New Zealand Cults, Sects, Religions, Christian Organisations, and other groups.

Jehovah's Witnesses

Other Main Names:

Charles Taze Russell (founder)

Practices

Questioning of authority is completely forbidden, as is the reading of material not favourably inclined toward the Watchtower.

Blood transfusions are not allowed (even to save lives), but vaccinations are. (It used to be the other way around.) Like in Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, you're allowed an organ transplant, but not a drop of blood. (This is actually a simplification of the situation; members supposedly have free choice, but if they do decide for a transfusion they will be disfellowshipped - a strong control mechanism.)

The celebration of Christmas and (other) birthdays is not allowed.

Tertiary education is strongly discouraged. Members are not allowed to join the army or wear crosses (since they believe the cross is a pagan symbol of sex worship).

Jehovah's Witnesses think lying is OK if the situation warrants it - according to them, non-believers don't necessarily deserve the truth..