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127-434: Jehovah's Witnesses is a nontrinitarian , millenarian , restorationist Christian denomination . In 2023, the group reported approximately 8.6 million members involved in evangelism , with around 20.5 million attending the annual Memorial of Christ's death . Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the destruction of the present world system at Armageddon is imminent, and the establishment of God's kingdom over earth

254-452: A chaperone when they are together as a way of preventing sexual desire. All sexual relations outside marriage are grounds for expulsion if the person is not deemed repentant; homosexual activity is considered a serious sin, and same-sex marriage is forbidden. Jehovah's Witnesses may get married at a Kingdom Hall in a simple ceremony and practices considered pagan such as wishing good luck or throwing rice are prohibited. An elder will give

381-582: A church , sect , new religious movement , or cult . Usage of the various terms has been debated among sociologists. When the term sect is used by sociologists, it is within the framework of church-sect typology for their activities within a specific country. Academics generally stopped using the term cult in the 1980s due to its pejorative association and its usage by the Christian countercult movement , with new religious movement largely replacing it. George Chryssides and Zoe Knox avoid using

508-474: A "mouthpiece" of God and later as the embodiment of the " faithful and wise servant " of the parable of Matthew 24:45-47. The Watch Tower Society is now the legal and administrative arm of Jehovah's Witnesses. Its representatives assert that they have been given insight into the true meaning of the Bible and the unique ability to discern the signs of Christ's second coming . The group's early ideology centered on

635-413: A 1968 Awake! ] would by no means pass away" before the end came. The 1967 book, Did Man Get Here By Evolution Or By Creation? , similarly stated, "We find that the time of our generation, our day, is the one that is identified in the Bible as the 'last days'. In fact, we are actually living in the final part of that time. This can be compared, not just to the last day of a week, but rather, to

762-534: A congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they call "meetings", scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of Watch Tower Society literature and the Bible. The meetings' format is established by the group's headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is the same worldwide. Congregations meet for two sessions each week, comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering midweek (three meetings) and on

889-511: 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 . By 1910, about 50,000 people worldwide were associated with the movement and congregations reelected him annually as their pastor. Russell died on October 31, 1916, at the age of 64 while returning from

1016-558: A hundred questions about their own lifestyles as well as the denomination's beliefs. People undergoing baptism must also affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization," though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization." Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls , which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Witnesses are assigned to

1143-567: A member of the group's Governing Body before defecting in 1980, claimed readers were left in no doubt about what was expected in 1975, claiming: "The presentation is in no sense indefinite or ambiguous." The prophecy galvanized the Jehovah's Witnesses movement, and proselytism increased substantially. On the eve of the predicted Millennium, in 1974, the number of publishers (Witnesses who submitted their record of preaching) rose by 13.5 percent worldwide and many Witnesses were actively preparing for

1270-633: A ministerial speaking tour. 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. The divisions between his supporters and opponents triggered a major turnover of members over the next decade. In June 1917, he released The Finished Mystery as

1397-556: A more serious crisis in the Bible Student ranks and for several years Russell's followers waited for the belated translation to occur. Russell's chronological timetable had already identified 1914 as the ultimate end of the "time of trouble", and this preserved the commitment of followers who might have been discouraged by their failed expectations for 1881. Yet many members found it inconceivable that their earthly departure might be delayed that long. Russell consoled members with

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1524-520: A pagan symbol. Accordingly, they refrain from using the word "crucifixion" when referring to Jesus' death. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus was resurrected with a "spirit body", and that he assumed human form only temporarily after his resurrection. Biblical references to the Archangel Michael , Abaddon (Apollyon), and the Word are interpreted as names for Jesus in various roles. Jesus

1651-605: A paradise like the Garden of Eden . 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. Jehovah's Witnesses do not currently suggest any specific date for the end of the world, but Watch Tower Society literature has previously made such statements about 1914, 1925 and 1975. These failed predictions were presented as "beyond doubt" and "approved by God". Some Watch Tower Society publications state that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses and

