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Sunday, August 11, 2013

Windows and Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses

Some have made the false claim that all Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have windows and insinuate that this is because Jehovah's Witnesses have something to hide. This could not be farther from the truth!

First, the claim that all Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have windows is simply not true. This article contains just a few pictures of Kingdom Halls (out of many) that do have windows. While it is true that some Kingdom Halls do not have windows because of cost or for the sake of security, many Kingdom Halls do have windows. Generally, a Kingdom Hall is built without windows in areas which tend toward hate crimes and vandalism against houses of worship.

Jehovah's Witnesses Have Nothing to Hide

Also consider: If Jehovah's Witnesses really had so many things to hide, then why do they continually attempt to invite interested persons to attend meetings conducted inside Kingdom Halls? Their book Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom correctly notes: "Jehovah's Witnesses are in no sense a secret society. Their Bible-based beliefs are fully explained in publications that are available to anyone. Additionally, they put forth special effort to invite the public to attend meetings to see and hear for themselves what takes place." 

Jehovah's Witnesses invite all interested ones to attend meetings with them at their Kingdom Halls. If you would like to attend, just contact your local Kingdom Hall for times or click the button link below.

Find a Meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses


"What is a Kingdom Hall?"

From the Official Website of Jehovah's Witnesses (WWW.JW.ORG):

A Kingdom Hall is a house of worship used by Jehovah’s Witnesses for their religious services. There are tens of thousands of Kingdom Halls in use throughout the world. Each week, more than 105,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses meet in such halls.

Every Kingdom Hall has an auditorium where Bible study programs and lectures are held. In most auditoriums, a stage serves as a teaching platform for the conducting of meetings. Usually, seating is provided for between 100 and 300 people. The Kingdom Hall may also have one or more auxiliary classrooms, an office, and a small library containing Bible-related literature and reference works that can be used for research by any member of the congregation.

In a Kingdom Hall, however, you will not find any of the religious emblems and fixtures typically associated with the churches of Christendom. There are no altars, images, or crosses on display. Why not? Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the use of such items conflicts with the Bible’s command to “flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:14; John 4:24) Many churches and temples are ornate and lavishly decorated. By contrast, Kingdom Halls are designed to be functional and are modest in design. The emphasis is placed on the Bible instruction that takes place within the building rather than on the structure itself.

Why the name Kingdom Hall? Public gatherings at a Kingdom Hall focus primarily on the teachings of the Bible and its central message about “the kingdom of God,” the theme of Jesus’ ministry. (Luke 4:43) So the name Kingdom Hall, which was coined in the 1930’s, appropriately describes the purpose of these buildings—to promote true worship and serve as a hub for the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) Thus, Kingdom Halls are not used for social or commercial activities. Construction, operating costs, and support expenses are funded entirely by voluntary donations. A collection plate is never passed. Rather, there is a box in a fixed location for any who wish to make a contribution.

Kingdom Halls serve the same purpose in all parts of the world, but they are built in a wide range of sizes and styles. The design varies according to the building materials available locally, the climate, and the financial circumstances of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area. Some buildings are constructed from brick, wood, and stone. Others might be open-sided structures, with bamboo walls and thatched roofs.

Visitors are always welcome to attend meetings at any Kingdom Hall. (Hebrews 10:25) In fact, a public meeting is held each week, focusing on a Bible-based theme that is of interest both to regular members of the congregation and to visitors. Why not visit the Kingdom Hall in your community? (Read the Full Article.)

Find a Meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses

(To those who are not Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs), please remember that if you are looking for the authoritative information about the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society's (WTBTS) Bible-based beliefs and practices, you should look to our OFFICIAL WEBSITE at http://www.jw.org/en. Numerous publications as well as the New World Translation Bible (NWT) and the very useful Watchtower Online Library can be found there.)

For more, see:

KINGDOM HALLS - Links to Information (INDEX; Watchtower Online Library)

What is a Kingdom Hall? (w10 5/1 p. 31; JW.ORG)

What is a Kingdom Hall? (w10 5/1 p. 31; Watchtower Online Library)

Kingdom Halls Open to Everyone (w02 11/1 p. 8; Watchtower Online Library)

Why Do Jehovah's Witnesses Dress Up for Their Meetings? (JW.ORG)

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses refer to their meeting places as "Kingdom Halls"? (Defend Jehovah's Witnesses)

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