Lisa O
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination famous for their dedication to Bible teachings, door-to-door ministry, and different beliefs. Unfortunately, people often misunderstand them and ask awkward questions or statements that may be offensive and rude. If you’re curious—here are 15 things you should avoid saying to a Jehovah’s Witness.
“Why don’t you celebrate Christmas? Don’t you believe in Jesus?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses absolutely believe in Jesus—he’s central to their faith. But they skip Christmas because they think it’s tied to pagan festivals like Saturnalia, which came way before Christianity. Instead of celebrating his birth on one specific day, they honor Jesus’ life and teachings all year long. Plus, they point out that the Bible doesn’t mention his birth date, so December 25 feels pretty random to them.
“Oh, you’re the ones who knock on doors!”
Yep, they’re known for going door to door, but there’s so much more to it than just knocking. Their ministry is inspired by Jesus’ example and his call to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). What you don’t see is the hours they spend studying the Bible, preparing what to say, and even learning new languages to connect with different communities.
“Why don’t you celebrate birthdays? That’s so weird.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t do birthdays because they believe such celebrations focus too much on individuals rather than God. They also point out that the only two birthday celebrations mentioned in the Bible finished in tragedy (remember Herod’s birthday party?). While it might seem odd, they do celebrate other milestones, like weddings or baptisms, in meaningful ways.
“You’re not allowed to have any fun, right?”
Not true at all! Everyone can have fun. Jehovah’s Witnesses enjoy a lot of the same hobbies and activities as anyone else—sports, music, travel, and spending time with loved ones. They just avoid activities that they feel conflict with Bible principles, like excessive partying or gambling. Fun for them often involves wholesome gatherings with family and friends.
“Do you guys have your own Bible?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses use the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, but they don’t ignore other versions of the Bible. In fact, they often compare translations to ensure their understanding is correct. Their translation is designed to be easy to read and reflect what they believe is the most precise rendering of the original texts.
“Why don’t you vote or join the military? Don’t you care about your country?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid political involvement because they believe their loyalty lies with God’s Kingdom, not earthly governments (you shouldn’t troll them for their belief). They’re not apathetic—they pray for peace and follow the law wherever they live. Their stance is about neutrality, not indifference, and they strive to live peacefully with everyone.
“You think only Jehovah’s Witnesses will be saved, right?”
This one’s a pretty big misunderstanding. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that salvation is God’s decision—not theirs. Sure, they see their faith as the way to follow God’s will, but they’re not in the business of selecting who’s saved and who’s not (no one can decide something like that). They focus on sharing what they believe and letting people make their own choices.
“Why don’t you salute the flag or say the Pledge of Allegiance?”
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, saluting the flag or pledging allegiance feels like an act of worship, and they believe worship should be just for God, no one else. This doesn’t mean they’re unpatriotic, though—they still respect the laws and governments of their countries. They just prefer to show their loyalty to God in their way without mixing it up with national symbols.
“Why can’t you just celebrate holidays like everyone else?”
Holidays like Halloween, Easter, and Christmas have origins in pagan traditions. That’s why Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to avoid them. For them, sticking to what the Bible teaches matters more than fitting in with other popular traditions. Rather than celebrating all these holidays, they focus on helping their community and supporting each other in more meaningful ways.
“Are you in a cult?”
First off, calling them a “cult” just sounds rude. Second, it’s completely wrong. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a global Christian organization with millions of members who choose to follow their faith. They’re built around Bible teachings, community service, and regular congregational meetings—just like many other religions. Calling them a cult shows a lack of understanding of their beliefs and what they stand for.
“Aren’t you brainwashed?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t just follow their faith blindly—they choose it after years of personal study and reflection. They’re encouraged to make decisions based on their understanding of the Bible, not because they’re told to. Assuming that they’re brainwashed completely overlooks the time, effort, and thoughtfulness they put into their beliefs. It’s a personal and conscious choice.
“Do you worship Jehovah instead of Jesus?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in Jehovah as God and Jesus as His son, which is a key distinction they base on their reading of the Bible. They honor Jesus as the Savior and follow his teachings closely, but they believe worship should be directed only to Jehovah. For them, it’s about keeping a clear difference between the two while still showing deep respect for Jesus.
“Can’t you just take a blood transfusion if it’s life or death?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid blood transfusions because they believe the Bible says to “abstain from blood” (Acts 15:29). But that doesn’t mean they’re against medical treatment. They seek out alternatives like bloodless surgery and work closely with doctors to find solutions that fit their beliefs. Their stance isn’t about putting their lives at risk; it’s about staying true to what they believe the Bible teaches.
“You’re so different from everyone else. Why can’t you just fit in?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t mind standing out—it’s actually a sign of their commitment to God. Their choices (like not celebrating holidays or staying neutral in politics) aren’t about being difficult or rebellious. They just want to stay true to what they believe the Bible teaches, even if it means going against the norm or doing things differently.
“Why do you bother knocking on doors? Nobody listens anyway.”
Door-to-door ministry is a big part of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ faith, inspired by Jesus’ example. They see it as their responsibility to share the Bible’s message, no matter how many people listen or respond. For them, it’s all about giving others the chance to hear the message. They do not force anyone to listen.