1778-448: A recreational activity. Traveling overseers appoint local elders and ministerial servants, while branch offices may appoint regional committees for matters such as Kingdom Hall construction or disaster relief. 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

1905-583: A religious community and administrative unit. Their living expenses and those of other full-time volunteers are covered along with a basic monthly stipend . These volunteers are called Bethelites and are assigned specific tasks such as printing literature or doing laundry. They are allowed to marry but must leave Bethel if they have children. Bethelites are expected to read the Bible cover-to-cover during their first year of service. Consultants are sometimes hired for specialized tasks such as legal advice. Regular Jehovah's Witness members are encouraged to visit Bethel as

2032-574: A seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The book, published as Russell's posthumous work, was a compilation of his commentaries on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation with numerous additions by Bible Students Clayton Woodworth and George Fisher. It strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in the Great War . As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under

2159-938: A shunned individual. Shunned individuals may eventually be reinstated if deemed repentant. Former members may experience significant mental distress as a result of being shunned, and some seek reinstatement to keep contact with their friends and family. The group's position on conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute state symbols (like national anthems and flags ) has brought it into conflict with some governments . Some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted, and their activities banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced legislation related to civil rights in several countries. The organization has been criticized regarding biblical translation, doctrines, and alleged coercion of its members. The Watch Tower Society has made various unfulfilled predictions about major biblical events, such as Jesus' Second Coming ,

2286-663: A significant amount of literature as part of its evangelism activities. In 2010, The Watchtower and Awake! were the world's most widely distributed magazines. The denomination archives most of its literature online, although certain entries have been changed after publication. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching. They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and required to submit an individual monthly "Field Service Report". Those who do not submit reports for six consecutive months are termed "inactive". From 1920 to 2023, every active Jehovah's Witness

2413-534: A state of non-existence. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan influenced 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. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus began to rule invisibly in heaven as king of God's kingdom in October 1914 and that Satan

2540-456: A sudden transition—that going to bed on the night of September 20, we would find, on the morning of September 21, all the kingdoms of the world destroyed and the Kingdom of Christ set up, the saints in glory, etc. Such would be a lightning change! We do not think that any would have been justified in so thinking. If any had such expectation, it was unwarranted. Yet on October 2, 1914, he entered

2667-409: A talk to the congregation. Once married, a husband is considered to have spiritual headship over his wife, unless he is not one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Contraception is allowed. Divorce is forbidden if not sought on the grounds of adultery , which is called a "scriptural divorce". If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adulterous unless the former spouse has died or

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2794-499: A three-day "regional convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the "Lord's Evening Meal", or " Memorial of Christ's Death ", which is observed on the fourteenth day of the Jewish month Nisan during Passover . Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their efforts to spread their beliefs , most notably by visiting people's homes, distributing Watch Tower Society literature. The objective

2921-560: A title to signify a formal clergy-laity division, though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege regarding confession of sins. Much of the denomination's funding is donated, primarily by members. There is no tithing or collection. In 2001 Newsday listed the Watch Tower Society as one of New York 's 40 richest corporations, with revenues exceeding $ 950 million. In 2016, it ranked eighteenth for donations received by registered charities in Canada at $ 80 million. From 1969 until 2015,

3048-457: Is God the Son . Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Mary conceived Jesus as a virgin but do not believe that she was born free from sin or that she remained a virgin after his birth . Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humanity. They believe that he died on a single upright post rather than a cross , which they regard as

3175-519: Is considered the inspired , inerrant word of God. Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended. Members 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. The organization makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to its teachings. Witness publications strongly discourage followers from questioning doctrine and counsel received from

3302-469: Is considered the only intercessor and high priest between God and humanity, appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom. 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. Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of nonexistence with no consciousness . There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to

