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Jehovah's Witnesses

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Jehovah's Witnesses are members of an international religious organization who believe themselves to be the restoration of first-century Christianity. Founded in the 1870s by Charles Taze Russell, official membership now stands at over 6 million. They are known for their extensive preaching and publishing activities, with The Watchtower and Awake! religious magazines being their most widely known publications. Headquartered in New York, they are hierarchically directed by a Governing Body.

Jehovah's Witnesses are socially conservative. Being politically neutral, they have been persecuted by various governments, notably by the Nazi government with many sent to concentration camps. They have been instrumental in establishing religious freedoms in various countries. Their unique stand on refusing blood transfusions has also garnered publicity and controversy.

Since their foundation, they have been concerned with the second advent of Jesus. Initially holding many similar views of other 19th century Adventists groups, such as the Millerites, they have since developed their own unique eschatology.

History

Main article: History of Jehovah's Witnesses

1870-1916

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Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916)

According to Jehovah's Witnesses, after the death of the last apostle, the Church gradually diverged, in a "Great Apostasy", from the original teachings of Jesus on several major points. Influenced by Restorationism, they see their faith as a continually improving, imperfect restoration of First Century Christianity. The Watchtower teaches that the 1900-year-old remnant of true Christian believers received this new assignment in 1919 in fulfillment of scripture.[1] Jehovah's Witnesses feel that true understanding of the scriptures began to be reassembled by Charles Taze Russell and his associates when they formed a Bible study group in the 1870s in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, and had until then been imperfectly represented since the Great Apostasy by a number of historical Christian groups.[2]

Originally, the "Bible Students" as they were known in Russell's day, focused their evangelizing work on proclaiming that Christ's Second Presence had begun invisibly in 1874[3]. As part of the dawning of the Millennium, Christ was believed to have been enthroned as King in 1878 and the destruction of religious organizations and governments was expected by the year 1914, to be followed by the establishment of a world-wide paradise.[4] Though their interpretation of prophetic dates has changed through the years, eschatology has remained a major focus. Based on their current understanding of Bible chronology, Jehovah's Witnesses have retained the year 1914 but now believe it marked the year for Christ's Second Advent and the beginning of the "End Times." They believe that Armageddon is near, which drives the urgency in their preaching work.

New York headquarters of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

Born into a Presbyterian family, Russell had nearly lost his faith until he came in contact with a group of Second Adventists (one of the spiritual heirs of the Millerites). Adventist ministers Jonas Wendell, George Storrs and George Stetson were early influences. In 1876 Russell met Nelson H. Barbour and subsequently adopted Barbour's understanding of biblical chronology. Russell provided financial backing for Barbour and became co-editor of Barbour's magazine Herald of the Morning. Breaking with Barbour in 1879 over the concept of substitutionary atonement, Russell soon began publishing his own magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Known as "Pastor Russell", he formed a legal entity which developed into the non-profit organization: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania in 1881 (currently headquatered in New York City); in 1884 it was incorporated with Russell as president. Over several years, many millions of copies of Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence were distributed in several languages to proclaim Christ's presence and the dawn of his Millennium. In addition, his six-volume work, originally entitled Millennial Dawn but later changed to Studies in the Scriptures, established the fundamental doctrines derived from their Bible study. (As a consequence, the Bible Students were sometimes called "Millennial Dawnists".) In 1914 Russell founded the International Bible Students Association in Great Britain.

Beginning in January 1914, the Bible Students began public showings of the The Photo-Drama of Creation[5], a multi-hour presentation covering the history of the Bible combining film, color slides and audio. Russell died on October 31, 1916 during a cross-country preaching trip.

1916-1942

Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869-1942)

An editorial committee was set up to supervise the writing of Watch Tower publications after Russell's death.[6] On January 6, 1917, Joseph Franklin Rutherford (also known as "Judge Rutherford") was elected president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society but opposition soon developed from some associates. This opposition came to a head later in 1917 when four of the seven directors of the Watchtower Society attempted to pass a resolution consolidating power in the board of directors instead of the president. They were evicted by police[7], and Rutherford succeeded in legally securing power. On July 17, 1917 Rutherford distributed copies of the book The Finished Mystery[8] (considered to be the final volume of Studies in the Scriptures) to the headquarters staff. The book, which had been published without the board's consultation, was received by many at headquarters as a "bombshell."[9]On the same day, Rutherford dismissed the four directors from the board on the grounds that their election to it had not followed the corporation by-laws.[10]Rutherford called for a democratic vote among the Bible Student community which gave its support to his administration.[11]Dissension and schisms ensued in local congregations, however. The Watchtower Society's opposition to clergy support of World War I garnered prosecution by the United States federal government. Rutherford and the new board of directors were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for violating the "Espionage Act." They were released on bail in March, 1919 and the judgment against them was reversed and charges dropped.[12]

Once released from prison Rutherford energized the Bible Students to preach. An emphasis on preaching house-to-house began in 1922.[13]Early preaching campaigns included distribution of Rutherford's book Millions Now Living Will Never Die[14] which predicted "end times" events for 1925.[15]No more dates were suggested after the 1925 disappointment[16]but Armageddon was still held to be imminent.[17]

Some who left the movement became known as the Associated Bible Students, or simply "Bible Students". In 1918 the Pastoral Bible Institute was founded and began publishing The Herald of Christ's Kingdom. By 1928, memorial attendance dropped nearly 75% from 1922, due to the previous power struggle and the failed predictions for the year 1925.[18] In 1931, Rutherford adopted the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" to distinguish themselves from those "Bible Students". The editorial committee was disbanded in 1931[19] but had been superseded by Rutherford beginning in 1925.[20]

Under Rutherford, Jehovah's Witnesses grew from about 44,000 in 1928 to about 115,000 at the time of his death in 1942. Rutherford was known for bold rhetoric and assertive preaching tactics. He coined the phrase "Religion is a snare and a racket," heavily denouncing the Catholic Church as well as Christendom itself, modern Judaism and national governments. Placards, information marches and sound cars became part of the preaching methods employed. Under his leadership, a legal staff was developed that battled successfully in both US and Canadian courts. At issue was their right to preach. These legal battles resulted in significant improvements in freedom of speech and religion in both countries.[21]

1942-Present

Nathan Homer Knorr succeeded Rutherford as president of the Watch Tower Society. Known as an efficient administrator, Knorr founded the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead to train missionaries as well as the Theocratic Ministry School to train preaching and teaching on the congregational level. Knorr's Vice-President Frederick William Franz became the leading theologian and was credited as being the principal translator of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. Witness membership rose from 115,000 to over 2 million under Knorr's leadership.

