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Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
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Part of a series on
Jehovah's Witnesses

Overview

Organizational structure
Governing Body
Watch Tower Bible
 and Tract Society
Corporations

History
Bible Student movement
Leadership dispute
Splinter groups
Doctrinal development
Unfulfilled predictions

Demographics
By country


Beliefs ·
 Practices
 
Salvation ·
 Eschatology

The 144,000
Faithful and discreet slave
Hymns ·
 God's name

Blood ·
 Discipline


Literature

The Watchtower ·
 Awake!

New World Translation
List of publications
Bibliography

Teaching programs

Kingdom Hall ·
 Gilead School


People

Watch Tower presidents

W. H. Conley ·
 C. T. Russell

J. F. Rutherford ·
 N. H. Knorr

F. W. Franz ·
 M. G. Henschel

D. A. Adams

Formative influences

William Miller ·
 Henry Grew

George Storrs ·
 N. H. Barbour

John Nelson Darby


Notable former members

Raymond Franz ·
 Olin Moyle


Opposition

Criticism ·
 Persecution

Supreme Court cases
 by country

v ·
 t ·
 e
   
The eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses is central to their religious beliefs. They believe that Jesus Christ has been ruling in heaven as king since 1914 (a date they believe was prophesied in Scripture), and that after that time a period of cleansing occurred, resulting in God's selection of the Bible Students associated with Charles Taze Russell to be his people in 1919. They also believe the destruction of those who reject their message[1] and thus willfully refuse to obey God[2][3] will shortly take place at Armageddon, ensuring that the beginning of the new earthly society will be composed of willing subjects of that kingdom.
The religion's doctrines surrounding 1914 are the legacy of a series of emphatic claims regarding the years 1799,[4] 1874,[4] 1878,[5] 1914,[6] 1918[7] and 1925[8] made in the Watch Tower Society's publications between 1879 and 1924. Claims about the significance of those years, including the presence of Jesus Christ, the beginning of the "last days", the destruction of worldly governments and the earthly resurrection of Jewish patriarchs, were successively abandoned.[9] In 1922 the society's principal journal, Watch Tower, described its chronology as "no stronger than its weakest link", but also claimed the chronological relationships to be "of divine origin and divinely corroborated...in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct"[10] and "indisputable facts",[4] while repudiation of Russell's teachings was described as "equivalent to a repudiation of the Lord".[11]
The Watch Tower Society has stated that its early leaders promoted "incomplete, even inaccurate concepts".[12] The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses says that, unlike Old Testament prophets, its interpretations of the Bible are not inspired or infallible.[13][14][15] Witness publications say that Bible prophecies can be fully understood only after their fulfillment, citing examples of biblical figures who did not understand the meaning of prophecies they received. Watch Tower publications often cite Proverbs 4:18, "The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established" (NWT) to support their view that there would be an increase in knowledge during "the time of the end", as mentioned in Daniel 12:4. Jehovah's Witnesses state that this increase in knowledge needs adjustments. Watch Tower publications also say that unfulfilled expectations are partly due to eagerness for God's Kingdom and that they do not call their core beliefs into question.[16][17][18]



Contents  [hide]
1 Current beliefs 1.1 Presence of Jesus Christ
1.2 Sign of "last days"
1.3 Judgment of religion
2 History of eschatology 2.1 Early expectations (1871–1881)
2.2 Great Pyramid of Giza (1876–1928)
2.3 "The Time Is At Hand" (1881–1918)
2.4 "Millions Now Living Will Never Die!" (1918–1925)
2.5 "Armageddon Immediately Before Us" (1925–1966)
2.6 "Looking Forward to 1975" (1966–1975)
2.7 The "generation of 1914" (1976–present)
3 Controversy 3.1 Fall of Jerusalem
4 See also
5 References
6 Bibliography

Current beliefs[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses teach the imminent end of the current world society, or "system of things" by God's judgment, leading to deliverance for the saved. This judgment will begin with false religion, which they identify as the "harlot", Babylon the Great,[19][20] referred to in the Book of Revelation. They apply this designation to all other religions. They do not currently place their expectations on any specific date, but believe that various events will lead up to the end of this "system of things", culminating in Armageddon. Armageddon is understood to include the destruction of all earthly governments by God. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth.[21][22]
They believe that after Armageddon, based on scriptures such as John 5:28, 29, the dead will gradually be resurrected to a "day of judgment" lasting for a thousand years.[23] This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection, not on past deeds.[24] At the end of the thousand years a final test will take place when Satan is brought back to mislead perfect mankind.[25] The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race.[26]
Presence of Jesus Christ[edit]
See also: End time § Jehovah's Witnesses
Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ returned invisibly and began to rule in heaven as king in October 1914. They state that the beginning of Christ's heavenly rule would seem worse initially for mankind because it starts with the casting out of Satan from heaven to the earth, which according to Revelation 12, would bring a brief period of "woe" to mankind.[27] This woe will be reversed when Christ comes to destroy Satan's earthly organization, throwing Satan into the abyss and extending[28] God's kingdom rule over the earth, over which Jesus reigns as God's appointed king. They believe the Greek word parousia (usually translated as "coming") is more accurately understood as an extended invisible "presence", perceived only by a series of "signs".[29]
Witnesses base their beliefs about the significance of 1914 on the Watch Tower Society's interpretation of biblical chronology,[30][31] which is hinged on their assertion that the Babylonian captivity and destruction of Jerusalem occurred in 607 BC.[32] From this, they conclude that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied a period of 2,520 years, from 607 BC until 1914.[33][34] They equate this period with the "Gentile Times" or "the appointed times of the nations," a phrase taken from Luke 21:24. 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.[35] Secular historians date the event of Jerusalem's destruction to within a year of 587 BC. The Witnesses' alternative chronology produces a 20-year gap between the reigns of Neo-Babylonian Kings Amel-Marduk (rule ended 560 BC) and Nabonidus (rule began 555 BC) in addition to the intervening reigns of Neriglissar and Labashi-Marduk, despite the availability of contiguous cuneiform records.[36]
They teach that after the war of Armageddon, Jesus will rule over earth as king for 1000 years after which he will hand all authority back to Jehovah.[37][38]
Sign of "last days"[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that since October 1914, humanity has been living in a period of intense increased trouble known as "the last days", marked by war, disease, famine, earthquakes, and a progressive degeneration of morality.[39][40] They also believe their preaching is part of the sign, often alluding to the text of Matthew 24:14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in all the world as a witness to all nations. And then the end shall come." (MKJV)[41][42] They claim that various calamities in the modern world constitute proof of these beliefs, such as the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, the Spanish flu epidemic in May 1918, the onset of World War II in 1939, and more recently, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.[43][44][45]
Judgment of religion[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that in 1918, Christ judged all world religions claiming to be Christian,[46] and that after a period of eighteen months, among all groups and religions claiming to represent Christ,[47] only the "Bible Students" (from which Jehovah's Witnesses developed) met God's approval.[48] Watch Tower Society publications claim that the world's other religions have misrepresented God, and filled the world with hatred.[49] They identify "Babylon The Great" and the "mother of the harlots" referred to in Revelation 17:3-6 as the "world empire of false religion"[49][50][51]
During the final great tribulation, all other religions will be destroyed by "crazed" member governments of the United Nations, acting under the direction of Jehovah.[52][53] Witness publications identify the United Nations as the "beast" to whom the "ten kings" of Revelation 17:12,13 give their "power and authority."[54]
History of eschatology[edit]



Herald of the Morning published by Nelson H. Barbour and Charles Taze Russell in 1878
Watch Tower Society eschatological teachings are based on the earliest writings of Charles Taze Russell, but have undergone significant changes since then. Many of the changes reflect altered views on the significance of the dates 1874, 1914, 1918, and 1925.
Early expectations (1871–1881)[edit]
The Second Adventists affiliated with Nelson H. Barbour expected a visible and dramatic return of Christ in 1873,[55] and later in 1874.[56] They agreed with other Adventist groups that the "time of the end" (also called the "last days") had started in 1799.[57] Soon after the 1874 disappointment, Barbour's group decided Christ had returned to the earth in 1874, but invisibly. Writing in his journal The Herald of the Morning in 1875, Barbour outlined his eschatological views and connected the years 1874, 1878, 1881, and 1914. The "harvest" was to run from 1874 to the spring of 1878, concluding with "the translation of the living saints into the air." 1881 would mark the restoration of the Jews to Palestine, and the period from 1881 until 1914 would see the installation of God's kingdom on earth. Barbour wrote that in the 40 years from 1874 to 1914 "the 'time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation;' will be fulfilled. And in the mean time, the kingdom of God will be set up, 'break in pieces, and consume all these [Gentile] kingdoms,' 'and the stone become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth,' and usher in glory of the millennial age".[5]
Russell became associated with Barbour in 1876 and accepted Barbour's eschatological understanding.[58][59] In 1877, Barbour and Russell jointly issued the book Three Worlds and the Harvest of This World, which reiterated Barbour's earlier teachings.[60] It proclaimed Christ's invisible return in 1874,[61] the resurrection of the saints in 1875,[62] and predicted the end of the "harvest" and a rapture of the saints to heaven for 1878[63] and the final end of "the day of wrath" in 1914.[64] 1874 was considered the end of 6000 years of human history and the beginning of judgment by Christ.[65]
The selection of 1878 as the year of the rapture of the saints was based on the application of parallel dispensations, which equated the 3½-year period of Christ's ministry with a similar "harvest" period following his parousia. When the rapture failed to occur, Russell admitted they "felt somewhat disappointed", but decided there would be an additional 3½-year period "making the harvest seven years long".[66] Successive issues of The Herald of the Morning identified the autumn of 1881 as the end of the "Harvest" and the likely time for the translation of the Church to heaven.[67][68][69] Russell split from Barbour over doctrinal differences and began publishing Zion's Watch Tower in July 1879.
Great Pyramid of Giza (1876–1928)[edit]



 The monument erected by the Watch Tower Society at C.T. Russell's grave in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania modeled after the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Influenced by the pyramidology theories of John Taylor and Charles Piazzi Smyth, Nelson Barbour and Charles Russell taught that the Great Pyramid of Giza contained prophetic measurements in "pyramid inches" that pointed to both 1874 and 1914. Russell viewed the Great Pyramid as "God's Stone Witness and Prophet".[70][71] Smyth reviewed Russell's manuscript on the Great Pyramid before publication and Russell credited him and Scottish writer Robert Menzies for the view "that the Great Pyramid is Jehovah's 'Witness', and that it was as important a witness to divine truth as to natural science."[72][73] Prophetic dates derived from the measurements inside the Great Pyramid were seen as complementary to biblical interpretations. Russell included the Great Pyramid as part of his film and color slide production The Photo-Drama of Creation in 1914, suggesting that the Great Pyramid was built by the Old Testament king-priest Melchizedek.[74] A special edition of the first volume of Studies in the Scriptures was also published, which was re-titled The Divine Plan of the Ages and the Corroborative Testimony of the Great Pyramid.[75] In accordance with Russell's wishes, a 7-foot (2.1 m) high replica of a pyramid was erected at his gravesite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with its capstone "patterned after the capstone of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, symbolic of the Christ."[76][77][78]



 Early Watch Tower publications cited "the testimony of the Great Pyramid" for expectations for 1910 and 1914.
Russell's interpretations of the Great Pyramid were supported by the writings of John and Morton Edgar who were prominent members of his movement.[79][80][81] Russell had first stated that 1874 was derived from a measurement of 3416 pyramid inches,[82] but the measurement was revised in the 1910 edition to 3,457 inches (87.8 m) to point to 1915.[83] The Edgars claimed that the revision in measurement and change in date was a result of errors made by Smyth.[84] In the early 1920s, the significance of the pyramidological predictions for 1914 were re-interpreted to mean that "the old evil order began to pass away in 1914."[85][86] In 1924, an issue of Golden Age referred to the Great Pyramid as "the Scientific Bible" and added that measurements on the Grand Gallery inside the Great Pyramid confirmed the dates 1874, 1914 and 1925.[87] Similarly, the 1924 publication The Way to Paradise refers to the Great Pyramid as "the Bible in Stone" and concludes:

It is quite probable that Shem, son of Noah, a faithful servant of God, was in charge of its construction. In it have been discovered some of the deepest secrets of geometrical, geographical, astronomical, and mathematical science. The pyramid also outlines in its own peculiar way the same plan of God that we find in the Bible, and it dated beforehand some of the most notable events that have occurred in the history of mankind. It gives the date of the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, and the date of birth and death of Jesus. It gives the date of the French revolution as 1789, and the great World War as 1914, besides many more. It was built over five hundred years before Moses wrote any part of the Bible. It is so far in advance of the wisdom of that day that no man could have been the architect. Its harmony with the Bible teachings prove that God designed it.[88]
In 1928, the belief that the Great Pyramid contained a prophetic blueprint of biblical chronology was rejected, and the Pyramid was seen as built "under the direction of Satan the Devil."[89][90]
"The Time Is At Hand" (1881–1918)[edit]
Some of Barbour's eschatology was retained by Russell after they parted company. Basing his interpretations on a concept of parallel "dispensations", Russell taught that while Jesus was invisibly present on earth he was also made its king in 1878. He believed God had rejected the "nominal Church" (considered to be "Babylon the Great") in 1878.[91] Russell also taught that in 1878 Christ resurrected all the "dead in Christ" as spirit beings to be with him on earth awaiting a future glorification to heaven. (The remainder of the 144,000 who would die after 1878 would each be resurrected at the time of the their death.) Together with Christ on earth, these invisible resurrected spirit beings were said to be engaged in directing a harvest work (running from 1874–1914) to gather the remainder of those with the heavenly calling.[92] Russell later moderated his view about the significance of 1881, stating that the "door" for the gathering of the Bride of Christ "stands ajar."[93]



 In 1889, Charles Taze Russell published his interpretation of eschatology and chronology based on the idea of parallel "dispensations".
He wrote that the culmination of Armageddon would occur in 1914, preceded by the gathering of all the saints (both resurrected and living) to heaven. Based on measurements from the Great Pyramid of Gizeh, this "passing beyond the vail" or rapture was expected "before the close of A.D. 1910."[94][95] Russell enumerated seven expectations for 1914 in The Time is at Hand:
1.God's kingdom would take full control of earth "on the ruins of present institutions";
2.Christ would be present as earth's new ruler;
3.The last of the "royal priesthood, the body of Christ" would be glorified with Christ;
4.Jerusalem would no longer "be trodden down by the Gentiles";
5."Israel's blindness will begin to be turned away";
6.The great "time of trouble" would reach its culmination of worldwide anarchy;
7.God's Kingdom would "smite and crush the Gentile image—and fully consume the power of these kings".[96]
In 1911 Russell wrote that October 1914 would witness the "full end" of Babylon, or nominal Christianity, "utterly destroyed as a system".[97] At first, the hopes for 1914 were stretched to "near the end of A.D. 1915."[98] A few months before his death in October 1916, Russell wrote: "We believe that the dates have proven to be quite right. We believe that Gentile Times have ended. ... The Lord did not say that the Church would all be glorified by 1914. We merely inferred it, and, evidently, erred."[99] He interpreted the war in Europe to be the first of three phases of Armageddon[100] and the destruction of Christendom as represented in the European monarchies ruling by Divine Right[original research?] to take place in 1918.[7]
Following Russell's lead, the book The Finished Mystery[101] emphasized events for 1918. The destruction of the churches of Christendom and the deaths of "church members by the millions" was expected in 1918.[102][103] The Finished Mystery proposed the spring of 1918 for the glorification of the Church[104] and suggested that it may occur on the day of Passover in that year. First printings of The Finished Mystery predicted the end of the World War "some time about October 1, 1917," but this was changed in subsequent editions.[105][106] It also predicted the destruction of governments in 1920.[107]
"Millions Now Living Will Never Die!" (1918–1925)[edit]
The predictions for 1920 were discarded before that year arrived, in favor of a new chronology. In 1918-1919, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, second president of the Watch Tower Society, inaugurated a worldwide lecture series entitled "Millions Now Living Will Never Die!", later reproduced in booklet form.[108] It provided a re-interpretation of the significance of the year 1914 (now seen as the beginning of the "last days"). It also included new predictions for 1925 including the resurrection of the biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and other Old Testament personages (referred to as "princes").[109][110][111] Their return would mark the beginning of a new order, from which time millions of people alive at that time would be able to live forever.[8] Newspaper advertisements for the "Millions" lecture localized the claim, with a typical declaration in a Marion, Ohio newspaper reading: "It will be conclusively proved... that thousands now living in Marion and vicinity will never die."[112]
The book stated that 1925 would be among the dates "stamped with God's approval" and The Watch Tower described the evidence for the chronology surrounding 1925 as stronger than that for 1914,[113][114] but acknowledged disappointments surrounding earlier predictions and cautioned that "all that some expect to see in 1925 may not transpire that year", and that the expectations could be "a means of testing and sifting."[115] When 1925 also passed uneventfully, meeting attendance among the Bible Students dropped dramatically in some congregations[116] and attendance at the annual Memorial fell from 90,434 to 17,380 between 1925 and 1928.[117][118][119][120]
"Armageddon Immediately Before Us" (1925–1966)[edit]



Beth Sarim (House of the Princes), built in San Diego, California in 1929 in anticipation of resurrected Old Testament "princes", was used by Watch Tower Society president Judge Rutherford as a winter home.
From 1925 until 1933, the Watch Tower Society, under Rutherford's leadership, radically changed much of its chronologies after the failure of these eschatological expectations.[121][122] In March 1925, the Watch Tower declared that Christ had been enthroned as king in heaven in 1914, not 1878.[123] A 1927 Watch Tower transferred the timing of the resurrection of the "saints" from 1878 to 1918,[124] explaining that they would be raised as spirit creatures to heavenly life to be with Christ there.[125] The belief that Christ returned invisibly in 1874 was maintained until the early 1930s.[126] Christ's Second Advent was newly explained as a "turning of attention" to the earth, with Christ remaining in heaven—a departure from the earlier teaching of a literal return to earth.[127] The judgment of "Babylon the Great" was changed from 1878 to 1919 with the publication of the book Light in 1930.[128] By 1933, it was taught that Christ had returned invisibly in 1914 and the "last days" had also begun then.[129][130] The teaching that the "great tribulation" had begun in 1914 and was "cut short" in 1918—to be resumed at Armageddon—was discarded in 1969.[131]
In 1930, Rutherford took up residence in a "Spanish mansion"[132][133] in California which he called Beth Sarim, meaning, House of the Princes. It was held in trust for the ancient biblical "princes" who were expected to be resurrected immediately prior to Armageddon.[134][135] Rutherford spent the winter months at Beth Sarim and died there in January, 1942. The belief that Old Testament "princes" would be resurrected before Armageddon was abandoned in 1950.[136]
In the mid-1930s and early 1940s, Watch Tower Society publications placed emphasis on the imminence of Armageddon, said to be "months" away[137][138] and "immediately before us."[139] Publications also urged converts to remain single and childless because it was "immediately before Armageddon."[140][141] Young Witnesses were counseled in 1943: "It is better and wiser for those of the Lord's 'other sheep' who hope to survive Armageddon and be given the divine mandate to fill the earth with a righteous offspring to defer matters until after the tribulation and destruction of Armageddon is past."[142] This view was discarded in 1950.[143][144][145]
"Looking Forward to 1975" (1966–1975)[edit]



 Convention badge from circuit assembly, circa 1970
During the 1960s and early 1970s, Witnesses were instructed by means of articles in their literature[146][147][148] and at their assemblies that Armageddon and Christ's thousand-year millennial reign could begin by 1975. Strong statements for 1975 appeared, sometimes accompanied with cautionary remarks.[149] The booklet The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years, which was the text of the keynote address to major assemblies of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world in 1969,[150] stated about that promised reign (which would begin at "God's fixed time"):

For Godfearing students of the Holy Bible containing both the ancient Hebrew Scriptures and the Christian Greek Scriptures, there is a more important millennium that compels their attention. That is the seventh millennium ... the seventh millennium of man's existence here on earth ... Does this fact have any bearing on the approach of the peace of a thousand years or of a millennium? Very apparently Yes! ... More recently earnest researchers of the Holy Bible have made a recheck of its chronology. According to their calculations the six millenniums of mankind's life on earth would end in the mid-seventies. Thus the seventh millennium from man's creation by Jehovah God would begin within less than ten years.
Apart from the global change that present-day world conditions indicate is fast getting near, the arrival of the seventh millennium of man's existence on earth suggests a gladsome change for war-stricken humankind ... In order for the Lord Jesus Christ to be "Lord even of the sabbath day," his thousand-year reign would have to be the seventh in a series of thousand-year periods or millenniums. (Matthew 12:8, AV) Thus it would be a sabbatic reign ... Would not, then, the end of six millenniums of mankind's laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil be the fitting time for Jehovah God to usher in a Sabbath millennium for all his human creatures? Yes, indeed! And his King Jesus Christ will be Lord of that Sabbath.[151]
In 1968, a Watchtower article asked: "Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?":

Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will begin by then? Possibly, but we wait to see how closely the seventh thousand-year period of man's existence coincides with the sabbathlike thousand-year reign of Christ. If these two periods run parallel with each other as to the calendar year, it will not be by mere chance or accident but will be according to Jehovah's loving and timely purposes.[152]
Young Witnesses were advised in 1969 to avoid careers requiring lengthy periods of schooling[153] and a 1974 issue of the Kingdom Ministry newsletter commended Witnesses who had sold their homes and property to engage in full-time preaching, adding: "Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."[154]
In a lecture[155] in early 1975, then vice president Fred Franz selected sundown on September 5, 1975 as the end of 6000 years of human history, but cautioned that although the prophecies "could happen" by then, it looked improbable.[156][157][158][159] After 1975 passed without any sign of the expected paradise, The Watchtower described as "unwise" the actions of some Witnesses who had made radical changes in their lives, commenting: "It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for ... But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need."[160] In 1979, in a lecture entitled "Choosing the Best Way of Life", the Watch Tower Society acknowledged responsibility for much of the disappointment around 1975.[161] The following year, a Watchtower article admitted that the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses had erred in "setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth", and that the Life Everlasting book (1966) had led to "considerable expectation" for 1975, with subsequent statements "that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility." The article added, "It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated".[162]
Baptism statistics compared with the number of those reporting preaching for 1976-1980 showed that many became inactive during that period.[163]
The "generation of 1914" (1976–present)[edit]



History of Eschatological Doctrine

Last Days begin
Start of Christ's Presence
Christ made King
Resurrection of 144,000
Judgment of Religion
Separating Sheep & Goats
Great Tribulation
1879–1920 1799 1874 1878 during Millenium 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920
1920–1923 1925
1923–1925 during Christ's presence
1925–1927 1914 1878 1878 within generation of 1914
1927–1930 1918
1930–1933 1919
1933–1966 1914
1966–1975 1975?
1975–1995 within generation of 1914
1995–present during Great Tribulation imminent
After the passing of 1975, the Watch Tower Society continued to emphasize the teaching that God would execute his judgment on humankind before the generation of people who had witnessed the events of 1914 had all died.[164][165][166][167] This teaching was based on an interpretation of Matthew 24:34 ("Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur"), with the term "a generation" said to refer "beyond question" to a generation living in a given period.[168]
The term had been used with regard to the nearness of Armageddon from the 1940s, when the view was that "a generation" covered a period of about 30 to 40 years.[169] As the 40-year deadline passed without Armageddon occurring, the definition of "a generation" underwent a series of changes: in 1952 it was said for the first time to mean an entire lifetime, possibly 80 years or more;[169][170] in 1968 it was applied to those who had been at least 15 years old in 1914, who were considered to be "old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the 'last days' began" (italics theirs).[171] In 1980 the starting date for that "generation" was brought into the 20th century when the term was applied to those who had been born in 1904 and therefore aged 10 and able simply "to observe" when World War I had begun. The Watchtower commented: "The fact that their number is dwindling is one more indication that "the conclusion of the system of things" is moving fast toward its end."[169][172]
From 1982 to 1995, the inside cover of Awake! magazine included, in its mission statement, a reference to the "generation of 1914", alluding to "the Creator's promise ... of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away." In 1985, Witnesses were reminded: "The 1914 generation is well into the evening of its existence, thus allowing only little time for this prophecy yet to be fulfilled.".[173]
Former Governing Body member Raymond Franz claimed members of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses debated replacing the doctrine with a markedly different interpretation and that in 1980 Albert Schroeder, Karl Klein and Grant Suiter proposed moving the beginning of the "generation" to the year 1957, to coincide with the year Sputnik was launched. He said the proposal was rejected by the rest of the Governing Body.[174]
Despite its earlier description as being "beyond question", the "generation of 1914" teaching was discarded in 1995. Rather than a literal lifespan of 70 to 80 years, the definition of "generation" was changed to "contemporary people of a certain historical period, with their identifying characteristics," without reference to any specific amount of time.[175][176][177] This class of people was described as "the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ's presence but fail to mend their ways".[178] Mention of 1914 was dropped from Awake! magazine's mission statement as of November 8, 1995.[169] The Watchtower insisted, however, that Armageddon was still imminent, asking: "Does our more precise viewpoint on 'this generation' mean that Armageddon is further away than we had thought? Not at all!"[179]
In 2008 the "generation" teaching was again altered, and the term was used to refer to the "anointed" believers, some of whom would still be alive on earth when the great tribulation begins.[180] This was a return to a belief previously held between 1927 [181] and 1950 when the teaching of the "generation of 1914" not passing away was adopted.[182]
In 2010, the teaching of the "generation" was modified again, to refer to a new generation of "anointed" whose lives "overlap" with "the anointed who were on hand when the sign began to become evident in 1914."[183]