3429-465: Is considered to have committed sexual immorality . Spouses may separate in cases of domestic violence . Baptism is a requirement for membership as a Jehovah's Witness. Baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism but allow children to be baptized as long as they meet the same requirements as other candidates. To qualify for baptism, an individual must correctly answer more than

3556-957: Is discouraged and trade schools are suggested as an alternative. Post-secondary education is considered "spiritually dangerous". Anthony Morris III, a former member of the Governing Body, has said, "the most intelligent and eloquent professors will be trying to reshape the thinking of your child, and their influence can be tremendous." Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, nor do they observe birthdays, national holidays, or other celebrations they consider to honor people other than Jesus. They believe that these and many other customs have pagan origins or reflect nationalistic spirit. Members are told that spontaneous giving at other times can help their children to not feel deprived of birthdays or other celebrations. Wedding anniversaries are allowed. Nontrinitarian Too Many Requests If you report this error to

3683-451: Is going to be finished   [...] by 1975? It could! It could! All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could   [...] But we are not saying. Expectations for 1975 also built on the belief that Christ had set up his kingdom in heaven in 1914 and that "this generation [those who were at least 15 years old in 1914, according to

3810-430: Is more and more glorious" and that since 1878 the light had glowed stronger. The timing of their translation to heaven seemed nearer, he wrote: "We know not the day or hour, but expect it during 1881, possibly near the autumn where the parallels show the favor to Zion complete and due to end, the door to the marriage to shut, and the high calling to be the bride of Christ, to cease." The second failure in 1881 precipitated

3937-416: Is the best evidence that the harvest is not yet closed." If the new date was reliable, he wrote, "and the evidence is very conclusive that it is true, then we have only a few months in which to labor before the great night settles down when no man can work." The Finished Mystery , written soon after Russell's death by two prominent Bible Students and published in 1917, made a series of bold statements about

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4064-560: Is the only solution to all of humanity's problems. The group emerged in the United States from the Bible Student movement founded in the late 1870s by Charles Taze Russell , who also co-founded Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society in 1881 to organize and print the movement's publications. A leadership dispute after Russell's death resulted in several groups breaking away, with Joseph Franklin Rutherford retaining control of

4191-451: Is to start a regular "Bible study" with anyone who is not already a member, with the intention that the student be baptized as a member of the group; members are advised to consider discontinuing Bible study with students who show no interest in becoming members. Converts as a result of their door-to-door evangelism are rare and happen at a rate comparable with other denominations that practice similar preaching methods. The denomination produces

4318-407: 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. A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the world faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ. This belief has been present since the group's founding. They believe that Jesus' inauguration as king in 1914 is a sign that

4445-516: The Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; the directors were released in March 1919 and charges against them were dropped in 1920. 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

4572-425: The Bible Student movement , formulated a body of historical doctrine, including a mythical self-history, which provided a comprehensive symbolic linkage with the past but also fortified the movement's expectations for the future. In 1876, Russell adopted the belief promulgated by some Adventist preachers that Jesus' parousia , or presence, had begun in 1874 and that the gathering of the little flock preliminary to

4699-670: The great tribulation is about to take place. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that all other present-day religions are false, identifying them with Babylon the Great , the "harlot" of Revelation 17 . They also believe that the United Nations is the scarlet-colored wild beast . Satan will subsequently use world governments to attack Jehovah's Witnesses, which will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon , during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Jesus' sheep will die. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into

4826-434: The "Divine Plan of Salvation", a biblically derived outline of humanity's history and destiny, which was believed to be open to fuller understanding in the "last days". The creed incorporated Adam 's fall and the entry of sin, evil, and death into the world. God was believed to be permitting the world's affairs to run their ruinous course before he implemented his plan to free humanity from evil, suffering, and death by means of

4953-632: The "harvest of the Gospel age", and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2,520-year period called "the Gentile Times", at which time world society would be replaced by the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth. Beginning in 1878, Russell and Barbour jointly edited a religious magazine, Herald of the Morning . In June 1879, the two split over doctrinal differences, and in July, Russell began publishing