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The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses was reorganized in 1975 and the power of the presidency passed on to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. Subsequent presidents of the Watch Tower Society after Knorr's death in 1977 have been Frederick William Franz, Milton George Henschel and Don A. Adams. However, doctrinal and organizational decisions after 1975 have been made by the Governing Body.[22]

Demographics

Average Publishers, 1945-2005

As of August 2005, Jehovah's Witnesses have a membership of more than 6.6 million actively involved in preaching.[23] To be counted, an individual must be approved as a minister and spend some amount of time in the ministry, normally at least an hour per month, or as little as 15 minutes under certain circumstances, such as illness. In 2005, these reports indicated a total of nearly 1.3 billion hours. [24]

Jehovah's Witnesses have a custom of counting their membership by 'lands' rather than by countries, including separate statistics for regions administered by other countries, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Taiwan. A comparison of the 2004 and 2005 statistics indicates a decline in the number of Bible studies, baptisms, Memorial attendance and time spent in the preaching work, but an overall increase in the peak membership of 1.3 percent. Nevertheless, the last decades indicate a gradual decline of membership growth, particularly in the Western world. Other statistics are also available[1].

In the United States, an academic study at CUNY based on a telephone survey (American Religious Identification Survey) was conducted in 2001 and estimated there to be 1.331 million adults in the U.S. who self-identify as Jehovah's Witnesses.[25] Jehovah's Witnesses report over 1 million active publishers in the United States, but because this includes minors, it is not directly comparable to the ARIS numbers. In 1990, a larger but less detailed telephone survey based study (NSRI) at CUNY reported 1.38 million adults in the U.S. who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses. While this might indicate a slow decline in U.S. identification with the group, there was an increase in active U.S. publishers over this period. ARIS notes the survey did not cover non-English speakers and small groups with a high proportion of recent immigrant members were likely undercounted. Announced U.S. Witness convention schedules for 2005 include 75 non-English conventions of 227 total. Most increase in membership each year is due to an influx of non-English speaking individuals, with a rapid increase in foreign-language congregations being established throughout the country.

Jehovah's Witnesses have a small active presence in most countries and are the second or third largest religious group in many countries with a dominant religion. In no country are they a large part of the population, however. Brazil and Mexico are the only countries other than the U.S. where the number of active Witness publishers exceeds 0.5 million. The highest proportion of Witnesses in a country of substantial size is in Zambia, where 1% are active Witness publishers. Growth in most developed countries is slow or negative in recent years but is offset by rapid growth in less developed lands, particularly the former Communist bloc and Latin America. It appears that membership distribution is gradually shifting from the Western world to Non-Western regions.

Jehovah's Witnesses commemorate the Memorial of Christ's death (also known as the Lord's Evening Meal) annually. According to the February 1, 2006 Watchtower, worldwide attendance at the 2005 celebration of the Memorial was 16,383,333, slightly lower than the 2004 attendance of 16,760,607. This figure includes not only publishers, but inactive members, relatives, visitors and interested persons. In the U.S., 2.3 million people were present. In Zambia 570,000 attended, or 1 person for every 20 in the population. Of over 16 million in attendance worldwide, only 8,524 persons partook of the memorial emblems of unleavened bread and wine. These are those who profess to be anointed ones based on their interpretation of Revelation 14:1. [26]

Organizational structure

Main article: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses
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Chart — The Watchtower December 15, 1971 p. 749

Jehovah's Witnesses are currently led by a small, ecclesiastical Governing Body. Jehovah's Witnesses believe the role of the Governing Body corresponds to that of those who met in the Council of Jerusalem, guided by Holy Spirit and directed by Jesus. The description of the Council of Jerusalem is often used as an example of how God used a hierarchical organization during the first century and therefore is using a hierarchical organization today. Jehovah's Witnesses are patriarchal, though in cases where no qualified males are available, women are used in leadership roles.

All members of the Governing Body profess to be "anointed" (see Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses). The number of men who make up the Governing Body has ranged from ten to seventeen. Since April 1975, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses makes decisions by a two-thirds majority vote; previously a unanimous vote was required.[27] The Governing Body, through the departments of its various legal organizations, directs the operation of the 111 branches spread throughout the world.[28] Each branch assigns circuit overseers who travel among various local congregations, spending a week with each and giving spiritual encouragement through talks and one-on-one time spent with members in their public ministry. Within each local congregation, elders assigned by the branch organize the congregation's public ministry and schedule various speakers for congregational teaching. They also vote on qualified members of the congregation for the positions of elder or ministerial servant, requiring the approval of higher leadership.

Elders take the lead in congregational matters, particularly in religious instruction and spiritual counseling, whereas the ministerial servants assist elders in a limited administrative capacity. The elders and ministerial servants along with other approved Witnesses perform the operational tasks for congregation meetings.

Elders are unpaid. All baptized Witnesses are considered to be ordained ministers, and are expected to provide religious instruction to others. Spiritually mature Witnesses (men and women alike) are exhorted to the counseling of those considered less mature. They may be assigned to assist a publisher in the ministry, and may be asked to conduct a personal Bible study with another Witness as directed by the elders. Males are encouraged to qualify to become elders. Elders are said to be worthy of "double honor", but are held to a higher standard as overseers than other baptized "publishers", and are subject to additional discipline including removal. An elder may also be removed, or choose to step aside willingly, from his position if members of his household are not in "good standing" or for other, sometimes personal, reasons.

About 8,500 other Jehovah's Witnesses profess to be anointed but they have no formal role in establishment or modification of the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses. Unless appointed into one of the various roles described above, they have no position of leadership or authority. However, Witnesses do believe that since 1918 all anointed who have died faithful, including women, have been resurrected to heaven to serve with Jesus over others.