Controversy[edit]
Fall of Jerusalem[edit]
See also: Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses and Siege of Jerusalem (587 BC)
Jehovah's Witnesses assert that Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 607 BC and completely uninhabited for exactly seventy years. This date is critical to their selection of October 1914 for the arrival of Christ in kingly power—2520 years after October 607 BC.[184] Non-Witness scholars do not support 607 BC for the event; most scholars date the destruction of Jerusalem to within a year of 587 BC, twenty years later.[185] Jehovah's Witnesses believe that periods of seventy years mentioned in the books of Jeremiah and Daniel refer to the Babylonian exile of Jews. They also believe that the gathering of Jews in Jerusalem, shortly after their return from Babylon, officially ended the exile in Jewish month of Tishrei (Ezra 3:1). According to the Watch Tower Society, October 607 BC is derived by counting back seventy years from Tishrei of 537 BC, based on their belief that Cyrus' decree to release the Jews during his first regnal year "may have been made in late 538 B.C. or before March 4–5, 537 B.C."[186][187] Non-Witness sources assign the return to either 538 BC or 537 BC.[188][189][190][191][192]
In The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return, Carl O. Jonsson, a former Witness, presents eighteen lines of evidence to support the traditional view of neo-Babylonian chronology. He accuses the Watch Tower Society of deliberately misquoting sources in an effort to bolster their position.[193] The Watch Tower Society claims that biblical chronology is not always compatible with secular sources, and that the Bible is superior. It claims that secular historians make conclusions about 587 BC based on incorrect or inconsistent historical records, but accepts those sources that identify Cyrus' capture of Babylon in 539 BC, claiming it has no evidence of being inconsistent and hence can be used as a pivotal date.[186][194][195]
Rolf Furuli, a Jehovah's Witness and a lecturer in Semitic languages, presents a study of 607 BC in support of the Witnesses' conclusions in Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian Chronology Compared with the Chronology of the Bible, Volume 1: Persian Chronology and the Length of the Babylonian Exile of the Jews.[196] Lester L. Grabbe, professor of theology at the University of Hull, said of Furuli's study: "Once again we have an amateur who wants to rewrite scholarship. ... F. shows little evidence of having put his theories to the test with specialists in Mesopotamian astronomy and Persian history."[197]
See also[edit]
Watch Tower Society unfulfilled predictions
References[edit]
1.Jump up ^ "The House-to-House Ministry--Why Important Now?". The Watchtower: 5–6. July 15, 2008.
2.Jump up ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 155.
3.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 6.
4.^ Jump up to: a b c The Watchtower, March 1, 1922, page 73, "The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the 'time of the end' began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874."
5.^ Jump up to: a b "Our Faith" (PDF). The Herald of the Morning: 52. September 1875.
6.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, July 15, 1894, p. 1677: "We see no reason for changing the figures—nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble."
7.^ Jump up to: a b September 1, 1916 The Watchtower, pages 264-265
8.^ Jump up to: a b Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, page 97, "Based upon the argument heretofore set forth, then, that the old order of things, the old world, is ending and is therefore passing away, and that the new order is coming in, and that 1925 shall mark the resurrection of the faithful worthies of old and the beginning of reconstruction, it is reasonable to conclude that millions of people now on the earth will be still on the earth in 1925. Then, based upon the promises set forth in the divine Word, we must reach the positive and indisputable conclusion that millions now living will never die."
9.Jump up ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 1. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
10.Jump up ^ "The Strong Cable of Chronology", Watch Tower, July 15, 1922, page 217, "The chronology of present truth is, to begin with, a string of dates... Thus far it is a chain, and no stronger than its weakest link. There exist, however, well established relationships among the dates of present-truth chronology. These internal connections of the dates impart a much greater strength than can be found in other [secular, archeological] chronologies. Some of them are of so remarkable a character as clearly to indicate that this chronology is not of man, but of God. Being of divine origin and divinely corroborated, present-truth chronology stands in a class by itself, absolutely and unqualifiedly correct."
11.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 1, 1922, page 132, "To abandon or repudiate the Lord's chosen instrument means to abandon or repudiate the Lord himself, upon the principle that he who rejects the servant sent by the Master thereby rejects the Master. ... Brother Russell was the Lord's servant. Then to repudiate him and his work is equivalent to a repudiation of the Lord, upon the principle heretofore announced."
12.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (Watch Tower Society, 1993), chapter 10.
13.Jump up ^ Revelation – It's Grand Climax, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 9.
14.Jump up ^ "False Prophets". Reasoning From the Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. p. 137.
15.Jump up ^ "To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ?". Watchtower: 23. March 1, 1979. "the “faithful and discreet slave” has alerted all of God’s people to the sign of the times indicating the nearness of God’s Kingdom rule. In this regard, however, it must be observed that this “faithful and discreet slave” was never inspired, never perfect. Those writings by certain members of the “slave” class that came to form the Christian part of God’s Word were inspired and infallible [the bible], but that is not true of other writings since."
16.Jump up ^ Why have there been changes over the years in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?,"Jehovah's Witnesses", Reasoning From the Scriptures, ©1989, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, page 205
17.Jump up ^ "Allow No Place for the Devil!", The Watchtower, March 15, 1986, page 19
18.Jump up ^ "Keep in Step With Jehovah’s Organization", Watchtower, January 15, 2001, page 18.
19.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand 1988, pages 235-236 pars. 2-3 "Judging the Infamous Harlot", © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
20.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pp. 205-206.
21.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, September 1, 1959, pp. 530-531 par. 15.
22.Jump up ^ Armageddon—A Happy Beginning Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
23.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, p 6.
24.Jump up ^ Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988,p. 788.
25.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 1, 2005, p. 20.
26.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, August 15, 2006, p. 31
27.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, February 1, 1996, p6.
28.Jump up ^ Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1999, p. 62.
29.Jump up ^ "Jesus' Coming or Jesus' Presence—Which?", The Watchtower, August 15, 1996, p. 12.
30.Jump up ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, pp. 278-284
31.Jump up ^ "Why do Jehovah's Witnesses say that God's Kingdom was established in 1914?", Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, p. 95-96.
32.Jump up ^ What Does the Bible Really Teach?, page 216, Watchtower Bible & Tract Society
33.Jump up ^ Gruss, Edmond C. (1972). The Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation. Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co. pp. 20–58. ISBN 0-87552-306-4.
34.Jump up ^ "Let Your Kingdom Come", Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1981, pp. 186-189 Appendix to Chapter 14.
35.Jump up ^ What Does The Bible Really Teach?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, pp. 217-218.
36.Jump up ^ "Let Your Kingdom Come", Appendix, page 187: "Business tablets: Thousands of contemporary Neo-Babylonian cuneiform tablets have been found that record simple business transactions, stating the year of the Babylonian king when the transaction occurred. Tablets of this sort have been found for all the years of reign for the known Neo-Babylonian kings in the accepted chronology of the period.", Watchtower Bible & Tract Society
37.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, 15 January 2004, p. 16
38.Jump up ^ Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy!, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 2006, pp. 94,95.
39.Jump up ^ "Do You Recognize the Sign of Jesus' Presence?". The Watchtower (Watch Tower Society): 4. October 1, 2005.
40.Jump up ^ "The Visible Part of God’s Organization". The Watchtower: 24. May 1, 1981. "the Gentile Times, “the appointed times of the nations,” had ended in October of 1914. (Luke 21:24) Since then the old world has been in its “time of the end” or in its “last days.”"
41.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, October 15, 2000, p11.
42.Jump up ^ Awake!, October 22, 1993, p. 11.
43.Jump up ^ The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1981, pg 86.
44.Jump up ^ True Peace and Security- How Can You Find It?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1986, pp 81-84.
45.Jump up ^ "A Century of Violence", Awake!, May 8, 2002, p. 8.
46.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, p. 56.
47.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pp. 259-260.
48.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, January 15, 2008, p. 24.
49.^ Jump up to: a b "Babylon the Great Indicted", The Watchtower, April 15, 1989, page 23.
50.Jump up ^ What Does The Bible Really Teach?, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, page 220.
51.Jump up ^ "Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged", The Watchtower, May 1, 1989, pages 3-7.
52.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax at Hand!, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 256 par. 17.
53.Jump up ^ "No Peace for the False Messengers!" The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, pp. 17-18 par. 17: "Shortly, 'crazed' members of the UN will be maneuvered by Jehovah to turn on false religion, as described at Revelation 17:16 ... This will mark the start of the great tribulation"
54.Jump up ^ "Deliverance at the Revelation of Jesus Christ", The Watchtower, May 1, 1993, p. 24.
55.Jump up ^ Evidences for the Coming of the Lord in 1873: or the Midnight Cry, N.H. Barbour (1871). Available online at: http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/history/barbour%20midnight%20cry.htm
56.Jump up ^ The Midnight Cry and Herald of the Morning, March 1874. See Section under "Our Faith."
57.Jump up ^ Present Truth, Or Meat in Due Season by Jonas Wendell, pp. 34-35
58.Jump up ^ C.T. Russell (April 1880). "From and To The Wedding". Zion's Watch Tower: 2. "The writer, among many others now interested, was sound asleep, in profound ignorance of the cry, etc., until 1876, when being awakened he trimmed his lamp (for it is still very early in the morning.) It showed him clearly that the Bridegroom had come and that he is living "in the days of the Son of Man"."
59.Jump up ^ The Watchtower reprints, "Harvest Gatherings and Siftings", July 15, 1906, page 3822.
60.Jump up ^ Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World by N.H. Barbour and C.T. Russell (1877). Text available online at: http://www.heraldmag.org/olb/contents/history/3worlds.pdf Scan of book in PDF format
61.Jump up ^ Three Worlds, p. 175
62.Jump up ^ Three Worlds, pp. 104-108
63.Jump up ^ See pages 68, 89-93, 124, 125-126, 143 of Three Worlds.
64.Jump up ^ Three Worlds, p. 189: "the 'times of the Gentiles,' reach from B.C. 606 to A.D. 1914, or forty years beyond 1874. And the time of trouble, conquest of the nations, and events connected with the day of wrath, have only ample time, during the balance of this forty years, for their fulfillment."
65.Jump up ^ "The Second Hand in the Timepiece of God" (PDF). The Golden Age: 412–413. March 27, 1935.
66.Jump up ^ C.T. Russell (July 1878). "The Prospect" (PDF). The Herald of the Morning: 11–12.
67.Jump up ^ "Bible Theology" (PDF). The Herald of the Morning: 22. August 1878. "...showing that we are now in the last half of the 'harvest' of the gospel age; and that it will terminate in A.D. 1881."
68.Jump up ^ "Harmony of the Scriptures" (PDF). The Herald of the Morning: 52. October 1878. "Hence, the 'real rising again of Israel' can not begin until the autumn of 1881, at which date, the presumption is, that the gospel church will be taken away to meet the Lord."
69.Jump up ^ "Book of Revelation: Coming Time of Trouble" (PDF). The Herald of the Morning: 6. January 1879. "And from that time, or the autumn of 1881, the 91st Ps[alm]: 'He shall give his angels charge over thee,' etc., will begin to have its fulfillment. From that time onward, we believe no one of the company of the overcomers need die, even though they reach that point tottering, as it were on the verge of the grave."
70.Jump up ^ "Herald of the Morning". January 1876.
71.Jump up ^ C.T.Russell (1891). Thy Kingdom Come. pp. 309–376. ISBN 0-9728243-2-4.
72.Jump up ^ Russell (1891). Thy Kingdom Come. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. ISBN 0-9728243-2-4. (p. 320)
73.Jump up ^ Joseph Seiss' book A Miracle in Stone was also influential for Russell.
74.Jump up ^ Photo Drama of Creation, p. 25. Video of Russell discussing the Great Pyramid
75.Jump up ^ Charles Taze Russell (1913). The Divine Plan of the Ages and the Corroborative Testimony of the Great Pyramid (PDF). Watchtower. (Google Books Version)
76.Jump up ^ Program of the 1921 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society: "The Pyramid monument erected at the grave of Brother Russell was sketched by Brother J.A. Bohnet and approved by Brother Russell several years ago. It was his desire that such a monument be erected on this lot and he set about to procure the materials before his death. After Brother Russell's death, Brother Rutherford, learning that Brother Russell had ordered the erection of this monument asked Brother Bohnet to proceed at once to get the material and let the contract for its construction and erection."
77.Jump up ^ 1919 Bible Student Convention Souvenir Booklet, pp. 6-7.
78.Jump up ^ [1]
79.Jump up ^ John Romer (2007). The Great Pyramid: Ancient Egypt Revisited. Cambridge University Press. p. 55. ISBN 0-521-87166-2.
80.Jump up ^ The Edgars' 2 volume work Great Pyramid Passages and Chambers was advertised and sold in the The Watchtower (August 1, 1910 Watch Tower Reprints, p. 4658; October 15, 1913 The Watchtower, page 306, Reprints p. 5336). Research by the Edgars on the Great Pyramid was published in the November 15, 1904 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 3459, the June 15, 1905 Watch Tower, Reprints, p. 3574 and the June 1, 1910 The Watchtower, Reprints, p. 4621. John Edgar was named to be on the editorial committee for the Watch Tower magazine in the December 1, 1916 The Watchtower, (Reprints p. 5999), but had died before Russell. Research by Morton Edgar was published in the August 15, 1923 The Watchtower, pp. 253-254, the December 31, 1924 Golden Age, pp. 209-211 and on pp. 163, 355, 357 of the 1923 The Watchtower. Morton Edgar explained the spiritual meaning of the Great Pyramid in "God's Plan of Salvation in the Great Pyramid," a lecture which was published in the 1911 Bible Students Convention Report
81.Jump up ^ Morton Edgar, on page 151 of the 1924 edition of the second volume of Great Pyramid Passages, refers to Judge Rutherford's booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die as a "wonderful message of life."
82.Jump up ^ Thy Kingdom Come (1904 edition—Millennial Dawn, vol 3) p.342
83.Jump up ^ Thy Kingdom Come (copyright 1891) (Studies In The Scriptures, vol. 3, 1910 edition) p.342
84.Jump up ^ Great Pyramid Passages and Chambers (1913), volume 2: "Professor C. Piazzi Smyth very properly says, `no two human measures ever agree exactly.'" (Ibid p.1) According to the Edgars, Professor Smyth (from whom Russell gained his information) had not personally measured this passage since it was blocked. It had been roughly measured in 1837 by Col Howard Vyse, but the Edgars personally measured "the length of this passage seven times" and ended up with seven different measurements, though within a few inches. (Ibid p.8 ) In answering a question about different measurements of the pyramid, The Watchtower stated "that Prof. Smyth's interest centered in the upper chambers of the Pyramid ... Much less care and precision [were] manifested in his dealings with all other parts". (The Watchtower November 1904 p. 326 "The Great Pyramid Measurements")
85.Jump up ^ Edgar (1924). Great Pyramid Passages Volume II (PDF). p. 72. "For many years students of the Word believed that the foretold destruction of "Babylon the Great" would begin in 1914- 1915 AD., the date marked by the upper terminal of the Grand Gallery. Nor have their expectations been disappointed; for although the "Great Time of Trouble" covers a longer period than was thought possible, this trouble which is to end Christendom is manifestly now in progress; and it began precisely at the date expected. Beginning with 1914 A.D. in the great World War in which most of the mightiest 'Christian' nations were actively engaged, Christendom, called in the Scriptures Babylon the Great, received a blow from which it can never recover. The old evil order began to pass away in 1914 A.D."
86.Jump up ^ Edgar (1924). The Great Pyramid: Its Symbolism, Science and Prophecy (PDF). p. 119.
87.Jump up ^ "Golden Age" (PDF). December 31, 1924. pp. 207, 222.
88.Jump up ^ The Way to Paradise, pp. 156-158
89.Jump up ^ The last favorable reference to the Great Pyramid in Watch Tower Society publications appears in The Watchtower, the April 15, 1928, p. 125
90.Jump up ^ Pyramidology was first rejected in the November 15, 1928 Watchtower, p 344: "It is more reasonable to conclude that the great pyramid of Gizeh, as well as the other pyramids thereabout, also the sphinx, were built by the rulers of Egypt and under the direction of Satan the Devil...The Devil, by the use of the descendants of Ham, set up Egypt, or the land of Ham, as the first great world power. Then Satan put his knowledge in dead stone, which may be called Satan's Bible, and not God's stone witness. In erecting the pyramid, of course, Satan would put in it some truth, because that is his method of practising fraud and deceit."
91.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, April 1883. Reprints pp. 474-5: "This spuing out, or casting off, of the nominal church as an organization in 1878, we then understood, and still proclaim, to be the date of the commencement of Babylon's fall..."
92.Jump up ^ Thy Kingdom Come (1890), Volume 3 of Millennial Dawn, later retitled Studies in the Scriptures, p. 305-308.
93.Jump up ^ "Questions of Interest: The Gradual End of Gospel Favor" (PDF). Watch Tower: 190. June 15, 1911. "Our understanding is that the open or general 'call' of this age to kingdom honors ceased in October, 1881....we make a distinction between the end of the 'call' and the closing of the 'door'; and believe that the door into the kingdom class is not yet closed; that it stands ajar for a time..."
94.Jump up ^ Thy Kingdom Come, p. 364: "this date, 1910, indicated by the pyramid ... we may accept as correct the testimony of the great pyramid, that the last members of the body or bride' of Christ will have been tested and accepted and will have passed beyond the vail before the close of A.D. 1910."
95.Jump up ^ The New Creation, p.579: "According to our expectations the stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912—culminating with the end of the 'Times of the Gentiles,' October, 1914." (Later editions may read differently)
96.Jump up ^ The Time is at Hand, pages 76-78. Post 1914 editions read differently--1917 edition.
97.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, June 15, 1911, page 190.
98.Jump up ^ The Time is at Hand, 1915 ed., p. 99: "In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth, that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. Then the prayer of the church, ever since her Lord took his departure - 'Thy kingdom come' - will be answered; and under that wise and just administration, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord" (Later editions have 1914 instead of 1915)
99.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". April 15, 1916. pp. 126–127.
100.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, September 1, 1916: "Our eyes of understanding should discern clearly the Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty now in progress."
101.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery from Google Book Search. Published in 1917 by the Watch Tower Society. It was considered to be volume 7 of Studies in the Scriptures. PDF version of The Finished Mystery. Later editions read differently.
102.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1917, Page 485: "Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of 'Christianity.'"
103.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1917,Pages 398-9: "The people who are the strength of Christendom shall be cut off in the brief but terribly eventful period beginning in 1918 A.D. A third part are 'burned with fire in the midst of the city.' Fire symbolizes destruction ... After 1918 the people supporting churchianity will cease to be its supporters, be destroyed as adherents, by the spiritual pestilence of errors abroad, and by the famine of the Word of God among them."
104.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1917, Page 64. Page 177
105.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery (1917 edition) (PDF). 1917. p. 367.
106.Jump up ^ W.F. Hudgings (member of the Board of Directors for the Watch Tower Society) (February 3, 1919). "Why I Accept the Seventh Volume". 1919 Souvenir IBSA Convention: 47. "There is no more reason why we should reject the Seventh Volume because of some statements there about the ending of the war in October, 1917, which did not come true, than there is that we should throw Volume Two away because we weren't all glorified in October, 1914"
107.Jump up ^ The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p.258.258. (This date is changed in later editions.)
108.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". December 15, 1921. p. 379.
109.Jump up ^ M. James Penton (1985). Apocalypse Delayed. University of Toronto Press. pp. 57–58. ISBN 978-0-8020-7973-2.
110.Jump up ^ "New Date For Millennium: Russellites Now See It Coming on Earth in 1925" (PDF). New York Times. June 2, 1919.
111.Jump up ^ J.F. Rutherford (1920). Millions Now Living Will Never Die! (PDF). International Bible Students Association. pp. 89–90. ISBN 1-4116-2898-5. (Page 89 from Google Book Version)
112.Jump up ^ The Marion Star, Marion, Ohio, April 9, 1921. The Bridgeport Telegram, Bridgeport, Connecticut, December 4, 1920. Scans available at News Clippings from the "Millions Now Living Will Never Die" Campaign (1919-1925)
113.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, September 1, 1922, p. 262, "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914."
114.Jump up ^ The Watchtower May 15, 1922, p. 147, 150, "We have no doubt whatever in regard to the chronology relating to the dates of 1874, 1914, 1918, and 1925 ... There can be no more question about 1925 than there was about 1914."
115.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 15, 1922, p. 150, "Noting the date marked so prominently, it is very easy for the finite mind to conclude that all the work to be done must center about it, and thus many are inclined to anticipate more than has been really foretold. Thus it was in 1844, in 1874, in 1878 as well as in 1914 and 1918. Looking back we can now easily see that those dates were clearly indicated in Scripture and doubtless intended by the Lord to encourage his people, as they did, as well as to be a means of testing and sifting when all that some expected did not come to pass. That all that some expect to see in 1925 may not transpire that year will not alter the date one whit more than in the other cases."
116.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses: Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. p. 633.
117.Jump up ^ Your Will Be Done on Earth. Watchtower. 1958. p. 337. Annual Memorial attendances were 17,961 (1919), 32,661 (1922), 42,000 (1923) 62,696 (1924), 90,434 (1925), 89,278 (1926) and 17,380 (1928). Statistics were also published each year in the Watchtower until 1926
118.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". August 15, 1996. p. 31. In 1935, Memorial attendance had increased again to 63,146.
119.Jump up ^ Timothy White (1967). A People For His Name. Vantage. pp. 238–239.
120.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose. Watchtower. 1959. p. 313.
121.Jump up ^ Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 170. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.
122.Jump up ^ Thomas Daniels. "Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses" (PDF). pp. 3–37.
123.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, pp. 138-9.
124.Jump up ^ Light, Book One, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1930, p. 78.: "In June, 1927, the Watch Tower published the proof from the Scriptures that those who thus died faithful were asleep in death until the coming of the Lord to his temple in 1918."
125.Jump up ^ Light, Book One, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, p. 333.
126.Jump up ^ The Harp of God (both the 1921 and 1927 editions) affirmed on page 231 that "the Lord's second presence dates from 1874." The March 1, 1922 Watch Tower and pages 65-66 of the book Prophecy (published in 1928) reiterated this position. However, by 1930 some vagueness can be seen. For example, the October 15, 1930 Watch Tower, page 308, says the "second advent of the Lord Jesus Christ dates from about A.D. 1875." The November 1, 1932 Watch Tower, page 325 is even less precise, stating that from "approximately 1875 forward" Christ was preparing the way.
127.Jump up ^ Tony Wills (2007). A People For His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation. Lulu.com. p. 147. ISBN 978-1-4303-0100-4.
128.Jump up ^ Light, Book One, p. 318-319.
129.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, December 1, 1933, p. 362.
130.Jump up ^ Golden Age, March 14, 1934, p. 380.
131.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, September 1, 1969, p. 521.
132.Jump up ^ Time magazine, March 31, 1930, p. 60. Scan of article.
133.Jump up ^ July 25, 1931 Messenger, pages 6,8.
134.Jump up ^ Golden Age, March 19, 1930 , pages 496-497
135.Jump up ^ http://www.bibletopics.com/biblestudy/89a.htm San Diego Sun, March 1930 Interview with Rutherford about Beth Sarim
136.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1959, p. 252.
137.Jump up ^ Universal War Near, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1935: "Universal war is absolutely certain to come and that soon, and no power can stop it ... during the few remaining months until the breaking of that universal cataclysm."
138.Jump up ^ Watchtower 15 September 1941 p. 288.
139.Jump up ^ Watchtower, April 1942, p.139.
140.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, November 1, 1938, p. 323: "If in obedience to the divine command the Jonadabs or great multitude will marry and rear children after Armageddon, would it not be Scripturally proper for them to begin doing so immediately before Armageddon? and should the Jonadabs now be encouraged to marry and rear children? No, is the answer, supported by the Scriptures."
141.Jump up ^ J.F. Rutherford (1938). Face The Facts. Watchtower. p. 46. "There are now on earth Jonadabs devoted to the Lord and who doubtless will prove faithful. Would it be Scripturally proper for them to now marry and to begin to rear children? No, is the answer, which is supported by the Scriptures."
142.Jump up ^ 1943 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, Daily Texts and Comments for November 7. The fictional sweethearts of Children, John and Eunice, defer marriage "until lasting peace comes to the earth" while hoping "that within a few years our marriage may be consummated." J.F. Rutherford (1941). Children. Watchtower. pp. 366–367. ISBN 0-7500-1058-4.
143.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". October 15, 1950. p. 382. "Since the carrying out of the command to 'be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth' waits until after Armageddon, does that mean that those who now marry and rear children are violating God's laws? No, for the Scriptures show that 'marriage is honourable in all'—Hebrews 13:4"
144.Jump up ^ Barbara Grizzuti Harrison (1978). Visions of Glory. Simon & Schuster. pp. 74–77. ISBN 0-671-22530-8.
145.Jump up ^ M. James Penton (1985). Apocalypse Delayed. University of Toronto Press. pp. 265–266. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.
146.Jump up ^ Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God. Watch Tower Society. 1966. pp. 29–35.
147.Jump up ^ "Is it Later Than You Think?". Awake!: 13–16. 8 October 1968.
148.Jump up ^ "How Much Longer Will It Be?". Awake!: 17–20. 8 October 1966.
149.Jump up ^ Public Address by District Overseer Charles Sunutko in Spring 1967 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Mp3 of Lecture by Sinutko
150.Jump up ^ The Approaching Peace of a Thousand Years: "Undisturbed peace with health, happiness and freedom from fear is on the divine program for humankind on earth. Reliable evidences indicate that it will begin within this generation! We do not want to keep this gladsome information to ourselves, and so in this booklet we pass it on to you."
151.Jump up ^ Penton. Apocalypse Delayed. p. 95. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3.
152.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". August 15, 1968. pp. 494–501.
153.Jump up ^ Awake!, May 22, 1969, p.15: "You also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things ... All the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years ... Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way towards its finish, if not actually gone! This is why parents who base their lives on God's prophetic Word find it much more practical to direct their young ones into trades that do not require such long periods of additional schooling."
154.Jump up ^ http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM5-1974p3.htm "How Are You Using Your Life?", Our Kingdom Ministry, May 1974 p.3.
155.Jump up ^ Sound clip of lecture "What is the Significance of 1975?" by Governing Body Member Fred Franz. http://www.freeminds.org/media/fredfranz75an.html; MP3 of complete lecture
156.Jump up ^ Crisis of Conscience, Raymond Franz p. 249. Scan available at http://web.archive.org/web/20031209184316/http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/9.pdf
157.Jump up ^ Time magazine archive "Witnessing the End", July 18, 1969 Time Scan of article: "The Witnesses have what they believe is Scriptural proof that the end is coming. For one thing, their interpretation of Biblical chronology reveals that Adam and Eve were created in the autumn of 4026 B.C., or 5994 years ago. Linking 6000 years to the six days of God's creation, they believe it fitting that there be a sabbath-like rest thereafter, beginning in 1975—though Witnesses cautiously avoid a flat prediction linked to that year."
158.Jump up ^ The Arizona Republic August 24, 1969
159.Jump up ^ July 11, 1977 Time magazine
160.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, July 15, 1976, p.441
161.Jump up ^ 1980 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 30
162.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, March 15, 1980, p.17.
163.Jump up ^ "Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth" by John Dart, Los Angeles Times, January 30, 1982, p. B4
164.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 1, 1985, p.4.
165.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 15, 1984
166.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". December 1, 1968. p. 715. "A generation, according to Psalm 90:10, is from seventy to eighty years. The generation that witnessed the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 does not have many more years left."
167.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". December 15, 1967. p. 751. "The expression 'this generation' was used by Jesus to mark a very limited period of time, the life-span of members of a generation of people living during the time that certain epoch-making events occurred. According to Psalm 90:10, that life-span could be of seventy years or even of eighty years."
168.Jump up ^ "Vision of the 'Time of the End'". Watchtower: 404. July 1, 1951. "'Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matt. 24:34, NW) The actual meaning of these words is, beyond question, that which takes a 'generation' in the ordinary sense, as at Mark 8:12 and Acts 13:36, or for those who are living at the given period ... This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble."
169.^ Jump up to: a b c d Franz, Raymond (2007). Crisis of Conscience. Commentary Press. pp. 254–272. ISBN 0-914675-23-0.
170.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". September 1, 1952. p. 542.
171.Jump up ^ "Awake!". October 8, 1968. pp. 13, 14.
172.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". October 15, 1980. p. 31.
173.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 1, 1985, p.7.
174.Jump up ^ Crisis of Conscience, Raymond Franz p. 262. Scan available at http://web.archive.org/web/20031210004130/users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/10.pdf accessed January 27, 2006.
175.Jump up ^ "Saved From a 'Wicked Generation'", The Watchtower (November 1) 1995, pp. 10-15.
176.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. p. 101. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
177.Jump up ^ Joel P. Engardio (December 18, 1995). "Apocalypse Later". Newsweek.
178.Jump up ^ "A Time To Keep Awake", The Watchtower, November 1, 1995, p. 19 par. 12, and p. 20 par. 15.
179.Jump up ^ "Watchtower". November 1, 1995. p. 20.
180.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, February 15, 2008, pages 23-24: "As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day "generation" of contemporaries that will not pass away "until all these things occur."* This suggests that some who are Christ's anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins."
181.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, February 15, 1927, p. 62, "Interesting Questions".
182.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, November 1, 1950, p. 419.
183.Jump up ^ "Holy spirit's role in the outworking of Jehovah's purposes". The Watchtower: 10. 15 April 2010.
184.Jump up ^ Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy! chap. 6 par. 25-29
185.Jump up ^ Edmond C. Gruss, Jehovah's Witnesses and Prophetic Speculation, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co, 1972, ISBN 0-87552-306-4 Page 42.
186.^ Jump up to: a b "When Was Ancient Jerusalem Destroyed?—Part One" The Watchtower, October 1, 2011, page 26
187.Jump up ^ "Evidences of the Year’s Correctness". The Watchtower: 271–2. May 1, 1952. "It was in this first regnal year of Cyrus that he issued his decree to permit the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. (Ezra 1:1) The decree may have been made in late 538 B.C. or before March 4–5, 537 B.C. In either case this would have given sufficient time for the large party of 49,897 Jews to organize their expedition and to make their long four-month journey from Babylon to Jerusalem to get there by September 29–30, 537 B.C., the first of the seventh Jewish month, to build their altar to Jehovah as recorded at Ezra 3:1-3. Inasmuch as September 29–30, 537 B.C., officially ends the seventy years of desolation as recorded at 2 Chronicles 36:20, 21, so the beginning of the desolation of the land must have officially begun to be counted after September 21–22, 607 B.C., the first of the seventh Jewish month in 607 B.C., which is the beginning point for the counting of the 2,520 years."
188.Jump up ^ "Babylonian Exile." Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Encyclopædia Britannica, 2010.
189.Jump up ^ Timeline of Judaism after the Babylonian Exile
190.Jump up ^ Keller, Werner (1983). The Bible As History. Bantam; 2 Revised edition. p. 352. ISBN 0-553-27943-2.
191.Jump up ^ Dictionary of the Bible: Biographical, Geographical, Historical and Doctrinal by Charles Randall Barnes, Page 247.
192.Jump up ^ Dyer, Charles (2003). Nelson’s Old Testament survey: Discovering essence, Background & Meaning about Every Old Testament book.
193.Jump up ^ The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return by Carl O. Jonsson. ISBN 0-914675-06-0 Publisher: Commentary Press (July, 1998, Fourth edition 2004)
194.Jump up ^ "When Was Ancient Jerusalem Destroyed?—Part Two" The Watchtower, November 1, 2011, page 22
195.Jump up ^ Insight from scriptures. Vol.2 page 458, "secular chronologers calculate the 16th day of Tashritu (Tishri) as falling on October 11, Julian calendar, and October 5, Gregorian calendar, in the year 539 B.C.E. Since this date is an accepted one, there being no evidence to the contrary, it is usable as a pivotal date in coordinating secular history with Bible history."
196.Jump up ^ Assyrian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Persian Chronology Compared with the Chronology of the Bible, Volume 1: Persian Chronology and the Length of the Babylonian Exile of the Jews (2003) ISBN 82-994633-3-5
197.Jump up ^ Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 28:5 [2004], p. 42-43
Bibliography[edit]
Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton, professor emeritus in the Department of History at the University of Lethbridge and former Jehovah's Witness ISBN 978-0-8020-7973-2
 



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Category:Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses
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The main article for this category is Beliefs and practices of Jehovah& § 39;s Witnesses.
 

