Why Are There No Windows in Jehovah’s Witness Churches?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a unique and distinctive Christian denomination that has been around for over a century. With over 7 million members worldwide, they are known for their strict adherence to the teachings of their founder, Jehovah God. One of the most distinctive features of Jehovah’s Witness churches is the absence of windows. This may seem unusual to outsiders, but it’s a deliberate design choice that reflects the Witnesses’ emphasis on spiritual purity and inner light.
A Brief History of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses were founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell, who was a Baptist minister. Russell was a strong believer in the Bible and the Kingdom of God, and he sought to create a community of believers who would live according to these principles. In 1872, Russell founded the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, which would eventually become the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
The Importance of Windows in Jehovah’s Witness Churches
Windows are a common feature in many churches, serving as a means of natural light and ventilation. However, Jehovah’s Witnesses have chosen to eliminate windows from their churches, citing several reasons:
- Spiritual purity: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that windows can be a source of distraction and temptation, as they can be a means of visual temptation and worldly influence. By eliminating windows, Witnesses can focus on their spiritual pursuits and avoid these distractions.
- Inner light: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the inner light of the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual growth and development. By removing windows, Witnesses can focus on the inner light and avoid external influences that can diminish it.
- Community building: Windows can also serve as a community building feature, allowing Witnesses to gather and interact with one another. By eliminating windows, Witnesses can create a more intimate and personal community.
The Design of Jehovah’s Witness Churches
Jehovah’s Witness churches are designed to be simple and unobtrusive, reflecting the Witnesses’ emphasis on spiritual purity and inner light. Here are some key features of Jehovah’s Witness churches:
- No windows: As mentioned earlier, Jehovah’s Witnesses have chosen to eliminate windows from their churches, citing the reasons mentioned above.
- Simple architecture: Jehovah’s Witness churches are designed to be simple and unobtrusive, with a focus on spiritual purity and inner light.
- No decorations: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not decorate their churches with worldly symbols or visual temptations. Instead, they focus on spiritual purity and inner light.
- No seating: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have seating in their churches, as they believe that spiritual purity and inner light are more important than physical comfort.
The Impact of Windows on Jehovah’s Witness Churches
While Jehovah’s Witnesses may choose to eliminate windows from their churches, this decision has had a significant impact on the community. Here are some key effects:
- Community building: Windows can serve as a community building feature, allowing Witnesses to gather and interact with one another.
- Spiritual growth: Windows can also serve as a spiritual growth tool, allowing Witnesses to focus on their spiritual pursuits and avoid distractions.
- Visual temptation: Windows can be a source of visual temptation, as they can be a means of worldly influence and visual distraction.
- Community cohesion: By eliminating windows, Jehovah’s Witnesses can create a more intimate and personal community, which can lead to stronger community cohesion.
Conclusion
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a unique and distinctive Christian denomination that has been around for over a century. By eliminating windows from their churches, Witnesses can focus on their spiritual pursuits and avoid distractions. While this decision may seem unusual to outsiders, it’s a deliberate design choice that reflects the Witnesses’ emphasis on spiritual purity and inner light. By understanding the reasons behind this decision, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the Jehovah’s Witnesses and their community-building practices.
Key Takeaways
- Jehovah’s Witnesses have chosen to eliminate windows from their churches, citing the reasons mentioned above.
- Windows can serve as a source of distraction, visual temptation, and worldly influence.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the inner light of the Holy Spirit is essential for spiritual growth and development.
- Windows can also serve as a community building feature, allowing Witnesses to gather and interact with one another.
Additional Resources
- Jehovah’s Witnesses: www.jw.org
- Jehovah’s Witnesses Bible: www.jw.org/bible
- Jehovah’s Witnesses History: www.jw.org/history