The 141 Rules of Jehovah's Witnesses. Why JW's Must Obey.

Jehovah's Witnesses must obey JW.ORG because their baptism vows identifies them 'as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization'. This means JW's must obey God AND the Watchtower Society (Watchtower).

When you read the following 141 rules, you'll notice most of them are man made. They're not in the Bible. However the Watchtower religion says everything they teach is from Jehovah God. Watchtower says Jehovah is in constant communication with his "spirit directed organization". Therefore if something is not in the Bible, it doesn't matter. A prophet is free to add 'new light', and change the meaning of what the Bible says.

That's why asking JW's about the "141 rules" or debating the Bible with JW's is pointless. They believe they 'follow only the Bible' and understand it better than any Bible scholar. But their loyalties are not only to God and the Bible. They are convinced they must be loyal to 'God's earthly organization'.

From the 10 commandments to restrictions on the sexual practices of married couples, - it's all controlled by "Jehovah's organization" which is synonymous with the authority of God himself.

The organization is thought to be Jehovah's organization or God's channel of communication to the entire world. If the Governing Body said it, Jehovah said it. If you disrespect Watchtower you disrespected God.

Disrespect or contempt for 'divine standards', is treated as 'wrongdoing'. e.g. Leaving Watchtower, joining another religion, or even attending one service at another church is a serious sin against Jehovah AND 'His Organization'.

The Watchtower magazine says, "Persons who make themselves “not of our sort” by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshipped for wrongdoing." Watchtower magazine, Sept 15, 1981, p 23, par 14-16

When Jehovah's Witnesses have serious doubts and can't be 100% loyal to the organization any more, they are disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for 'apostasy'.

Family members and friends are not allowed to associate with former members. If they do, they can be disfellowshipped as well. Jehovah's Witnesses can't even greet a disfellowshipped JW with a simple 'Hi. How are you?'. Most will walk right by without making eye contact.

The Watchtower, Bible, and Tract Society (WBTS), now known as "JW.ORG" has always denounced churches. They don't refer to themselves as a church. They always say they are an 'organization' or 'God's organization'. Some would say it's more of a "cult" than a religion, church, or a faith because there is no honorable way to leave and maintain friendships with JW's "inside" the organization.

Since 1952, the Watchtower's shunning requirement has led to depression, mental illness, and suicide, ... - all common when people are permanently isolated from close family members and friends for years and decades. JW's will not even attend a funeral of someone who left the Watchtower Society.

This list of rules is not an official organizational document. It was compiled by former members based on experience and information in Watchtower publications.

141 Things Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Do.

More Rules and Things Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Do. Part 2.

Women cannot assume the role of a male and instruct the congregation. See Women Keep Silent A woman should not pray in the presence of a baptized male JW. Watchtower magazine July 15, 2002, Questions from Readers