Pages in category "Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses"
The following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total. This list may not reflect recent changes (learn more).




Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs
1
144000 (number)
A
Annihilationism
Armageddon
B
Beth Sarim
D
Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine
Instrument of Jesus' crucifixion

E
Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
Excommunication
F
Faithful and discreet slave
J
Jehonadab
Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions
Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline
Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

J cont.
Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation
Jehovah's Witnesses and the United Nations
Jehovah's Witnesses practices
K
Kingdom Hall
Kingdom song
T
Tetragrammaton in the New Testament





Categories: Jehovah's Witnesses
Christian behaviour and experience



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Category:Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

The main article for this category is Beliefs and practices of Jehovah& § 39;s Witnesses.
 

Pages in category "Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses"
The following 20 pages are in this category, out of 20 total. This list may not reflect recent changes (learn more).




Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs
1
144000 (number)
A
Annihilationism
Armageddon
B
Beth Sarim
D
Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine
Instrument of Jesus' crucifixion

E
Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
Excommunication
F
Faithful and discreet slave
J
Jehonadab
Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions
Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline
Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

J cont.
Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation
Jehovah's Witnesses and the United Nations
Jehovah's Witnesses practices
K
Kingdom Hall
Kingdom song
T
Tetragrammaton in the New Testament





Categories: Jehovah's Witnesses
Christian behaviour and experience



Navigation menu




Create account
Log in




Category

Talk












Read

Edit

View history

























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Contents
Featured content
Current events
Random article
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Interaction
Help
About Wikipedia
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Contact page

Tools
What links here
Related changes
Upload file
Special pages
Permanent link
Page information
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Print/export
Create a book
Download as PDF
Printable version

Languages
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This page was last modified on 31 March 2013 at 13:14.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.
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Jehovah's Witnesses
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Jehovah's Witnesses
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society (world headquarters).jpg
International headquarters in Brooklyn, New York

Classification
Nontrinitarian, Restorationist
Structure
Hierarchical[1]
Region
Worldwide
Founder
Charles Taze Russell
Origin
1870s
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Branched from
Bible Student movement
Congregations
113,823
Members
7.96 million
Official website
www.jw.org
Statistics from 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses[2]
Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.[3] According to August 2013 organizational statistics published in the 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, worldwide membership exceeded 7.9 million adherents involved in evangelism,[4] convention attendance exceeded 14 million, and annual Memorial attendance exceeded 19.2 million.[5][6] Jehovah's Witnesses are directed by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders in Brooklyn, New York, which establishes all doctrines[7] based on its interpretations of the Bible;[8] they prefer to use their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.[9] They believe that the destruction of the present world system at Armageddon is imminent, and that the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity.[10]
The group emerged from the Bible Student movement, founded in the late 1870s by Charles Taze Russell with the formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, with significant organizational and doctrinal changes under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford.[11][12] The name Jehovah's witnesses, based on Isaiah 43:10–12,[13] was adopted in 1931 to distinguish themselves from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions.
Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and refusing military service and blood transfusions. They consider use of the name Jehovah vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism, inherent immortality of the soul, and hellfire, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or other holidays and customs they consider to have pagan origins incompatible with Christianity.[14] Adherents commonly refer to their body of beliefs as "the truth" and consider themselves to be "in the truth".[15] They consider secular society to be morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan, and most limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses.[16] Congregational disciplinary actions include disfellowshipping, their term for formal expulsion and shunning.[17] Baptized individuals who formally leave are considered disassociated and are also shunned. Disfellowshipped and disassociated individuals may eventually be reinstated if deemed repentant.
The religion's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute national flags has brought it into conflict with some governments. Consequently, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted and their activities are banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced legislation related to civil rights in several countries.[18]



Contents  [hide]
1 History 1.1 Background (1870–1916)
1.2 Reorganization (1917–1942)
1.3 Continued development (1942–present)
2 Organization 2.1 Funding
3 Beliefs 3.1 Sources of doctrine
3.2 Jehovah and Jesus Christ
3.3 Satan
3.4 Life after death
3.5 God's kingdom
3.6 Eschatology
4 Practices 4.1 Worship
4.2 Evangelism
4.3 Ethics and morality
4.4 Disciplinary action
4.5 Separateness
4.6 Rejection of blood transfusions
5 Demographics
6 Sociological analysis
7 Opposition 7.1 Persecution
7.2 Legal challenges
8 Criticism 8.1 Free speech and thought
8.2 New World Translation
8.3 Failed predictions
8.4 Handling of sexual abuse cases
9 References
10 Further reading
11 External links

History[edit]
Part of a series on
Jehovah's Witnesses

Overview

Organizational structure
Governing Body
Watch Tower Bible
 and Tract Society
Corporations

History
Bible Student movement
Leadership dispute
Splinter groups
Doctrinal development
Unfulfilled predictions

Demographics
By country


Beliefs ·
 Practices
 
Salvation ·
 Eschatology

The 144,000
Faithful and discreet slave
Hymns ·
 God's name

Blood ·
 Discipline


Literature

The Watchtower ·
 Awake!

New World Translation
List of publications
Bibliography

Teaching programs

Kingdom Hall ·
 Gilead School


People

Watch Tower presidents

W. H. Conley ·
 C. T. Russell

J. F. Rutherford ·
 N. H. Knorr

F. W. Franz ·
 M. G. Henschel

D. A. Adams

Formative influences

William Miller ·
 Henry Grew

George Storrs ·
 N. H. Barbour

John Nelson Darby


Notable former members

Raymond Franz ·
 Olin Moyle


Opposition

Criticism ·
 Persecution

Supreme Court cases
 by country

v ·
 t ·
 e
   
Main article: History of Jehovah's Witnesses
Background (1870–1916)[edit]



Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916)
In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed an independent group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to study the Bible.[19] During the course of his ministry, Russell disputed many beliefs 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.[20] In 1876, Russell met Nelson H. Barbour; later that year they jointly produced the book Three Worlds, which combined restitutionist views with end time prophecy. The book taught that God's dealings with humanity were divided dispensationally, each ending with a "harvest," that Christ had returned as an invisible spirit being in 1874[20] inaugurating the "harvest of the Gospel age," and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2520-year period called "the Gentile Times,"[21] at which time world society would be replaced by the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth.[22][23][24] Beginning in 1878 they jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning.[25] In June 1879 the two split over doctrinal differences, and in July, Russell began publishing the magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence,[26] stating that its purpose was to demonstrate the world was in "the last days," and that a new age of earthly and human restitution under the reign of Christ was imminent.[27]
From 1879, Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible topically. Thirty congregations were founded, and during 1879 and 1880, Russell visited each to provide the format he recommended for conducting meetings.[28] As congregations continued to form during Russell's ministry, they each remained self-administrative, functioning under the congregationalist style of church governance.[29][30] In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by William Henry Conley, and in 1884, Charles Taze Russell incorporated the society as a non-profit business to distribute tracts and Bibles.[31][32][33] By about 1900, Russell had organized thousands of part- and full-time colporteurs,[26] and was appointing foreign missionaries and establishing branch offices. By the 1910s, Russell's organization maintained nearly a hundred "pilgrims," or traveling preachers.[34] Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry,[35][36][37] and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States.[36][38]
Russell moved the Watch Tower Society's headquarters to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909, combining printing and corporate offices with a house of worship; volunteers were housed in a nearby residence he named Bethel. He identified the religious movement as "Bible Students," and more formally as the International Bible Students Association.[39] By 1910, about 50,000 people worldwide were associated with the movement[40] and congregations re-elected him annually as their "pastor."[41] Russell died October 31, 1916, at the age of 64 while returning from a ministerial speaking tour.[42]
Reorganization (1917–1942)[edit]



Joseph F. Rutherford (1869–1942)
In January 1917, the Watch Tower Society's legal representative, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, was elected as its next president. His election was disputed, and members of the Board of Directors accused him of acting in an autocratic and secretive manner.[43][44] The divisions between his supporters and opponents triggered a major turnover of members over the next decade.[45][46] In June 1917, he released The Finished Mystery as a seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The book, published as the posthumous work of Russell, was a compilation of his commentaries on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation, plus numerous additions by Bible Students Clayton Woodworth and George Fisher.[47][48][49][50] It strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in the Great War.[51] As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under the Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; charges against the directors were dropped in 1920.[52]
Rutherford centralized organizational control of the Watch Tower Society. In 1919, he instituted the appointment of a director in each congregation, and a year later all members were instructed to report their weekly preaching activity to the Brooklyn headquarters.[53] At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching.[54] Significant changes in doctrine and administration were regularly introduced during Rutherford's twenty-five years as president, including the 1920 announcement that the Jewish patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ's thousand-year Kingdom.[55][56][57] Disappointed by the changes, tens of thousands of defections occurred during the first half of Rutherford's tenure, leading to the formation of several Bible Student organizations independent of the Watch Tower Society,[58][59] most of which still exist.[60] By mid-1919, as many as one in seven of Russell-era Bible Students had ceased their association with the Society, and as many as two-thirds by the end of the 1920s.[61][62][63][64][65]
On July 26, 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, Rutherford introduced the new name—Jehovah's witnesses—based on Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen"—which was adopted by resolution. The name was chosen to distinguish his group of Bible Students from other independent groups that had severed ties with the Society, as well as symbolize the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh evangelizing methods.[66][67][68] In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of locally elected elders and in 1938, introduced what he called a "theocratic" (literally, God-ruled) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters.[53]
From 1932, it was taught that the "little flock" of 144,000 would not be the only people to survive Armageddon. Rutherford explained that in addition to the 144,000 "anointed" who would be resurrected—or transferred at death—to live in heaven to rule over earth with Christ, a separate class of members, the "great multitude," would live in a paradise restored on earth; from 1935, new converts to the movement were considered part of that class.[69][70] By the mid-1930s, the timing of the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: parousía), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days" were each moved to 1914.[71]
As their interpretations of the Bible developed, Witness publications decreed that saluting national flags is a form of idolatry, which led to a new outbreak of mob violence and government opposition in the United States, Canada, Germany, and other countries.[72][73]
Worldwide membership of Jehovah's Witnesses reached 113,624 in 5,323 congregations by the time of Rutherford's death in January 1942.[74][75]
Continued development (1942–present)[edit]
See also: Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses



 Nathan H. Knorr (1905-1977)
Nathan Knorr was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1942. Knorr commissioned a new translation of the Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the full version of which was released in 1961. He organized large international assemblies, instituted new training programs for members, and expanded missionary activity and branch offices throughout the world.[76] Knorr's presidency was also marked by an increasing use of explicit instructions guiding Witnesses in their lifestyle and conduct, and a greater use of congregational judicial procedures to enforce a strict moral code.[77][78]
From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Christ's thousand-year reign might begin in late 1975[79][80] or shortly thereafter.[81][82][83][84] The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974. By 1975, the number of active members exceeded two million. Membership declined during the late 1970s after expectations for 1975 were proved wrong.[85][86][87][88] Watch Tower Society literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end,[81] but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year.[89][90]
The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters[91] (and later, also by branch committees). It has been announced that starting in September 2014, appointments will be made by traveling overseers. In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the Governing Body.[92] Since Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by Frederick Franz (1977–1992) and Milton Henschel (1992–2000), both members of the Governing Body, and since 2000 by Don A. Adams, not a member of the Governing Body. In 1995, Jehovah's Witnesses abandoned the idea that Armageddon must occur during the lives of the generation that was alive in 1914 and in 2013 changed their teaching on the "generation".[93][94][95][96]
Organization[edit]
Main article: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses are organized hierarchically, in what the leadership calls a "theocratic organization", reflecting their belief that it is God's "visible organization" on earth.[97][98][99] The organization is led by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size, but since early 2014 has comprised seven members,[note 1] all of whom profess to be of the "anointed" class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Brooklyn headquarters.[100][101] There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body.[102] Until late 2012, the Governing Body described itself as the representative[103][104] and "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (approximately 10,000 self-professed "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses).[105][106] At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the "faithful and discreet slave" was defined as referring to the Governing Body only.[107] The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities.[99] It appoints all branch committee members and traveling overseers, after they have been recommended by local branches, with traveling overseers supervising circuits of congregations within their jurisdictions. Traveling overseers appoint local elders and ministerial servants, and while branch offices may appoint regional committees for matters such as Kingdom Hall construction or disaster relief.[108]
Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases involving sexual misconduct or doctrinal breaches.[109] New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings.[99] Witnesses do not use elder as a title to signify a formal clergy-laity division,[110] though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege such as confession of sins.[111]
Baptism is a requirement for being considered a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism,[112] and previous baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid.[113] Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization,"[113] though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization."[114][115] Watch Tower Society publications emphasize the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to "his organization,"[116][117][note 2] stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon.[118][119][120]
Funding[edit]
Funding for all activities of the organization is provided by donations, primarily from members. There is no tithing or collection.[89][121] In 2001 Newsday listed the Watch Tower Society as one of New York's forty richest corporations, with revenues exceeding $950 million.[122] The organization reported for the same year that it "spent over 70.9 million dollars in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments."[123][note 3]
Beliefs[edit]
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Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs
Sources of doctrine[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their religion is a restoration of first-century Christianity.[124] Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture.[46][125][126] The Watch Tower Society does not issue any single, comprehensive "statement of faith", but prefers to express its doctrinal position in a variety of ways in its publications.[127] Its publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose,[128][129][130][131] and that such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[132] the guidance of the holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels.[133] The Society also teaches that members of the Governing Body are helped by the holy spirit to discern "deep truths", which are then considered by the entire Governing Body before it makes doctrinal decisions.[134] The religion's leadership, while disclaiming divine inspiration and infallibility,[135] is said to provide "divine guidance"[136] through its teachings described as "based on God's Word thus ... not from men, but from Jehovah."[137][138]
The entire Protestant canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God.[139] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[140] and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic.[141] They consider the Bible to be the final authority for all their beliefs,[142] although sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the religion concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible.[143] Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended; Witnesses are discouraged from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through Bible research independent of Watch Tower Society publications, and are cautioned against reading other religious literature.[144][145][146] Adherents are told to have "complete confidence" in the leadership, avoid skepticism about what is taught in the Watch Tower Society's literature, and "not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding."[147][148][149][150] The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings[151] and all Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements.[152]
Jehovah and Jesus Christ[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the use of what they consider to be God's name, represented in the Old Testament by the Tetragrammaton.[153][154] In English they prefer to use the name Jehovah.[155] They believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and the "Universal Sovereign". They believe that all worship should be directed toward him, and that he is not part of a Trinity;[156] consequently, the religion places more emphasis on God than on Christ.[157][158] They believe that the holy spirit is God's applied power or "active force", rather than a person.[159][160]



 The Tetragrammaton
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, that everything else was created by means of Christ, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son".[161] Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humanity.[162] They believe Jesus died on a single upright torture stake rather than the traditional cross.[163] They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Abaddon (Apollyon), and the Word all refer to Jesus.[164] Jesus is considered to be the only intercessor and high priest between God and humanity, and appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom.[165] His role as a mediator (referred to in 1 Timothy 2:5) is applied to the 'anointed' class, though the 'other sheep' are said to also benefit from the arrangement.[166]

Satan[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan caused Adam and Eve to disobey God, and humanity subsequently became participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty.[167] Other angels who sided with Satan became demons.
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914,[168] at which point the end times began. Witnesses believe that Satan is the ruler of the current world order,[167] that human society is influenced and misled by Satan and his demons, and that they are a cause of human suffering. They believe that human governments are controlled by Satan,[169] but that he does not directly control each human ruler.[170]
Life after death[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation
Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave.[171] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the soul to be a life or a living body that can die.[172] Watch Tower Society publications teach that humanity is in a sinful state,[172] from which release is only possible by means of Jesus' shed blood as a ransom, or atonement, for the sins of humankind.[173]
Witnesses believe that a "little flock" go to heaven, but that the hope for life after death for the majority of "other sheep" involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon. They interpret Revelation 14:1–5 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth.[174] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge.[175][176][177] During Christ's millennial reign, most people who died prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God to prepare them for their final test at the end of the millennium.[178][179]
God's kingdom[edit]
Watch Tower Society publications teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 Christians drawn from the earth.[180] The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming it into a paradise without sickness or death.[181] It is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth.[182] They believe the kingdom was established in heaven in 1914,[183] and that Jehovah's Witnesses serve as representatives of the kingdom on earth.[184][185]
Eschatology[edit]
Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered the "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably.[186] They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17,[187] and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the United Nations, which they believe is represented in scripture by the scarlet-colored wild beast of Revelation chapter 17. This development will mark the beginning of the "great tribulation".[188] 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. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden.[189] After Armageddon, most of those who had died before God's intervention will gradually be resurrected during "judgment day" lasting for one thousand years. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind. Those who fail will be destroyed, along with Satan and his demons. The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race. Christ will then hand all authority back to God.[190]
Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven as king of God's kingdom in October 1914, and that Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in "woe" to humanity. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, from heaven, perceived only as a series of "signs". They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word parousia—usually translated as "coming" when referring to Christ—as "presence". They believe Jesus' presence includes an unknown period beginning with his inauguration as king in heaven in 1914, and ending when he comes to bring a final judgment against humans on earth. They thus depart from the mainstream Christian belief that the "second coming" of Matthew 24 refers to a single moment of arrival on earth to judge humans.[191][192]
Practices[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses practices
Worship[edit]



 Worship at a Kingdom Hall.
Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols.[193] Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of Watch Tower Society literature and the Bible. The format of the meetings is established by the religion's headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is the same worldwide.[193] Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (three meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Prior to 2009, congregations met three times each week; these meetings were condensed, with the intention that members dedicate an evening for "family worship".[194][195] Gatherings are opened and closed with kingdom songs (hymns) and brief prayers. Twice each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for a one-day assembly. Larger groups of congregations meet once a year for a three-day "regional convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death" on the date of the Jewish Passover.[196]
Evangelism[edit]



 Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their preaching from house to house.
See also: Jehovah's Witnesses publications
Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house,[197][198][199] distributing literature published by the Watch Tower Society in 190 languages.[200] The objective is to start a regular "Bible study" with any person who is not already a member.[201] Once the study course is completed, the individual is expected to become baptized as a member of the group.[202][203] Witnesses are told they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching.[204][205] They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and are required to submit an individual monthly "Field Service Report".[206][207] Baptized members who fail to submit a report every month are termed "irregular" and may be counseled by elders;[208][209] those who do not submit a report for six consecutive months are termed "inactive".[210]
Ethics and morality[edit]
All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant;[211][212] homosexual activity is considered a serious sin, and same-sex marriages are forbidden. Abortion is considered murder.[213] Suicide is considered to be "self-inflicted murder" and a sin against God.[214] Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden.[215] Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.[213]
The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered to have authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be monogamous and legally registered.[216][217] Marrying a non-believer, or endorsing such a union, is strongly discouraged and carries religious sanctions.[218][219] Divorce is discouraged, and remarriage is forbidden unless a divorce is obtained on the grounds of adultery, termed "a scriptural divorce".[220] If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adulterous unless the prior spouse has died or is since considered to have committed fornication.[221] Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the religion terms "absolute endangerment of spirituality" are considered grounds for legal separation.[222][223]
Disciplinary action[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline
Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. When a baptized member is accused of committing a serious sin—usually cases of sexual misconduct[109][224] or charges of apostasy for disputing the Watch Tower Society's doctrines[225][226]—a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, provide help and possibly administer discipline. Disfellowshipping, a form of shunning, is the strongest form of discipline, administered to an offender deemed unrepentant.[227] Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement;[228][229] formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged.[230] Witnesses are taught that avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals keeps the congregation free from immoral influence and that "losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help [the shunned individual] to come 'to his senses,' see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah."[231] The practice of shunning may also serve to deter other members from dissident behavior.[232] Members who disassociate (formally resign) are described in Watch Tower Society literature as wicked and are also shunned.[233][234][235] Expelled individuals may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant by elders in the congregation in which the disfellowshipping was enforced.[236] Reproof is a lesser form of discipline given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of serious sin; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship.[237] Marking, a curtailing of social but not spiritual fellowship, is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a serious sin.[note 4]
Separateness[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and governments
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements.[238][239][240] They believe that only their religion represents true Christianity, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will soon be destroyed.[241] Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." Watch Tower Society publications define the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants" and teach that it is morally contaminated and ruled by Satan.[242][243][244] Witnesses are taught that association with "worldly" people presents a "danger" to their faith,[245] and are instructed to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality.[246][247][248][249]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king. They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office, and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues.[250][251] They do not celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, nor do they observe birthdays, nationalistic holidays, or other celebrations they consider to honor people other than Jesus. They feel that these and many other customs have pagan origins or reflect a nationalistic or political spirit. Their position is that these traditional holidays reflect Satan's control over the world.[252][253][254] Witnesses are told that spontaneous giving at other times can help their children to not feel deprived of birthdays or other celebrations.[255]
They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services,[256] and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment.[257] They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing national anthems or patriotic songs.[258] Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as a worldwide brotherhood that transcends national boundaries and ethnic loyalties.[259][260] Sociologist Ronald Lawson has suggested the religion's intellectual and organizational isolation, coupled with the intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline and considerable persecution, has contributed to the consistency of its sense of urgency in its apocalyptic message.[261]
Rejection of blood transfusions[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28, 29 and other scriptures.[262][263][264] Since 1961 the willing acceptance of a blood transfusion by an unrepentant member has been grounds for expulsion from the religion.[265][266] Watch Tower Society literature directs Witnesses to refuse blood transfusions, even in "a life-or-death situation".[267][268][269] Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and the Watch Tower Society provides information about current non-blood medical procedures.[270]
Though Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions of whole blood, they may accept some blood plasma fractions at their own discretion.[271][272][273] The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted Durable Power of Attorney documents prohibiting major blood components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept.[274][275] Jehovah's Witnesses have established Hospital Liaison Committees as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals.[276][277]
Demographics[edit]
Main article: Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses
JWStats1931-2010.png
Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, but do not form a large part of the population of any country.
As of August 2013, Jehovah's Witnesses report an average of 7.69 million publishers—the term they use for members actively involved in preaching—in 113,823 congregations.[2] In 2013, these reports indicated over 1.84 billion hours spent in preaching and "Bible study" activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 7.96 million.[278] In the same year, they conducted "Bible studies" with over 9.2 million individuals, including those conducted by Witness parents with their children.[4][279][280] Jehovah's Witnesses estimate their current worldwide growth rate to be 2.1% per year.[2]
The official published membership statistics, such as those mentioned above, include only those who submit reports for their personal ministry; official statistics do not include inactive and disfellowshipped individuals or others who might attend their meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered active by the faith itself.[281][282] The 2008 US Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey found a low retention rate among members of the religion: about 37% of people raised in the religion continued to identify themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses.[283][284]
Sociological analysis[edit]
See also: Sociological classifications of religious movements
Sociologist James A. Beckford, in his 1975 study of Jehovah's Witnesses, classified the religion's organizational structure as Totalizing, characterized by an assertive leadership, specific and narrow objectives, control over competing demands on members' time and energy, and control over the quality of new members. Other characteristics of the classification include likelihood of friction with secular authorities, reluctance to co-operate with other religious organizations, a high rate of membership turnover, a low rate of doctrinal change, and strict uniformity of beliefs among members.[285] Beckford identified the religion's chief characteristics as historicism (identifying historical events as relating to the outworking of God's purpose), absolutism (conviction that the Watch Tower Society dispenses absolute truth), activism (capacity to motivate members to perform missionary tasks), rationalism (conviction that Witness doctrines have a rational basis devoid of mystery), authoritarianism (rigid presentation of regulations without the opportunity for criticism) and world indifference (rejection of certain secular requirements and medical treatments).[286]
Sociologist Bryan R. Wilson, in his consideration of five religions including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the religions:[287]
1."exists in a state of tension with the wider society;"
2."imposes tests of merit on would-be members;"
3."exercises stern discipline, regulating the declared beliefs and the life habits of members and prescribing and operating sanctions for those who deviate, including the possibility of expulsion;"
4."demands sustained and total commitment from its members, and the subordination, and perhaps even the exclusion of all other interests."
A sociological comparative study by the Pew Research Center found that Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States ranked highest in statistics for getting no further than high school graduation, belief in God, importance of religion in one's life, frequency of religious attendance, frequency of prayers, frequency of Bible reading outside of religious services, belief their prayers are answered, belief that their religion can only be interpreted one way, belief that theirs is the only one true faith leading to eternal life, opposition to abortion, and opposition to homosexuality. In the study, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked lowest in statistics for having earned a graduate degree and interest in politics.[288]
Opposition[edit]
Controversy surrounding various beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses has led to opposition from local governments, communities, and religious groups. Religious commentator Ken Jubber wrote that "Viewed globally, this persecution has been so persistent and of such intensity that it would not be inaccurate to regard Jehovah's witnesses as the most persecuted group of Christians of the twentieth century."[289]
Persecution[edit]
Main article: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses
See also: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany



 Jehovah's Witness prisoners were identified by purple triangle badges in Nazi concentration camps.
Political and religious animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to mob action and government oppression in various countries. Their doctrine of political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during World War II and at other times where national service has been compulsory. In 1933, there were approximately 20,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany,[290] of whom about 10,000 were imprisoned. Of those, 2000 were sent to concentration camps, where they were identified by purple triangles; as many as 1200 died, including 250 who were executed.[291][292][293][294] In Canada, Jehovah's Witnesses were interned in camps[295] along with political dissidents and people of Chinese and Japanese descent.[296] In the former Soviet Union, about 9300 Jehovah's Witnesses were deported to Siberia as part of Operation North in April 1951.[297] Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries, including China, Vietnam and some Islamic states.[298][299]
Authors including William Whalen, Shawn Francis Peters and former Witnesses Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Alan Rogerson and William Schnell, have claimed the religion incited opposition to pursue a course of martyrdom under Rutherford's leadership during the 1930s, in a bid to attract dispossessed members of society, and to convince members that persecution from the outside world was evidence of the "truth" of their struggle to serve God.[300] Watch Tower Society literature of the period directed Witnesses to "avoid unnecessary opposition or prejudice", stating that their purpose is not to get arrested.[301]
Legal challenges[edit]
Main article: Supreme Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses by country
Several cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses have been heard by Supreme Courts throughout the world.[302] The cases generally relate to their right to practice their religion, displays of patriotism and military service, and blood transfusions.[303]
In the United States, their persistent legal challenges prompted a series of state and federal court rulings that reinforced judicial protections for civil liberties.[304] Among the rights strengthened by Witness court victories in the United States are the protection of religious conduct from federal and state interference, the right to abstain from patriotic rituals and military service, the right of patients to refuse medical treatment, and the right to engage in public discourse.[305] Similar cases in their favor have been heard in Canada.[306]
Criticism[edit]
Main article: Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases, and what is claimed to be coercion of members. Many of the claims are denied by Jehovah's Witnesses and some have also been disputed by courts and religious scholars.
Free speech and thought[edit]
Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, without consultation with other members.[307]The religion does not tolerate dissidence about doctrines and practices;[138][308][309][310] members who openly disagree with the religion's teachings are shunned.[226] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage followers from questioning its doctrines and counsel, reasoning that the Society is to be trusted as "God's organization".[310][311][312][313] It also warns members to "avoid independent thinking", claiming such thinking "was introduced by Satan the Devil"[314][315] and would "cause division".[316] Those who openly disagree with official teachings are condemned as "apostates" who are "mentally diseased".[317][318][319]
Former members Heather and Gary Botting compare the cultural paradigms of the religion to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four,[320] and Alan Rogerson describes the religion's leadership as totalitarian.[321] Other critics charge that by disparaging individual decision-making, the Watch Tower Society cultivates a system of unquestioning obedience[144][322] in which Witnesses abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives.[323][324] Critics also accuse the Watch Tower Society of exercising "intellectual dominance" over Witnesses,[325] controlling information[226][326][327] and creating "mental isolation",[328] which former Governing Body member Raymond Franz argued were all elements of mind control.[328]
Watch Tower Society publications state that consensus of faith aids unity,[329] and deny that unity restricts individuality or imagination.[329] Historian James Irvin Lichti has rejected the description of the religion as "totalitarian".[330]
Sociologist Rodney Stark states that while Jehovah's Witness leaders are "not always very democratic" and members are expected to conform to "rather strict standards," enforcement tends to be informal, sustained by close bonds of friendship and that Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as "part of the power structure rather than subject to it."[87] Sociologist Andrew Holden states that most members who join millenarian movements such as Jehovah's Witnesses have made an informed choice.[331] However, he also states that defectors "are seldom allowed a dignified exit",[317] and describes the administration as autocratic.[332]
New World Translation[edit]
Main article: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
Some Bible scholars including Bruce M. Metzger, former Professor and Bible editor at Princeton Theological Seminary, have said that the translation of certain texts in its New World Translation of the Bible is biased in favor of Witness practices and doctrines.[333][334][335][336][337] The Bible editor Harold H. Rowley criticized the pre-release edition of the first volume (Genesis to Ruth) published in 1953 as "a shining example of how the Bible should not be translated."[338]
On the other hand, in his study on nine of "the Bibles most widely in use in the English-speaking world", Bible scholar Jason BeDuhn, Professor of Religious Studies at the Northern Arizona University, wrote: “The NW [New World Translation] emerges as the most accurate of the translations compared.” Although the general public and many Bible scholars assume that the differences in the New World Translation are the result of religious bias on the part of its translators, BeDuhn stated: “Most of the differences are due to the greater accuracy of the NW as a literal, conservative translation of the original expressions of the New Testament writers.” He added however that the insertion of the name Jehovah in the New Testament "violate[s] accuracy in favor of denominationally preferred expressions for God".[339]
Failed predictions[edit]
Main article: Watch Tower Society unfulfilled predictions
Watch Tower Society publications have claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses (and formerly, the International Bible Students) to declare his will[340][341] and has provided advance knowledge about Armageddon and the establishment of God's kingdom.[342][343][344] Some publications also claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses and the International Bible Students as a modern-day prophet.[note 5] Jehovah's Witnesses' publications have made various predictions about world events they believe were prophesied in the Bible.[345][346] Failed predictions have led to the alteration or abandonment of some doctrines.[347][348] Some failed predictions that the Watch Tower Society had claimed were presented as "beyond doubt" or "approved by God".[349]
The Watch Tower Society rejects accusations that it is a false prophet,[350] stating that its teachings are not inspired or infallible,[351][352][353] and that it has not claimed its predictions were "the words of Jehovah."[350] George D. Chryssides has suggested that with the exception of statements about 1914, 1925 and 1975, the changing views and dates of the Jehovah's Witnesses are largely attributable to changed understandings of biblical chronology than to failed predictions.[79] Chryssides further states, "it is therefore simplistic and naïve to view the Witnesses as a group that continues to set a single end-date that fails and then devise a new one, as many counter-cultists do."[354] However, sociologist Andrew Holden states that since the foundation of the movement around 140 years ago, "Witnesses have maintained that we are living on the precipice of the end of time."[355]
Handling of sexual abuse cases[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses' handling of child sex abuse
Critics have accused Jehovah's Witnesses of employing organizational policies that make the reporting of sexual abuse difficult for members. Some victims of sexual abuse have asserted that they were ordered by certain local elders to maintain silence so as to avoid embarrassment to both the accused and the organization.[356][357][358][359] Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that they have no policy of silence, and that elders are directed to report abuse to authorities when there is evidence of abuse, and when required to by law. In 1997, Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information published their policy[360] for elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by law to do so, even if there was only one witness.[361][362] An individual known to have sexually abused a child is generally prohibited from holding any position of responsibility inside the organization.[363] Unless considered by the congregation elders to have demonstrated repentance, such a person is typically disfellowshipped.[212]
In June 2012, the Superior Court of Alameda, California, ordered the Watch Tower Society to pay $21 million in punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages, after finding that the Society's policy to not disclose child abuse history of a member to parents in the congregation or to report abuse to authorities contributed to the sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl.[364][365] A subsequent motion in September 2012 resulted in a reduction of the punitive damages to $8.61 million.[366] The Watch Tower Society appealed the revised ruling, and the case is ongoing.[367]
References[edit]
Explanatory notes
1.Jump up ^ Twelve members as of September 2005 (See The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 26)
 Schroeder died March 8, 2006. (See The Watchtower, September 15, 2006, page 31)
 Sydlik died April 18, 2006. (See The Watchtower, January 1, 2007, page 8)
 Barber died April 8, 2007. (See The Watchtower, October 15, 2007, page 31)
 Jaracz died June 9, 2010. (See The Watchtower, November 15, 2010, page 23)
 Barr died December 4, 2010. (See The Watchtower, May 15, 2011, page 6)
 Sanderson appointed September 1, 2012. (See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, page 26)
 Pierce died March 20, 2014. (See the announcement on jw.org)
2.Jump up ^ Raymond Franz (In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, p.449) cites various Watch Tower Society publications that stress loyalty and obedience to the organization, including: "Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View", The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect."; The Watchtower, September 1, 2006, pg 15, "Have we formed a loyal attachment to the organization that Jehovah is using today?"; "Your Reminders Are What I Am Fond Of", The Watchtower, June 15, 2006, pg 26, "We too should remain faithful to Jehovah and to his organization regardless of injustices we suffer and regardless of what others do."; "Are You Prepared for Survival?", The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, pg 22, "Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization."; Worship The Only True God (Watch Tower Society, 2002), pg 134, "Jehovah is guiding us today by means of his visible organization under Christ. Our attitude toward this arrangement demonstrates how we feel about the issue of sovereignty ... By being loyal to Jehovah’s organization, we show that Jehovah is our God and that we are united in worship of him."
3.Jump up ^ 2013 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. 178. "During the 2012 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $184 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments."
4.Jump up ^ A common example given is a baptized Witness who dates a non-Witness; see The Watchtower, July 15, 1999, p. 30.
5.Jump up ^ Raymond Franz cites numerous examples. In Crisis of Conscience, 2002, pg. 173, he quotes from "They Shall Know That a Prophet Was Among Them", (The Watchtower, April 1, 1972,) which states that God had raised Jehovah's Witnesses as a prophet "to warn (people) of dangers and declare things to come" He also cites "Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger" (The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 8) which identifies the Witnesses as his "true messengers ... by making the messages he delivers through them come true", in contrast to "false messengers", whose predictions fail. In In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, he quotes The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah—How? (1971, pg 70, 292) which describes Witnesses as the modern Ezekiel class, "a genuine prophet within our generation". The Watch Tower book noted: "Concerning the message faithfully delivered by the Ezekiel class, Jehovah positively states that it 'must come true' ... those who wait undecided until it does 'come true' will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them." He also cites "Execution of the Great Harlot Nears", (The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, pg 17) which claims God gives the Witnesses "special knowledge that others do not have ... advance knowledge about this system's end".
Citations
1.Jump up ^ "Court Trial Testimony Redwood City". Superior Court of the State of California. February 22, 2012. "I am general counsel for the National Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses out of Brooklyn, New York. ... We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church."
2.^ Jump up to: a b c 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 2013. pp. 185–186.
3.Jump up ^ Sources for descriptors:
• Millenarian: Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. pp. 118–119, 151, 200–201. ISBN 0-631-16310-7.
• Restorationist: Stark et al.; Iannaccone, Laurence (1997). "Why Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application". Journal of Contemporary Religion 12 (2): 133–157. doi:10.1080/13537909708580796.
• Christian: "Religious Tolerance.org". "Statistics on Religion".
• Denomination: "Jehovah's Witnesses at a Glance"."The American Heritage Dictionary"."Memorial and Museum AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU".
4.^ Jump up to: a b "Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site: Our History and Organization: Membership". Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses. "While other religious groups count their membership by occasional or annual attendance, this figure reflects only those who are actively involved in the public Bible educational work [of Jehovah's Witnesses]."
5.Jump up ^ "Guided by God's Spirit". Awake!: 32. June 2008. Retrieved 2012-06-16.
6.Jump up ^ "Statistics at Jehovah's Witnesses official website, 2010".
7.Jump up ^ Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. p. 221. ISBN 0-631-16310-7. "Doctrine has always emanated from the Society's elite in Brooklyn and has never emerged from discussion among, or suggestion from, rank-and-file Witnesses."
8.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses". The Columbia Encyclopedia. Columbia University Press. 2011. ISBN 978-0-7876-5015-5. "The Witnesses base their teaching on the Bible."
9.Jump up ^ Edwards, Linda (2001). A Brief Guide to Beliefs. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. p. 438. ISBN 0-664-22259-5. "The Jehovah's Witnesses' interpretation of Christianity and their rejection of orthodoxy influenced them to produce their own translation of the Bible, The New World Translation."
10.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witness". Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2007. ISBN 978-1-59339-293-2.
11.Jump up ^ Michael Hill, ed. (1972). "The Embryonic State of a Religious Sect's Development: The Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Yearbook of Religion in Britain (5): 11–12. "Joseph Franklin Rutherford succeeded to Russell's position as President of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, but only at the expense of antagonizing a large proportion of the Watch Towers subscribers. Nevertheless, he persisted in moulding the Society to suit his own programme of activist evangelism under systematic central control, and he succeeded in creating the administrative structure of the present-day sect of Jehovah's Witnesses."
12.Jump up ^ Leo P. Chall (1978). "Sociological Abstracts". Sociology of Religion 26 (1–3): 193. "Rutherford, through the Watch Tower Society, succeeded in changing all aspects of the sect from 1919 to 1932 and created Jehovah's Witnesses—a charismatic offshoot of the Bible student community."
13.Jump up ^ Isaiah 43:10–12
14.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 274–5. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
15.Jump up ^ Singelenberg, Richard (1989). "It Separated the Wheat From the Chaff: The 1975 Prophecy and its Impact Among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Analysis 50 (Spring 1989): 23–40, footnote 8. doi:10.2307/3710916. "'The Truth' is Witnesses' jargon, meaning the Society's belief system."
16.Jump up ^ Penton, M.J. (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 280–283. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3. "Most Witnesses tend to think of society outside their own community as decadent and corrupt ... This in turn means to Jehovah's Witnesses that they must keep themselves apart from Satan's "doomed system of things." Thus most tend to socialize largely, although not totally, within the Witness community."
17.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. London: Continuum. p. 5. ISBN 0-8264-5959-5. "The Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their practice of 'disfellowshipping' wayward members."
18.Jump up ^ Gary Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses (Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 1993), pg 1–13.
19.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 6. ISBN 978-0094559400.
20.^ Jump up to: a b Beckford 1975, p. 2
21.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 37–39. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
22.Jump up ^ Bible Examiner October, 1876 "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" pp 27–8: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914; when Jerusalem shall be delivered forever ... when Gentile Governments shall have been dashed to pieces; when God shall have poured out of his fury upon the nations and they acknowledge him King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
23.Jump up ^ Studies in the Scriptures volume 4, "The Battle of Armageddon", 1897, pg xii
24.Jump up ^ C. T. Russell, The Time is at Hand, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1889, page 101.
25.Jump up ^ Heather and Gary Botting, The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1984, p. 36.
26.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 18
27.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, July 1, 1879, pg 1: "This is the first number of the first volume of "Zion's Watch Tower," and it may not be amiss to state the object of its publication. That we are living "in the last days"—"the day of the Lord"—"the end" of the Gospel age, and consequently, in the dawn of a "new" age."
28.Jump up ^ 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, Watch Tower, pages 38–39
29.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, September 1884, pp. 7–8
30.Jump up ^ Studies in the Scriptures volume 6 "The New Creation" pp. 195–272
31.Jump up ^ C.T. Russell, "A Conspiracy Exposed", Zion's Watch Tower Extra edition, April 25, 1894, page 55–60, "This is a business association merely ... it has no creed or confession ... it is merely a business convenience in disseminating the truth."]
32.Jump up ^ Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses by George D. Chryssides, Scarecrow Press, 2008, page xxxiv, "Russell wanted to consolidate the movement he had started. ...In 1880, Bible House, a four-story building in Allegheny, was completed, with printing facilities and meeting accommodation, and it became the organization's headquarters. The next stage of institutionalization was legal incorporation. In 1884, Russell formed the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, which was incorporated in Pennsylvania... Russell was concerned that his supporters should feel part of a unified movement."
33.Jump up ^ Religion in the Twentieth Century by Vergilius Ture Anselm Ferm, Philosophical Library, 1948, page 383, "As the [unincorporated Watch Tower] Society expanded, it became necessary to incorporate it and build a more definite organization. In 1884, a charter was granted recognizing the Society as a religious, non-profit corporation."
34.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 19
35.Jump up ^ A Chronology and Glossary of Propaganda in the United States Greenwood Press: 1996. pg. 35: "Russell is naturally media literate, and the amount of literature he circulates proves staggering. Books, booklets, and tracts are distributed by the hundreds of millions. This is supplemented by well-publicized speaking tours and a masterful press relations effort, which gives him widespread access to general audiences."
36.^ Jump up to: a b The Overland Monthly, January 1910 pg. 130
37.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 26–29
38.Jump up ^ W.T. Ellis, The Continent, McCormick Publishing Company, vol. 43, no. 40, October 3, 1912 pg. 1354
39.Jump up ^ Religious Diversity and American Religious History by Walter H. Conser, Sumner B. Twiss, University of Georgia Press, 1997, page 136, "The Jehovah's Witnesses...has maintained a very different attitude toward history. Established initially in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russell under the title International Bible Students Association, this organization has proclaimed..."
40.Jump up ^ The New Schaff–Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, 1910, vol 7, pg 374
41.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 26
42.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 31. ISBN 978-0094559400.
43.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 53
44.Jump up ^ A.N. Pierson et al, Light After Darkness, 1917, page 4.
45.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. p. 101. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
46.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, pp. 58, 61–62
47.Jump up ^ The Bible Students Monthly, vol. 9 no. 9, pp 1, 4: "The following article is extracted mainly from Pastor Russell's posthumous volume entitled "THE FINISHED MYSTERY," the 7th in the series of his STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and published subsequent to his death."
48.Jump up ^ Lawson, John D., American State Trials, vol 13, Thomas Law Book Company, 1921, pg viii: "After his death and after we were in the war they issued a seventh volume of this series, entitled "The Finished Mystery," which, under the guise of being a posthumous work of Pastor Russell, included an attack on the war and an attack on patriotism, which were not written by Pastor Russell and could not have possibly been written by him."
49.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 84–85. ISBN 0-227-67939-3. "One of Rutherford's first actions as president ... was, without reference either to his fellow directors or to the editorial committee which Russell had nominated in his will, to commission a seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures. Responsibility for preparing this volume was given to two of Russell's close associates, George H. Fisher and Clayton J. Woodworth. On the face of it, their brief was to edit for publication the notes left by Russell ... and to draw upon his published writings ... It is obvious ... that it was not in any straightforward sense the result of editing Russell's papers, rather it was in large measure the original work of Woodworth and Fisher at the behest of the new president."
50.Jump up ^ "Publisher's Preface". The Finished Mystery. "But the fact is, he did write it. This book may properly be said to be a posthumous publication of Pastor Russell. Why?... This book is chiefly a compilation of things which he wrote and which have been brought together in harmonious style by properly applying the symbols which he explained to the Church."
51.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 55
52.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 44. ISBN 978-0094559400.
53.^ Jump up to: a b Franz, Raymond (2007). "Chapter 4". In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
54.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1993. pp. 72–77.
55.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (2010). "How Prophecy Succeeds: The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Prophetic Expectations". International Journal for the Study of New Religions 1 (1): 39. doi:10.1558/ijsnr.v1i1.27. ISSN 2041-952X.
56.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. p. 144. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
57.Jump up ^ Salvation, Watch Tower Society, 1939, as cited in Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 76
58.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. pp. 39, 52. ISBN 978-0094559400.
59.Jump up ^ Herbert H. Stroup, The Jehovah's Witnesses, Colombia University Press, New York, 1945, pg 14,15: "Following his election the existence of the movement was threatened as never before. Many of those who remembered wistfully the halcyon days of Mr Russell's leadership found that the new incumbent did not fulfill their expectations of a saintly leader. Various elements split off from the parent body, and such fission continued throughout Rutherford's leadership."
60.Jump up ^ Reed, David, Whither the Watchtower? Christian Research Journal, Summer 1993, pg 27: "By gradually replacing locally elected elders with his own appointees, he managed to transform a loose collection of semi-autonomous, democratically run congregations into a tight-knit organizational machine controlled from his office. Some local congregations broke away, forming such groups as the Chicago Bible Students, the Dawn Bible Students, and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement, all of which continue to this day."
61.Jump up ^ Thirty Years a Watchtower Slave, William J. Schnell, Baker, Grand Rapids, 1956, as cited by Rogerson, page 52. Rogerson notes that it is not clear exactly how many Bible Students left, but quotes Rutherford (Jehovah, 1934, page 277) as saying "only a few" who left other religions were then "in God's organization".
62.Jump up ^ The Present Truth and Herald of Christ's Epiphany, P.S.L. Johnson (April 1927, pg 66). Johnson stated that between late 1923 and early 1927, "20,000 to 30,000 Truth people the world over have left the Society."
63.Jump up ^ Tony Wills (A People For His Name, pg. 167) cites The Watch Tower (December 1, 1927, pg 355) in which Rutherford states that "the larger percentage" of original Bible Students had by then departed.
64.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 50
65.Jump up ^ Rogerson 1969, p. 37
66.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. London: Constable. p. 55. "In 1931, came an important milestone in the history of the organisation. For many years Rutherford's followers had been called a variety of names: 'International Bible Students', 'Russellites', or 'Millennial Dawners'. In order to distinguish clearly his followers from the other groups who had separated in 1918 Rutherford proposed that they adopt an entirely new name—Jehovah's witnesses."
67.Jump up ^ James A. Beckford, The Trumpet of Prophecy, 1975, page 30, "The new title symbolized a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions, the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh methods of administering evangelism."
68.Jump up ^ "A New Name". The Watch Tower: 291. October 1, 1931. "Since the death of Charles T. Russell there have arisen numerous companies formed out of those who once walked with him, each of these companies claiming to teach the truth, and each calling themselves by some name, such as "Followers of Pastor Russell", "those who stand by the truth as expounded by Pastor Russell," "Associated Bible Students," and some by the names of their local leaders. All of this tends to confusion and hinders those of good will who are not better informed from obtaining a knowledge of the truth."
69.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 31
70.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 71–72
71.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 109–110. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
72.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 35
73.Jump up ^ Garbe, Detlef (2008). Between Resistance and Martyrdom: Jehovah's Witnesses in the Third Reich. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 145. ISBN 0-299-20794-3.
74.Jump up ^ 1943 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1942. pp. 221–222.
75.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1959. pp. 312–313.
76.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 47–52
77.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 52–55
78.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 89–90
79.^ Jump up to: a b George Chryssides, They Keep Changing the Dates, A paper presented at the CESNUR 2010 conference in Torino.
80.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press. p. 19. ISBN 0-8108-6074-0.
81.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, p. 95
82.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 46. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
83.Jump up ^ "Awake!". Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. October 8, 1968. p. 14. "Does this mean that the above evidence positively points to 1975 as the complete end of this system of things? Since the Bible does not specifically state this, no man can say... If the 1970s should see intervention by Jehovah God to bring an end to a corrupt world drifting toward ultimate disintegration, that should surely not surprise us."
84.Jump up ^ "How Are You Using Your Life?". Our Kingdom Ministry: 63. May 1974. "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly, this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."
85.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond. "1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act" (PDF). Crisis of Conscience. pp. 237–253. ISBN 0-914675-23-0. Retrieved 2006-07-27.
86.Jump up ^ Singelenberg, Richard (1989). "The '1975'-prophecy and its impact among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Analysis 50 (1): 23–40. doi:10.2307/3710916. JSTOR 3710916. Notes a nine percent drop in total publishers (door-to-door preachers) and a 38 per cent drop in pioneers (full-time preachers) in the Netherlands.
87.^ Jump up to: a b Stark and Iannoccone (1997). "Why the Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application" (PDF). Journal of Contemporary Religion: 142–143. Retrieved 2013-07-16.
88.Jump up ^ Dart, John (January 30, 1982). "Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth". Los Angeles Times. p. B4. Cited statistics showing a net increase of publishers worldwide from 1971 to 1981 of 737,241, while baptisms totaled 1.71 million for the same period.
89.^ Jump up to: a b Hesse, Hans (2001). Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi-Regime. Chicago: Edition Temmen c/o. pp. 296, 298. ISBN 3-861-08750-2.
90.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". March 15, 1980. pp. 17–18. "With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God, ... considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. ... there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. ... persons having to do with the publication of the information ... contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date."
91.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, pp. 32,112
92.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 64
93.Jump up ^ Joel P. Engardio (December 18, 1995), Apocalypse Later, Newsweek
94.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 317
95.Jump up ^ John Dart, "Jehovah's Witnesses Abandon Key Tenet", Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1995.
96.Jump up ^ THE WATCHTOWER (STUDY EDITION) JANUARY 2014: http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20140115/let-your-kingdom-come/
97.Jump up ^ "Overseers and Ministerial Servants Theocratically Appointed". The Watchtower: 16. 15 January 2001. "Theocratic appointments come from Jehovah through his Son and God’s visible earthly channel, “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body."
98.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, October 1, 1967 pg 591–92: "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect. We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his Word and channel of communication. Therefore, in submitting to Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, we must be in full and complete agreement with every feature of its apostolic procedure and requirements."
99.^ Jump up to: a b c Penton 1997, pp. 211–252
100.Jump up ^ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 2007 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. pp. 4, 6.
101.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather & Gary (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
102.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 123. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
103.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29
104.Jump up ^ "Seek God's guidance in all things", The Watchtower, April 15, 2008, page 11.
105.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 153. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
106.Jump up ^ Yearbook, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2010.
107.Jump up ^ "Annual Meeting Report".
108.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 101, 233–235
109.^ Jump up to: a b Gallagher, Eugene V.; Ashcraft, W. Michael (2006), Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America 2, Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, p. 69, ISBN 0-275-98712-4
110.Jump up ^ Taylor, Elizabeth J. (2012). Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses. Springer Publishing Company. p. 163. ISBN 0-8261-0860-1.
111.Jump up ^ DuShane, Tony (2012). Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk. ReadHowYouWant. p. 126. ISBN 1-4587-8357-X.
112.Jump up ^ Hoekema, Anthony A. (1963). The Four Major Cults. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans. p. 291. ISBN 0-8028-3117-6.
113.^ Jump up to: a b Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 116–120. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
114.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 14
115.Jump up ^ What Does the Bible Really Teach. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. p. 182. "Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization."
116.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 449–464. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
117.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 32, "The structure of the movement and the intense loyalty demanded of each individual at every level demonstrates the characteristics of totalitarianism."
118.Jump up ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1989, page 255, "It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal. (Matthew 7:21–23; 24:21) You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life."
119.Jump up ^ "You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1983, page 12, "Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it."
120.Jump up ^ "Serving Jehovah Loyally", The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, page 21, "I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah's favor and blessing?" There is nowhere else to go for divine favor and life eternal."
121.Jump up ^ How are you funded? Jehovah’s Witnesses Official Media Web Site
122.Jump up ^ "Jehovah’s Witnesses — Publishing Titans". "AT THE TOP / NYC COMPANY PROFILES / NYC 40".
123.Jump up ^ Yearbook 2002, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 31, 2002
124.Jump up ^ Van Voorst,Robert E. (2012). RELG: World (with Religion CourseMate with eBook Printed Access Card). Cengage Learning. p. 288. ISBN 1-1117-2620-5.
125.Jump up ^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, pages 17–18.
126.Jump up ^ "Cooperating With the Governing Body Today,", The Watchtower, March 15, 1990, page 19.
127.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 119
128.Jump up ^ "Focus on the Goodness of Jehovah's Organization". The Watchtower: 22. 15 July 2006.
129.Jump up ^ "Impart God's Progressive Revelation to Mankind", The Watchtower, March 1, 1965, pp. 158–159
130.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 165–171
131.Jump up ^ "Flashes of Light—Great and Small", The Watchtower, May 15, 1995, page 15.
132.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 165
133.Jump up ^ J. F. Rutherford, Preparation, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1933, page 64, 67, "Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones ... Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose."
134.Jump up ^ "The Spirit Searches into the Deep Things of God", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 23, "When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all."
135.Jump up ^ "Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?". The Watchtower: 19. February 15, 1981. "True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)"
136.Jump up ^ "Do You See the Evidence of God's Guidance?", The Watchtower, April 15, 2011, pages 3–5, "How, then, do we react when we receive divine direction? Do we try to apply it “right afterward”? Or do we continue doing things just as we have been accustomed to doing them? Are we familiar with up-to-date directions, such as those regarding conducting home Bible studies, preaching to foreign speaking people, regularly sharing in family worship, cooperating with Hospital Liaison Committees, and conducting ourselves properly at conventions? ... Do you clearly discern the evidence of divine guidance? Jehovah uses his organization to guide us, his people, through “the wilderness” during these last days of Satan’s wicked world."
137.Jump up ^ "Unity Identifies True Worship", The Watchtower, September 15, 2010, page 13 par.8 "This spiritual food is based on God’s Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah."
138.^ Jump up to: a b "Overseers of Jehovah’s People", The Watchtower, June 15, 1957, "Let us now unmistakably identify Jehovah’s channel of communication for our day, that we may continue in his favor ... It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the “slave” as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision."
139.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 172
140.Jump up ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 336.
141.Jump up ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 9.
142.Jump up ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures | pp. 199–208 Jehovah's Witnesses
143.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 67, "Materials such as The Watchtower are almost as significant to the Witnesses as the Bible, since the information is presented as the inspired work of theologians, and they are, therefore, believed to contain as much truth as biblical texts."
144.^ Jump up to: a b James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, pages 25–26, 101, "For every passage in Society literature that urges members to be bold and courageous in critical pursuits, there are many others that warn about independent thinking and the peril of questioning the organization ... Fear of disobedience to the Governing Body keeps Jehovah's Witnesses from carefully checking into biblical doctrine or allegations concerning false prophecy, faulty scholarship, and injustice. Witnesses are told not to read books like this one."
145.Jump up ^ "Keep Clear of False Worship!", The Watchtower, 15 March 2006, "True Christians keep clear of false worship, rejecting false religious teachings. This means that we avoid exposure to religious programs on radio and television as well as religious literature that promotes lies about God and his Word."
146.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers—Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses decline to exchange their Bible study aids for the religious literature of people they meet". The Watchtower: 31. May 1, 1984. "So it would be foolhardy, as well as a waste of valuable time, for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept and expose themselves to false religious literature that is designed to deceive."
147.Jump up ^ Question Box, Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, "Throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah’s organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought and remain stabilized in the faith. Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, the faithful and discreet slave does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight."
148.Jump up ^ "Make Your Advancement Manifest", The Watchtower, August 1, 2001, page 14, "Since oneness is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and the faithful and discreet slave."
149.Jump up ^ Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. page 123, Q: "Did you imply that the individual member has the right of reading the books and the Bible and forming his own view as to the proper interpretation of Holy Writ? A:" .... No....The Scripture is there given in support of the statement, and therefore the individual when he looks up the Scripture and thereby verifies the statement,...search[es] the Scripture to see whether these things were so."
150.Jump up ^ "Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1981, page 19, "Jesus’ disciples wrote many letters to Christian congregations, to persons who were already in the way of the truth. But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about. We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his 'slave' to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using."
151.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 84, 89, 92, 119–120
152.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower April 1, 1986 pp. 30–31.
153.Jump up ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
154.Jump up ^ Ringnes, Hege Kristin; Helje Kringlebotn Sødal (ed.) (2009). Jehovas vitner—en flerfaglig studie (in Norwegian). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. p. 27.
155.Jump up ^ Holden, A. (2002). Cavorting With the Devil: Jehovah's Witnesses Who Abandon Their Faith (PDF). Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YL, UK. p. Endnote [i]. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
156.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 87.
157.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 105
158.Jump up ^ Revelation Its Grand Climax, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pg 36, "In the songbook produced by Jehovah’s people in 1905, there were twice as many songs praising Jesus as there were songs praising Jehovah God. In their 1928 songbook, the number of songs extolling Jesus was about the same as the number extolling Jehovah. But in the latest songbook of 1984, Jehovah is honored by four times as many songs as is Jesus. This is in harmony with Jesus’ own words: 'The Father is greater than I am.' Love for Jehovah must be preeminent, accompanied by deep love for Jesus and appreciation of his precious sacrifice and office as God’s High Priest and King."
159.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 90.
160.Jump up ^ "What is the Holy Spirit?". The Watchtower: 5. October 1, 2009. "There is a close connection between the holy spirit and the power of God. The holy spirit is the means by which Jehovah exerts his power. Put simply, the holy spirit is God’s applied power, or his active force."
161.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 262
162.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 276–277
163.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 372
164.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 270
165.Jump up ^ "Stay in the “City of Refuge” and Live!", The Watchtower, November 15, 1995, page 19
166.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 188–189
167.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, pp. 188–190
168.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 298–299
169.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 25
170.Jump up ^ "Identifying the Wild Beast and Its Mark". The Watchtower: 5. 1 April 2004. "This does not mean, however, that every human ruler is a direct tool of Satan."
171.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 322–324
172.^ Jump up to: a b Hoekema 1963, pp. 265–269
173.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 186
174.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 193–194
175.Jump up ^ "Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium", The Watchtower, September 1, 1989, page 19, "Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the 'great crowd,'as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil."
176.Jump up ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth,, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pg 255, "Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one ... there will be only one organization—God's visible organization—that will survive the fast-approaching 'great tribulation.' It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal. You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life."
177.Jump up ^ "Our Readers Ask: Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe That They Are the Only Ones Who Will Be Saved?", The Watchtower, November 1, 2008, page 28, "Jehovah's Witnesses hope to be saved. However, they also believe that it is not their job to judge who will be saved. Ultimately, God is the Judge. He decides."
178.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 315–319
179.Jump up ^ Insight on the Scriptures Volume 1 p. 606 "Declare Righteous"
180.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 295–296
181.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 106.
182.Jump up ^ "God's Kingdom—Earth's New Rulership", The Watchtower, October 15, 2000, page 10.
183.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 298
184.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 105.
185.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, November 1, 1993, pages 8–9, "In 1914 the appointed times of the nations ended, and the time of the end for this world began. The Davidic Kingdom was restored, not in earthly Jerusalem, but invisibly in “the clouds of the heavens.” ... Who would represent on earth the restored Davidic Kingdom? ... Without any doubt at all, it was the small body of anointed brothers of Jesus who in 1914 were known as the Bible Students but since 1931 have been identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses."
186.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 297
187.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 286
188.Jump up ^ "Apocalypse—When?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1986, page 6.
189.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 180
190.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 307–321
191.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 17–19
192.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 10/1/92 p. 16 par. 6 "The Messiah’s Presence and His Rule"
193.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 64–69
194.Jump up ^ 2010 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses: p. 6 Highlights of the Past Year "UPBUILDING AND ENJOYABLE FAMILY WORSHIP"
195.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 5/15 2011 p. 14 par 13 Christian Families—“Keep Ready” Maintain a Family Worship Evening
196.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 292
197.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. p. 5. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
198.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 1. ISBN 978-0094559400.
199.Jump up ^ Whalen, William J. (1962). Armageddon Around the Corner: A Report on Jehovah's Witnesses. New York: John Day Company. p. 15,18.
200.Jump up ^ "Global Printing—Helping People to Learn About God", online, jw.org
201.Jump up ^ Ringnes, Hege Kristin; Helje Kringlebotn Sødal (ed.) (2009). Jehovas vitner—en flerfaglig studie (in Norwegian). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. p. 43.
202.Jump up ^ "Question Box: How long should a formal Bible study be conducted with an individual in the Knowledge book?". 'Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1996. "We want people to receive a basic knowledge of the truth. Yet it is expected that within a relatively short period of time, an effective teacher will be able to assist a sincere average student to acquire sufficient knowledge to make an intelligent decision to serve Jehovah... (if there is no) clear evidence of his desire to serve Jehovah .... it may be advisable to discontinue the study."
203.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 77. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. "The society states explicitly that all Bible studies should quickly show signs of 'real progress' to be deemed worthy of pursuit ... unless the potential converts are willing to give clear indication that they accept both the doctrines and the consequent responsibilities of attending meetings and going from door to door themselves, the study should be discontinued."
204.Jump up ^ Bearing Thorough Witness About God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2009, page 63, "Do you obey the command to bear thorough witness, even if the assignment causes you some apprehension?"
205.Jump up ^ "Determined to bear thorough witness," The Watchtower, December 15, 2008, page 19, "When the resurrected Jesus spoke to disciples gathered in Galilee, likely 500 of them, he commanded: 'Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.' That command applies to all true Christians today."
206.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
207.Jump up ^ "Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report?", Our Kingdom Ministry, December 2002, page 8, "Jehovah’s organization today instructs us to report our field service activity each month ... At the end of the month, the book study overseer makes sure that all in the group have followed through on their responsibility to report their activity."
208.Jump up ^ "Regularity in Service Brings Blessings", Our Kingdom Ministry, May 1984, page 7.
209.Jump up ^ "Helping Irregular Publishers". Our Kingdom Ministry: 7. December 1987.
210.Jump up ^ "Keep the Word of Jehovah Moving Speedily". Our Kingdom Ministry: 1. October 1982.
211.Jump up ^ Chryssides, G.D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 103. ISBN 0-304-33651-3.
212.^ Jump up to: a b "Imitate Jehovah—Exercise Justice and Righteousness", The Watchtower, August 1, 1998, page 16.
213.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. 26–27, 173
214.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers". The Watchtower: 30, 31. June 15, 2002.
215.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 152, 180
216.Jump up ^ "The Bible's Viewpoint What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?". Awake!: 26. July 8, 2004.
217.Jump up ^ "Christian Weddings That Bring Joy". The Watchtower: 11. 15 April 1984.
218.Jump up ^ Shepherd the Flock of God. pp. 37–38, 124–125.[unreliable source?]
219.Jump up ^ "How should individual Christians and the congregation as a whole view the Bible advice to marry "only in the Lord"?". The Watchtower: 31. 15 March 1982.
220.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 110–112
221.Jump up ^ "Adultery". Insight on the Scriptures 1. p. 53.
222.Jump up ^ "Marriage—Why Many Walk Out", Awake!, July 8, 1993, page 6, "A legal divorce or a legal separation may provide a measure of protection from extreme abuse or willful nonsupport."
223.Jump up ^ "When Marital Peace Is Threatened". The Watchtower: 22. 1 November 1988.
224.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 54–55
225.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 106–108
226.^ Jump up to: a b c Osamu Muramoto (August 1998). "Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?". Journal of Medical Ethics 24 (4): 223–230. doi:10.1136/jme.24.4.223. PMC 1377670. PMID 9752623.
227.Jump up ^ The Watchtower April 15, 1988.
228.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site: Our History and Organization, "Do you shun former members? ... If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow-worshipers. ... The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue. ... Disfellowshipped individuals may continue to attend religious services and, if they wish, they may receive spiritual counsel from the elders with a view to their being restored. They are always welcome to return to the faith [emphasis retained from source]"
229.Jump up ^ "Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped". Our Kingdom Ministry: 3–4. August 2002.
230.Jump up ^ "Disfellowshipping-How to View It". The Watchtower: 24. 15 September 1981.
231.Jump up ^ "Appendix: How to Treat a Disfellowshipped person". Keep Yourselves in God's Love. Jehovah's Witnesses. 2008. pp. 207–209.
232.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 163
233.Jump up ^ "Disfellowshiping—How to View It", The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, page 23.
234.Jump up ^ "Do You Hate Lawlessness?", The Watchtower, February 15, 2011, page 31.
235.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond. Crisis of Conscience. p. 358.
236.Jump up ^ Shepherd the Flock of God. Watch Tower Society. p. 119.[unreliable source?]
237.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, January 1, 1983 pp. 30–31.
238.Jump up ^ "Should the Religions Unite?". The Watchtower: 741–742. 15 December 1953.
239.Jump up ^ "Is Interfaith God's Way?". The Watchtower: 69. 1 February 1952.
240.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 202, "The ideological argument states that, since absolute truth is unitary and exclusive of all relativisation, there can only 'logically' be one human organization to represent it. Consequently, all other religious organizations are in error and are to be strictly avoided. The absolutist view of truth further implies that, since anything less than absolute truth can only corrupt and destroy it, there can be no justification for Jehovah's witnesses having any kind of association with other religionists, however sincere the motivation might be."
241.Jump up ^ "15 Worship That God Approves". What Does The Bible Really Teach?. p. 145.
242.Jump up ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 435–436.
243.Jump up ^ "Live a Balanced, Simple Life", The Watchtower, July 15, 1989, page 11.
244.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 12
245.Jump up ^ "Keep Your Distance When Danger Threatens". The Watchtower: 23. February 15, 1994. "Steering Clear of Danger ... We must also be on guard against extended association with worldly people. Perhaps it is a neighbor, a school friend, a workmate, or a business associate. ... What are some of the dangers of such a friendship? We could begin to minimize the urgency of the times we live in or take a growing interest in material rather than spiritual things. Perhaps, because of a fear of displeasing our worldly friend, we would even desire to be accepted by the world."
246.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. 109–112
247.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 409. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
248.Jump up ^ ""Each One Will Carry His Own Load", The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 23.
249.Jump up ^ Bryan R. Wilson, "The Persistence of Sects", Diskus, Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions, Vol 1, No. 2, 1993, "They have extensive contact with the wider public, [in Britain in 1989, 108,000 publishers undertook 23 million hours of house-calls]. Yet, they remain little affected by that exposure—they confine their contacts to their single-minded purpose and avoid all other occasions for association."
250.Jump up ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, November 1, 1999, p. 28,"As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah's Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State."
251.Jump up ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, March 1, 1983, p. 30
252.Jump up ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures p. 178 Holidays
253.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 8/15/09 p. 22 par. 20 “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”
254.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 9/15/68 p. 573 par 6 "The Seriousness of It"
255.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 10/15/92 p. 18 par. 21 "Work to Preserve Your Family Into God’s New World"
256.Jump up ^ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, p. 159.
257.Jump up ^ Korea government promises to adopt alternative service system for conscientious objectors
258.Jump up ^ Education, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, pp. 20–23
259.Jump up ^ Owens, Gene (September 1997). "Trials of a Jehovah's Witness.(The Faith of Journalists)". Nieman Reports.
260.Jump up ^ Racial and ethnic unity Jehovah’s Witnesses Official Media Web Site
261.Jump up ^ Ronald Lawson, "Sect-state relations: Accounting for the differing trajectories of Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses", Sociology of Religion, Winter 1995, "The urgency of the Witness's apocalyptic has changed very little over time. The intellectual isolation of the Witness leaders has allowed them to retain their traditional position, and it is they who continue to be the chief purveyors of the radical eschataology ....This commitment (to principle) was bolstered by their organizational isolation, intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline, and considerable persecution."
262.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. i
263.Jump up ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 70–75.
264.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 91
265.Jump up ^ Muramoto, O. (January 6, 2001). "Bioethical aspects of the recent changes in the policy of refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses". BMJ 322 (7277): 37–39. doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7277.37. PMC 1119307. PMID 11141155.
266.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 183.
267.Jump up ^ United in Worship of the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1983, pages 156–160.
268.Jump up ^ Bowman, R. M.; Beisner, E. C.; Ehrenborg, T. (1995). Jehovah's Witnesses. Zondervan. p. 13. ISBN 0-310-70411-1.
269.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 29–30. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
270.Jump up ^ "How Blood Can Save Your Life," Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, pages 13–17
271.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers—Do Jehovah's Witnesses accept any medical products derived from blood?". The Watchtower: 30. June 15, 2000.
272.Jump up ^ Sniesinski et al.; Chen, EP; Levy, JH; Szlam, F; Tanaka, KA (April 2007). "Coagulopathy After Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Jehovah's Witness Patients: Management of Two Cases Using Fractionated Components and Factor VIIa" (PDF). Anesthesia & Analgesia 104 (4): 763–5. doi:10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3. PMID 17377078. Retrieved 2008-12-30.
273.Jump up ^ "The Real Value of Blood". Awake!: 11. August 2006.
274.Jump up ^ Durable Power of Attorney form. Watch Tower Society. January 2001. p. 1. Examples of permitted fractions are: Interferon, Immune Serum Globulins and Factor VIII; preparations made from Hemoglobin such as PolyHeme and Hemopure. Examples of permitted procedures involving the medical use of one's own blood include: cell salvage, hemodilution, heart lung machine, dialysis, epidural blood patch, plasmapheresis, blood labeling or tagging and platelet gel (autologous)
275.Jump up ^ "Our Kingdom Ministry" (PDF). November 2006. pp. 5–6. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
276.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and Medical Profession Cooperate". The Awake. November 22, 2003. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
277.Jump up ^ Kim Archer, "Jehovah's Witness liaisons help surgeons adapt", Tulsa World, May 15, 2007.
278.Jump up ^ Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Society. 1996–2014.
279.Jump up ^ "Question Box–Should a family Bible study be reported to the congregation?". Our Kingdom Ministry (Watch Tower Society): 3. November 2003.
280.Jump up ^ "Question Box—May both parents report the time used for the regular family study?". Our Kingdom Ministry: 3. September 2008.
281.Jump up ^ "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Religious Affiliation: Diverse and Dynamic". Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. February 2008. pp. 9, 30.
282.Jump up ^ The Association of Religion Data Archives
283.Jump up ^ David Van Biema, "America's Unfaithful Faithful," Time magazine, February 25, 2008.
284.Jump up ^ PEW Forum on Religion and Public Life. U.S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Affiliation: Diverse and Dynamic. The next lowest retention rates, excluding those raised unaffiliated with any church, were Buddhism at 50% and Catholicism at 68%.
285.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 92, 98–100
286.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 196–207
287.Jump up ^ Bryan R. Wilson, "The Persistence of Sects", Diskus, Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions, Vol 1, No. 2, 1993
288.Jump up ^ "Comparisons". U.S. Religious Landscape Survey. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
289.Jump up ^ Jubber, Ken (1977). "The Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Southern Africa". Social Compass, 24 (1): 121,. doi:10.1177/003776867702400108.
290.Jump up ^ Penton, James (2004). Jehovah's witnesses and the third reich. Canada: University of Toronto Press. p. 376. ISBN 0802086780.
291.Jump up ^ Garbe, Detlef (2008). Between Resistance and Martyrdom: Jehovah's Witnesses in the Third Reich. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 484. ISBN 0-299-20794-3.
292.Jump up ^ Shulman, William L. A State of Terror: Germany 1933–1939. Bayside, New York: Holocaust Resource Center and Archives.
293.Jump up ^ Holocaust Education Foundation website.
294.Jump up ^ Hesse, Hans (2001). Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi Regime. Edition Temmen. p. 12. ISBN 3-86108-750-2.
295.Jump up ^ Kaplan, William (1989). State and Salvation. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press.
296.Jump up ^ Yaffee, Barbara (1984-09-09). "Witnesses Seek Apology for Wartime Persecution". The Globe in Mail. p. 4.
297.Jump up ^ Валерий Пасат ."Трудные страницы истории Молдовы (1940–1950)". Москва: Изд. Terra, 1994 (Russian)
298.Jump up ^ "Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom",chapter 22,page.490
299.Jump up ^ "Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses 1991",page.221
300.Jump up ^ Claims that Jehovah's Witnesses chose a deliberate course of martyrdom are contained in:
Peters, Shawn Francis (2000). Judging Jehovah's Witnesses: Religious Persecution and the Dawn of the Rights Revolution. University Press of Kansas. pp. 82, 116–9. ISBN 0-7006-1008-1.
 Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Visions of Glory, 1978, chapter 6.
Whalen, William J. (1962). Armageddon Around the Corner: A Report on Jehovah's Witnesses. New York: John Day Company. p. 190.
Schnell, William (1971). 30 Years a Watchtower Slave. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids. pp. 104–106. ISBN 0-8010-6384-1.
301.Jump up ^ Advice for Kingdom Publishers(1939), Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Brooklyn, N.Y.
302.Jump up ^ Gary Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses (Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 1993)
303.Jump up ^ Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1993, pp. 679–701.
304.Jump up ^ Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses, pp. 1–14; Shawn Francis Peters, Judging Jehovah's Witnesses, University Press of Kansas: 2000, pages 12–16.
305.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and civil rights". Knocking.org. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
306.Jump up ^ Botting, Fundamental Freedoms..., pp. 15–201
307.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 22
308.Jump up ^ "Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View", The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect ... in submitting to Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, we must be in full and complete agreement with every feature of its apostolic procedure and requirements."
309.Jump up ^ "Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave", The Watchtower, April 1, 2007, page 24, "When we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave's Master."
310.^ Jump up to: a b Beckford 1975, pp. 89, 95, 103, 120, 204, 221
311.Jump up ^ "Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs" and "Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits", The Watchtower, January 15, 1983
312.Jump up ^ "Serving Jehovah Shoulder to Shoulder", The Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 28.
313.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Theocratic Organization Today",The Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pages 79–81.
314.Jump up ^ "Avoid Independent Thinking". The Watchtower: 27. 15 January 1983. "From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God's way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. ... How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
315.Jump up ^ "Avoid Independent Thinking". The Watchtower: 20. February 15, 1979. "In a world where people are tossed about by confusing winds of religious doctrine, Jehovah's people need to be stable, full-grown Christians. (Eph. 4:13, 14) Their position must be steadfast, not shifting quickly because of independent thinking or emotional pressures."
316.Jump up ^ The Watchtower: 277–278. May 1, 1964. "It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people, and it requires careful study and attention to details in order to apply this information, to get a full understanding of the principles involved, and to assure ourselves of right thinking on these matters. It is in this way that we "are thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones" the fullness of our commission and of the preaching responsibility that Jehovah has placed on all Christians as footstep followers of his Son. Any other course would produce independent thinking and cause division."
317.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 163
318.Jump up ^ See also Raymond Franz, In Search of Christian Freedom, pg. 358.
319.Jump up ^ "Will You Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings?", The Watchtower, July 15, 2011, page 15, "apostates are 'mentally diseased,' and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. (1 Tim. 6:3, 4)."
320.Jump up ^ The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1984, passim.
321.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 50.
322.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 204, 221, The habit of questioning or qualifying Watch Tower doctrine is not only under-developed among the Witnesses: it is strenuously combated at all organizational levels
323.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 90. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. "Most Witnesses, although capable of intelligent, reasonable thought, have as part of the payment for paradise delegated authority to the organization for directing their lives ... and finally abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives—in effect, allowing the society to do their thinking for them."
324.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 178, "The newly converted Witness must conform immediately to the doctrines of the Watchtower Society, thus whatever individuality of mind he possessed before conversion is liable to be eradicated if he stays in the movement.".
325.Jump up ^ James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, pages 25–26, 101.
326.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 153
327.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 2, "In addition to the prevalent ignorance outside the Witness movement, there is much ignorance within it. It will soon become obvious to the reader that the Witnesses are an indoctrinated people whose beliefs and thoughts are shaped by the Watchtower Society."
328.^ Jump up to: a b R. Franz, "In Search of Christian Freedom", chapter 12
329.^ Jump up to: a b The Watchtower (8/15). August 1988.
330.Jump up ^ The Routledge History of the Holocaust, Routledge, 2010, "Labeling the Jehovah's Witnesses as totalitarian trivializes the term totalitarian and defames the Jehovah's Witnesses."
331.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. x, 7
332.Jump up ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 22. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
333.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 174–176
334.Jump up ^ Haas, Samuel; Hauptmann, O. H. (December 1955). "Escorial Bible I.j.4: Vol. I; the Pentateuch". Journal of Biblical Literature (Society of Biblical Literature) 74 (4): 283. doi:10.2307/3261682. "This work indicates a great deal of effort and thought as well as considerable scholarship, it is to be regretted that religious bias was allowed to colour many passages"
335.Jump up ^ See Ankerberg, John and John Weldon, 2003, The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, accessible online
336.Jump up ^ Rhodes R, The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions, The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response, Zondervan, 2001, p. 94
337.Jump up ^ Bruce M Metzger, "Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus Christ," Theology Today, (April 1953 p. 74); see also Metzger, "The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures," The Bible Translator (July 1964)
338.Jump up ^ H.H. Rowley, "How Not To Translate the Bible", The Expository Times, 1953; 65; 41.
339.Jump up ^ Jason BeDuhn (2003). Truth in Translation pages 163, 165. University Press of America. ISBN 0-7618-2556-8.
340.Jump up ^ "Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy", The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 21
341.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Society, 1993, page 708.
342.Jump up ^ "Execution of the "Great Harlot" Nears", The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, page 17.
343.Jump up ^ "What Jehovah’s Day Will Reveal", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 5.
344.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, July 15, 1960, page 444, "In 1942 the faithful and discreet slave guided by Jehovah's unerring spirit made known that the democracies would win World War II and that there would be a United Nations organization set up ... Once again the faithful and discreet slave has been tipped off ahead of time for the guidance of all lovers of God." (Footnote cites the booklet Peace—Can It Last, 1942, pages 21,22.)
345.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1959, pp. 39–41
346.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 9, 115. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
347.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, pages 78, 632.
348.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 219–221
349.Jump up ^ James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, page 86–91.
350.^ Jump up to: a b "Why So Many False Alarms?", Awake!, March 22, 1993, pages 3–4, footnote.
351.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 9.
352.Jump up ^ "False Prophets—Have not Jehovah's Witnesses made errors in their teachings?". Reasoning From the Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. p. 137.
353.Jump up ^ "To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ?". Watchtower: 23. March 1, 1979. "the “faithful and discreet slave” has alerted all of God’s people to the sign of the times indicating the nearness of God’s Kingdom rule. In this regard, however, it must be observed that this “faithful and discreet slave” was never inspired, never perfect. Those writings by certain members of the “slave” class that came to form the Christian part of God’s Word were inspired and infallible [the bible], but that is not true of other writings since."
354.Jump up ^ George D. Chryssides (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. xiv.
355.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 7
356.Jump up ^ "Another Church Sex Scandal" (April 29, 2003). CBS News.
357.Jump up ^ Cutrer, Corrie (March 5, 2001). "Witness Leaders Accused of Shielding Molesters", Christianity Today.
358.Jump up ^ Channel 9 Sunday, November 2005.
359.Jump up ^ "Secret database protects paedophiles", BBC Panorama, 2003.
360.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Protection". Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 1997. Retrieved 2010-03-13. See to confirm date.
361.Jump up ^ "To all Bodies of Elders in the United States". WTBS. 1995-08-01. Retrieved 2010-03-13.[dead link][unreliable source?]
362.Jump up ^ Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock. Brooklyn, New York: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 1977. p. 138.[unreliable source?]
363.Jump up ^ "Let Us ABHOR What Is Wicked". The Watchtower: 27–29. 1997-01-01. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
364.Jump up ^ Jehovah’s Witnesses Told to Pay in Abuse Case
365.Jump up ^ Woman molested by Jehovah's Witnesses member at age NINE wins $28million in America's BIGGEST religious sex abuse payout
366.Jump up ^ Amended judgment, page 2 (TIF image).
367.Jump up ^ Case documents
Further reading[edit]
For more details on this topic, see Bibliography of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Botting, Gary (1993). Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Calgary Press. ISBN 1-895176-06-9.
Botting, Heather and Gary (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
Chryssides, George D. (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0-8108-6074-0.
Crompton, Robert. Counting the Days to Armageddon. James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, 1996. ISBN 0-227-67939-3 A detailed examination of the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology.
Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-26609-2. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon.
Kaplan, William. State and Salvation Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1989. ISBN 0-8020-5842-6 Documents the Witnesses' fight for civil rights in Canada and the US amid political persecution during World War II.
Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3. Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the religion, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines.
Rogerson, Alan. Millions Now Living Will Never Die. London: Constable & Co, 1969. ISBN 978-0094559400 Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement, particularly its early years, a summary of Witness doctrines and the organizational and personal framework in which Witnesses conduct their lives.
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Faith In Action (2-DVD series), (2010–2011) Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses.