5080-485: The 2520 years, the Seven symbolic Times, from that year 606 B.C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as nearly as we were able to reckon. We did not say positively that this would be the year. We merely left every one to look at the facts of history and reckon for himself." He took that opportunity to remind readers of some cautionary pronouncements he had made several years earlier. In 1912 he had left open

5207-608: The Battle of Armageddon. Yet as researcher Richard Singelenberg has pointed out, the Society's literature at no point definitively stated that Armageddon would take place in 1975. In fact, as early as 1966 Frederick Franz, then vice-president of the society, inserted a definite "uncertainty" clause: Does it mean that God's rest day began in 4026? It could have.   [...] [The] book does not say it did not   [...] You can accept it or reject it   [...] Does it mean that Armageddon

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5334-569: The Brooklyn headquarters. Significant changes in doctrine and administration were regularly introduced during Rutherford's 25 years as president, including the 1920 announcement that the Hebrew patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac ) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ 's thousand-year earthly kingdom . Because of disappointment over the changes and unfulfilled predictions , tens of thousands of defections occurred during

5461-417: The Governing Body, reasoning that it is to be trusted as part of "God's organization". The denomination does not tolerate dissent over doctrines and practices; members who openly disagree with the group's teachings are expelled and shunned. Jehovah's Witnesses have a complementarian view of women. Only men may hold positions of authority, such as ministerial servant or elder. Women may actively participate in

5588-509: The Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture. The Governing Body does not issue a single, comprehensive statement of faith, but expresses its doctrinal positions in a variety of ways through publications published by the Watch Tower Society. The publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation , in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose, and that such enlightenment or "new light" results from

5715-839: The Holy Scriptures . Adherents commonly call their body of beliefs "The Truth" and consider themselves to be "in the Truth". They consider human society morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan , and most limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses. The denomination is directed by a group of elders known as the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses , which establishes all doctrines . Congregational disciplinary actions include formal expulsion and shunning , for what they consider serious offenses. Baptized people who formally leave are considered disassociated and are also shunned. Members are not allowed to socialize with

5842-517: The International Bible Students as a modern-day prophet. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that dating should only occur if the couple is seriously considering marriage. Dating outside the denomination is strongly discouraged and can lead to religious sanctions . Some Jehovah's Witnesses remain single by choice , while others wish to be in a relationship but have a lack of options. Dating Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged to have

5969-451: The Lord's people were expecting more than they should have looked for to occur with the opening of the Jewish year 1915, which began with September 21. The human mind seems to have a natural tendency, and one with which we should have sympathy, to expect matters to culminate more rapidly, fulfillments to come more suddenly, than they ever do come   [...] Studying God's Word, we have measured

6096-400: The Society has taught that Armageddon will be a universal war waged by God, resulting in the slaughter of the unfaithful. With that doctrinal change, the focus of the movement's chiliasm changed from awaiting its collective escape from earth to waiting for the impending destruction of the present world order in the Battle of Armageddon. To clarify its identity, the group, which came to form

6223-400: The Society, as well as to symbolize the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh evangelizing methods. In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of locally elected elders and in 1938, he introduced what he called a theocratic (literally, God-ruled ) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters. From 1932, it

6350-456: The Trinity, and the burning up of the world. In 1876, he 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 Jesus had returned as an invisible spirit being in 1874, inaugurating

6477-501: The Watch Tower Society and its properties. Rutherford made significant organizational and doctrinal changes, including adoption of the name Jehovah's witnesses in 1931 to distinguish the group from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions . Jehovah's Witnesses are known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as The Watchtower and Awake! , and for refusing military service and blood transfusions . They consider

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6604-434: The Watch Tower Society issued the first of what became a sequence of statements on the importance of a new date—1975—that raised the possibility of that year heralding the beginning of Christ's millennial reign and, along with it, doom for unbelievers. According to this trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man's creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in