Beliefs and Practices

Main article: Practices of Jehovah's Witnesses
Main article: Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses

The following reflects the current beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Bible

The entire Protestant canon of scripture as the inspired, inerrant word of God. A literal interpretation of the Bible is favored, though Bible writers and characters employed symbology, parable, figures of speech, and poeticism[29] The book of Genesis is taken literally, and evolution is rejected.[30] While Genesis is taken literally, they do not believe the creation days would be limited to 24 hour periods or that earth didn't exist before the first "day" of creation[31] The Old Testament or Hebrew Scriptures tell the history of the people of Israel as the beneficiaries of God's covenant and recipients of His Law, and prophesy the coming of Jesus Christ[32] The New Testament or Greek Scriptures is a historical account of Jesus and the early Christians. The New Testament particularly is directed to those who hope for a resurrection in heaven, or 144,000.[33] The principles in the Bible are beneficial to everyone.

Basis for Beliefs

Principle is the doctrine of sola scriptura, that is, only the Bible should be used for deciding issues of doctrine. The interpretation and application of scripture is the responsibility of the Governing Body. These ones represent the Faithful and Discreet Slave and are being directed by Jesus Christ.[34] All members are expected to abide by the doctrines and organizational requirements as determined by the Governing Body.[35]

The Nature of God

God is the creator and supreme being. Jehovah God created Jesus Christ. Holy Spirit is God's means of acting, not the uncreated third person of the Trinity[36] Using God's name, Jehovah, is a requirement for true worship.[37]

The Nature of Christ

Jesus is a created being and God's first creation. Jesus was used by God to create every other creation.[38] Jesus was known as the Archangel Michael in his pre-human existence; his birth on earth was accomplished when God transferred Michael's life force from heaven to the womb of the virgin Mary.[39] While on earth, Jesus was executed for mankind's sins upon a single beamed torture stake. The cross is rejected as a symbol for Christ's death, instead seen as a later pagan addition.[40] Jesus acts as the mediator of the "new covenant" for those going to heaven (the 144,000)[41] Mary was not ever-virgin, but rather bore more children after Jesus[42]

Worship

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses believe they have the only true religion.[43] They are organized into congregations, and each congregation has weekly meetings. Men are selected by representatives of the Governing Body to teach and direct the preaching work. Women cannot be teachers in the congregation; though female Witnesses do participate in meeting programs.[44] Prayer is featured at these meetings. As well, prayers are given at meals. Private prayers are given as desired. For a prayer to be acceptable, they must be made to the Father Jehovah in the name of the Son.[45] The use of idols is prohibited. They reject the veneration of Mary, the saints, or the cross.[46]

Jehovah's Witnesses typically have three gatherings each week, which are made up of five meetings, totaling approximately five hours. Meetings are held in local Kingdom Halls and private homes. There are three conventions held annually in facilities owned or maintained by the Watchtower Society or in rented stadiums or auditoriums. Throughout the week, there are also meetings to organize the preaching work where members meet either in homes or Kingdom Halls to organize and pray prior to engaging in evangelism. On Saturday mornings, publishers are usually expected to engage in preaching activity. Watchtower and Awake! magazines are featured, though from time to time, various campaigns are arranged with specific literature offers.[47] Each month, a time report it submitted to the congregation elders indicating the number of hours in the ministry, along with other details, is required to be officially counted as a Jehovah's Witness. On a daily basis, Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to read the bible and read publications such as Examining the Scriptures Daily, a booklet with a biblical scripture and commentary.

The most important event is the celebration of the Lord's Supper held once a year after sundown on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar. Only those claiming to be of the "remnant", those who expect to be ressurected in heaven, partake of the unleavened bread and wine. Others simply observe the proceedings without partaking.[48] They do not believe in transubstantiation and consubstantiation (of the Eucharist)[49]

To become a Jehovah's Witness, one must submit to a catechism, or series of questions to determine eligibility for baptism. Baptisms are normally performed at conventions.

Eschatology

Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses

The "seven times" of Daniel 4:10-17 are interpreted as a 2,520 year period from 607 BC to 1914 AD, referred to as the "Gentile Times"[50] 607 BC marked the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem based on the belief that 70 years transpired from destruction of Jerusalem to return of captives from Babylon.[51] In 1914, Jesus' invisible enthronement as King of Heaven in was followed by an inspection period of all religions. In 1918 Jesus resurrected those of the 144,000 (the "anointed") who had already died to heavenly life; since 1918, any "anointed" are individually resurrected to heavenly life at the time of their death[52] In 1919, Jehovah's Witnesses were chosen by Jesus as the only true Christian organization.[53]

The "last days" began in 1914.[54] Soon, all other religions will shortly be destroyed by the United Nations.[55] After this, Jehovah's Witnesses will then come under attack. Armageddon immediately follows.[56] All governments, which are under Satan's control, will then be destroyed.[57]

Salvation

All humanity is in a sinful state (see: Sin).[58] Release from this is possible through the death of Jesus. His death atoned for the sins of humankind.[59] To be saved, one needs faith. It is only by the undeserved kindness (grace) of God which through which one can attain this; works are evidence of faith and cannot gain salvation.[60] There are two destinations for those saved by God. The number of Christians going to heaven is limited to precisely 144,000 (the "anointed") where they will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over Earth.[61] Everyone else who qualifies for salvation living today will survive the coming battle of Armageddon and have the prospect of living forever in an earthly paradise.[62] Jehovah's Witness teach that the only scriptural hope of surviving Armageddon comes through adherence to their peculiar biblical interpretations. Those who do not, face destruction at Armageddon.[63][64][65][66][67] The fate of some, such as small children or the mentally ill, remains indeterminate.[68] After Armageddon, an unknown number of dead people will be resurrected, with the prospect of living forever, but those who have already been judged by God will not, such as any killed at Armageddon.[69] Christ will rule for a thousand years, during which time the Earth will be transformed into a paradise, while Satan is abyssed and unable to influence mankind. At the end of the thousand years, Satan will be released, and the final judgment will take place during which Satan and all those corrupted by him will be destroyed forever, with evil never occurring again.[70]

Discipline

Formal disciple is administered by congregation leaders. In the event an accusation is made concerning a baptized member, if there is sufficient evidence, a tribunal or judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, administer help and possibly apply sanctions. There are three possible formal sanctions that are applied.

