1. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? I'm still here, and I'm still the . [60] Sociologist Andrew Holden has observed that Witnesses see no distinction between loyalty to Jehovah and to the movement itself,[61] and other researchers have claimed that challenging the views of those higher up the hierarchical ladder is regarded as tantamount to challenging God himself. The Lord wants you to come to Him and trust in Him as your Savior and Lord. [31] However, the Governing Body disclaims infallibility and divine inspiration. They disavow terms such as minister and church. Jehovah's Witnesses cite the Old and New Testaments as the Biblical basis for refusing transfusions. Share any teaching or belief that is contrary to what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught. 3. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Only God in the flesh could do all these things. Witnesses believe that the only hope for life after death is in the resurrection, which they say involves re-creation by God of the same individual with a new body. A summary by a Governing Body committee of "wrong teachings" being promoted as "new understandings" included the suggestion that God did not have an organization on earth. Jesus is said to have been used by God in the creation of all other things. Many people are curious about who Jehovahs Witnesses are. A Jehovah's Witness must become worthy of salvation. They see their mission as primarily evangelical, disseminating "the good news", to warn as many people as possible in the remaining time before Armageddon. [155][156], Members who claim to be anointed are not given special treatment by other congregation members. Looking for an old soul like myself. New members are baptized by immersion and are expected to live by a strict code of personal conduct. We recognize the Bible as Gods inspired message to humans. While we accept the entire Bible, we are not fundamentalists. Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs. Seventh-Day Adventists & Their Beliefs
Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. PRIVACY POLICY What Is Protestantism & Why Is it Important? Be in any employment that "makes one an accomplice, or a promoter" of any other church or religion. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.. The Jehovah's Witnesses movement came out of the Bible Student movement, also founded by Taze. Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2023, Christianity.com. Baptist Church: History & Beliefs
Jehovahs Witnesses are a very dangerous culture that nobody needs to be involved in. Buddhism places strong emphasis on "mindfulness," so patients may request peace and quiet for the . Witnesses believe that they are living in the last days, and they look forward to the imminent establishment of Gods kingdom on earth, which will be headed by Christ and jointly administered by 144,000 human corulers (Revelation 7:4). [1] They have their own literature including a Bible and Watchtower Magazine. (Acts 15:20) Likewise, the Bible prohibits health treatments or procedures that include occult practices.Galatians 5:19-21," explains JW.org. [100] Witnesses reject the doctrine of the perpetual virginity of Mary, who they believe bore more children after Jesus. God will bring billions back from death by means of a resurrection. Rather than believing Jesus was physically resurrected from the dead, Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus was only spiritually resurrected. We are globally united in our beliefs. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 4:12) To benefit from that sacrifice, people must not only exercise faith in Jesus but also change their course of life and get baptized. [72] Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs on the Bible, as interpreted by the Governing Body.[73]. Jehovah's Witnesses were not among the five major religious groups that two weeks ago gave support to the Government's COVID-19 vaccination programme; however, the millenarian restorationist Chri. It is a religion where people believe in one god. I'm a woman. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is a lesser "god," but not the God of the universe. Here are 10 facts about this group which branched off from orthodox Christianity in the late 1800's. We answer the questions of how they started, what their core beliefs are, and how many people ascribe to this faith in the world today. This is wrong because the Holy Spirit is God, and He is divine. [5], Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the present world order, which they perceive as being under the control of Satan, will be ended by a direct intervention of Jehovah (God), who will use Jesus Christ to fully establish his heavenly government over earth, destroying existing human governments and non-Witnesses,[6][7][8] and creating a cleansed society of true worshippers who will live forever. Annihilationism teaches that when a person dies, they cease to exist. The Bible teaches the truth of the Trinity in multiple passages. Instead, Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus has opened the way to salvation and that by following the rules of Kingdom Hall, anyone can also become a Jehovahs Witness. We believe that the Bible gives solid reasons for following this course," states JW.org. [108], Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe that Satan lives in Hell or that he has been given responsibility to punish the wicked. (Galatians 6:10; 2Corinthians 6:14) However, we respect the choices that others make in such matters.Romans 14:12. They believe it is God's will to "abstain from blood" (Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:10;. [200] Sociologist Andrew Holden claims his research indicated many Witnesses who