to God the father, but an archangel, Michael, created by God and later became a messiah after baptism. Even Holy Spirit is considered a force or influence that Jehovah has over people, rendering Trinitarianism Satan-inspired polytheism.

The main belief of Catholic is apostolic church where the meaning of the Bible is decided by Apostles, or Bishops nowadays. St. Peter is considered the first pope and every pope since him is his spiritual successor. Therefore Pope has the ultimate authority, succeeding Christ directly.

What are three distinct similarities of these two denominations?

The Bible is the divine text that the belief of each religion comes from.

Humans are given free will by God.

Christ is the role model for humans to follow and he sacrificed himself for humanity.

What are three distinct differences between these two denominations

Authority: In Catholic, bishops decide the meaning of the bible by their interpretations whereas in Jehovah’s Witness, a Governing body of elders decides on doctrinal matters. They sound the same however, bishops are people who have power over others whereas elders are people who have practiced more than others so that they know better.

Idea of Christ: According to Jehovah’s Witness, Christ is an archangel Michael who was reborn in form of Human. they don’t even believe bodily resurrection of Jesus. Whereas according to Catholic, Christ is the Son of God and man as Christianity manifests.

Idea of Salvation: in Catholic, people seek salvation, starting with baptism and then believing in Christ, followed by virtuous actions. They also believe the idea of purgatory before they are judged after deaths. In Jehovah’s Witness, Jesus Christ as a spirit returned to earth invisibly in 1914 and is working through his organization to re establish Jehovah's kingdom over the earth. The final battle between Jehovah and Satan will start, seen by 144000 witnesses, who will gain salvation. Besides, there is no hell, meaning dead people are forever dead. So only 144000 will be salvaged upon the coming of the divine kingdom