Marking

Someone who chooses a course that is deemed unscriptural, but for which the standard of disfellowshipping would not apply, would be marked. Though such a one would not be shunned, social interaction outside of formal worship settings would generally be restricted. The intent of this cutting off of social fellowship is to shame that person into a course considered proper. Generally, a talk would be given at the Service Meeting outlining the shameful course, but without explicitly naming the wrongdoer.[71]

Reproof

This involves sins which are more serious than those for which one would be "marked." Reproof is given "before all onlookers." If the sin is private, the reproof would be private. If the sin is known by a small number, they would be invited by the elders, then reproof would be given before both the sinner and those with knowledge of the sin. If the sin is known generally by the entire congregation an announcement of public reproof would be given. A talk is generally given in the case of public reproof, where the wrong course is outlined, but without explicitly naming the people involved.[72]

Reproof is usually linked with a probationary period.[73] Restrictions may include not sharing in meeting parts, not commenting at meeting parts and not praying for a group. The length of the probation period is dependent upon the elders. One cannot pioneer or auxiliary pioneer for at least one year after reproof is given.[74]

Disfellowshipping

The most severe disciple administered is disfellowshipping, or excommunication. This is done at the determination of the judicial committee. The standard put in place to determine if one should be disfellowshipped is the judgment of repentance. To judge repentance, members of the judicial committee ask questions and review actions by the member being considered. The committee must be convinced without a doubt that the repentance is genuine.[75] Baptized members who disagree on any doctrine can potentially be disfellowshipped for apostasy.

After one is disfellowshipped, all baptized members would cut off all association with that person. They would not speak to such a one, or acknowledge them.[76] There are two exceptions. First if a member was forced to have commercial dealings with a member who is disfellowshipped, these would continue as before. Second, if the disfellowshipped member is living with family members who are baptized, they could continue to associate with this one, but not to speak about matters pertaining to the religion. The extent to which disfellowshipped or disassociated relatives living in the same household would be included in family life would be left to the discretion of the family.[77] Family members living outside the home who are disfellowshipped, would have contact minimized to the furthest extent possible.[78][79] In the case of doctrinal disagreements, and depending upon the nature and publicity of their disagreement, they may be labelled as an "apostate."[80]

Witnesses feel that disfellowshipping and shunning can have the beneficial effect of both restoring an errant former member to the religion and "upholding God's holy name".[81] Critics contend that the shunning policy holds some people captive who might otherwise leave the religion and makes no provision for conscientious objectors. Further, that the disfellowshipping process, with few checks and balances, can be used in an arbitrary and punitive manner.[82]

Construction and Humanitarian Efforts

Jehovah's Witnesses are known in many lands for their building work. International and regional building teams frequently undertake "quick builds", construction of Kingdom Halls over the course of one or two weekends. Larger construction projects, including the building of regional Assembly Halls and Bethel offices, factories, residences, warehouses, and farm facilities, are also carried out almost entirely by volunteer members.

Jehovah's Witnesses are also involved in relief work in disaster stricken areas. One notable example is the relief efforts to both Hutu and Tutsi Witnesses during the genocide in Rwanda as well as to Congo refugees. This humanitarian aid was not given exclusively to Jehovah's Witnesses; others also benefited. For instance, the Witnesses distributed medicine and clothing to several primary schools and an orphanage near Goma.[83]

Practices

Morality

Their view of sexual behavior reflects conservative Christian views. Abortion is considered murder.[84] Homosexuality and premarital sex are considered sins.[85] Modesty is heavily encouraged in dress and grooming. During worship, standards of dress are more formal, varying by country and regional custom. In the U.S., Europe, and most of Asia, this typically consists of formal western business attire. Entertainment with sexuality, materialism, spiritualism or violence is strongly discouraged. Though they are nonconformists in some ways, they seek not to appear to be "counter-cultural." They avoid appearing unkempt or unprofessional according to local norms. Therefore, in certain areas, things such as beards, long hair or earrings for men, alongwith any dress or grooming that is deemed to be rebellious or immodest is discouraged in everyday settings. A person violating these standards would risk bringing reproach upon the congregation.

Nationalism and Holidays

Among Jehovah's Witnesses, there is an avoidance of practices considered to have nationalistic or false religious origins. Examples include not singing the national anthem or not saying "bless you" when someone sneezes. Distinctive titles in address (such as Father, Pastor, Reverend, etc) are not employed. Witnesses address one another as "Brother" or "Sister", often followed by the first or last name of the individual. Despite varied positions of service, these are not used as a title to address the person by, such as in the case, "Elder John".

They avoid celebrations of birthdays and other holidays. Weddings, anniversaries, and funerals are also typically observed. Common religious or national holidays such as Thanksgiving, Birthdays and Christmas are not celebrated.[86][87] These are a defilement of true worship.

Family Life

The family structure is patriarchal. Husbands are considered the final authority of family decisions. Wives should be submissive to their husbands and husbands are to have deep respect and love for their wives.[88]

Neutrality

Neutrality is required, not becoming involved in secular politics or taking part in an election.[89] As well, members refuse any military service; cf. the Peace churches and Quakers)

Death

The soul is believed to be mortal, and that death is a state of non-existence (based on Ezekiel 18:4)[90] Hell (hades or sheol) is not a place of fiery torment, but rather the common grave of mankind, a place of unconsciousness.[91] Those not saved are annihilated (cease of existence) as opposed to damned (eternal existence in hell).[92]

Blood

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and blood
Main articles: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues and Jehovah's Witnesses

Whole blood transfusions are rejected.[93] This is based on their understanding of the biblical admonition to "keep abstaining from blood" based on Acts 15:28, 29 (NWT). Blood is not to be stored for later transfusion. As well, the donating of blood is considered improper. According to the individual's conscience of the particular individual, they may accept derivatives of blood, such as normovolemic hemodilution, a treatment that processes the individual's own blood in a closed loop that does not interrupt the flow of blood, delivering it immediately back into the person's body. [2] Also left to conscience are procedures where a "quantity of blood is withdrawn in order to tag it or to mix it with medicine, whereupon it is put back into the patient."[94]

Many members carry carefully prepared durable power of attorney documents indicating that they will accept all fractions derived from blood. The wording of this option reads, "I accept all fractions derived from any primary component of blood." (2003 Guide to Our Three Health Care Documents, p. 11) The conscience of some Witnesses still does not permit the use of fractions derived from blood and these will use non-blood alternatives with varying degrees of success.