6731-759: The Wikimedia System Administrators, please include the details below. Request from 172.68.168.150 via cp1114 cp1114, Varnish XID 926126367 Upstream caches: cp1114 int Error: 429, Too Many Requests at Thu, 28 Nov 2024 08:00:30 GMT Unfulfilled Watch Tower Society predictions English researcher George D. Chryssides has argued that although there have been some "unrealized expectations", changes in Watch Tower chronology are attributable more to changed chronological schemes, rather than to failed predictions. The Watch Tower Society has acknowledged errors, which it said helped "sift"

6858-463: The Zealots' mass suicide at Masada ), rather than 70 CE. For the modern-day parallel, the adjustment meant the conclusion of the 40-year "harvest period" was moved from 1914 to the northern spring of 1918. Rutherford claimed in 1917 that the testimony of Bible Students themselves confirmed that the harvest was not over: "Many have consecrated and given evidence of spirit-begetting since 1914, which

6985-657: The advent of God's kingdom, and Armageddon. Their policies for handling cases of child sexual abuse have been the subject of various formal inquiries. Scholarly analysis of Jehovah's Witnesses is limited in Western academia, with most works focusing on legal challenges faced by the group. The denomination does not cooperate with scholars beyond limited communication from anonymous individuals. Consequently, academics often rely on literature written by former members such as James Penton and Raymond Franz to understand its inner workings. The denomination has been variously described as

7112-559: The ancient patriarchs and prophets, "the faithful ones of old", to be resurrected to earthly life in 1925 as a prelude to a general physical resurrection of faithful followers of God destined for everlasting life on earth. He explained: This is the Golden Age of which the prophets prophesied and of which the Psalmist sang; and it is the privilege of the student of the divine Word today, by the eye of faith, to see that we are standing at

7239-452: The application of reason and study. Sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the group concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible. Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible scientifically and historically accurate and reliable and interpret much of it literally , but accept parts of it as symbolic . The entire Protestant canon of scripture

7366-440: The attention of the elders who will then evaluate possible consequences. Members that have violated the group's standards—for example, dating a non-member—but not otherwise committed a serious sin may be marked . Congregation members who are aware of another member's errant behaviour are advised to limit social contact with the marked individual. Elders may decide to form a committee in cases involving serious sin, which may result in

7493-490: The beginning of the end of Gentile times". The outbreak of World War I was taken to be its confirmation. Sociologist James Beckford claimed that Russell's "sometimes ingenious" ex post facto rationalizations of events in 1914 contributed to the survival of the Bible Student movement. Under doctrinal changes introduced by his successor, Joseph Franklin Rutherford , it was later decided that the Millennium would come within

7620-553: The beginning of Christ's sovereign rule, the cleansing of the sanctuary, and the admission to heaven of those who have experienced the 'high calling'. Even events like the ending of the Gentile times do not have obvious empirical indicators." Russell's final revision of his predictions was to identify 1918 as the new terminus. The shift was based on the reasoning that the period of the Jews' favor may have lasted until 73 CE (the date of

7747-470: The book, Shepherd the Flock of God , provided only to elders. The practice of shunning may serve to deter other members from dissident behavior. Shunning also helps maintain a "uniformity of belief". Former members may experience significant mental distress as a result of being shunned and some seek reinstatement to keep contact with their friends and family. Expelled individuals may eventually be reinstated to

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7874-400: The condition of death, termed the common grave . They consider the soul a life or a living body that can die. They believe that humanity is in a sinful state, from which release is possible only by means of Jesus' shed blood as a ransom, or atonement , for humankind's sins. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that a "little flock" of 144,000 selected humans go to heaven, but that God will resurrect

8001-464: The congregation if deemed repentant by congregation elders. Reinstatement is a long process, which may be experienced as mentally and emotionally draining. Shunned individuals may experience suicide ideation and often struggle with feelings of low self esteem , shame, and guilt. Former members may also experience ambiguous loss or panic attacks . Funerals for expelled members may not be performed at Kingdom Halls. Baptized children are also subject to