would otherwise defect because of disillusionment with the organization and its teachings remain affiliated out of fear of being shunned and losing contact with friends and family members. These include literacy classes, Pioneer Service School, School for Kingdom Evangelizers and Gilead School. [37] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage Witnesses from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through independent Bible research. Sharing in disaster relief.Acts 11:27-30. Phil. [18][19][20] The Governing Body seeks neither advice nor approval from any "anointed" Witnesses, other than high-ranking members at the Brooklyn headquarters. [189] At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God. They claim this "doctrine developed gradually over several centuries and through many controversies." They deny that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. Individuals who do not place faith in Christ are not annihilated. They also don't celebrate other national holidays or birthdays in an attempt to remain separate from the world. "Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs." Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? [9][10] All members of the denomination are expected to take an active part in preaching. [161][162] Those destroyed at Armageddon and other specific judgments by God are not resurrected. In their booklet entitled Jehovah's Witnesses in the Twentieth Century, for example, may be found a chart titled "What Jehovah's Witnesses Believe . Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jehovahs-witnesses-beliefs-700792. Does the Bible Mention What to Give Up for Lent? Jehovahs Witnesses try to claim that they are Christians, but they are not. Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity. (Daniel 2:44; Matthew 6:9, 10) It will take these actions soon, for Bible prophecy indicates that we are living in the last days.2Timothy 3:1-5; Matthew 24:3-14. All rights reserved. Catholic Church: History, Tradition & Beliefs
Repent of your sins, believe in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to save you . PRIVACY SETTINGS, https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/502015242/univ/art/502015242_univ_sqr_xl.jpg. The Lord declared Himself to be God through His seven "I AM" statements ( John 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15). Work is carried out throughout the world by more than eight million Witnesses. Three distinct Persons, yet one God. However, to deviate from the beliefs would be to position oneself in a light of apostasy. [57] Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz, who was expelled as part of the purge, subsequently criticized the Watch Tower concept of organization,[58] claiming the conceptwhich posits that God does not deal with individuals apart from an organizationhas no scriptural support and serves only to reinforce the group's authority structure, with its strong emphasis on human authority. The Bible never directly uses the term Trinity, yet the truth of the Trinity is present. [105][109] Witnesses believe that Satan and his demons influence individuals, organizations and nations, and that they are the cause of human suffering. Jehovah's Witnesses are a people of faith that many of us likely don't know that much about. Jehovah's Witness Christians have distinct beliefs about the end times, as well. Do Jehovahs Witnesses Have Their Own Bible. Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. [103] According to the Watch Tower society, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted or killed for not venerating a cross. Outside of Jesus, there is no way to salvation. [196] They believe the congregation must "maintain God's favor in order to be used by him and to represent him" or else the whole congregation would lose God's approval. This is an erroneous view of salvation because salvation is only by placing faith in Jesus by believing that He died for your sins, was buried, and rose again (John 3:16-17: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The Kingdom of God. Buddhist Patients and Health Care: Nine Practical Points for non-Buddhist Providers. (John 8:44) This angel, who after his rebellion was called Satan and Devil, persuaded the first human couple to join him, and the consequences have been disastrous for their descendants. 83:18), will end crime, violence, sickness and death by destroying all wickedness in the world. They believe that when the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, the line of kings descended from David was interrupted, and that God's throne was "trampled on" from then until Jesus began ruling in October 1914. The Bible is clear that salvation is only by grace through faith as Paul tells us, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Earth. b Wicked angels have been cast out of heaven, although they continue to exist in the spirit realm.Revelation 12:7-9. Jehovah's Witnesses are primarily known to physicians for their refusal of blood transfusions. Jesus is the King of Gods Kingdom in heaven. The leaders of some mainstream Christian churches have denounced the Witnesses for doctrinal deviation (especially their non-Trinitarian teachings) and have condemned them as a cult.. 9. Trinity - Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs reject the doctrine of the Trinity. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that it is the Christian's duty to remain "neutral" during warfare. The m. God (the Father): God is a single being whose personal name is Jehovah they also accept the name Yahweh and other. These comparisons all point to the impersonal nature of the holy spirit.". We worship the one true and Almighty God, the Creator, whose name is Jehovah. "[210] Apostates must be shunned and Witnesses are warned that those who greet one become "a sharer in his wicked works". [86][89], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's "only-begotten Son", and that his life began in heaven. Beliefs and Practices . "Jehovahs Witnesses remain politically neutral for religious reasons, based on what the Bible teaches. Promotion of personal doctrinal views that deviate from official teachings is also regarded as apostasy. The translators of The New World Translation were: Nathan Knorr, Albert Schroeder, George Gangas, Fred Franz, M. [193][199], Jehovah's Witnesses claim the purpose of denying fellowship to a wrongdoer safeguards the congregation's moral and spiritual cleanliness and protects its name. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? The lists below address select points for the care of patients from Buddhist, Catholic, Hindu , Jehovah's Witness , Jewish , Muslim and Pentecostal traditions. However, the elders do not form a clergy class, and they are unsalaried. Jehovah's Witnesses are a Christian religious sect rooted in the Adventist movement of the late 1800s in the United States. The Witnesses understand Jesus' words at John 3:3"except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"to apply to the 144,000 who are "born again" as "anointed" sons of God in heaven. Would you like to read this article in %%? No mere man could live a sinless life, die for the sins of the world, and rise up from the grave. The Witnesses distrust of contemporary institutions extends to other religious denominations, from which they remain separate. Help them understand the truth of the Bible and how the Jehovahs Witnesses' beliefs do not align with the truth of Gods Word. Explore the various characteristics of different denominations from our list below! JWs believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, "the firstborn of all . Find out more directly from the source. [125] The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth,[126][127] bringing about a world free of crime, sickness, death and poverty, and ultimately transforming the earth into a paradise. The resurrection of the Lord also attests to Jesus divinity. "[21], Watch Tower Society literature states that Jesus' use of the term "other sheep" at John 10:16 indicates a separate class with an earthly hope. The Bible teaches that if a person places faith in Christ, they are given forgiveness of sins, redemption, and eternal life. Jehovah 's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. [12], Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by their Governing Body, which Witnesses are taught Jesus uses as a channel for God's progressive revelations and to direct Christians on biblical matters. The Jehovah's Witnesses are quite forthcoming about their religious beliefs. Ex-Jehovah witness religion or personals for ex-jehovah's witnesses - is, and. We follow the teachings and example of Jesus Christ and honor him as our Savior and as the Son of God. "Jehovah's Witnesses Beliefs." [186], Most of those who had died prior to God's intervention will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for the thousand years referred to in Revelation 20. Jehovahs Witnesses do not believe Jesus is God, which means they do not place faith in Christ as their Savior and Lord. The Witnesses teachings stress strict separation from secular government. Matthew 28:19-20 says, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Jehovah's Witnesses Official Website, ReligionFacts.com, and Religions of America, edited by Leo Rosten. This cannot be answered with a brief comment. They think the Holy Spirit is an "impersonal force" and not actually God and Lord Himself. This means they are not true Christians, and they do not truly know the truth of Jesus. [77] Witnesses reject the Trinity doctrine, which they consider unscriptural. A select few (144,000) of Christ's most faithful followers will be chosen to rule alongside him. [88] Because no other religion uses the name Jehovah with the same prevalence, they believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses are making God's name known. These began when one of Gods angels rebelled. [56], Disagreement with the Watch Tower Society's concept of God's organization, figured prominently in events that led to a 1980 purge of high-level members at the group's Brooklyn headquarters. Jesus acts as the mediator of a "new covenant"[96] referred to in Jeremiah 31:31, Luke 22:20, and Hebrews 9:15; 12:24, mediating between the parties of that covenant (God and the "144,000"). (John 17:17; 2Timothy 3:16) We base our beliefs on all 66 of its books, which include both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Professor Jason D. BeDuhn aptly described it when he wrote that Jehovahs Witnesses built their system of belief and practice from the raw material of the Bible without predetermining what was to be found there.a. During their Wednesday night meeting, Victoria's congregation ruminates over medical researchers' various efforts to fight COVID-19. plrma) carries the idea of the sum total. [166] As such, the Second Coming is considered an invisible presence, lasting for an extended period of time, and ending with Jesus' "coming" to separate the Sheep and the Goats. Salvation is only by placing faith in Christ, not by following rules. This article summarizes our basic beliefs. [104], Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship that belonged to God. [158] Only those claiming to be anointed partake of the unleavened bread and wine at the yearly commemoration of Christ's death, or Memorial. Jehovah's Witnesses hold services on Sunday and twice during the week, in a Kingdom Hall, an unadorned building. [68][69], The entire Protestant canon of scripture is seen as the inspired, inerrant word of God. Our organization. [208] Witnesses are told they must loathe and hate in the "biblical sense of the word" those who are defined as apostates and show no curiosity about their ideas,[209] and that apostates' "whole purpose is to tear down God's people and to distort the truth. The instead believe the Holy Spirit is a force applied by God. Lutheran History & Beliefs. 