External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jehovah's Witnesses.
Official website
Knocking—A documentary about Jehovah's Witnesses
BBC - Religion: Jehovah's Witnesses



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Jehovah's Witnesses
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Jehovah's Witnesses
Watchtower Bible & Tract Society (world headquarters).jpg
International headquarters in Brooklyn, New York

Classification
Nontrinitarian, Restorationist
Structure
Hierarchical[1]
Region
Worldwide
Founder
Charles Taze Russell
Origin
1870s
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Branched from
Bible Student movement
Congregations
113,823
Members
7.96 million
Official website
www.jw.org
Statistics from 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses[2]
Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.[3] According to August 2013 organizational statistics published in the 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, worldwide membership exceeded 7.9 million adherents involved in evangelism,[4] convention attendance exceeded 14 million, and annual Memorial attendance exceeded 19.2 million.[5][6] Jehovah's Witnesses are directed by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders in Brooklyn, New York, which establishes all doctrines[7] based on its interpretations of the Bible;[8] they prefer to use their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.[9] They believe that the destruction of the present world system at Armageddon is imminent, and that the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity.[10]
The group emerged from the Bible Student movement, founded in the late 1870s by Charles Taze Russell with the formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, with significant organizational and doctrinal changes under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford.[11][12] The name Jehovah's witnesses, based on Isaiah 43:10–12,[13] was adopted in 1931 to distinguish themselves from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions.
Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and refusing military service and blood transfusions. They consider use of the name Jehovah vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism, inherent immortality of the soul, and hellfire, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe Christmas, Easter, birthdays, or other holidays and customs they consider to have pagan origins incompatible with Christianity.[14] Adherents commonly refer to their body of beliefs as "the truth" and consider themselves to be "in the truth".[15] They consider secular society to be morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan, and most limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses.[16] Congregational disciplinary actions include disfellowshipping, their term for formal expulsion and shunning.[17] Baptized individuals who formally leave are considered disassociated and are also shunned. Disfellowshipped and disassociated individuals may eventually be reinstated if deemed repentant.
The religion's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute national flags has brought it into conflict with some governments. Consequently, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted and their activities are banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced legislation related to civil rights in several countries.[18]



Contents  [hide]
1 History 1.1 Background (1870–1916)
1.2 Reorganization (1917–1942)
1.3 Continued development (1942–present)
2 Organization 2.1 Funding
3 Beliefs 3.1 Sources of doctrine
3.2 Jehovah and Jesus Christ
3.3 Satan
3.4 Life after death
3.5 God's kingdom
3.6 Eschatology
4 Practices 4.1 Worship
4.2 Evangelism
4.3 Ethics and morality
4.4 Disciplinary action
4.5 Separateness
4.6 Rejection of blood transfusions
5 Demographics
6 Sociological analysis
7 Opposition 7.1 Persecution
7.2 Legal challenges
8 Criticism 8.1 Free speech and thought
8.2 New World Translation
8.3 Failed predictions
8.4 Handling of sexual abuse cases
9 References
10 Further reading
11 External links

History[edit]
Part of a series on
Jehovah's Witnesses

Overview

Organizational structure
Governing Body
Watch Tower Bible
 and Tract Society
Corporations

History
Bible Student movement
Leadership dispute
Splinter groups
Doctrinal development
Unfulfilled predictions

Demographics
By country


Beliefs ·
 Practices
 
Salvation ·
 Eschatology

The 144,000
Faithful and discreet slave
Hymns ·
 God's name

Blood ·
 Discipline


Literature

The Watchtower ·
 Awake!