8128-536: The dawn of the New Order. Yet as 1975 drew closer the degree of uncertainty expressed in Watch Tower publications increased. The chances of Armageddon occurring that year were initially described as "feasible", "apparent" or "appropriate", but from the end of 1968 it became a mere "possibility". In 1966 the Society characterized the chronological calculations as "trustworthy"; by 1968 it considered them "reasonably accurate (but admittedly not infallible)". The basis of

8255-534: The denomination in order to be subject to their disciplinary procedures. The denomination does not tolerate dissent over doctrines and practices; members who openly disagree with the group's teachings are expelled, shunned, and condemned as apostates who are "mentally diseased". Some adherents "fade" and stop attending meetings without being subject to the group's disciplinary procedures, although some former members have still experienced shunning through this method. Members accused of persistent wrongdoing are brought to

8382-618: The denomination's headquarters were housed in Brooklyn , with plans to completely move its operations to Warwick in 2017. The property was sold to Kushner Companies for $ 340 million in 2016. The denomination is led by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size. The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by

8509-434: The end was "much less than the length of a generation". In the late 1930s, Rutherford affirmed his intention that Beth Sarim should accommodate at least some of the returning "princes", and that it should stand as a monument to the organization's firm expectation, although no new date was ever assigned to the expected event. The building was sold in 1948 and the doctrine of the return of the prophets dropped in 1950. In 1966

8636-472: The expected demise of "false" Christianity. The spring of 1918, it said, would "bring upon Christendom a spasm of anguish greater even than that experienced in the Fall of 1914". God's day of vengeance, the book said, would "break like a furious morning storm in 1918", destroying "the churches wholesale and the church members by millions". At that time there is every reason to believe the fallen angels will invade

8763-452: The expected events might occur. When that prediction failed, the Watch Tower Society suspended the issuing of prophecies centered on a specific date. Chryssides concluded: "This expectation was too specific and empirical for the date to be adjusted or the expected event spiritualised. At a convention the following year, Rutherford admitted his error, claiming that the 1925 date was 'merely an expressed opinion'." Yet Rutherford did not abandon

8890-531: The facts   [...] We see no reason for doubting, therefore, that the Times of the Gentiles ended in October 1914; and that a few more years will witness their utter collapse and the full establishment of God's Kingdom in the hands of Messiah. In posthumous editions of his Studies in the Scriptures , entire sections were rewritten to accommodate the failure of the anticipated events, with 1914 now identified as "

9017-433: The fall of 1975. So six thousand years of man's existence on earth will soon be up, yes, within this generation. How appropriate it would be for Jehovah God to make of this coming seventh period of a thousand years a Sabbath period of rest and release, a great Jubilee sabbath for the proclaiming of liberty throughout the earth to all its inhabitants!   [...] It would be according to the loving purpose of Jehovah God for

9144-486: 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 the trouble. As 1914 approached, excitement mounted over the expected "change" of anointed Christians. Early that year some Bible Students, convinced the end of the world had arrived, began distributing their material belongings, abandoning their jobs and eagerly anticipating

9271-472: The first half of Rutherford's tenure, leading to the formation of several Bible Student organizations independent of the Watch Tower Society, most of which still exist. 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 three-quarters by the end of the 1920s. On July 26, 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio , Rutherford introduced

9398-407: The format he recommended for conducting meetings. In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by William Henry Conley , and in 1884, Russell incorporated the society as a nonprofit business to distribute tracts and Bibles. He also published a six book series entitled Studies in the Scriptures . By about 1900, Russell had organized thousands of part- and full-time colporteurs , and

9525-457: The full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A.D. 1914". The result, he wrote, was that "all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved", along with the destruction of "what God calls Babylon, and what men call Christendom". In an 1894 Watch Tower , responding to readers who questioned whether—because of recent political upheavals—the world could last until 1914, he wrote: We see no reason for changing