The refusal of blood transfusions is a significant issue among medical professionals, especially when it involves minor children. Children of Jehovah's Witnesses have died as a consequence of not having blood transfusions. In some countries, laws may impose limitations on physicians on the ability to withhold or withdraw blood transfusions or blood therapy from minors, particularly in life-threatening situations; parents who have prevented children under their care from receiving blood therapy in life-threatening situations may face prosecution. Courts have ordered transfusions for some children, often the very young; in other cases they have respected the declared choice of an under-age minor who is able to defend his or her own beliefs to the court in a manner that reflects a mature understanding and without undue influence from the parents.

Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses and governments

Jehovah's Witnesses exhort their members to obey all the laws, including the paying of taxes, of the country in which they reside, so long as these do not violate 'God's law'.[95]

At the same time, however, they hold a stance of political neutrality. Examples of this detachment in practice include:

  • Refusal to salute the flag, or sing nationalistic songs[96]
  • Refusal to serve in the military (including defense, or non-combatant roles)[97]
  • Refusal to participate in political processes including democratic ones: voting in government elections, while termed a 'conscience decision' for legal reasons, constitutes an act of disassociation, as does military service.[98]
  • Refusal to hold political office[99]

One area in which Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced public policy is civil rights. The Watch Tower Society from the days of Joseph Franklin Rutherford has utilized the court systems of various countries to defend religious freedoms. In addition, they have occasionally organized letter-writing campaigns to protest "persecutions", most famously those addressed to Adolf Hitler during the second world war and certain African nations during the 1970s. (See the publication Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News for examples.)

According to the book Judging Jehovah's Witnesses (Shawn Francis Peters, University Press of Kansas: 2000), the Witnesses have helped to widen the definition of civil liberties in most western societies, hence broadening the rights of millions of people, due to their firm stand and determination. According to the preface to the book State and Salvation (William Kaplan, University of Toronto Press: 1989): "One of the results of the Witnesses' legal battles was the long process of discussion and debate that led to the Charter of Rights, which is now part of the fundamental law of Canada. Other battles in countries around the world have involved the rights to decline military service or martial arts training, to decline to participate in political parties or governmental elections, to exercise free and anonymous speech, to exercise freedom of association, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, medical self-determination, etc. Witnesses continue to, in their words, 'defend and legally establish the Good News' around the world." See the article Jehovah's Witnesses and governments.

Jehovah's Witnesses endured intense persecution under the Nazi regime from 1933 to 1945, both as a religious group and individually. Unlike Jews, Sinti and Roma, persecuted and killed by virtue of their culture, Jehovah's Witnesses had the opportunity to escape persecution and personal harm by renouncing their religious beliefs. The courage the vast majority displayed in refusing to do so, in the face of torture, maltreatment in concentration camps, and sometimes execution, won them the respect of many contemporaries. These events are recounted in a documentary entitled Purple Triangles.[100]

Jehovah's Witnesses are currently banned in Singapore as they refuse to participate in the compulsory National Service.

Controversy and opposition

Main article: Opposition to Jehovah's Witnesses
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses: Controversial Issues

Throughout their history, their beliefs, doctrines and practices have met controversy and opposition from governments, communities, and religious groups. Many Christian denominations consider the interpretation and doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses to be heresy. In addition, governments of various political persuasions have considered the religion to be a subversive organization, and sometimes even a threat to national security.

Political and religious animosity against them has at times led to mob action and government oppression.

On the milder side, there have been opposition by locals to the building of facilities (such as Kingdom Halls), and the holding of large conventions. In those circumstances, at times the reason is opposition to the religion, but at other times, they are more mundane, such as concerns about traffic congestion and noise. In some legal cases, (such as Congrégation des témoins de Jéhovah de St-Jérôme-Lafontaine v. Lafontaine (Village)), disputes that have actually been about appropriate land use have been claimed by the Witnesses to be a violation of their religious freedoms.

See also Persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses.

History of Eschatology

Main article: Eschatology of Jehovah's Witnesses
Timeline of Eschatological Doctrine
Last Days Begin Christ's Return Christ as King Resurrection of Anointed Judgment of Religion Great Tribulation
1879-1920 1799 1874 1878 1914, 1915, 1918, 1920
1920-1925 1799 1874 1878 1925
1925-1933 1799 1874 1914 1878 changed to 1918 in 1927 1878 changed to 1919 in 1930 within generation of 1914
1933-1966 1914 1918 1919 within generation of 1914
1966-1975 1914 1918 1919 1975?
1975-1995 1914 1918 1919 within generation of 1914
1995-2024 1914 1918 1919 imminent

Since their beginnings in the 1870s, eschatology has been a major focus for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Over the years they have emphasized the nearness of Armageddon. They believe Armageddon refers to a time of judgment where God will destroy all earthly governments along with those who reject the message preached by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The hope of the vast majority of Witnesses is to survive Armageddon into what will become an Eden-like paradise earth. The Witnesses also believe that 144,000 humans (“the anointed”) will be resurrected to reign with Christ in heaven. All others who will be resurrected will live on this new paradise earth.

At various times in their history Witnesses have sought to identify dates for end-time events such as the enthronement of Jesus as King, the return of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of the “anointed,” God’s rejection of false religion and the time for Armageddon (see accompanying chart). Responding to the charge of being "false prophets," the Watchtower Society has defended failed predictions, and eschatology changes, as incorrect interpretations of the Bible and views it as evidence that they have been "keeping on the watch".[101][102]

While their understanding of eschatology has changed over the years, the Witnesses still rely on their understanding of Bible chronology for establishing Christ's return for the year 1914. This is held as a cardinal point of doctrine. While they look to modern events as corresponding to Biblical prophecies and feel Armageddon is imminent, they no longer predict a specific year for it.

