Jehovah's Witnesses - a perfect religion?

nospam@example.com (Old Longhair) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:09:00 -0700

Merriam-Webster definitions of religion (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/religion) include this one: "a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith" and this one: "commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance". Of the mainstream Christian religions, none actually satisfy these definitions due to the lack of ardor and devotion in a large number of their followers. Sunday Catholics and Protestants are a majority of people attending church - they do out of habit, or fear, or to be part of the community, or to give their kids something to believe in while they grow up. Mainstream theologians discuss the relevance of faith and church in the modern world, but there are religions which seem to be somewhat immune to that loss of relevance.

It seems that "commitment or devotion" is largely limited to the less-popular Christian sects. None are as visible as the Witnesses - they are seemingly everywhere, aiming to talk to you about salvation, or offering you a copy of the Watchtower, or knocking on your door. Most people consider them a nuisance (which they often are when you are rushing for a train or trying to enjoy your time off at home), but their "commitment or devotion" is unquestionable.
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Jehovah's Witnesses - a perfect religion?