After seeing some former Jehovah Witnesses remark about their similar experiences in some of the deconstruction videos, I wanted to validate that idea. Having been around some JW’s over the years, I saw my own faith as just different, but theirs as very strange. Yet while there are some theological differences, the resulting cultural elements seem undeniably similar. I am still wrapping my head around being of the same ilk. Consider the following:
2×2 / Friends & Workers and Jehovah’s Witnesses: Some Striking Similarities
- “The Truth” — Both commonly refer to their faith as “the Truth,” creating a strong distinction between those inside and outside.
- One true way — Both have historically taught that they represent true Christianity, rather than simply being one Christian tradition among many.
- Other churches are false — Mainstream denominations, clergy, seminaries, and traditional church structures are viewed with suspicion or rejected as departures from original Christianity.
- “Not of the world” — Both emphasize separation from “the world,” with worldly values, ambitions, associations, and influences seen as potential spiritual dangers.
- Restoration of original Christianity — Both believe true Christianity should resemble the simple Christianity practiced by Jesus and the apostles rather than later institutional Christianity.
- No professional clergy — Both reject the traditional paid clergy model and emphasize unpaid ministry.
- Evangelism as evidence of authenticity — Preaching format is not merely encouraged; it is an important marker of what they believe true Christianity looks like.
- A small faithful minority — Being relatively few, misunderstood, or rejected by wider society can reinforce the belief that they are following the narrow way.
- Strong insider/outsider boundaries — Community, relationships, and spiritual safety are strongly connected to remaining among those “in the Truth.”
- Sacrifice over worldly flourishing — Earthly achievement, status, pleasure, and ambition can be viewed as less important—or potentially dangerous—compared with spiritual faithfulness.
Perhaps the strongest common thread is world-disowning Christianity:
There is one true way → the wider religious/worldly system has departed from it → true Christians will therefore be a small and separate minority → sacrifice and nonconformity demonstrate faithfulness → eternal concerns take priority over flourishing in this world.
It still is hard to wrap my head around being effectively one of them, but it’s really hard to deny. And I’m pretty sure this same exercise will create a similarly strong Venn diagram with other world-rejecting Christian churches.