Russell taught the end times had begun in 1799.[103] After failed expectations for the date 1874 on the part of some Adventists, Russell accepted the idea that Christ had returned invisibly to the earth in that year.[104]It was taught that the judgment of Christendom, the enthronement of Christ as king and the resurrection of the "anointed" occurred in 1878.[105][106]1914 was held as the ending date of a harvest period which would culminate in Armageddon. After the failure of 1914, other dates were taught as the beginning of Armageddon, namely, 1920[107] and 1925.[108]

From 1925 to 1933, their eschatological beliefs underwent radical changes.[109]By 1933, 1914 was seen as the beginning of Christ's presence and the start of the last days instead of being considered the terminal date for chronology.[110] The 1878 resurrection date was changed to 1918[111]and the teaching of the judgment of religious groups was moved to 1919.[112]These are the current teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses regarding 1914, 1918 and 1919. Witnesses no longer consider the dates 1799, 1874 and 1878 to have any eschatological significance. The idea that the "great tribulation" had begun in 1914 and was "cut short" in 1918 to be resumed at Armageddon was dropped in 1969.[113] In 1929, the then Watch Tower president built a luxury villa to house the expected biblical "princes" who were to be resurrected.[114] This belief was discarded in 1950.[115]

During the 1960s and early 1970s, many references appeared in Witnesses literature and assemblies suggesting Christ's thousand-year millennial reign would begin by 1975.[116][117] While Witnesses have always been encouraged to increase the preaching work, and avoid secular life goals or careers, this emphasis was especially strong prior to 1975.[118] Approximately 20% left (or became inactive) from 1975 to 1980.[119]

In 1995 changes regarding their understanding of Jesus' comments regarding "this generation" (from Matthew 24:34) were published.[120] During the previous four decades, Jehovah's Witnesses had taught that the generation which saw the events of 1914, which would not die before Armageddon came.[121] The Witnesses' current teaching regarding the meaning of the term "this generation" is that it simply refers to those who saw the signs of Christ's presence. Jehovah's Witnesses continue to teach that Armageddon is imminent.[122]

For further discussion of the "end of the world", see Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses#Salvation.

See also

Further reading

Watchtower publications

See: List of Jehovah's Witnesses literature

Jehovah's Witnesses make vigorous efforts to spread their beliefs throughout the world in a variety of ways, with particular emphasis on the written word. Their literature is published in 410 languages through a wide variety of books, magazines and other publications. Their publications make extensive use of secular references and quotations from the Bible.

  • New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT) is a modern-language translation of the Bible published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc (a legal entity in the service of Jehovah's Witnesses). This is the Bible translation primarily used by Jehovah's Witnesses.
  • Awake!, published in 82 languages, is a general-interest monthly magazine covering many topics from a religious perspective. It has an average circulation of 32.4 million copies per issue.
  • The Watchtower, Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom, published in 152 languages, focuses mainly on doctrine. With an average circulation of 27,055,000 copies semimonthly, The Watchtower is the most widely distributed religious magazine in the world, and is available in various editions and media formats.

Both The Watchtower and Awake! are published simultaneously in dozens of languages. In addition to the formats mentioned above, both magazines are available in various audio and electronic formats and some of the articles from these magazines are available online. After the end of each year the issues are collected and re-released in a printed annual edition, commonly referred to as a bound volume. In addition to this, the Watchtower Library computer program contains several decades worth of articles for both magazines and is updated on an annual basis. (Until 2003, this was only done biennially.) It also contains many books, booklets, brochures, and other publications of the Witnesses.

New books, brochures, and other items are released from time to time, major releases being announced at their annual conventions. Additionally, a number of audio cassettes, videocassettes, and DVDs have been produced featuring various aspects of the group's beliefs, practices, organization, and history. Some of these also provide dramas based on various Biblical accounts. Recent years have seen a proliferation of material available on their website.

Three official histories of Jehovah's Witnesses have been published by the Watchtower Society. The first two are out of print. The most recent one is available in many public libraries and on the Watchtower Library CD-ROM.

Positive publications

Jehovah's Witnesses: The New World Society by Marley Cole. This book received a positive review in the August 15, 1955 Watchtower: "Much of the material was gathered by personal interviews with witnesses, some of them being officials of the Society. Frequently in the news is something about the religion of President Eisenhower's parents. This book gives the facts often overlooked or concealed, with documentary proof that they were Jehovah's witnesses for many years." Cole was an active Witness and wrote the book in collaboration with Witness leaders. It was also distributed by the Watchtower Society. 229 pages. Publisher: The Vantage Press, 1955.

Triumphant Kingdom by Marley Cole. Sequel to Jehovah's Witnesses: The New World Society. Cole describes the Witness movement throughout the world and life at their missionary training school. Publisher: Criterion Books. Library of Congress number 57-8262. 1957. 256 pages.

Faith on the March by A. H. Macmillan. PDF Version Macmillan provides a first-person account of the early history of the modern day Jehovah Witnesses from his meeting of Charles Taze Russell in 1900 to the time of the writing of the book (1957). He served with three of the Presidents of Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society: Russell, Rutherford, and Knorr (who wrote the book's introduction). - Publisher: Prentice-Hall, Inc. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 57-8528 (Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1957)

A People For His Name: A History of Jehovah's Witnesses and an Evaluation by Timothy White (pseudonym for Anthony Wills). The author, a life-long Witness, presents an in-depth look at the Bible Student/Jehovah's Witness movement. He explores its doctrinal growth and shifts and notes schisms from the main body. Unfortunately, the book is extremely scarce but can be obtained by inter-library loan. 418 pages. Chapters 1-3 online Publisher: The Vantage Press, 1967.

Armed with the Constitution : Jehovah's Witnesses in Alabama and the U.S Supreme Court, 1939-1946 by Merlin Newton. Newton researches the contributions of two Jehovah's Witnesses -- a black man and a white woman -- in expanding the meaning of the First Amendment in 1940s Alabama. She examines two key U.S. Supreme Court decisions, as well as court records, memoirs, letters, and interviews of Jehovah's Witnesses. - Publisher: University Alabama Press; Religion and American Culture Series, Reprint edition (June 28, 2002). Paperback: 240 pages. ISBN 0817312285

Jehovah's Witnesses Defended: An Answer to Scholars and Critics by Greg Stafford. This book examines the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses and the criticisms levied against them, with the aim of making a more comprehensive discussion available for scholars and Bible students alike. 623 pages. Second Edition, Elihu Books, 2000. Table of Contents online ISBN 0965981487

Neutral publications

Jehovah's Witnesses : Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement by Andrew Holden. A British sociologist, attempts to understand the strict and austere Watch Tower Society and its adherents, Jehovah's Witnesses. This is an academic ethnography that draws upon interviews with both adherents and ex-members. Read selections from: Google Book Search - Publisher: Routledge. ISBN 0415266092 (London, New York 2002)

