The NBA includes players from many backgrounds, countries, and religions. Some people wonder if any former NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses. While we do not know the exact number, here are a few retired NBA players who are known to follow this religion.
What Kind of Person Is a Jehovah’s Witness?
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian group with beliefs and practices that are different from most other Christian churches. The religion began in the United States in the late 1800s and is known for its focus on Bible study, preaching, and following specific teachings.
Here are some key things about Jehovah’s Witnesses:
Beliefs:
They believe the Bible is God’s word and use their own translation called the New World Translation. They follow the Bible closely in their everyday lives.
God’s Name:
They believe “Jehovah” is the proper name for God and that using this name is important for true worship.
No Trinity:
Unlike many Christian groups, they do not believe in the Trinity. They believe God is one being and that Jesus is God’s first creation, not part of a three-in-one God.
Salvation and the Afterlife:
They believe that only 144,000 people will go to heaven to rule with Jesus. They teach that most faithful people will live forever on a peaceful, restored Earth instead of going to heaven or hell.
No Blood Transfusions:
Based on their understanding of the Bible, they refuse blood transfusions and choose medical treatments that do not involve blood.
Door-to-Door Preaching:
They are known for visiting homes and sharing magazines like The Watchtower and Awake! They believe it is their duty to teach others about God’s kingdom.
No Politics or Military Service:
They stay neutral in politics and usually do not join the military because they believe their loyalty belongs only to God’s kingdom.
Kingdom Halls:
They worship in buildings called Kingdom Halls, where they meet for Bible study, prayer, and teaching.
Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
1. Darren Collison
Darren Collison played in the NBA from 2009 to 2019. He spent four years with the Indiana Pacers and three years with the Sacramento Kings.
At age 31, he retired early because he wanted to focus on his faith and family. He said that being a Jehovah’s Witness was more important to him than continuing his basketball career.
2. Danny Granger
Danny Granger is another former NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness. He played nine seasons with the Indiana Pacers and was known as one of their best scorers.
He grew up in a family of Jehovah’s Witnesses but was baptized two years after he played his last season in the NBA.
3. Dewayne Dedmon
Dewayne Dedmon also had a strong career in the NBA. His mother, a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness, did not want him to play basketball because she worried it would harm his faith.
However, he chose to follow his dream and went on to become a professional NBA player.
Conclusion
In a world full of different cultures and beliefs, everyone has the right to follow their own religion. This freedom is an important part of personal choice and identity. Professional athletes, including NBA players, are no different. They also come from many backgrounds, and their faith is part of who they are.