New World Translation
List of publications
Bibliography

Teaching programs

Kingdom Hall ·
 Gilead School


People

Watch Tower presidents

W. H. Conley ·
 C. T. Russell

J. F. Rutherford ·
 N. H. Knorr

F. W. Franz ·
 M. G. Henschel

D. A. Adams

Formative influences

William Miller ·
 Henry Grew

George Storrs ·
 N. H. Barbour

John Nelson Darby


Notable former members

Raymond Franz ·
 Olin Moyle


Opposition

Criticism ·
 Persecution

Supreme Court cases
 by country

v ·
 t ·
 e
   
Main article: History of Jehovah's Witnesses
Background (1870–1916)[edit]



Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916)
In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed an independent group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to study the Bible.[19] During the course of his ministry, Russell disputed many beliefs 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.[20] In 1876, Russell met Nelson H. Barbour; later that year they jointly produced the book Three Worlds, which combined restitutionist views with end time prophecy. The book taught that God's dealings with humanity were divided dispensationally, each ending with a "harvest," that Christ had returned as an invisible spirit being in 1874[20] inaugurating the "harvest of the Gospel age," and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2520-year period called "the Gentile Times,"[21] at which time world society would be replaced by the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth.[22][23][24] Beginning in 1878 they jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning.[25] In June 1879 the two split over doctrinal differences, and in July, Russell began publishing the magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence,[26] stating that its purpose was to demonstrate the world was in "the last days," and that a new age of earthly and human restitution under the reign of Christ was imminent.[27]
From 1879, Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible topically. Thirty congregations were founded, and during 1879 and 1880, Russell visited each to provide the format he recommended for conducting meetings.[28] As congregations continued to form during Russell's ministry, they each remained self-administrative, functioning under the congregationalist style of church governance.[29][30] In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by William Henry Conley, and in 1884, Charles Taze Russell incorporated the society as a non-profit business to distribute tracts and Bibles.[31][32][33] By about 1900, Russell had organized thousands of part- and full-time colporteurs,[26] and was appointing foreign missionaries and establishing branch offices. By the 1910s, Russell's organization maintained nearly a hundred "pilgrims," or traveling preachers.[34] Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry,[35][36][37] and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States.[36][38]
Russell moved the Watch Tower Society's headquarters to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909, combining printing and corporate offices with a house of worship; volunteers were housed in a nearby residence he named Bethel. He identified the religious movement as "Bible Students," and more formally as the International Bible Students Association.[39] By 1910, about 50,000 people worldwide were associated with the movement[40] and congregations re-elected him annually as their "pastor."[41] Russell died October 31, 1916, at the age of 64 while returning from a ministerial speaking tour.[42]
Reorganization (1917–1942)[edit]



Joseph F. Rutherford (1869–1942)
In January 1917, the Watch Tower Society's legal representative, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, was elected as its next president. His election was disputed, and members of the Board of Directors accused him of acting in an autocratic and secretive manner.[43][44] The divisions between his supporters and opponents triggered a major turnover of members over the next decade.[45][46] In June 1917, he released The Finished Mystery as a seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The book, published as the posthumous work of Russell, was a compilation of his commentaries on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation, plus numerous additions by Bible Students Clayton Woodworth and George Fisher.[47][48][49][50] It strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in the Great War.[51] As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under the Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; charges against the directors were dropped in 1920.[52]
Rutherford centralized organizational control of the Watch Tower Society. In 1919, he instituted the appointment of a director in each congregation, and a year later all members were instructed to report their weekly preaching activity to the Brooklyn headquarters.[53] At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching.[54] Significant changes in doctrine and administration were regularly introduced during Rutherford's twenty-five years as president, including the 1920 announcement that the Jewish patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ's thousand-year Kingdom.[55][56][57] Disappointed by the changes, tens of thousands of defections occurred during the first half of Rutherford's tenure, leading to the formation of several Bible Student organizations independent of the Watch Tower Society,[58][59] most of which still exist.[60] By mid-1919, as many as one in seven of Russell-era Bible Students had ceased their association with the Society, and as many as two-thirds by the end of the 1920s.[61][62][63][64][65]
On July 26, 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, Rutherford introduced the new name—Jehovah's witnesses—based on Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen"—which was adopted by resolution. The name was chosen to distinguish his group of Bible Students from other independent groups that had severed ties with the Society, as well as symbolize the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh evangelizing methods.[66][67][68] In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of locally elected elders and in 1938, introduced what he called a "theocratic" (literally, God-ruled) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters.[53]
From 1932, it was taught that the "little flock" of 144,000 would not be the only people to survive Armageddon. Rutherford explained that in addition to the 144,000 "anointed" who would be resurrected—or transferred at death—to live in heaven to rule over earth with Christ, a separate class of members, the "great multitude," would live in a paradise restored on earth; from 1935, new converts to the movement were considered part of that class.[69][70] By the mid-1930s, the timing of the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: parousía), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days" were each moved to 1914.[71]
As their interpretations of the Bible developed, Witness publications decreed that saluting national flags is a form of idolatry, which led to a new outbreak of mob violence and government opposition in the United States, Canada, Germany, and other countries.[72][73]
Worldwide membership of Jehovah's Witnesses reached 113,624 in 5,323 congregations by the time of Rutherford's death in January 1942.[74][75]
Continued development (1942–present)[edit]
See also: Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine and Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses



 Nathan H. Knorr (1905-1977)
Nathan Knorr was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1942. Knorr commissioned a new translation of the Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the full version of which was released in 1961. He organized large international assemblies, instituted new training programs for members, and expanded missionary activity and branch offices throughout the world.[76] Knorr's presidency was also marked by an increasing use of explicit instructions guiding Witnesses in their lifestyle and conduct, and a greater use of congregational judicial procedures to enforce a strict moral code.[77][78]
From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Christ's thousand-year reign might begin in late 1975[79][80] or shortly thereafter.[81][82][83][84] The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974. By 1975, the number of active members exceeded two million. Membership declined during the late 1970s after expectations for 1975 were proved wrong.[85][86][87][88] Watch Tower Society literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end,[81] but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year.[89][90]
The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters[91] (and later, also by branch committees). It has been announced that starting in September 2014, appointments will be made by traveling overseers. In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the Governing Body.[92] Since Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by Frederick Franz (1977–1992) and Milton Henschel (1992–2000), both members of the Governing Body, and since 2000 by Don A. Adams, not a member of the Governing Body. In 1995, Jehovah's Witnesses abandoned the idea that Armageddon must occur during the lives of the generation that was alive in 1914 and in 2013 changed their teaching on the "generation".[93][94][95][96]
Organization[edit]
Main article: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses are organized hierarchically, in what the leadership calls a "theocratic organization", reflecting their belief that it is God's "visible organization" on earth.[97][98][99] The organization is led by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size, but since early 2014 has comprised seven members,[note 1] all of whom profess to be of the "anointed" class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Brooklyn headquarters.[100][101] There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body.[102] Until late 2012, the Governing Body described itself as the representative[103][104] and "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (approximately 10,000 self-professed "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses).[105][106] At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the "faithful and discreet slave" was defined as referring to the Governing Body only.[107] The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities.[99] It appoints all branch committee members and traveling overseers, after they have been recommended by local branches, with traveling overseers supervising circuits of congregations within their jurisdictions. Traveling overseers appoint local elders and ministerial servants, and while branch offices may appoint regional committees for matters such as Kingdom Hall construction or disaster relief.[108]
Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases involving sexual misconduct or doctrinal breaches.[109] New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings.[99] Witnesses do not use elder as a title to signify a formal clergy-laity division,[110] though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege such as confession of sins.[111]
Baptism is a requirement for being considered a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism,[112] and previous baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid.[113] Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization,"[113] though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization."[114][115] Watch Tower Society publications emphasize the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to "his organization,"[116][117][note 2] stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon.[118][119][120]
Funding[edit]
Funding for all activities of the organization is provided by donations, primarily from members. There is no tithing or collection.[89][121] In 2001 Newsday listed the Watch Tower Society as one of New York's forty richest corporations, with revenues exceeding $950 million.[122] The organization reported for the same year that it "spent over 70.9 million dollars in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments."[123][note 3]
Beliefs[edit]
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Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses beliefs
Sources of doctrine[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their religion is a restoration of first-century Christianity.[124] Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture.[46][125][126] The Watch Tower Society does not issue any single, comprehensive "statement of faith", but prefers to express its doctrinal position in a variety of ways in its publications.[127] Its publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose,[128][129][130][131] and that such enlightenment results from the application of reason and study,[132] the guidance of the holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels.[133] The Society also teaches that members of the Governing Body are helped by the holy spirit to discern "deep truths", which are then considered by the entire Governing Body before it makes doctrinal decisions.[134] The religion's leadership, while disclaiming divine inspiration and infallibility,[135] is said to provide "divine guidance"[136] through its teachings described as "based on God's Word thus ... not from men, but from Jehovah."[137][138]
The entire Protestant canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God.[139] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable[140] and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic.[141] They consider the Bible to be the final authority for all their beliefs,[142] although sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the religion concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible.[143] Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended; Witnesses are discouraged from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through Bible research independent of Watch Tower Society publications, and are cautioned against reading other religious literature.[144][145][146] Adherents are told to have "complete confidence" in the leadership, avoid skepticism about what is taught in the Watch Tower Society's literature, and "not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding."[147][148][149][150] The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings[151] and all Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements.[152]
Jehovah and Jesus Christ[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the use of what they consider to be God's name, represented in the Old Testament by the Tetragrammaton.[153][154] In English they prefer to use the name Jehovah.[155] They believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and the "Universal Sovereign". They believe that all worship should be directed toward him, and that he is not part of a Trinity;[156] consequently, the religion places more emphasis on God than on Christ.[157][158] They believe that the holy spirit is God's applied power or "active force", rather than a person.[159][160]



 The Tetragrammaton
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, that everything else was created by means of Christ, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son".[161] Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humanity.[162] They believe Jesus died on a single upright torture stake rather than the traditional cross.[163] They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Abaddon (Apollyon), and the Word all refer to Jesus.[164] Jesus is considered to be the only intercessor and high priest between God and humanity, and appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom.[165] His role as a mediator (referred to in 1 Timothy 2:5) is applied to the 'anointed' class, though the 'other sheep' are said to also benefit from the arrangement.[166]

Satan[edit]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan caused Adam and Eve to disobey God, and humanity subsequently became participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty.[167] Other angels who sided with Satan became demons.
Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914,[168] at which point the end times began. Witnesses believe that Satan is the ruler of the current world order,[167] that human society is influenced and misled by Satan and his demons, and that they are a cause of human suffering. They believe that human governments are controlled by Satan,[169] but that he does not directly control each human ruler.[170]
Life after death[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and salvation
Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave.[171] Jehovah's Witnesses consider the soul to be a life or a living body that can die.[172] Watch Tower Society publications teach that humanity is in a sinful state,[172] from which release is only possible by means of Jesus' shed blood as a ransom, or atonement, for the sins of humankind.[173]
Witnesses believe that a "little flock" go to heaven, but that the hope for life after death for the majority of "other sheep" involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon. They interpret Revelation 14:1–5 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth.[174] Jehovah's Witnesses teach that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge.[175][176][177] During Christ's millennial reign, most people who died prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God to prepare them for their final test at the end of the millennium.[178][179]
God's kingdom[edit]
Watch Tower Society publications teach that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 Christians drawn from the earth.[180] The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming it into a paradise without sickness or death.[181] It is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth.[182] They believe the kingdom was established in heaven in 1914,[183] and that Jehovah's Witnesses serve as representatives of the kingdom on earth.[184][185]
Eschatology[edit]
Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered the "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably.[186] They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17,[187] and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the United Nations, which they believe is represented in scripture by the scarlet-colored wild beast of Revelation chapter 17. This development will mark the beginning of the "great tribulation".[188] 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. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden.[189] After Armageddon, most of those who had died before God's intervention will gradually be resurrected during "judgment day" lasting for one thousand years. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind. Those who fail will be destroyed, along with Satan and his demons. The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race. Christ will then hand all authority back to God.[190]
Watch Tower Society publications teach that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven as king of God's kingdom in October 1914, and that Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in "woe" to humanity. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, from heaven, perceived only as a series of "signs". They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word parousia—usually translated as "coming" when referring to Christ—as "presence". They believe Jesus' presence includes an unknown period beginning with his inauguration as king in heaven in 1914, and ending when he comes to bring a final judgment against humans on earth. They thus depart from the mainstream Christian belief that the "second coming" of Matthew 24 refers to a single moment of arrival on earth to judge humans.[191][192]
Practices[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses practices
Worship[edit]



 Worship at a Kingdom Hall.
Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols.[193] Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of Watch Tower Society literature and the Bible. The format of the meetings is established by the religion's headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is the same worldwide.[193] Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (three meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Prior to 2009, congregations met three times each week; these meetings were condensed, with the intention that members dedicate an evening for "family worship".[194][195] Gatherings are opened and closed with kingdom songs (hymns) and brief prayers. Twice each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for a one-day assembly. Larger groups of congregations meet once a year for a three-day "regional convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death" on the date of the Jewish Passover.[196]
Evangelism[edit]



 Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their preaching from house to house.
See also: Jehovah's Witnesses publications
Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house,[197][198][199] distributing literature published by the Watch Tower Society in 190 languages.[200] The objective is to start a regular "Bible study" with any person who is not already a member.[201] Once the study course is completed, the individual is expected to become baptized as a member of the group.[202][203] Witnesses are told they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching.[204][205] They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and are required to submit an individual monthly "Field Service Report".[206][207] Baptized members who fail to submit a report every month are termed "irregular" and may be counseled by elders;[208][209] those who do not submit a report for six consecutive months are termed "inactive".[210]
Ethics and morality[edit]
All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant;[211][212] homosexual activity is considered a serious sin, and same-sex marriages are forbidden. Abortion is considered murder.[213] Suicide is considered to be "self-inflicted murder" and a sin against God.[214] Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden.[215] Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.[213]
The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered to have authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be monogamous and legally registered.[216][217] Marrying a non-believer, or endorsing such a union, is strongly discouraged and carries religious sanctions.[218][219] Divorce is discouraged, and remarriage is forbidden unless a divorce is obtained on the grounds of adultery, termed "a scriptural divorce".[220] If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adulterous unless the prior spouse has died or is since considered to have committed fornication.[221] Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the religion terms "absolute endangerment of spirituality" are considered grounds for legal separation.[222][223]
Disciplinary action[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and congregational discipline
Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. When a baptized member is accused of committing a serious sin—usually cases of sexual misconduct[109][224] or charges of apostasy for disputing the Watch Tower Society's doctrines[225][226]—a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, provide help and possibly administer discipline. Disfellowshipping, a form of shunning, is the strongest form of discipline, administered to an offender deemed unrepentant.[227] Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement;[228][229] formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged.[230] Witnesses are taught that avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals keeps the congregation free from immoral influence and that "losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help [the shunned individual] to come 'to his senses,' see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah."[231] The practice of shunning may also serve to deter other members from dissident behavior.[232] Members who disassociate (formally resign) are described in Watch Tower Society literature as wicked and are also shunned.[233][234][235] Expelled individuals may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant by elders in the congregation in which the disfellowshipping was enforced.[236] Reproof is a lesser form of discipline given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of serious sin; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship.[237] Marking, a curtailing of social but not spiritual fellowship, is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a serious sin.[note 4]
Separateness[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and governments
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements.[238][239][240] They believe that only their religion represents true Christianity, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will soon be destroyed.[241] Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." Watch Tower Society publications define the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants" and teach that it is morally contaminated and ruled by Satan.[242][243][244] Witnesses are taught that association with "worldly" people presents a "danger" to their faith,[245] and are instructed to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality.[246][247][248][249]
Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king. They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office, and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues.[250][251] They do not celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, nor do they observe birthdays, nationalistic holidays, or other celebrations they consider to honor people other than Jesus. They feel that these and many other customs have pagan origins or reflect a nationalistic or political spirit. Their position is that these traditional holidays reflect Satan's control over the world.[252][253][254] Witnesses are told that spontaneous giving at other times can help their children to not feel deprived of birthdays or other celebrations.[255]
They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services,[256] and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment.[257] They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing national anthems or patriotic songs.[258] Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as a worldwide brotherhood that transcends national boundaries and ethnic loyalties.[259][260] Sociologist Ronald Lawson has suggested the religion's intellectual and organizational isolation, coupled with the intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline and considerable persecution, has contributed to the consistency of its sense of urgency in its apocalyptic message.[261]
Rejection of blood transfusions[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood transfusions
Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28, 29 and other scriptures.[262][263][264] Since 1961 the willing acceptance of a blood transfusion by an unrepentant member has been grounds for expulsion from the religion.[265][266] Watch Tower Society literature directs Witnesses to refuse blood transfusions, even in "a life-or-death situation".[267][268][269] Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and the Watch Tower Society provides information about current non-blood medical procedures.[270]
Though Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions of whole blood, they may accept some blood plasma fractions at their own discretion.[271][272][273] The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted Durable Power of Attorney documents prohibiting major blood components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept.[274][275] Jehovah's Witnesses have established Hospital Liaison Committees as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals.[276][277]
Demographics[edit]
Main article: Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses
JWStats1931-2010.png
Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, but do not form a large part of the population of any country.
As of August 2013, Jehovah's Witnesses report an average of 7.69 million publishers—the term they use for members actively involved in preaching—in 113,823 congregations.[2] In 2013, these reports indicated over 1.84 billion hours spent in preaching and "Bible study" activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 7.96 million.[278] In the same year, they conducted "Bible studies" with over 9.2 million individuals, including those conducted by Witness parents with their children.[4][279][280] Jehovah's Witnesses estimate their current worldwide growth rate to be 2.1% per year.[2]
The official published membership statistics, such as those mentioned above, include only those who submit reports for their personal ministry; official statistics do not include inactive and disfellowshipped individuals or others who might attend their meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered active by the faith itself.[281][282] The 2008 US Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey found a low retention rate among members of the religion: about 37% of people raised in the religion continued to identify themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses.[283][284]
Sociological analysis[edit]
See also: Sociological classifications of religious movements
Sociologist James A. Beckford, in his 1975 study of Jehovah's Witnesses, classified the religion's organizational structure as Totalizing, characterized by an assertive leadership, specific and narrow objectives, control over competing demands on members' time and energy, and control over the quality of new members. Other characteristics of the classification include likelihood of friction with secular authorities, reluctance to co-operate with other religious organizations, a high rate of membership turnover, a low rate of doctrinal change, and strict uniformity of beliefs among members.[285] Beckford identified the religion's chief characteristics as historicism (identifying historical events as relating to the outworking of God's purpose), absolutism (conviction that the Watch Tower Society dispenses absolute truth), activism (capacity to motivate members to perform missionary tasks), rationalism (conviction that Witness doctrines have a rational basis devoid of mystery), authoritarianism (rigid presentation of regulations without the opportunity for criticism) and world indifference (rejection of certain secular requirements and medical treatments).[286]
Sociologist Bryan R. Wilson, in his consideration of five religions including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the religions:[287]
1."exists in a state of tension with the wider society;"
2."imposes tests of merit on would-be members;"
3."exercises stern discipline, regulating the declared beliefs and the life habits of members and prescribing and operating sanctions for those who deviate, including the possibility of expulsion;"
4."demands sustained and total commitment from its members, and the subordination, and perhaps even the exclusion of all other interests."
A sociological comparative study by the Pew Research Center found that Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States ranked highest in statistics for getting no further than high school graduation, belief in God, importance of religion in one's life, frequency of religious attendance, frequency of prayers, frequency of Bible reading outside of religious services, belief their prayers are answered, belief that their religion can only be interpreted one way, belief that theirs is the only one true faith leading to eternal life, opposition to abortion, and opposition to homosexuality. In the study, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked lowest in statistics for having earned a graduate degree and interest in politics.[288]
Opposition[edit]
Controversy surrounding various beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses has led to opposition from local governments, communities, and religious groups. Religious commentator Ken Jubber wrote that "Viewed globally, this persecution has been so persistent and of such intensity that it would not be inaccurate to regard Jehovah's witnesses as the most persecuted group of Christians of the twentieth century."[289]
Persecution[edit]
Main article: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses
See also: Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Nazi Germany