Jehovah's Witnesses in Canada: Champions of freedom of speech and worship by M. James Penton. Penton, who is a professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge, examines the history of legal activities that led to expansion of religious freedoms in Canada. Referenced in the January 1, 1977 Watchtower, page 11 and the 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 94. - Publisher: Macmillan of Canada. ISBN 0770513409 (Canada, 1976)

Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses by M. James Penton. Penton, who is a professor emeritus of history at University of Lethbridge, examines the history of Jehovah's Witnesses, and their doctrines. Read selections from: Google Book Search - Publisher: University of Toronto Press. ISBN 0802079733 (Canada, 1998)

Critical publications

Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz, a former Governing Body member of the Watch Tower Society for nine years. This book gives a detailed account of the authority structure, practices, doctrines and decision-making practices Franz experienced while serving on the Governing Body. Franz gives a personal account of the inner conflict between loyalty to God and one's Christian conscience versus loyalty to a religious organization. Sample chapters online: 1, 9, 10, 11, 12. Publisher: Commentary Press. 420 pages. Hardback ISBN 0914675249. Paperback ISBN 0914675230. 4th edition (June 2002)

In Search of Christian Freedom by Raymond Franz. A follow up to the book Crisis of Conscience, Franz explores many doctrinal and ethical issues, including the nature of Christian freedom. In it he explores various aspects of the Watch Tower's teachings, doctrines, and claims, comparing and contrasting them with Biblical scriptures. 732 pages. Sample chapters online: 1, 9. ISBN 0914675168 Publisher: Commentary Press (October 1991, internally updated in 2002)

The Gentile Times Reconsidered: Chronology & Christ's Return by Carl O. Jonsson. A detailed discussion of the cornerstone belief that the Gentile Times began with the fall of Jerusalem in 607 B.C. Jonsson considers the origin of this belief and examines several lines of evidence refuting the starting date of 607 B.C. and the methodology for deriving it. ISBN 0914675060 Publisher: Commentary Press (July, 1998, Fourth edition 2004)

The Sign of the Last Days - When? by Carl O. Jonsson & Wolfgang Herbst. A case against the Jehovah's Witness belief that the 'sign of the Last Days' began in 1914. Accompanied by historical figures for wars, famines, earthquakes and pestilences from past centuries, detailed world disaster statistics, and Biblical references. Sample chapters online: 3, 6. ISBN 0914675095 Publisher: Commentary Press (1 September 1987)

Where is the "Great Crowd" Serving God? by Jon Mitchell. A 32 page booklet by a former secretary to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses that disputes the Jehovah's Witnesses' belief in two classes of salvation, i.e., the "Great Crowd" (earthly) and "The 144,000's" (heavenly). (See Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses: Salvation) He covers the Watchtower's doctrines, and the Greek word Naos in a scriptural discussion explicating his opinion that there is no biblical difference between the two groups' location. Read synopsis online. ISBN 9993518972 Publisher: Commentary Press (1 December 1992)

Jehovah Himself Has Become King by Robert King. Subjects include the doctrines surrounding 1914, child molestation and its mishandling by the Watchtower organization, involvement of the organization with the United Nations, and much more. 552 pages. ISBN 1420882023 Publisher: AuthorHouse (September 2005)

Reasoning From the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses by Ron Rhodes. 444 pages. Harvest House Publishers, 1993. Written from an Evangelical Christian perpective, this book is designed to aid them in dialogues with Witnesses. Sample chapter online ISBN 1565071069

Refuting Jehovah's Witnesses by Randall Watters. The writer, a former headquarters' staff member, critiques Witness doctrine from a traditional Christian perspective. Rather than discussing organizational subjects, the book is written as an apologetic of the historic Christian faith. 197 pages. Third Edition 1996. Published by Freeminds, Inc., Manhattan Beach, California. Sample chapter online

Official websites of Jehovah's Witnesses

Supportive or neutral resources

Critical resources

  • reexamine.org A collection of online Watch Tower Society publications maintained by a current Jehovah's Witness devoted to collecting and preserving interesting and/or significant quotes from Witness source documents and references. This website also contains mirrors of previous websites which are no longer online, such as the website previously found at "quotes.watchtower.ca" and "watchtower.observer.org".
  • Free minds - Detailed discussions about Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrines, history, and claims from a critical perspective.
  • JW Facts A critical evaluation of Witness' doctrine
  • Witnesses of Jehovah by Jeremiah Films (1986) from Google Video (58 minutes and 41 seconds)
  • Jehovah's-Witness.com A very large archived message board community discussing Jehovah's Witnesses and their Watch Tower organisation.
  • Watchtower Information Service Provides information on the Watchtower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses. Everyone can partake in online discussion of the presented articles.
  • JW Files-Research on Jehovah's Witnesses A large researched site headed by subject grouping, with many original scans from the Watch Tower Society's literature, and discussing many important doctrinal and ethical issues from a critical perspective.
  • Rick A. Ross Institute of New Jersey - Information The Rick A. Ross Institute has gathered about Jehovah's Witnesses
  • JWDOM.org - A Large Collection of Articles Related to the Beliefs, History and Practices of the Watchtower & the Jehovah's Witnesses.
  • Statistics of Jehovah's Witnesses Graphic Presentation of Jehovah's Witnesses Activities in the World 1988-2004