Jehovah's Witnesses can't be part of this world. They must be separate from the world They can't believe anything former Jehovah's Witnesses say, - even if it's factual. See Apostate Lies Unless they're an Elder, Jehovah's Witnesses can't read this book, - 'Shepherd the Flock of God' - 1 Peter 5:2 JW's can't do things that might 'stumble' other JW's or non believers. i.e. even though they have right to do something doesn't mean that they should. They are mindful that their conduct could be misinterpreted by others. Watchtower magazine, Feb 15, 2009, Article: 'Should You Insist on Your Personal Preferences?' par 2) JW's avoid flirting (Watchtower magazine, Nov 15, 2006, Article: 'An Issue That Involves You', Subtitle: 'Avoid Sexual Misconduct) JW's avoid pornography (See 'Avoid Sexual Misconduct', item #7) JW's avoid sexual fantasizing (See 'Avoid Sexual Misconduct', item #7) JW's avoid reading accounts of sexual activities (See 'Avoid Sexual Misconduct', item #7) JW's avoid listening to suggestive lyrics in songs (See 'Avoid Sexual Misconduct', item #7) JW's avoid 'moral uncleanness', 'fornication', 'sexual appetite', 'hurtful desire', 'covetousness', 'immoral fleshly desires' (Watchtower magazine Feb 15, 2009, Article: 'Let Jesus' Sayings Affect Your Attitude', par 12) See Jehovah's High Moral Standards JW's Can't Put God First JW's can't visit this website or others that will help them break free from Watchtower control. And they cannot comment on what we have to say. [Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2011, Article: "Will You Pay Attention to Jehovah's Clear Warnings?", p 11-16; par 5-13] JW's can't read any books or watch any TV programs that contradict Watchtower doctrines. [Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2011, Article: "Will You Pay Attention to Jehovah's Clear Warnings?", p 11-16; par 5-13] JW's can't think like people outside their religion. They must think exactly like Watchtower tells them to think. [Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2011, Article: "Will You Pay Attention to Jehovah's Clear Warnings?", p 11-16; par 5-13] Mind Control Watchtower says JW's must not come in contact with former JW's (apostates) because mental disease is contagious and they could die! The Watchtower magazine says, ''Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, like criminals who secretly bring things into a country. ... If we follow them, we will leave the road to everlasting life. ... The warning from the Bible is like a warning from a doctor who tells you to avoid a person who has a disease that may spread to others. The doctor knows that if you get this disease, you will die. The Bible says that apostates are mentally diseased.' [Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2011, Article: "Will You Pay Attention to Jehovah's Clear Warnings?", p 11-16; par 5-13] Men and women Jehovah's Witnesses can't wear tight pants in public and 'be a worshipper of the true God'. It's not appropriate and not spiritual. Tight pants are also designed by homosexuals according to Anthony Morris III, member of the Governing Body, Sermon, Nov 8, 2014, 'Is Your Family a Spiritual Family?' ( Source: A youtube video Nov 10, 2014 at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYy_bOL70d4#t=37 ) Jehovah's Witnesses must reject entertainment that 'violates Jehovah's moral standards' and 'elders should not tolerate such behavior'. Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2014, page 14, par 11 Jehovah's Witnesses must reject 'foolish and ignorant debates' with anyone who questions Watchtower viewpoints. Watchtower magazine, July 15, 2014, pages 13-15 JW's can't say 'Bless you' or 'God Bless you' when someone sneezes A public talk at the 2016 Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses said it was wrong to associate with long time inactive Jehovah's Witnesses. i.e.Jehovah's Witnesses who don't go to all the meetings and take part in the preaching activity JW Elders can't give funeral talks and JW's can't attend funerals for EX-JW's including EX-JW relatives (unless there is evidence that the deceased was taking steps to be a JW again before they died (such as attending meetings, talking to Elders about reinstatement, etc.). Watchtower magazine, June 1, 1977, p 347

Smile When Jehovah's Witnesses Talk To You About The Truth.

Back to the top

The Five Top Rules.

Some JW rules cannot be broken without serious consequences. Here are the top five rules. The word 'CAN'T' in this list of 141 rules includes restrictions of the organization and restrictions JW's place upon themselves in an effort to please their God Jehovah.

Many of the 141 rules such watching porn, reading sexual materials, sexual fantasies, etc are hard to enforce if there's no proof. Two or three witnesses are required to prove guilt. Or someone might voluntarily confess. However going to the Elders in hopes of solving their 'problem' is not likely to make them feel better.

All JW's are expected to turn off sexual thoughts or 'deaden' them except for the person they're married to. A person who can't do that might feel broken, defective, hopeless, unloved by God, etc.

To understand the loneliness, guilt, self-imposed judgment, and despair JW's can feel when they have sexual fantasies, read 'Jehovah's High Moral Standards' and the path to mental illness.

Back to the top

Criticism Of The 141 Rules.

Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. This is very true. The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization.

Here's what our experience was when we were Jehovah's Witnesses.