9. [93] His birth on earth was accomplished when he willingly allowed himself to be transferred, by God, from heaven to the womb of the virgin, Mary. (Matthew 20:28; Acts 5:31) Thus, we are Christians. [196], They are still visited by church elders yearly and encouraged by congregation members. Jesus also proved Himself to be God through His many signs and wonders. Since they do not place faith in Jesus, they are not saved. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses, and at conventions and congregation meetings. (The secularly accepted date for the fall of Jerusalem is within a year of 587 BCE; exiles were taken in various years, with most Jews exiled to Babylon following the siege of Jerusalem of 597 BCE.) [173] Witnesses believe their doctrine is confirmed by world events since 1914, including wars, famine, earthquakes and increasing lawlessness, which they see as fulfillment of the "sign" of Christ's presence. See the next couple points for more details on this. They wish to share the literature with the people and will then offer to bring a Bible study to their home. Regarding the Jehovah's Witnesses and their Organization. They also identify him with the "rider of the white horse" at Revelation 6 and 19. The Jehovah's Witness must do God's will the rest of his life to be saved. Jehovahs Witnesses Denomination Overview, Christian Reformed Church Beliefs and Practices, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. [15][21][22] At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the "faithful and discreet slave" was defined as referring to the Governing Body only. He is the bible highly discourages an interfaith . [159] Those of the "other sheep" who die faithful to God will receive the "resurrection of the righteous" ("just" KJV) mentioned at Acts 24:15. A significant underpinning belief of Jehovah's Witnesses is that Jesus' heavenly rule (or "heavenly Kingdom power") began in 1914. [169], Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology,[170] based on their belief that the destruction of Jerusalem and the beginning of the Babylonian captivity both occurred in 607 BCE. Audio download options [1][2][3] Since 1976, all doctrinal decisions have been made by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses,[4] a group of elders at the denomination's headquarters. During his ministry, Russell quarreled with many tenets of mainstream Christianity, including immortality of the soul, hellfire, predestination, the fleshly return of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the burning up of the world. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Vivian Brickerloves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. They believe Jesus died on a stake, rather than a cross. [132] They believe that 144,000 people will be resurrected to life as spirit creatures in heaven to be priestly rulers under Christ, but the vast majority, to physical life on earth. We recognize that parts of the Bible are written in figurative or symbolic language and are not to be understood literally.Revelation 1:1. 2. ( Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4: 11) He is the God of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate any holidays, a category which they believe includes birthdays.. [148][149] Watch Tower Society publications state that salvation at Armageddon is also contingent on baptism, accurate knowledge of Bible truth, adherence to God's standards of conduct and morality, use of the divine name "Jehovah" in worship,[150] membership of God's "organization",[151] and active support of anointed Christians. The word for "fullness" (Gk. Each congregation has an assigned territory and each Witness a particular neighbourhood to canvass. This article summarizes our basic beliefs. In countries throughout the world, many have faced imprisonment and even death for their conscientious objection to bearing arms in war. [90] He is described as God's first creation and the "exact representation of God",[91] but is believed to be a separate entity and not part of a Trinity. Despite widespread excitement over a cure, Jehovah's Witnesses contend that a plasma-based solution would be a gross violation of their beliefs. [63] Watch Tower publications claim both the Great Apostasy and Russell's subsequent "restoration" of original Christianity[64] were a fulfilment of Jesus' parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30,36-43. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/kevinschreiber, Similar to their view of Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe the Holy Spirit is equal with the Father. As believers, we need to help them know the truth of Jesus and the gospel. [79][107] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan is God's chief adversary[107] and the invisible ruler of the world. Should Christians Seek Revelation from God Apart from the Bible? Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/NexTser, There are reportedly 8.3 million Jehovah's Witnesses around the world and nearly 120,000 congregations. Great pains are taken to keep records of the number of visits, return calls, Bible classes, and books and magazines distributed. There are many false teachings and false doctrines that the Jehovah's Witnesses have been taught to believe about God, the Trinity doctrine, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel. An elder, one of the group's leaders, anxiously shares an . Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven and that the rest of humanity will live forever on a paradise earth. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. [36] All Witnesses are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body. However, Penton also notes that avoidance of "demonistic practices" has released many people in Africa and Latin America from fear of spirits. "When a person dies, he ceases to exist. [181] Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. [190] Then Satan is released for a final opportunity to mislead perfect mankind;[191] Satan, his demons, and any who fail the test will be destroyed, leaving a fully tested, perfect human race who will live forever. Why Do Cults Use God Falsely in Their Mission? [117] It dismisses Young Earth creationism as "unscriptural and unbelievable",[118] and states that Jehovah's Witnesses "are not creationists" on the basis that they do not believe the earth was created in six literal days. What Do Jehovahs Witnesses Believe? (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) We are peaceful and do not participate in warfare. Witnesses hold a number of traditional Christian views but also many that are unique to them. Jesus commanded: You must love your neighbor as yourself. He also said that Christians are no part of the world. (Matthew 22:39; John 17:16) So we try to work what is good toward all, yet we remain strictly neutral in political affairs and avoid affiliation with other religions. Jehovah's Witnesses focus on God the Father, so their name is taken from the Tetragrammaton, written as YHWH or JHVH and articulated either as Yahweh or Jehovah. For activities and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, see, Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. p. 123, as reproduced in R.Franz. Hell is a real place. Mormons: The Church of Latter Day Saints & Their Beliefs
As previously mentioned, Jehovahs Witnesses view Jesus as a lesser god. The Holy Spirit is not seen as God either as Jehovahs Witnesses teach the Holy Spirit is just a force.. The Jehovah's Witness beliefs about God are outlined in detail below. While many Jehovahs Witnesses will tell you they have faith in Jesus, they have a wrong view of having faith in Jesus. [197] Individuals who choose to publicly repudiate their association to the organization and renounce their place in the congregation are considered disassociated. Jesus was not only a spirit when He was resurrected. Special pioneers are full-time salaried employees of the society. It will replace human governments and accomplish Gods purpose for the earth. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. The basis for this belief originates from several sources: primarily, they believe the celebration of birthdays stems from pagan rituals. According to TowerWatch.com: "The New World Translation of the Bible is Jehovah's Witnesses own translation, no other religious group uses this Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses make very little use of other Bibles. Meditating on what we learn from the Bible.Psalm 77:12. Some of these programs are by invitation only.[219]. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Muslims and others say Jesus was merely a human prophet, an angel, or some other created being. The "identifying marks" of apostates are said to include attempts to gain followers, disregard for the Witnesses' preaching activity, rejection of God's visible organization, public criticism of other Witnesses and attempts to hinder their work. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. [204], Apostates are said to have become part of the antichrist and are regarded as more reprehensible than non-Witnesses. The Trinity. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible is a good . The Pentecostal Church: History & Beliefs
The Holy Spirit is in charge of administering spiritual gifts, which this shows the Holy Spirit has an independent will of His own (1 Corinthians 12:11). Since they do not place faith in Jesus, they are not saved. (2Corinthians 9:7) All our activities are supported by anonymous donations. They continue to face persecution in several countries, however, particularly for their refusal to serve in the military, and they are often publicly derided for their door-to-door evangelism. [32][33][34] Robert Crompton, author of a book on Watch Tower eschatology, has noted that it is difficult to trace the development of doctrines, because explicit changes are often not identified in Jehovah's Witness literature, leaving readers to assume which details have been superseded. [160] Those who die without faithfully serving God will receive the "resurrection of the unrighteous" ("unjust" KJV). [123], Publications of Jehovah's Witnesses teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, established in 1914,[124] ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 humans raised to heaven. [201] Other identifying behavior is said to include deviation from the truth, twisted, empty speech, hypocrisy and involvement in deeper forms of ungodliness. [62], Witnesses believe that after the death of the apostles, the Church embarked on a "Great Apostasy", diverging from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Why? Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. [97][98][99] Even as king of God's kingdom, Jesus remains subordinate to God. They reject the concept of universal salvation[141] and the concept of predestination. [77][87] The title, LORD (Greek: Kyrios), is rarely used by Witnesses when speaking about God. How Is Harry Potter a Literary Christ Figure? What Are Familiar Spirits and What Does the Bible Warn about Them?