References

  1. ^ "It was the 1900-year-old 'faithful and discreet slave,' the old Christian congregation, that was entrusted with this precious Kingdom service ... obedient in its centuries-old commission to be witnesses in the earth ... the matured 'slave' as represented by a remnant now stood ready for new assignments of service." - "The Awake "Faithful and Discreet Slave", The Watchtower, July 15, 1960, p.436.
  2. ^ ‘The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test!, The Watchtower March 1, 2004, p. 13-18.
  3. ^ See Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pp. 631-632 on the years 1874 and 1878.
  4. ^ The Watchtower, January 15, 1892, p. 1355
  5. ^ Video clip from the Photo-Drama is available online at: http://www.exjws.net/museum/Russell%20Video%203.movThe book is available online at: http://www.davidgladden.com/jw/books/photo_drama_of_creation.pdf
  6. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pp. 64-65. Russell's "Will and Testament" was published in the December 1, 1916 Watch Tower. Available online at http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbv5/r5999.htm accessed February 12, 2006
  7. ^ Faith on the March by A.H. Macmillan, p. 79. The directors claim, however, that the police officer did not force them out. (Apocalypse Delayed, M.J. Penton, pp. 319-320)
  8. ^ The Finished Mystery, published 1917, volume 7 of Studies in the Scriptures. Scan available online at http://www.davidgladden.com/jw/books/studies_in_the_scriptures/series7_the_finished_mystery.pdf accessed February 15, 2006
  9. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, p. 66-68
  10. ^ See Faith on the March, p. 80. The ousted directors disagreed: "...if the directors were not legally elected, neither were the Society's three officers: Rutherford, Pierson, and Van Amburgh. In order to have been chosen officers in January 1917, they would have had to have been legally elected directors. Yet, they had not been, and hence, by Rutherford's own logic, did not hold office legally."--Apocalypse Delayed, M. James Penton, p. 52
  11. ^ Apocalypse Delayed, M.J. Penton, p. 54
  12. ^ Apocalypse Delayed, M.J. Penton, pp. 55-56
  13. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pp. 259-260
  14. ^ Millions Now Living Will Never Die, J.F. Rutherford (1920). Scanned copy available online at: http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/millions/millions.html accessed February 18, 2006
  15. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pp. 632-633
  16. ^ "There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah’s faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date, but to rely (and they do rely) upon the Word of God as to the events that must come to pass."--Vindication, by J.F. Rutherford, Vol.1 (1931), p.338-339
  17. ^ The Watchtower, September 15, 1941 p. 288 spoke of "the remaining months before Armageddon."
  18. ^ Apocalypse Delayed - The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses James M. Penton 1985.
  19. ^ Up until 1931, each issue of the Watch Tower published this notice: "This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and approved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns." See "Rutherford vs. the Editorial Committee" in A People For His Name by Timothy White, pp. 186-188
  20. ^ See The Watchtower, June 15, 1938, p. 185: "In the beginning of the first Hebrew month The Watchtower of March 1, 1925 published the article "The Birth of The Nation," meaning the kingdom had begun to function. An editorial committee, humanly provided for, then was supposed to control the publication of The Watchtower, and the majority of that committee strenuously objected to the publication of that article "The Birth of The Nation," but, by the Lord's grace it was published and that really marked the beginning of the end of the editorial committee, indicating that the Lord himself is running the organization."
  21. ^ See, e.g., Cantwell v. State of Connecticut, Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire, West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette.
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  73. ^ 'Reproofs Are the Way of Life' The Watchtower November 15, 1977 p. 691.
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  77. ^ "Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activities. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with whom they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred." Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped, p 4. Scan available at http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/KM8-2002.htm accessed January 27, 2006.
  78. ^ "It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum." Disfellowshiping-How to View It, The Watchtower September 15, 1981, p. 26.
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  98. ^ Watchtower 1 November 1999 pp.28-9)
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  100. ^ {{cite AV media}}: Empty citation (help)
  101. ^ Why So Many False Alarms? Awake!, March 22, 1993, p. 4
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  103. ^ "The 'Time of the End,' a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures." Thy Kingdom Come, p. 23.
  104. ^ Russell explains how he accepted the idea of an invisible return of Christ in 1874 from Second Adventist N.H. Barbour in the July 15, 1906 Watch Tower, p. 3822.
  105. ^ "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..."--Zion's Watch Tower, April 1883. Reprints pp. 474-5.
  106. ^ Thy Kingdom Come (1890), Volume 3 of Studies in the Scriptures, p. 305-308.
  107. ^ "And the mountains were not found. Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. And the mountains were not found. Every kingdom of earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy." The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p. 258. (This date is changed in later editions.)
  108. ^ "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914." — September 1, 1922 Watch Tower, p. 262.
  109. ^ Documentations of these changes can be found on pages 3-37 of Historical Idealism and Jehovah's Witnesses, by Thomas Daniels, available online at: http://www.catholic-forum.com/members/popestleo/Historical%20Idealism%20and%20Jehovahs%20Witnesses.pdf accessed February 1, 2006.
  110. ^ 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. The first clear statement occurs in 1933: "The year 1914, therefore, marks the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of glory."--December 1, 1933 Watch Tower, p. 362
  111. ^ "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." Light, Book One, (1930), p. 78
  112. ^ Light, Book One, p. 318-319.
  113. ^ September 1, 1969 Watchtower, p. 521.
  114. ^ See March 31, 1930 Time magazine, p. 60. Scan available at http://members.cox.net/tzdaniels/pictures/Time_March_31_1930.jpg Accessed February 1, 2006.
  115. ^ Jehovah's Witnesses--Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, p. 263
  116. ^ A comprehensive list of quotes from Watch Tower 1975 articles, unaltered with date references, publication, and page numbers etc. http://www.reexamine.org/quotes/1975.htm
  117. ^ See "Witnessing the End" in the July 18, 1969 Time magazine. Scan available online at: http://www.dannyhaszard.com/time1975.jpg accessed February 14, 2006
  118. ^ Scanned text discouraging higher education from the Watch Tower 22 May 1969, p.15 http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/AW5-22-69p15.htm
  119. ^ See ”1975—The Appropriate Time for God to Act,” pp. 237-253 in Crisis of Conscience, by Raymond Franz. Available online at: http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/9.pdf accessed February 12, 2006
  120. ^ See ”1914 and ‘This Generation’”, pp. 254-272 in Crisis of Conscience by Raymond Franz. Available online at: http://users.volja.net/izobcenec4/coc/10.pdf accessed February 12, 2006
  121. ^ "He shows the beginning of this time and how the troubles increase, and mentions some of the sorrows to fall on the world, during the time of trouble. The length of time is indicated by him when he said, '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. So it was on 'this generation' that the accumulated judgments were to fall. (Matt. 23:36) This therefore means that from 1914 a generation shall not pass till all is fulfilled, and amidst a great time of trouble. Vision of the 'Time of the End', The Watchtower, July 1951, p. 404
  122. ^ "A Time To Keep Awake", The Watchtower (November 1). p. 19 par. 12, and p. 20 par. 15.
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