If a Jehovah's Witness wants to be loved and accepted by their family and the only friends they are allowed to have, they instinctively know it's best to go above and beyond the minimum requirements of Watchtower

The last thing a Jehovah's Witness wants to do is get in trouble with the organization or be called in for a 'judicial committee hearing'. In an effort to stay out of trouble, some Jehovah's Witness like to blend in and not be noticed. Others prefer to take the lime light as a leader, doing far more than is required.

Also JW's will tell you they don't have 141 rules. The rules can be condensed and they can be expanded to create even more than 141 rules.

There is no official Watchtower publication that lists 141 rules or a large list of rules. The Shepherd the Flock of God book is the only publication that contains organizational requirements and punishments but JW's are not allowed to have a copy. Only Elders can read this information. Instead of letting ordinary JW's know what the organization requires, Watchtower publications and public talks use warm fuzzy language such as 'pleasing Jehovah', 'shouldn't we strive to be submissive to those taking the lead', 'doing what Jehovah requires', 'common sense', 'not following pagan customs', 'do what is right', 'the Bible says', 'it is a privilege', 'serve Jehovah and His organization', 'treasure your place in the congregation', etc.

Why do some JW's say this list is incorrect and that '141 rules' don't exist? Are The 141 Rules Correct?

Are Jehovah's Witnesses Happy With So Many Rules?

Are Jehovah's Witnesses happy to obey the organization without asking questions? Every person is different. It's impossible to know what JW's are thinking because free speech is not allowed within the organization. Even if a JW is miserably they must put on a happy face and not let anyone know how they really feel or what they think of the organization.

That being said, the rules can be very restrictive for young children who are singled out because they can't do many things fellow students do.

A common theme of EX JW's who leave is they felt trapped in the organization shortly after being baptized into the religion. The moment they leave, it's like a heavy weight is lifted off their shoulders. Freedom feels very good.

Back to the top

Fear Of Saying "NO. I will not follow the rules."



Everyone is afraid of challenging the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Even some highly inactive Jehovah's Witnesses who rarely go to meetings, are afraid to speak out against the organization. Secretly they break the rules when no one is watching. But they will not publicly voice their viewpoints or disagree.

Saying anything negative about their religion could result in disfellowshipping and being shunned. If this were to happen, they would lose relationships with family and friends inside the organization.

If caught, some things Jehovah's Witnesses can't do are very serious and can result in disfellowshipping or disassociation. Other things are looked down upon or judged negatively by individuals within the organization. Some things are a matter conscience. Not every rule is given equal weight. In serious matters there needs to be two or more witnesses to the 'wrong doing' unless the accused admits guilt. Matthew 18:15-17

Back to the top

Fear of Being Judged By Jehovah and Other Jehovah's Witnesses.

For some items on this list, there are no formal rules that say you must not do these things. No one forbids them from being a cheerleader, buying girl scout cookies, reading literature from other religions, playing competitive sports, etc. ... Jehovah's Witnesses 'can' technically do some of the things on this list, but they don't.

Zealous JW's often choose to follow stricter guidelines than required when rules are unclear or based on conscience. For example. Jehovah's Witnesses must not celebrate Halloween. Does that mean they can't give out candies when children come to their door? No. However many Jehovah's Witnesses will not participate in giving out candies, because to them it's part of the Halloween celebration. Even if they don't see any harm in handing out candies, other's might see them and assume they are doing something they shouldn't do. [5]

Fear of 'stumbling others' and making the organization look bad is a very real concern for JW's. For example, they can have a get together any day of the year but most JW's will avoid having guests on Christmas day or Christmas Eve because celebrating Christmas is forbidden. Neighbors or other JW's might see several cars outside and jump to the conclusion they're celebrating Christmas. Neighbors might accuse them of being hypocrites and Jehovah's Witnesses might report them to Elders. If that were to happen they would need to prove their innocence or risk being expelled from the organization.