9652-464: The future. In May 1914—five months from the expected end—Russell warned followers against succumbing to doubt: There is absolutely no ground for Bible students to question that the consummation of this Gospel age is now even at the door, and that it will end as the Scriptures foretell in a great time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. We see the participants in this great crisis banding themselves together   [...] The great crisis,

9779-586: The gender they were assigned at birth and view gender-affirming surgery as mutilation. Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized for both men and women. Jehovah's Witnesses believe their denomination is a restoration of first-century Christianity . Older books published by the Watch Tower Society such as those by Charles Russell and Joseph Rutherford are usually unfamiliar to a modern Jehovah's Witness, although some congregations have these publications in their libraries. Jehovah's Witnesses have "considerable worldwide uniformity", as all congregations study

9906-512: The generation of those who saw the events of 1914. The years of 1799 and 1874, until then significant dates in Russell's millennial chronology, were also abandoned. Yet Chryssides said there was no clear failure of the predictions surrounding 1914. "Although there was clear disappointment at the non-occurrence of certain empirically observable events, a number of the events to which Russell alludes are incapable of disconfirmation. One cannot verify

10033-433: The gradual retraction was uncertainty over the elapsed time between the dates of Adam's creation and that of Eve . In fact, says Singelenberg, from the end of 1968 Watch Tower Society publications never again explicitly focused on 1975 in a theological context. Though articles continued to remind readers that the "end of 6000 years of human history" was imminent, they increasingly highlighted non-Society sources that forecast

10160-445: The grand climax was already in progress. Using a form of parallel dispensations that incorporated "types" and "antitypes"—historical situations that prefigured corresponding situations later in time —he calculated the harvest would extend only to 1878, at which time the gathered saints would be translated into spirit form. The year would also bring the beginning of the "exercise of power" of God's kingdom, with evidence that God's favor

10287-547: The great clash   [...] that will consume the ecclesiastical heavens and the social earth, is very near. However, by September, Russell was preparing Watch Tower readers for the possibility that "Armageddon may begin next spring, yet it is purely speculation to attempt to say just when." Yet the evidence, he wrote, still pointed "to the year just before us—particularly the early months". When again nothing took place, predictions regressed to their earlier short-term orientation. The Watch Tower wrote: "It may be that many of

10414-541: The group places more emphasis on God than on Christ. They believe that the Holy Spirit is God's applied power or "active force", rather than a person. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, that everything else was created through him by means of God's power, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son". However, as part of their nontrinitarian beliefs, they do not believe that Jesus

10541-497: The idea that Armageddon must occur during the lives of the generation that was alive in 1914. 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. Jehovah's Witnesses establish local branch offices to centralize their activities in any given country. These branch offices are also referred to as Bethel. Supporting staff live on these properties where they operate as

10668-432: The individual is deemed to be an apostate. Parents are also no longer prohibited from attending judicial committees with minors. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns mixing religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements. They believe that only Jehovah's Witnesses represent true Christianity and that other denominations fail to meet all

10795-468: The initial reaction was that the harvest had indeed finished and that the full complement of those destined for translation to heaven had been assembled. The further delay in the arrival of the millennium was interpreted in 1919 as a sign that the loyalty and powers of endurance of the "Kingdom class" were being tested and that God was finding fault with some supposedly sanctified people. In a 1922 convention address, Rutherford retrospectively defined 1918 as

10922-493: The last part of that day". In a 1969 book, the Society expanded on its belief in a link between the seventh millennium of human existence and the kingdom's establishment. It stated: "In order for the Lord Jesus Christ to be 'Lord of the sabbath day,' his thousand-year reign would have to be the seventh in a series of thousand-year periods or millenniums. Thus it would be a sabbatical reign." Raymond Franz, who became

11049-427: The magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence , saying its purpose was to demonstrate that the world was in "the last days" and that a new age of earthly and human restitution under Jesus' reign was imminent. 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