 Jehovah's Witness prisoners were identified by purple triangle badges in Nazi concentration camps.
Political and religious animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to mob action and government oppression in various countries. Their doctrine of political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during World War II and at other times where national service has been compulsory. In 1933, there were approximately 20,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany,[290] of whom about 10,000 were imprisoned. Of those, 2000 were sent to concentration camps, where they were identified by purple triangles; as many as 1200 died, including 250 who were executed.[291][292][293][294] In Canada, Jehovah's Witnesses were interned in camps[295] along with political dissidents and people of Chinese and Japanese descent.[296] In the former Soviet Union, about 9300 Jehovah's Witnesses were deported to Siberia as part of Operation North in April 1951.[297] Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries, including China, Vietnam and some Islamic states.[298][299]
Authors including William Whalen, Shawn Francis Peters and former Witnesses Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Alan Rogerson and William Schnell, have claimed the religion incited opposition to pursue a course of martyrdom under Rutherford's leadership during the 1930s, in a bid to attract dispossessed members of society, and to convince members that persecution from the outside world was evidence of the "truth" of their struggle to serve God.[300] Watch Tower Society literature of the period directed Witnesses to "avoid unnecessary opposition or prejudice", stating that their purpose is not to get arrested.[301]
Legal challenges[edit]
Main article: Supreme Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses by country
Several cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses have been heard by Supreme Courts throughout the world.[302] The cases generally relate to their right to practice their religion, displays of patriotism and military service, and blood transfusions.[303]
In the United States, their persistent legal challenges prompted a series of state and federal court rulings that reinforced judicial protections for civil liberties.[304] Among the rights strengthened by Witness court victories in the United States are the protection of religious conduct from federal and state interference, the right to abstain from patriotic rituals and military service, the right of patients to refuse medical treatment, and the right to engage in public discourse.[305] Similar cases in their favor have been heard in Canada.[306]
Criticism[edit]
Main article: Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses
Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases, and what is claimed to be coercion of members. Many of the claims are denied by Jehovah's Witnesses and some have also been disputed by courts and religious scholars.
Free speech and thought[edit]
Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, without consultation with other members.[307]The religion does not tolerate dissidence about doctrines and practices;[138][308][309][310] members who openly disagree with the religion's teachings are shunned.[226] Watch Tower Society publications strongly discourage followers from questioning its doctrines and counsel, reasoning that the Society is to be trusted as "God's organization".[310][311][312][313] It also warns members to "avoid independent thinking", claiming such thinking "was introduced by Satan the Devil"[314][315] and would "cause division".[316] Those who openly disagree with official teachings are condemned as "apostates" who are "mentally diseased".[317][318][319]
Former members Heather and Gary Botting compare the cultural paradigms of the religion to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four,[320] and Alan Rogerson describes the religion's leadership as totalitarian.[321] Other critics charge that by disparaging individual decision-making, the Watch Tower Society cultivates a system of unquestioning obedience[144][322] in which Witnesses abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives.[323][324] Critics also accuse the Watch Tower Society of exercising "intellectual dominance" over Witnesses,[325] controlling information[226][326][327] and creating "mental isolation",[328] which former Governing Body member Raymond Franz argued were all elements of mind control.[328]
Watch Tower Society publications state that consensus of faith aids unity,[329] and deny that unity restricts individuality or imagination.[329] Historian James Irvin Lichti has rejected the description of the religion as "totalitarian".[330]
Sociologist Rodney Stark states that while Jehovah's Witness leaders are "not always very democratic" and members are expected to conform to "rather strict standards," enforcement tends to be informal, sustained by close bonds of friendship and that Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as "part of the power structure rather than subject to it."[87] Sociologist Andrew Holden states that most members who join millenarian movements such as Jehovah's Witnesses have made an informed choice.[331] However, he also states that defectors "are seldom allowed a dignified exit",[317] and describes the administration as autocratic.[332]
New World Translation[edit]
Main article: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
Some Bible scholars including Bruce M. Metzger, former Professor and Bible editor at Princeton Theological Seminary, have said that the translation of certain texts in its New World Translation of the Bible is biased in favor of Witness practices and doctrines.[333][334][335][336][337] The Bible editor Harold H. Rowley criticized the pre-release edition of the first volume (Genesis to Ruth) published in 1953 as "a shining example of how the Bible should not be translated."[338]
On the other hand, in his study on nine of "the Bibles most widely in use in the English-speaking world", Bible scholar Jason BeDuhn, Professor of Religious Studies at the Northern Arizona University, wrote: “The NW [New World Translation] emerges as the most accurate of the translations compared.” Although the general public and many Bible scholars assume that the differences in the New World Translation are the result of religious bias on the part of its translators, BeDuhn stated: “Most of the differences are due to the greater accuracy of the NW as a literal, conservative translation of the original expressions of the New Testament writers.” He added however that the insertion of the name Jehovah in the New Testament "violate[s] accuracy in favor of denominationally preferred expressions for God".[339]
Failed predictions[edit]
Main article: Watch Tower Society unfulfilled predictions
Watch Tower Society publications have claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses (and formerly, the International Bible Students) to declare his will[340][341] and has provided advance knowledge about Armageddon and the establishment of God's kingdom.[342][343][344] Some publications also claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses and the International Bible Students as a modern-day prophet.[note 5] Jehovah's Witnesses' publications have made various predictions about world events they believe were prophesied in the Bible.[345][346] Failed predictions have led to the alteration or abandonment of some doctrines.[347][348] Some failed predictions that the Watch Tower Society had claimed were presented as "beyond doubt" or "approved by God".[349]
The Watch Tower Society rejects accusations that it is a false prophet,[350] stating that its teachings are not inspired or infallible,[351][352][353] and that it has not claimed its predictions were "the words of Jehovah."[350] George D. Chryssides has suggested that with the exception of statements about 1914, 1925 and 1975, the changing views and dates of the Jehovah's Witnesses are largely attributable to changed understandings of biblical chronology than to failed predictions.[79] Chryssides further states, "it is therefore simplistic and naïve to view the Witnesses as a group that continues to set a single end-date that fails and then devise a new one, as many counter-cultists do."[354] However, sociologist Andrew Holden states that since the foundation of the movement around 140 years ago, "Witnesses have maintained that we are living on the precipice of the end of time."[355]
Handling of sexual abuse cases[edit]
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses' handling of child sex abuse
Critics have accused Jehovah's Witnesses of employing organizational policies that make the reporting of sexual abuse difficult for members. Some victims of sexual abuse have asserted that they were ordered by certain local elders to maintain silence so as to avoid embarrassment to both the accused and the organization.[356][357][358][359] Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that they have no policy of silence, and that elders are directed to report abuse to authorities when there is evidence of abuse, and when required to by law. In 1997, Jehovah's Witnesses' Office of Public Information published their policy[360] for elders to report allegations of child abuse to the authorities where required by law to do so, even if there was only one witness.[361][362] An individual known to have sexually abused a child is generally prohibited from holding any position of responsibility inside the organization.[363] Unless considered by the congregation elders to have demonstrated repentance, such a person is typically disfellowshipped.[212]
In June 2012, the Superior Court of Alameda, California, ordered the Watch Tower Society to pay $21 million in punitive damages, in addition to compensatory damages, after finding that the Society's policy to not disclose child abuse history of a member to parents in the congregation or to report abuse to authorities contributed to the sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl.[364][365] A subsequent motion in September 2012 resulted in a reduction of the punitive damages to $8.61 million.[366] The Watch Tower Society appealed the revised ruling, and the case is ongoing.[367]
References[edit]
Explanatory notes
1.Jump up ^ Twelve members as of September 2005 (See The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 26)
 Schroeder died March 8, 2006. (See The Watchtower, September 15, 2006, page 31)
 Sydlik died April 18, 2006. (See The Watchtower, January 1, 2007, page 8)
 Barber died April 8, 2007. (See The Watchtower, October 15, 2007, page 31)
 Jaracz died June 9, 2010. (See The Watchtower, November 15, 2010, page 23)
 Barr died December 4, 2010. (See The Watchtower, May 15, 2011, page 6)
 Sanderson appointed September 1, 2012. (See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, page 26)
 Pierce died March 20, 2014. (See the announcement on jw.org)
2.Jump up ^ Raymond Franz (In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, p.449) cites various Watch Tower Society publications that stress loyalty and obedience to the organization, including: "Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View", The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect."; The Watchtower, September 1, 2006, pg 15, "Have we formed a loyal attachment to the organization that Jehovah is using today?"; "Your Reminders Are What I Am Fond Of", The Watchtower, June 15, 2006, pg 26, "We too should remain faithful to Jehovah and to his organization regardless of injustices we suffer and regardless of what others do."; "Are You Prepared for Survival?", The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, pg 22, "Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization."; Worship The Only True God (Watch Tower Society, 2002), pg 134, "Jehovah is guiding us today by means of his visible organization under Christ. Our attitude toward this arrangement demonstrates how we feel about the issue of sovereignty ... By being loyal to Jehovah’s organization, we show that Jehovah is our God and that we are united in worship of him."
3.Jump up ^ 2013 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. 178. "During the 2012 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent over $184 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments."
4.Jump up ^ A common example given is a baptized Witness who dates a non-Witness; see The Watchtower, July 15, 1999, p. 30.
5.Jump up ^ Raymond Franz cites numerous examples. In Crisis of Conscience, 2002, pg. 173, he quotes from "They Shall Know That a Prophet Was Among Them", (The Watchtower, April 1, 1972,) which states that God had raised Jehovah's Witnesses as a prophet "to warn (people) of dangers and declare things to come" He also cites "Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger" (The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 8) which identifies the Witnesses as his "true messengers ... by making the messages he delivers through them come true", in contrast to "false messengers", whose predictions fail. In In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, he quotes The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah—How? (1971, pg 70, 292) which describes Witnesses as the modern Ezekiel class, "a genuine prophet within our generation". The Watch Tower book noted: "Concerning the message faithfully delivered by the Ezekiel class, Jehovah positively states that it 'must come true' ... those who wait undecided until it does 'come true' will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them." He also cites "Execution of the Great Harlot Nears", (The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, pg 17) which claims God gives the Witnesses "special knowledge that others do not have ... advance knowledge about this system's end".
Citations
1.Jump up ^ "Court Trial Testimony Redwood City". Superior Court of the State of California. February 22, 2012. "I am general counsel for the National Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses out of Brooklyn, New York. ... We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church."
2.^ Jump up to: a b c 2014 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. 2013. pp. 185–186.
3.Jump up ^ Sources for descriptors:
• Millenarian: Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. pp. 118–119, 151, 200–201. ISBN 0-631-16310-7.
• Restorationist: Stark et al.; Iannaccone, Laurence (1997). "Why Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application". Journal of Contemporary Religion 12 (2): 133–157. doi:10.1080/13537909708580796.
• Christian: "Religious Tolerance.org". "Statistics on Religion".
• Denomination: "Jehovah's Witnesses at a Glance"."The American Heritage Dictionary"."Memorial and Museum AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU".
4.^ Jump up to: a b "Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site: Our History and Organization: Membership". Office of Public Information of Jehovah's Witnesses. "While other religious groups count their membership by occasional or annual attendance, this figure reflects only those who are actively involved in the public Bible educational work [of Jehovah's Witnesses]."
5.Jump up ^ "Guided by God's Spirit". Awake!: 32. June 2008. Retrieved 2012-06-16.
6.Jump up ^ "Statistics at Jehovah's Witnesses official website, 2010".
7.Jump up ^ Beckford, James A. (1975). The Trumpet of Prophecy: A Sociological Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Oxford: Basil Blackwell. p. 221. ISBN 0-631-16310-7. "Doctrine has always emanated from the Society's elite in Brooklyn and has never emerged from discussion among, or suggestion from, rank-and-file Witnesses."
8.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses". The Columbia Encyclopedia. Columbia University Press. 2011. ISBN 978-0-7876-5015-5. "The Witnesses base their teaching on the Bible."
9.Jump up ^ Edwards, Linda (2001). A Brief Guide to Beliefs. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press. p. 438. ISBN 0-664-22259-5. "The Jehovah's Witnesses' interpretation of Christianity and their rejection of orthodoxy influenced them to produce their own translation of the Bible, The New World Translation."
10.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witness". Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2007. ISBN 978-1-59339-293-2.
11.Jump up ^ Michael Hill, ed. (1972). "The Embryonic State of a Religious Sect's Development: The Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Yearbook of Religion in Britain (5): 11–12. "Joseph Franklin Rutherford succeeded to Russell's position as President of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, but only at the expense of antagonizing a large proportion of the Watch Towers subscribers. Nevertheless, he persisted in moulding the Society to suit his own programme of activist evangelism under systematic central control, and he succeeded in creating the administrative structure of the present-day sect of Jehovah's Witnesses."
12.Jump up ^ Leo P. Chall (1978). "Sociological Abstracts". Sociology of Religion 26 (1–3): 193. "Rutherford, through the Watch Tower Society, succeeded in changing all aspects of the sect from 1919 to 1932 and created Jehovah's Witnesses—a charismatic offshoot of the Bible student community."
13.Jump up ^ Isaiah 43:10–12
14.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 274–5. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
15.Jump up ^ Singelenberg, Richard (1989). "It Separated the Wheat From the Chaff: The 1975 Prophecy and its Impact Among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Analysis 50 (Spring 1989): 23–40, footnote 8. doi:10.2307/3710916. "'The Truth' is Witnesses' jargon, meaning the Society's belief system."
16.Jump up ^ Penton, M.J. (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 280–283. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3. "Most Witnesses tend to think of society outside their own community as decadent and corrupt ... This in turn means to Jehovah's Witnesses that they must keep themselves apart from Satan's "doomed system of things." Thus most tend to socialize largely, although not totally, within the Witness community."
17.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. London: Continuum. p. 5. ISBN 0-8264-5959-5. "The Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their practice of 'disfellowshipping' wayward members."
18.Jump up ^ Gary Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses (Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 1993), pg 1–13.
19.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 6. ISBN 978-0094559400.
20.^ Jump up to: a b Beckford 1975, p. 2
21.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 37–39. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
22.Jump up ^ Bible Examiner October, 1876 "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" pp 27–8: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914; when Jerusalem shall be delivered forever ... when Gentile Governments shall have been dashed to pieces; when God shall have poured out of his fury upon the nations and they acknowledge him King of Kings and Lord of Lords."
23.Jump up ^ Studies in the Scriptures volume 4, "The Battle of Armageddon", 1897, pg xii
24.Jump up ^ C. T. Russell, The Time is at Hand, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1889, page 101.
25.Jump up ^ Heather and Gary Botting, The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1984, p. 36.
26.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 18
27.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, July 1, 1879, pg 1: "This is the first number of the first volume of "Zion's Watch Tower," and it may not be amiss to state the object of its publication. That we are living "in the last days"—"the day of the Lord"—"the end" of the Gospel age, and consequently, in the dawn of a "new" age."
28.Jump up ^ 1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, Watch Tower, pages 38–39
29.Jump up ^ Zion's Watch Tower, September 1884, pp. 7–8
30.Jump up ^ Studies in the Scriptures volume 6 "The New Creation" pp. 195–272
31.Jump up ^ C.T. Russell, "A Conspiracy Exposed", Zion's Watch Tower Extra edition, April 25, 1894, page 55–60, "This is a business association merely ... it has no creed or confession ... it is merely a business convenience in disseminating the truth."]
32.Jump up ^ Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses by George D. Chryssides, Scarecrow Press, 2008, page xxxiv, "Russell wanted to consolidate the movement he had started. ...In 1880, Bible House, a four-story building in Allegheny, was completed, with printing facilities and meeting accommodation, and it became the organization's headquarters. The next stage of institutionalization was legal incorporation. In 1884, Russell formed the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, which was incorporated in Pennsylvania... Russell was concerned that his supporters should feel part of a unified movement."
33.Jump up ^ Religion in the Twentieth Century by Vergilius Ture Anselm Ferm, Philosophical Library, 1948, page 383, "As the [unincorporated Watch Tower] Society expanded, it became necessary to incorporate it and build a more definite organization. In 1884, a charter was granted recognizing the Society as a religious, non-profit corporation."
34.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 19
35.Jump up ^ A Chronology and Glossary of Propaganda in the United States Greenwood Press: 1996. pg. 35: "Russell is naturally media literate, and the amount of literature he circulates proves staggering. Books, booklets, and tracts are distributed by the hundreds of millions. This is supplemented by well-publicized speaking tours and a masterful press relations effort, which gives him widespread access to general audiences."
36.^ Jump up to: a b The Overland Monthly, January 1910 pg. 130
37.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 26–29
38.Jump up ^ W.T. Ellis, The Continent, McCormick Publishing Company, vol. 43, no. 40, October 3, 1912 pg. 1354
39.Jump up ^ Religious Diversity and American Religious History by Walter H. Conser, Sumner B. Twiss, University of Georgia Press, 1997, page 136, "The Jehovah's Witnesses...has maintained a very different attitude toward history. Established initially in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russell under the title International Bible Students Association, this organization has proclaimed..."
40.Jump up ^ The New Schaff–Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, 1910, vol 7, pg 374
41.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 26
42.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 31. ISBN 978-0094559400.
43.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 53
44.Jump up ^ A.N. Pierson et al, Light After Darkness, 1917, page 4.
45.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. p. 101. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
46.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, pp. 58, 61–62
47.Jump up ^ The Bible Students Monthly, vol. 9 no. 9, pp 1, 4: "The following article is extracted mainly from Pastor Russell's posthumous volume entitled "THE FINISHED MYSTERY," the 7th in the series of his STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES and published subsequent to his death."
48.Jump up ^ Lawson, John D., American State Trials, vol 13, Thomas Law Book Company, 1921, pg viii: "After his death and after we were in the war they issued a seventh volume of this series, entitled "The Finished Mystery," which, under the guise of being a posthumous work of Pastor Russell, included an attack on the war and an attack on patriotism, which were not written by Pastor Russell and could not have possibly been written by him."
49.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 84–85. ISBN 0-227-67939-3. "One of Rutherford's first actions as president ... was, without reference either to his fellow directors or to the editorial committee which Russell had nominated in his will, to commission a seventh volume of Studies in the Scriptures. Responsibility for preparing this volume was given to two of Russell's close associates, George H. Fisher and Clayton J. Woodworth. On the face of it, their brief was to edit for publication the notes left by Russell ... and to draw upon his published writings ... It is obvious ... that it was not in any straightforward sense the result of editing Russell's papers, rather it was in large measure the original work of Woodworth and Fisher at the behest of the new president."
50.Jump up ^ "Publisher's Preface". The Finished Mystery. "But the fact is, he did write it. This book may properly be said to be a posthumous publication of Pastor Russell. Why?... This book is chiefly a compilation of things which he wrote and which have been brought together in harmonious style by properly applying the symbols which he explained to the Church."
51.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 55
52.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 44. ISBN 978-0094559400.
53.^ Jump up to: a b Franz, Raymond (2007). "Chapter 4". In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
54.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1993. pp. 72–77.
55.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (2010). "How Prophecy Succeeds: The Jehovah’s Witnesses and Prophetic Expectations". International Journal for the Study of New Religions 1 (1): 39. doi:10.1558/ijsnr.v1i1.27. ISSN 2041-952X.
56.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. p. 144. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
57.Jump up ^ Salvation, Watch Tower Society, 1939, as cited in Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 76
58.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. pp. 39, 52. ISBN 978-0094559400.
59.Jump up ^ Herbert H. Stroup, The Jehovah's Witnesses, Colombia University Press, New York, 1945, pg 14,15: "Following his election the existence of the movement was threatened as never before. Many of those who remembered wistfully the halcyon days of Mr Russell's leadership found that the new incumbent did not fulfill their expectations of a saintly leader. Various elements split off from the parent body, and such fission continued throughout Rutherford's leadership."
60.Jump up ^ Reed, David, Whither the Watchtower? Christian Research Journal, Summer 1993, pg 27: "By gradually replacing locally elected elders with his own appointees, he managed to transform a loose collection of semi-autonomous, democratically run congregations into a tight-knit organizational machine controlled from his office. Some local congregations broke away, forming such groups as the Chicago Bible Students, the Dawn Bible Students, and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement, all of which continue to this day."
61.Jump up ^ Thirty Years a Watchtower Slave, William J. Schnell, Baker, Grand Rapids, 1956, as cited by Rogerson, page 52. Rogerson notes that it is not clear exactly how many Bible Students left, but quotes Rutherford (Jehovah, 1934, page 277) as saying "only a few" who left other religions were then "in God's organization".
62.Jump up ^ The Present Truth and Herald of Christ's Epiphany, P.S.L. Johnson (April 1927, pg 66). Johnson stated that between late 1923 and early 1927, "20,000 to 30,000 Truth people the world over have left the Society."
63.Jump up ^ Tony Wills (A People For His Name, pg. 167) cites The Watch Tower (December 1, 1927, pg 355) in which Rutherford states that "the larger percentage" of original Bible Students had by then departed.
64.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 50
65.Jump up ^ Rogerson 1969, p. 37
66.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. London: Constable. p. 55. "In 1931, came an important milestone in the history of the organisation. For many years Rutherford's followers had been called a variety of names: 'International Bible Students', 'Russellites', or 'Millennial Dawners'. In order to distinguish clearly his followers from the other groups who had separated in 1918 Rutherford proposed that they adopt an entirely new name—Jehovah's witnesses."
67.Jump up ^ James A. Beckford, The Trumpet of Prophecy, 1975, page 30, "The new title symbolized a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions, the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh methods of administering evangelism."
68.Jump up ^ "A New Name". The Watch Tower: 291. October 1, 1931. "Since the death of Charles T. Russell there have arisen numerous companies formed out of those who once walked with him, each of these companies claiming to teach the truth, and each calling themselves by some name, such as "Followers of Pastor Russell", "those who stand by the truth as expounded by Pastor Russell," "Associated Bible Students," and some by the names of their local leaders. All of this tends to confusion and hinders those of good will who are not better informed from obtaining a knowledge of the truth."
69.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 31
70.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 71–72
71.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 109–110. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
72.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 35
73.Jump up ^ Garbe, Detlef (2008). Between Resistance and Martyrdom: Jehovah's Witnesses in the Third Reich. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 145. ISBN 0-299-20794-3.
74.Jump up ^ 1943 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1942. pp. 221–222.
75.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose. Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. 1959. pp. 312–313.
76.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 47–52
77.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 52–55
78.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 89–90
79.^ Jump up to: a b George Chryssides, They Keep Changing the Dates, A paper presented at the CESNUR 2010 conference in Torino.
80.Jump up ^ Chryssides, George D. (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press. p. 19. ISBN 0-8108-6074-0.
81.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, p. 95
82.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 46. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
83.Jump up ^ "Awake!". Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. October 8, 1968. p. 14. "Does this mean that the above evidence positively points to 1975 as the complete end of this system of things? Since the Bible does not specifically state this, no man can say... If the 1970s should see intervention by Jehovah God to bring an end to a corrupt world drifting toward ultimate disintegration, that should surely not surprise us."
84.Jump up ^ "How Are You Using Your Life?". Our Kingdom Ministry: 63. May 1974. "Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly, this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end."
85.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond. "1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act" (PDF). Crisis of Conscience. pp. 237–253. ISBN 0-914675-23-0. Retrieved 2006-07-27.
86.Jump up ^ Singelenberg, Richard (1989). "The '1975'-prophecy and its impact among Dutch Jehovah's Witnesses". Sociological Analysis 50 (1): 23–40. doi:10.2307/3710916. JSTOR 3710916. Notes a nine percent drop in total publishers (door-to-door preachers) and a 38 per cent drop in pioneers (full-time preachers) in the Netherlands.
87.^ Jump up to: a b Stark and Iannoccone (1997). "Why the Jehovah's Witnesses Grow So Rapidly: A Theoretical Application" (PDF). Journal of Contemporary Religion: 142–143. Retrieved 2013-07-16.
88.Jump up ^ Dart, John (January 30, 1982). "Defectors Feel 'Witness' Wrath: Critics say Baptism Rise Gives False Picture of Growth". Los Angeles Times. p. B4. Cited statistics showing a net increase of publishers worldwide from 1971 to 1981 of 737,241, while baptisms totaled 1.71 million for the same period.
89.^ Jump up to: a b Hesse, Hans (2001). Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi-Regime. Chicago: Edition Temmen c/o. pp. 296, 298. ISBN 3-861-08750-2.
90.Jump up ^ "The Watchtower". March 15, 1980. pp. 17–18. "With the appearance of the book Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God, ... considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975. ... there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. ... persons having to do with the publication of the information ... contributed to the buildup of hopes centered on that date."
91.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, pp. 32,112
92.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 64
93.Jump up ^ Joel P. Engardio (December 18, 1995), Apocalypse Later, Newsweek
94.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 317
95.Jump up ^ John Dart, "Jehovah's Witnesses Abandon Key Tenet", Los Angeles Times, November 4, 1995.
96.Jump up ^ THE WATCHTOWER (STUDY EDITION) JANUARY 2014: http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20140115/let-your-kingdom-come/
97.Jump up ^ "Overseers and Ministerial Servants Theocratically Appointed". The Watchtower: 16. 15 January 2001. "Theocratic appointments come from Jehovah through his Son and God’s visible earthly channel, “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body."
98.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, October 1, 1967 pg 591–92: "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect. We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his Word and channel of communication. Therefore, in submitting to Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, we must be in full and complete agreement with every feature of its apostolic procedure and requirements."
99.^ Jump up to: a b c Penton 1997, pp. 211–252
100.Jump up ^ Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 2007 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. pp. 4, 6.
101.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather & Gary (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
102.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 123. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
103.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, May 15, 2008, page 29
104.Jump up ^ "Seek God's guidance in all things", The Watchtower, April 15, 2008, page 11.
105.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 153. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
106.Jump up ^ Yearbook, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2010.
107.Jump up ^ "Annual Meeting Report".
108.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 101, 233–235
109.^ Jump up to: a b Gallagher, Eugene V.; Ashcraft, W. Michael (2006), Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America 2, Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, p. 69, ISBN 0-275-98712-4
110.Jump up ^ Taylor, Elizabeth J. (2012). Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses. Springer Publishing Company. p. 163. ISBN 0-8261-0860-1.
111.Jump up ^ DuShane, Tony (2012). Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk. ReadHowYouWant. p. 126. ISBN 1-4587-8357-X.
112.Jump up ^ Hoekema, Anthony A. (1963). The Four Major Cults. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans. p. 291. ISBN 0-8028-3117-6.
113.^ Jump up to: a b Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 116–120. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
114.Jump up ^ Chryssides Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 14
115.Jump up ^ What Does the Bible Really Teach. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. p. 182. "Going beneath the water symbolizes that you have died to your former life course. Being raised up out of the water indicates that you are now alive to do the will of God. Remember, too, that you have made a dedication to Jehovah God himself, not to a work, a cause, other humans, or an organization."
116.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. pp. 449–464. ISBN 0-914675-16-8.
117.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 32, "The structure of the movement and the intense loyalty demanded of each individual at every level demonstrates the characteristics of totalitarianism."
118.Jump up ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1989, page 255, "It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal. (Matthew 7:21–23; 24:21) You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life."
119.Jump up ^ "You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth—But How?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1983, page 12, "Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it."
120.Jump up ^ "Serving Jehovah Loyally", The Watchtower, November 15, 1992, page 21, "I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah's favor and blessing?" There is nowhere else to go for divine favor and life eternal."
121.Jump up ^ How are you funded? Jehovah’s Witnesses Official Media Web Site
122.Jump up ^ "Jehovah’s Witnesses — Publishing Titans". "AT THE TOP / NYC COMPANY PROFILES / NYC 40".
123.Jump up ^ Yearbook 2002, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 31, 2002
124.Jump up ^ Van Voorst,Robert E. (2012). RELG: World (with Religion CourseMate with eBook Printed Access Card). Cengage Learning. p. 288. ISBN 1-1117-2620-5.
125.Jump up ^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2005, pages 17–18.
126.Jump up ^ "Cooperating With the Governing Body Today,", The Watchtower, March 15, 1990, page 19.
127.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 119
128.Jump up ^ "Focus on the Goodness of Jehovah's Organization". The Watchtower: 22. 15 July 2006.
129.Jump up ^ "Impart God's Progressive Revelation to Mankind", The Watchtower, March 1, 1965, pp. 158–159
130.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 165–171
131.Jump up ^ "Flashes of Light—Great and Small", The Watchtower, May 15, 1995, page 15.
132.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 165
133.Jump up ^ J. F. Rutherford, Preparation, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1933, page 64, 67, "Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah by and through Christ Jesus and is given to the faithful anointed on earth at the temple, and brings great peace and consolation to them. Again Zechariah talked with the angel of the Lord, which shows that the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones ... Those of the remnant, being honest and true, must say, We do not know; and the Lord enlightens them, sending his angels for that very purpose."
134.Jump up ^ "The Spirit Searches into the Deep Things of God", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 23, "When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of 'the faithful and discreet slave' at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all."
135.Jump up ^ "Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?". The Watchtower: 19. February 15, 1981. "True, the brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)"
136.Jump up ^ "Do You See the Evidence of God's Guidance?", The Watchtower, April 15, 2011, pages 3–5, "How, then, do we react when we receive divine direction? Do we try to apply it “right afterward”? Or do we continue doing things just as we have been accustomed to doing them? Are we familiar with up-to-date directions, such as those regarding conducting home Bible studies, preaching to foreign speaking people, regularly sharing in family worship, cooperating with Hospital Liaison Committees, and conducting ourselves properly at conventions? ... Do you clearly discern the evidence of divine guidance? Jehovah uses his organization to guide us, his people, through “the wilderness” during these last days of Satan’s wicked world."
137.Jump up ^ "Unity Identifies True Worship", The Watchtower, September 15, 2010, page 13 par.8 "This spiritual food is based on God’s Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah."
138.^ Jump up to: a b "Overseers of Jehovah’s People", The Watchtower, June 15, 1957, "Let us now unmistakably identify Jehovah’s channel of communication for our day, that we may continue in his favor ... It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the “slave” as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision."
139.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 172
140.Jump up ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 336.
141.Jump up ^ All Scripture is Inspired of God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1990, page 9.
142.Jump up ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures | pp. 199–208 Jehovah's Witnesses
143.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 67, "Materials such as The Watchtower are almost as significant to the Witnesses as the Bible, since the information is presented as the inspired work of theologians, and they are, therefore, believed to contain as much truth as biblical texts."
144.^ Jump up to: a b James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, pages 25–26, 101, "For every passage in Society literature that urges members to be bold and courageous in critical pursuits, there are many others that warn about independent thinking and the peril of questioning the organization ... Fear of disobedience to the Governing Body keeps Jehovah's Witnesses from carefully checking into biblical doctrine or allegations concerning false prophecy, faulty scholarship, and injustice. Witnesses are told not to read books like this one."
145.Jump up ^ "Keep Clear of False Worship!", The Watchtower, 15 March 2006, "True Christians keep clear of false worship, rejecting false religious teachings. This means that we avoid exposure to religious programs on radio and television as well as religious literature that promotes lies about God and his Word."
146.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers—Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses decline to exchange their Bible study aids for the religious literature of people they meet". The Watchtower: 31. May 1, 1984. "So it would be foolhardy, as well as a waste of valuable time, for Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept and expose themselves to false religious literature that is designed to deceive."
147.Jump up ^ Question Box, Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, "Throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah’s organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought and remain stabilized in the faith. Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, the faithful and discreet slave does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight."
148.Jump up ^ "Make Your Advancement Manifest", The Watchtower, August 1, 2001, page 14, "Since oneness is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and the faithful and discreet slave."
149.Jump up ^ Testimony by Fred Franz, Transcript, Lord Strachan vs. Douglas Walsh, 1954. page 123, Q: "Did you imply that the individual member has the right of reading the books and the Bible and forming his own view as to the proper interpretation of Holy Writ? A:" .... No....The Scripture is there given in support of the statement, and therefore the individual when he looks up the Scripture and thereby verifies the statement,...search[es] the Scripture to see whether these things were so."
150.Jump up ^ "Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1981, page 19, "Jesus’ disciples wrote many letters to Christian congregations, to persons who were already in the way of the truth. But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about. We can benefit from this consideration. If we have once established what instrument God is using as his 'slave' to dispense spiritual food to his people, surely Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful. We should have confidence in the channel God is using."
151.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 84, 89, 92, 119–120
152.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower April 1, 1986 pp. 30–31.
153.Jump up ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 24. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
154.Jump up ^ Ringnes, Hege Kristin; Helje Kringlebotn Sødal (ed.) (2009). Jehovas vitner—en flerfaglig studie (in Norwegian). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. p. 27.
155.Jump up ^ Holden, A. (2002). Cavorting With the Devil: Jehovah's Witnesses Who Abandon Their Faith (PDF). Department of Sociology, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YL, UK. p. Endnote [i]. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
156.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 87.
157.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 105
158.Jump up ^ Revelation Its Grand Climax, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, pg 36, "In the songbook produced by Jehovah’s people in 1905, there were twice as many songs praising Jesus as there were songs praising Jehovah God. In their 1928 songbook, the number of songs extolling Jesus was about the same as the number extolling Jehovah. But in the latest songbook of 1984, Jehovah is honored by four times as many songs as is Jesus. This is in harmony with Jesus’ own words: 'The Father is greater than I am.' Love for Jehovah must be preeminent, accompanied by deep love for Jesus and appreciation of his precious sacrifice and office as God’s High Priest and King."
159.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 90.
160.Jump up ^ "What is the Holy Spirit?". The Watchtower: 5. October 1, 2009. "There is a close connection between the holy spirit and the power of God. The holy spirit is the means by which Jehovah exerts his power. Put simply, the holy spirit is God’s applied power, or his active force."
161.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 262
162.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 276–277
163.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 372
164.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 270
165.Jump up ^ "Stay in the “City of Refuge” and Live!", The Watchtower, November 15, 1995, page 19
166.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 188–189
167.^ Jump up to: a b Penton 1997, pp. 188–190
168.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 298–299
169.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 25
170.Jump up ^ "Identifying the Wild Beast and Its Mark". The Watchtower: 5. 1 April 2004. "This does not mean, however, that every human ruler is a direct tool of Satan."
171.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 322–324
172.^ Jump up to: a b Hoekema 1963, pp. 265–269
173.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 186
174.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 193–194
175.Jump up ^ "Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium", The Watchtower, September 1, 1989, page 19, "Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the 'great crowd,'as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil."
176.Jump up ^ You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth,, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pg 255, "Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one ... there will be only one organization—God's visible organization—that will survive the fast-approaching 'great tribulation.' It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal. You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life."
177.Jump up ^ "Our Readers Ask: Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe That They Are the Only Ones Who Will Be Saved?", The Watchtower, November 1, 2008, page 28, "Jehovah's Witnesses hope to be saved. However, they also believe that it is not their job to judge who will be saved. Ultimately, God is the Judge. He decides."
178.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 315–319
179.Jump up ^ Insight on the Scriptures Volume 1 p. 606 "Declare Righteous"
180.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 295–296
181.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 106.
182.Jump up ^ "God's Kingdom—Earth's New Rulership", The Watchtower, October 15, 2000, page 10.
183.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 298
184.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die. Constable. p. 105.
185.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, November 1, 1993, pages 8–9, "In 1914 the appointed times of the nations ended, and the time of the end for this world began. The Davidic Kingdom was restored, not in earthly Jerusalem, but invisibly in “the clouds of the heavens.” ... Who would represent on earth the restored Davidic Kingdom? ... Without any doubt at all, it was the small body of anointed brothers of Jesus who in 1914 were known as the Bible Students but since 1931 have been identified as Jehovah’s Witnesses."
186.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 297
187.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 286
188.Jump up ^ "Apocalypse—When?", The Watchtower, February 15, 1986, page 6.
189.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 180
190.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, pp. 307–321
191.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 17–19
192.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 10/1/92 p. 16 par. 6 "The Messiah’s Presence and His Rule"
193.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 64–69
194.Jump up ^ 2010 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses: p. 6 Highlights of the Past Year "UPBUILDING AND ENJOYABLE FAMILY WORSHIP"
195.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 5/15 2011 p. 14 par 13 Christian Families—“Keep Ready” Maintain a Family Worship Evening
196.Jump up ^ Hoekema 1963, p. 292
197.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. p. 5. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
198.Jump up ^ Rogerson, Alan (1969). Millions Now Living Will Never Die: A Study of Jehovah's Witnesses. Constable & Co, London. p. 1. ISBN 978-0094559400.
199.Jump up ^ Whalen, William J. (1962). Armageddon Around the Corner: A Report on Jehovah's Witnesses. New York: John Day Company. p. 15,18.
200.Jump up ^ "Global Printing—Helping People to Learn About God", online, jw.org
201.Jump up ^ Ringnes, Hege Kristin; Helje Kringlebotn Sødal (ed.) (2009). Jehovas vitner—en flerfaglig studie (in Norwegian). Oslo: Universitetsforlaget. p. 43.
202.Jump up ^ "Question Box: How long should a formal Bible study be conducted with an individual in the Knowledge book?". 'Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1996. "We want people to receive a basic knowledge of the truth. Yet it is expected that within a relatively short period of time, an effective teacher will be able to assist a sincere average student to acquire sufficient knowledge to make an intelligent decision to serve Jehovah... (if there is no) clear evidence of his desire to serve Jehovah .... it may be advisable to discontinue the study."
203.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 77. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. "The society states explicitly that all Bible studies should quickly show signs of 'real progress' to be deemed worthy of pursuit ... unless the potential converts are willing to give clear indication that they accept both the doctrines and the consequent responsibilities of attending meetings and going from door to door themselves, the study should be discontinued."
204.Jump up ^ Bearing Thorough Witness About God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2009, page 63, "Do you obey the command to bear thorough witness, even if the assignment causes you some apprehension?"
205.Jump up ^ "Determined to bear thorough witness," The Watchtower, December 15, 2008, page 19, "When the resurrected Jesus spoke to disciples gathered in Galilee, likely 500 of them, he commanded: 'Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.' That command applies to all true Christians today."
206.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
207.Jump up ^ "Do You Contribute to an Accurate Report?", Our Kingdom Ministry, December 2002, page 8, "Jehovah’s organization today instructs us to report our field service activity each month ... At the end of the month, the book study overseer makes sure that all in the group have followed through on their responsibility to report their activity."
208.Jump up ^ "Regularity in Service Brings Blessings", Our Kingdom Ministry, May 1984, page 7.
209.Jump up ^ "Helping Irregular Publishers". Our Kingdom Ministry: 7. December 1987.
210.Jump up ^ "Keep the Word of Jehovah Moving Speedily". Our Kingdom Ministry: 1. October 1982.
211.Jump up ^ Chryssides, G.D. (1999). Exploring New Religions. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 103. ISBN 0-304-33651-3.
212.^ Jump up to: a b "Imitate Jehovah—Exercise Justice and Righteousness", The Watchtower, August 1, 1998, page 16.
213.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. 26–27, 173
214.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers". The Watchtower: 30, 31. June 15, 2002.
215.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 152, 180
216.Jump up ^ "The Bible's Viewpoint What Does It Mean to Be the Head of the House?". Awake!: 26. July 8, 2004.
217.Jump up ^ "Christian Weddings That Bring Joy". The Watchtower: 11. 15 April 1984.
218.Jump up ^ Shepherd the Flock of God. pp. 37–38, 124–125.[unreliable source?]
219.Jump up ^ "How should individual Christians and the congregation as a whole view the Bible advice to marry "only in the Lord"?". The Watchtower: 31. 15 March 1982.
220.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 110–112
221.Jump up ^ "Adultery". Insight on the Scriptures 1. p. 53.
222.Jump up ^ "Marriage—Why Many Walk Out", Awake!, July 8, 1993, page 6, "A legal divorce or a legal separation may provide a measure of protection from extreme abuse or willful nonsupport."
223.Jump up ^ "When Marital Peace Is Threatened". The Watchtower: 22. 1 November 1988.
224.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 54–55
225.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, pp. 106–108
226.^ Jump up to: a b c Osamu Muramoto (August 1998). "Bioethics of the refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses: Part 1. Should bioethical deliberation consider dissidents' views?". Journal of Medical Ethics 24 (4): 223–230. doi:10.1136/jme.24.4.223. PMC 1377670. PMID 9752623.
227.Jump up ^ The Watchtower April 15, 1988.
228.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site: Our History and Organization, "Do you shun former members? ... If, however, someone unrepentantly practices serious sins, such as drunkenness, stealing or adultery, he will be disfellowshipped and such an individual is avoided by former fellow-worshipers. ... The marriage relationship and normal family affections and dealings can continue. ... Disfellowshipped individuals may continue to attend religious services and, if they wish, they may receive spiritual counsel from the elders with a view to their being restored. They are always welcome to return to the faith [emphasis retained from source]"
229.Jump up ^ "Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped". Our Kingdom Ministry: 3–4. August 2002.
230.Jump up ^ "Disfellowshipping-How to View It". The Watchtower: 24. 15 September 1981.
231.Jump up ^ "Appendix: How to Treat a Disfellowshipped person". Keep Yourselves in God's Love. Jehovah's Witnesses. 2008. pp. 207–209.
232.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 163
233.Jump up ^ "Disfellowshiping—How to View It", The Watchtower, September 15, 1981, page 23.
234.Jump up ^ "Do You Hate Lawlessness?", The Watchtower, February 15, 2011, page 31.
235.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond. Crisis of Conscience. p. 358.
236.Jump up ^ Shepherd the Flock of God. Watch Tower Society. p. 119.[unreliable source?]
237.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers", The Watchtower, January 1, 1983 pp. 30–31.
238.Jump up ^ "Should the Religions Unite?". The Watchtower: 741–742. 15 December 1953.
239.Jump up ^ "Is Interfaith God's Way?". The Watchtower: 69. 1 February 1952.
240.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, p. 202, "The ideological argument states that, since absolute truth is unitary and exclusive of all relativisation, there can only 'logically' be one human organization to represent it. Consequently, all other religious organizations are in error and are to be strictly avoided. The absolutist view of truth further implies that, since anything less than absolute truth can only corrupt and destroy it, there can be no justification for Jehovah's witnesses having any kind of association with other religionists, however sincere the motivation might be."
241.Jump up ^ "15 Worship That God Approves". What Does The Bible Really Teach?. p. 145.
242.Jump up ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 435–436.
243.Jump up ^ "Live a Balanced, Simple Life", The Watchtower, July 15, 1989, page 11.
244.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 12
245.Jump up ^ "Keep Your Distance When Danger Threatens". The Watchtower: 23. February 15, 1994. "Steering Clear of Danger ... We must also be on guard against extended association with worldly people. Perhaps it is a neighbor, a school friend, a workmate, or a business associate. ... What are some of the dangers of such a friendship? We could begin to minimize the urgency of the times we live in or take a growing interest in material rather than spiritual things. Perhaps, because of a fear of displeasing our worldly friend, we would even desire to be accepted by the world."
246.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. 109–112
247.Jump up ^ Franz, Raymond (2007). In Search of Christian Freedom. Commentary Press. p. 409. ISBN 0-914675-17-6.
248.Jump up ^ ""Each One Will Carry His Own Load", The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 23.
249.Jump up ^ Bryan R. Wilson, "The Persistence of Sects", Diskus, Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions, Vol 1, No. 2, 1993, "They have extensive contact with the wider public, [in Britain in 1989, 108,000 publishers undertook 23 million hours of house-calls]. Yet, they remain little affected by that exposure—they confine their contacts to their single-minded purpose and avoid all other occasions for association."
250.Jump up ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, November 1, 1999, p. 28,"As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah's Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State."
251.Jump up ^ Questions From Readers, The Watchtower, March 1, 1983, p. 30
252.Jump up ^ Reasoning From The Scriptures p. 178 Holidays
253.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 8/15/09 p. 22 par. 20 “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”
254.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 9/15/68 p. 573 par 6 "The Seriousness of It"
255.Jump up ^ The Watchtower 10/15/92 p. 18 par. 21 "Work to Preserve Your Family Into God’s New World"
256.Jump up ^ Worship the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, p. 159.
257.Jump up ^ Korea government promises to adopt alternative service system for conscientious objectors
258.Jump up ^ Education, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 2002, pp. 20–23
259.Jump up ^ Owens, Gene (September 1997). "Trials of a Jehovah's Witness.(The Faith of Journalists)". Nieman Reports.
260.Jump up ^ Racial and ethnic unity Jehovah’s Witnesses Official Media Web Site
261.Jump up ^ Ronald Lawson, "Sect-state relations: Accounting for the differing trajectories of Seventh-Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses", Sociology of Religion, Winter 1995, "The urgency of the Witness's apocalyptic has changed very little over time. The intellectual isolation of the Witness leaders has allowed them to retain their traditional position, and it is they who continue to be the chief purveyors of the radical eschataology ....This commitment (to principle) was bolstered by their organizational isolation, intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline, and considerable persecution."
262.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. i
263.Jump up ^ Reasoning From the Scriptures, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1989, pages 70–75.
264.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 91
265.Jump up ^ Muramoto, O. (January 6, 2001). "Bioethical aspects of the recent changes in the policy of refusal of blood by Jehovah's Witnesses". BMJ 322 (7277): 37–39. doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7277.37. PMC 1119307. PMID 11141155.
266.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, page 183.
267.Jump up ^ United in Worship of the Only True God, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1983, pages 156–160.
268.Jump up ^ Bowman, R. M.; Beisner, E. C.; Ehrenborg, T. (1995). Jehovah's Witnesses. Zondervan. p. 13. ISBN 0-310-70411-1.
269.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. pp. 29–30. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
270.Jump up ^ "How Blood Can Save Your Life," Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, pages 13–17
271.Jump up ^ "Questions From Readers—Do Jehovah's Witnesses accept any medical products derived from blood?". The Watchtower: 30. June 15, 2000.
272.Jump up ^ Sniesinski et al.; Chen, EP; Levy, JH; Szlam, F; Tanaka, KA (April 2007). "Coagulopathy After Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Jehovah's Witness Patients: Management of Two Cases Using Fractionated Components and Factor VIIa" (PDF). Anesthesia & Analgesia 104 (4): 763–5. doi:10.1213/01.ane.0000250913.45299.f3. PMID 17377078. Retrieved 2008-12-30.
273.Jump up ^ "The Real Value of Blood". Awake!: 11. August 2006.
274.Jump up ^ Durable Power of Attorney form. Watch Tower Society. January 2001. p. 1. Examples of permitted fractions are: Interferon, Immune Serum Globulins and Factor VIII; preparations made from Hemoglobin such as PolyHeme and Hemopure. Examples of permitted procedures involving the medical use of one's own blood include: cell salvage, hemodilution, heart lung machine, dialysis, epidural blood patch, plasmapheresis, blood labeling or tagging and platelet gel (autologous)
275.Jump up ^ "Our Kingdom Ministry" (PDF). November 2006. pp. 5–6. Retrieved 2009-06-21.
276.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and Medical Profession Cooperate". The Awake. November 22, 2003. Retrieved 2009-10-24.
277.Jump up ^ Kim Archer, "Jehovah's Witness liaisons help surgeons adapt", Tulsa World, May 15, 2007.
278.Jump up ^ Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Society. 1996–2014.
279.Jump up ^ "Question Box–Should a family Bible study be reported to the congregation?". Our Kingdom Ministry (Watch Tower Society): 3. November 2003.
280.Jump up ^ "Question Box—May both parents report the time used for the regular family study?". Our Kingdom Ministry: 3. September 2008.
281.Jump up ^ "U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Religious Affiliation: Diverse and Dynamic". Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. February 2008. pp. 9, 30.
282.Jump up ^ The Association of Religion Data Archives
283.Jump up ^ David Van Biema, "America's Unfaithful Faithful," Time magazine, February 25, 2008.
284.Jump up ^ PEW Forum on Religion and Public Life. U.S. Religious Landscape Survey: Religious Affiliation: Diverse and Dynamic. The next lowest retention rates, excluding those raised unaffiliated with any church, were Buddhism at 50% and Catholicism at 68%.
285.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 92, 98–100
286.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 196–207
287.Jump up ^ Bryan R. Wilson, "The Persistence of Sects", Diskus, Journal of the British Association for the Study of Religions, Vol 1, No. 2, 1993
288.Jump up ^ "Comparisons". U.S. Religious Landscape Survey. Pew Research Center. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
289.Jump up ^ Jubber, Ken (1977). "The Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses in Southern Africa". Social Compass, 24 (1): 121,. doi:10.1177/003776867702400108.
290.Jump up ^ Penton, James (2004). Jehovah's witnesses and the third reich. Canada: University of Toronto Press. p. 376. ISBN 0802086780.
291.Jump up ^ Garbe, Detlef (2008). Between Resistance and Martyrdom: Jehovah's Witnesses in the Third Reich. Madison, Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin Press. p. 484. ISBN 0-299-20794-3.
292.Jump up ^ Shulman, William L. A State of Terror: Germany 1933–1939. Bayside, New York: Holocaust Resource Center and Archives.
293.Jump up ^ Holocaust Education Foundation website.
294.Jump up ^ Hesse, Hans (2001). Persecution and Resistance of Jehovah's Witnesses During the Nazi Regime. Edition Temmen. p. 12. ISBN 3-86108-750-2.
295.Jump up ^ Kaplan, William (1989). State and Salvation. Toronto: Univ. of Toronto Press.
296.Jump up ^ Yaffee, Barbara (1984-09-09). "Witnesses Seek Apology for Wartime Persecution". The Globe in Mail. p. 4.
297.Jump up ^ Валерий Пасат ."Трудные страницы истории Молдовы (1940–1950)". Москва: Изд. Terra, 1994 (Russian)
298.Jump up ^ "Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom",chapter 22,page.490
299.Jump up ^ "Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses 1991",page.221
300.Jump up ^ Claims that Jehovah's Witnesses chose a deliberate course of martyrdom are contained in:
Peters, Shawn Francis (2000). Judging Jehovah's Witnesses: Religious Persecution and the Dawn of the Rights Revolution. University Press of Kansas. pp. 82, 116–9. ISBN 0-7006-1008-1.
 Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Visions of Glory, 1978, chapter 6.
Whalen, William J. (1962). Armageddon Around the Corner: A Report on Jehovah's Witnesses. New York: John Day Company. p. 190.
Schnell, William (1971). 30 Years a Watchtower Slave. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids. pp. 104–106. ISBN 0-8010-6384-1.
301.Jump up ^ Advice for Kingdom Publishers(1939), Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Brooklyn, N.Y.
302.Jump up ^ Gary Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses (Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 1993)
303.Jump up ^ Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, 1993, pp. 679–701.
304.Jump up ^ Botting, Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses, pp. 1–14; Shawn Francis Peters, Judging Jehovah's Witnesses, University Press of Kansas: 2000, pages 12–16.
305.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and civil rights". Knocking.org. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
306.Jump up ^ Botting, Fundamental Freedoms..., pp. 15–201
307.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 22
308.Jump up ^ "Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View", The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect ... in submitting to Jehovah's visible theocratic organization, we must be in full and complete agreement with every feature of its apostolic procedure and requirements."
309.Jump up ^ "Loyal to Christ and His Faithful Slave", The Watchtower, April 1, 2007, page 24, "When we loyally submit to the direction of the faithful slave and its Governing Body, we are submitting to Christ, the slave's Master."
310.^ Jump up to: a b Beckford 1975, pp. 89, 95, 103, 120, 204, 221
311.Jump up ^ "Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs" and "Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits", The Watchtower, January 15, 1983
312.Jump up ^ "Serving Jehovah Shoulder to Shoulder", The Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 28.
313.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Theocratic Organization Today",The Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pages 79–81.
314.Jump up ^ "Avoid Independent Thinking". The Watchtower: 27. 15 January 1983. "From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God's way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. ... How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
315.Jump up ^ "Avoid Independent Thinking". The Watchtower: 20. February 15, 1979. "In a world where people are tossed about by confusing winds of religious doctrine, Jehovah's people need to be stable, full-grown Christians. (Eph. 4:13, 14) Their position must be steadfast, not shifting quickly because of independent thinking or emotional pressures."
316.Jump up ^ The Watchtower: 277–278. May 1, 1964. "It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people, and it requires careful study and attention to details in order to apply this information, to get a full understanding of the principles involved, and to assure ourselves of right thinking on these matters. It is in this way that we "are thoroughly able to grasp mentally with all the holy ones" the fullness of our commission and of the preaching responsibility that Jehovah has placed on all Christians as footstep followers of his Son. Any other course would produce independent thinking and cause division."
317.^ Jump up to: a b Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 163
318.Jump up ^ See also Raymond Franz, In Search of Christian Freedom, pg. 358.
319.Jump up ^ "Will You Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings?", The Watchtower, July 15, 2011, page 15, "apostates are 'mentally diseased,' and they seek to infect others with their disloyal teachings. (1 Tim. 6:3, 4)."
320.Jump up ^ The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses, Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1984, passim.
321.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 50.
322.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 204, 221, The habit of questioning or qualifying Watch Tower doctrine is not only under-developed among the Witnesses: it is strenuously combated at all organizational levels
323.Jump up ^ Botting, Heather; Gary Botting (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. p. 90. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7. "Most Witnesses, although capable of intelligent, reasonable thought, have as part of the payment for paradise delegated authority to the organization for directing their lives ... and finally abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives—in effect, allowing the society to do their thinking for them."
324.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 178, "The newly converted Witness must conform immediately to the doctrines of the Watchtower Society, thus whatever individuality of mind he possessed before conversion is liable to be eradicated if he stays in the movement.".
325.Jump up ^ James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, pages 25–26, 101.
326.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 153
327.Jump up ^ Alan Rogerson, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, Constable, 1969, page 2, "In addition to the prevalent ignorance outside the Witness movement, there is much ignorance within it. It will soon become obvious to the reader that the Witnesses are an indoctrinated people whose beliefs and thoughts are shaped by the Watchtower Society."
328.^ Jump up to: a b R. Franz, "In Search of Christian Freedom", chapter 12
329.^ Jump up to: a b The Watchtower (8/15). August 1988.
330.Jump up ^ The Routledge History of the Holocaust, Routledge, 2010, "Labeling the Jehovah's Witnesses as totalitarian trivializes the term totalitarian and defames the Jehovah's Witnesses."
331.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, pp. x, 7
332.Jump up ^ Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 22. ISBN 0-415-26609-2.
333.Jump up ^ Penton 1997, p. 174–176
334.Jump up ^ Haas, Samuel; Hauptmann, O. H. (December 1955). "Escorial Bible I.j.4: Vol. I; the Pentateuch". Journal of Biblical Literature (Society of Biblical Literature) 74 (4): 283. doi:10.2307/3261682. "This work indicates a great deal of effort and thought as well as considerable scholarship, it is to be regretted that religious bias was allowed to colour many passages"
335.Jump up ^ See Ankerberg, John and John Weldon, 2003, The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, accessible online
336.Jump up ^ Rhodes R, The Challenge of the Cults and New Religions, The Essential Guide to Their History, Their Doctrine, and Our Response, Zondervan, 2001, p. 94
337.Jump up ^ Bruce M Metzger, "Jehovah's Witnesses and Jesus Christ," Theology Today, (April 1953 p. 74); see also Metzger, "The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures," The Bible Translator (July 1964)
338.Jump up ^ H.H. Rowley, "How Not To Translate the Bible", The Expository Times, 1953; 65; 41.
339.Jump up ^ Jason BeDuhn (2003). Truth in Translation pages 163, 165. University Press of America. ISBN 0-7618-2556-8.
340.Jump up ^ "Messengers of Godly Peace Pronounced Happy", The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 21
341.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Society, 1993, page 708.
342.Jump up ^ "Execution of the "Great Harlot" Nears", The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, page 17.
343.Jump up ^ "What Jehovah’s Day Will Reveal", The Watchtower, July 15, 2010, page 5.
344.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, July 15, 1960, page 444, "In 1942 the faithful and discreet slave guided by Jehovah's unerring spirit made known that the democracies would win World War II and that there would be a United Nations organization set up ... Once again the faithful and discreet slave has been tipped off ahead of time for the guidance of all lovers of God." (Footnote cites the booklet Peace—Can It Last, 1942, pages 21,22.)
345.Jump up ^ The Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1959, pp. 39–41
346.Jump up ^ Crompton, Robert (1996). Counting the Days to Armageddon. Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. pp. 9, 115. ISBN 0-227-67939-3.
347.Jump up ^ Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1993, pages 78, 632.
348.Jump up ^ Beckford 1975, pp. 219–221
349.Jump up ^ James A. Beverley, Crisis of Allegiance, Welch Publishing Company, Burlington, Ontario, 1986, ISBN 0-920413-37-4, page 86–91.
350.^ Jump up to: a b "Why So Many False Alarms?", Awake!, March 22, 1993, pages 3–4, footnote.
351.Jump up ^ Revelation—Its Grand Climax, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, 1988, page 9.
352.Jump up ^ "False Prophets—Have not Jehovah's Witnesses made errors in their teachings?". Reasoning From the Scriptures. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. p. 137.
353.Jump up ^ "To Whom Shall We Go but Jesus Christ?". Watchtower: 23. March 1, 1979. "the “faithful and discreet slave” has alerted all of God’s people to the sign of the times indicating the nearness of God’s Kingdom rule. In this regard, however, it must be observed that this “faithful and discreet slave” was never inspired, never perfect. Those writings by certain members of the “slave” class that came to form the Christian part of God’s Word were inspired and infallible [the bible], but that is not true of other writings since."
354.Jump up ^ George D. Chryssides (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. xiv.
355.Jump up ^ Holden & 2002 Portrait, p. 7
356.Jump up ^ "Another Church Sex Scandal" (April 29, 2003). CBS News.
357.Jump up ^ Cutrer, Corrie (March 5, 2001). "Witness Leaders Accused of Shielding Molesters", Christianity Today.
358.Jump up ^ Channel 9 Sunday, November 2005.
359.Jump up ^ "Secret database protects paedophiles", BBC Panorama, 2003.
360.Jump up ^ "Jehovah's Witnesses and Child Protection". Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 1997. Retrieved 2010-03-13. See to confirm date.
361.Jump up ^ "To all Bodies of Elders in the United States". WTBS. 1995-08-01. Retrieved 2010-03-13.[dead link][unreliable source?]
362.Jump up ^ Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock. Brooklyn, New York: Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. 1977. p. 138.[unreliable source?]
363.Jump up ^ "Let Us ABHOR What Is Wicked". The Watchtower: 27–29. 1997-01-01. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
364.Jump up ^ Jehovah’s Witnesses Told to Pay in Abuse Case
365.Jump up ^ Woman molested by Jehovah's Witnesses member at age NINE wins $28million in America's BIGGEST religious sex abuse payout
366.Jump up ^ Amended judgment, page 2 (TIF image).
367.Jump up ^ Case documents
Further reading[edit]
For more details on this topic, see Bibliography of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Botting, Gary (1993). Fundamental Freedoms and Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Calgary Press. ISBN 1-895176-06-9.
Botting, Heather and Gary (1984). The Orwellian World of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-6545-7.
Chryssides, George D. (2008). Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses. Scarecrow Press. ISBN 0-8108-6074-0.
Crompton, Robert. Counting the Days to Armageddon. James Clarke & Co, Cambridge, 1996. ISBN 0-227-67939-3 A detailed examination of the development of Jehovah's Witnesses' eschatology.
Holden, Andrew (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-26609-2. An academic study on the sociological aspects of Jehovah's Witnesses phenomenon.
Kaplan, William. State and Salvation Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1989. ISBN 0-8020-5842-6 Documents the Witnesses' fight for civil rights in Canada and the US amid political persecution during World War II.
Penton, M. James (1997). Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses. University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0-8020-7973-3. Penton, professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge and a former member of the religion, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines.
Rogerson, Alan. Millions Now Living Will Never Die. London: Constable & Co, 1969. ISBN 978-0094559400 Detailed history of the Watch Tower movement, particularly its early years, a summary of Witness doctrines and the organizational and personal framework in which Witnesses conduct their lives.
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses—Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Faith In Action (2-DVD series), (2010–2011) Official history of Jehovah's Witnesses.