Back to the top

Five Questions Jehovah's Witnesses Ask.

When deciding what's right and wrong, here are some questions Jehovah's Witnesses ask:

How will believers and non believers view my actions? Will I be exposed to people on a regular basis who don't share my beliefs and moral values? Will involvement in an activity mean missing meetings, Bible study, going door to door, etc.? Will an action in some way compromise my position on political neutrality? Will I be supporting the churches of Christendom and other 'false' religions?

Back to the top

Why Do Followers of Jehovah Have So Many Rules?

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses feel guilty about doing so many things? Because their God Jehovah has many attributes. He is a God of love, but he is also a God of righteousness and judgment. Obedience is required. When angered, Jehovah is capable of wiping out entire nations in a fit of rage. Deut 9:6-8; Zechariah 8:14; 2 Kings 22:13; Isaiah 13:9-16; Nahum 1:2.

Jehovah is a tribal God. He demands sacrifice and obedience to tribal rules and regulations. For ancient tribes, group survival was far more important than individual rights and freedoms. Because strict rules are easy to break, worshipers of Jehovah are never certain of salvation. See Jehovah vs Jesus

Jesus brought with him a new, more accurate understanding in which individuals answer directly to God. They do not worship God by being faithful to a tribe, religion, or visible organization. Their personal relationship with God is symbolized by baptism Followers of Jesus are not saved by keeping rules. Eternal life is a free gift.

Christians are free from strict laws, rules, and regulations. They don't have as much guilt or fear because they have a personal relationship with Jesus. Christians are saved by God's grace. There is nothing they can do to earn salvation. The God of Christians is kind, loving, humble, and gentle. Matthew 11:29; 1 John 4:8-21; Luke 6:27,35; He is forgiving and understanding. Matthew 6:14; Mark 11:25; See Law of the Christ

The Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the teachings of Jesus, but they choose to put Jehovah first. Even though Jesus came to do the will of his Father, there is evidence that Jehovah is a very different God. Of course God has not changed. However our understanding of God has evolved. There is only one Creator. Jesus explained the true nature of God and disagreed with the Pharisees who focused on rules instead of God's love.

Since Jehovah's Witnesses serve Jehovah, they must earn God's love just like the ancient Israelites did. There is guilt because whatever they do for Jehovah, it may not to be enough. Oftentimes Jehovah's Witnesses believe they could have done more, and because they didn't, there is worry that Jehovah may not save them. What if they have angered Jehovah in some way that they are not aware of? What if Jehovah punishes them for not doing enough in these last days before armageddon? What if they could have attended more meetings, spent more time going from door to door, etc. ... ?

Ironically, in their fear of displeasing Jehovah (and the Apostle Paul who was a self-proclaimed Christian Pharisee, Acts 23:6), they have not fully accepted the teachings of Jesus. e.g. See Apostate Jehovah's Witnesses. It's important for Christians to follow Jesus because the Bible says all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. Matthew 28:18.

By enforcing strict rules and regulations Jesus didn't teach, critics say they have run ahead of Jesus and their salvation may be in jeopardy. 2 John 1: 9 - 11. See Salvation. Best Religion. Can It Save You?

Back to the top

The Confusing World Of Jehovah's Witnesses.

The 141 rules listed on this page are based on our personal experiences when we were Jehovah's Witnesses. This is the way we thought. We observed fellow Jehovah's Witnesses dealing with guilt, what's right, and what's wrong.

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah's light gets brighter and brighter. That's why there is nothing wrong with changing beliefs as needed. Old understandings of what God requires are quickly forgotten and new doctrines are eagerly adopted as new truths from Jehovah.

See Changing the Truth



When talking about things they can't do or are not allowed to do, there are 'gray' areas. Some things, they 'must' not do. Other things they shouldn't do. Some things are not recommended. And some things are a matter conscience. Faithful Jehovah's Witnesses often feel guilty that they might be doing something to displease God. Some consult with elders or write the Society's headquarters for guidance to make sure they haven't displeased Jehovah.

