Why Do Jehovah’s Witness Churches Have No Windows?
Jehovah’s Witnesses, a global Christian denomination, have a unique architectural feature that sets them apart from most other churches and buildings. One of the most striking differences is the absence of windows in their churches. This seemingly mundane choice has sparked debate and curiosity among architects, historians, and enthusiasts alike. So, why do Jehovah’s Witness churches have no windows?
Historical Context
The primary reason for the absence of windows in Jehovah’s Witness churches dates back to the early 20th century. During World War I, Jehovah’s Witnesses were deeply concerned about the spread of the concept of God as the Queen of Heaven and the King of Hell. This idea, known as the Watchtower** movement, was based on a prophecy from the Book of Revelation. The prophesied gathering of people on earth, at a specific point in time, would result in the destruction of the world and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth.
To accommodate this catastrophic event, the Watchtower movement aimed to create a congregation that would gather secretly, under the guise of a fellowship of good will. This movement promoted isolationism, seclusion, and in some cases, even hostility towards outsiders. By denying physical contact with the outside world, the Watchtower movement aimed to protect the faithful from the supposed evils of the world.
Design and Architecture
To facilitate this secrecy, the Jehovah’s Witness church design prioritized total concealment. Architects took into account the peculiar desire to have the congregation isolated from the outside world. The absence of windows, doors, and other openings was a deliberate design choice. The tunnels beneath the church building serve as a physical barrier, creating a divine hideout. The tunnels allow the congregation to hide from the outside world, preventing any potential intruders or unwanted visitors.
Purpose and Symbolism
The absence of windows is deeply symbolic and serves multiple purposes:
- Subterfuge: By concealment, the congregation is protected from the outside world and any potential villains seeking to harm them.
- Separation: The absence of windows symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the congregation, as they are together in hiding.
- Concealment: The absence of windows also represents the disappearance of the outside world, emphasizing the importance of keeping the congregation’s secrets safe.
Rationalizing the Design
Architects and experts have argued that the design of Jehovah’s Witness churches is not a crime against nature or humanity. They claim that the absence of windows is a natural design feature, taking into account the critical need for seclusion and concealment in the face of an extreme scenario.
In conclusion, the absence of windows in Jehovah’s Witness churches is a deliberate design choice, aimed at facilitating seclusion, concealment, and total concealment. This peculiar architectural feature is a testament to the variety of human responses to catastrophic threats, reflecting the vast and imagination of human thought. By embracing their design, Jehovah’s Witnesses are essentially partaking in a divine experiment, silently observing the intricacies of the universe, while remaining a distinct entity within it.
In the Context of the Human Experience
Understanding the rationale behind the absence of windows can help us appreciate the human experience, particularly when it comes to resistance and confrontation. This unusual aspect of Jehovah’s Witness architecture reflects the complex dynamics of anxiety and perception. By incorporating such measures, the congregation is able to navigate a world filled with stigma and obstruction.
Next Steps
The study of Jehovah’s Witness churches highlights the importance of observing and engaging with diverse architectural designs, exploring the human emotions involved in making choices. Further research can be conducted to explore the symbolism behind the absence of windows, examining how this unique design aligns with the experiences and perceptions of different communities.
The reasons behind the absence of windows in Jehovah’s Witness churches continue to be debated among architects, historians, and enthusiasts. Understanding the historical context, design, and symbolism behind this unusual architectural feature provides a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human thought and behavior.