External links[edit]
 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jehovah's Witnesses.
Official website
Knocking—A documentary about Jehovah's Witnesses
BBC - Religion: Jehovah's Witnesses



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Category:Jehovah's Witnesses
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B

►  Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (20 P)



C

►  Converts to Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (6 P)




►  Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (2 C, 5 P)


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Jehovah's Witnesses Association of Romania
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Category:Jehovah's Witnesses
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search

This category comprises articles pertaining to Jehovah's Witnesses, a Christian denomination.
Christianity Branches without text.svg
Major branches within Christianity
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Protestantism
Restoration Movement
Anabaptism
Calvinism
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 Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jehovah's Witnesses.
 

Subcategories
This category has the following 8 subcategories, out of 8 total.



B

►  Beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (20 P)



C

►  Converts to Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (6 P)




►  Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (2 C, 5 P)


L

►  Jehovah's Witnesses literature‎ (2 C, 9 P)



O

►  Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (8 P)



P

►  Jehovah's Witnesses people‎ (3 C)


P cont.

►  Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses‎ (1 C, 9 P)



Σ

►  Jehovah's Witnesses stubs‎ (22 P)



Pages in category "Jehovah's Witnesses"
The following 6 pages are in this category, out of 6 total. This list may not reflect recent changes (learn more).



Jehovah's Witnesses
*
Bibliography of Jehovah's Witnesses
D
Demographics of Jehovah's Witnesses
H
History of Jehovah's Witnesses
J
Jehovah's Witnesses Association of Romania
Jehovah's Witnesses splinter groups




Categories: Bible Student movement
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This page was last modified on 30 March 2013 at 23:24.
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