Back to the top

Double Standards. Why Some Are Punished and Some Are Not.

It is interesting that some people get disfellowshipped for the the smallest of infractions. While others get away with a lot and no one ever says anything. It all depends on how much you're liked in your congregation, how much time you spend going door to door, and how loyal you are to the organization.

Back to the top

141 Rules. Anyone Who Runs Ahead Of Jesus Does Not Have God. 2 John 1: 9 - 11

We certainly love and respect the desire Jehovah's Witnesses have to please God. It is commendable. However in their efforts to be the most righteous and best religion on the planet, they have added rules and regulations that Jesus did not teach. This is unfortunate because the Bible says that Jesus is the path to eternal life. John 6:40-68; Jude 1:21; John 17:2; John 10:25-30; John 3:14-16.

In addition, the Apostle John said, 'Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; ... If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.' 2 John 1: 9 - 11 NIV

Does this mean that the Apostle John supported the doctrine of disfellowshipping. No he did not. See Do Not Say A Greeting and find out what this scripture means.

Jehovah's rules can change at anytime and sometimes there are no clear guidelines. When this happens, Elders decide what to do or they call their corporate headquarters for instructions.

Here is a summary of rules someone sent us. They are based on the 2010 handbook for Elders, called "Shepherd The Flock Of God."

Back to the top

1. Wikipedia says a theocracy is 'a form of government in which a state is governed by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided.'

2. Mind Control. Jehovah's Witnesses have a unique language that they are proud of. It reinforces their belief that they are the only ones with the truth and living is a spiritual paradise. However no one has told them the true purpose of their unique wordology. Words like 'in the truth', 'God's organization', 'paradise earth', 'doomed system of things', etc, are repeated within the organization over and over again in literature, conversations, and meetings. Powerful words keep Jehovah's witnesses obedient, afraid to question the authority of their religious leaders.

Some JW's try to reclaim their freedom by leaving the organization. However even then most are afraid to say what they really want to say especially if they have family and friends inside the church. Long after a Jehovah Witness leaves their religion, they remain firmly attached to the beliefs of the organization, until they understand how mind control works.

3. Obedience. Jehovah's Witnesses are required to 'speak in agreement' and defend all doctrines even when they have doubts. They are afraid to question Jehovah's wisdom as explained by the organization because they are told they belong to Jehovah's organization. Thus, the good of the organization is thought to be far more important than individual rights, beliefs, and freedom of speech. Are Jehovah's Witnesses A Cult?

Independent thinking is discouraged because unity of beliefs is a requirement. Speaking out against the church's doctrines is thought to be a dangerous path leading to 'apostasy' and termination of one's membership in Jehovah's organization. A JW's salvation as a Christian and making it through armageddon alive depends on their dedication and obedience to Jehovah's spirit guided organization, Watchtower. See Baptism

4. Equality. Importance of women in the JW religion based on the publication for Elders, "Shepherd The Flock Of God".

5. Halloween. If you want to meet a lot of JW's, without going to a Kingdom Hall service, go to stores, restaurants, and public places after dark on Halloween. They don't want to be home when children go trick or treating. Many of them leave their homes, turn out the lights, and go to out for the evening. Or they stay home in the dark. Whatever, ... It's just a really uncomfortable time of year for Jehovah's Witnesses.

6. Jehovah's Witnesses fear and obey their religious leaders based on the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:45-51

It is believed that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is God's only channel of communication in the world today. Watchtower magazine June 15, 2009 edition, entitled, "The Faithful Steward and It's Governing Body".

7. "It is not religious persecution for an informed person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false. ... To make a public exposure of false religion is ... a public service." Watchtower magazine, Nov 15, 1963, Article: "Execution of Divine Judgment upon False Religion", par 3