11176-493: The majority (the "other sheep") 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. They believe that baptism as a Jehovah's Witness is vital for salvation, and do not recognize baptism from other denominations as valid. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that some people who died before Armageddon will be resurrected, will be taught

11303-464: The member being reproved or shunned. This process requires three elders to meet with the accused. These cases usually involve sexual misconduct or apostasy. Other serious sins involve accepting blood transfusions, smoking, using recreational drugs, divorce, celebration of holidays or birthdays, abortion (which is considered murder), and political activities such as voting in elections. Procedures related to congregational discipline are primarily described in

11430-445: The mid-1930s, the timing of the beginning of Jesus' presence (Greek: parousía ), his enthronement as king, and the start of the last days were each moved to 1914. As their interpretations of the Bible evolved, 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. Nathan Knorr

11557-585: The minds of many of the Nominal Church people, driving them to exceedingly unwise conduct and leading to their destruction at the hands of the enraged masses, who will later be dragged to the same fate   [...] In one short year, 1917–1918, the vast and complicated system of sectarianism reaches its zenith of power, only to be suddenly dashed into oblivion   [...] One large part of the adherents of ecclesiasticism will die from pestilence and famine. When 1918 also passed without any sign of fulfillment,

11684-437: The new name Jehovah's witnesses , based on Isaiah 43:10: "'Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me'" (King James Version). It was adopted by resolution. The name was chosen to distinguish his group of Bible Students from other independent groups that had severed ties with

11811-427: The news that 1881 had still marked the time when "death became a blessing" in the sense that any saint who died would henceforth be instantaneously changed into a spirit being. The revised view provided comfort for early believers who had held the view that the living faithful would never experience physical death and yet had seen other members in fact dying while they awaited their upward call. After 1881, physical death

11938-404: The next hour after midnight would see a great, grand change everywhere—evil blotted out in sixty minutes or in sixty seconds. But would it be a reasonable expectation that the Gentile kingdoms would be snuffed out inside of an hour or inside of a day? If God had said so, it would be different; we know that God has all power to do His will everywhere. But are we in any sense of the word to expect such

12065-498: The number of active members exceeded two million. Membership declined during the late 1970s after expectations for 1975 were unfulfilled. Watch Tower Society literature did not say that 1975 would definitely mark the end, but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope for that year. The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters (and later by branch committees too). It

12192-502: The possibility that, if nothing happened in October 1914, it could still happen in October 1915. He also pointed out that the period of transition could run "a good many years". In a lengthy article of consolation, Russell wrote that it was a testing time for Christ's disciples and that some Bible Students had unreal expectations. He said it was also possible that God's Kingdom on earth would be established gradually: We find that some have one idea and others another. Some think that just

12319-580: The prediction. In 1929 the Watch Tower Society bought a piece of land in San Diego , California , where a Spanish mansion was built and named Beth Sarim ("house of the Princes"). As late as 1932 Rutherford was still delivering talks about the nearness of the kingdom: he declared that the preaching work of the Witnesses was "coming to a conclusion", that Armageddon was "only a short time away" and that

12446-522: The proper way to worship God, and face a final test at the end of the millennial reign . This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, Jesus will hand all authority back to God. Then a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead humankind. Those who fail will die, along with Satan and his demons. They also believe that those who rejected their beliefs while still alive will not be resurrected and will continue to experience

12573-451: The public preaching work, and creating judicial committees to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases involving sexual misconduct or doctrinal breaches. New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner as elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings. Jehovah's Witnesses do not use elder as

12700-418: The public preaching work, serve at Bethel , and profess to be members of the 144,000 . They are not typically allowed to address the congregation directly. In rare circumstances, women can substitute in certain capacities if there are no eligible men. In these situations, women must wear a head covering if they are performing a teaching role. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that transgender people should live as

12827-574: The ranks of the 144,000 who would rule with Christ. With the "New Nation" already born, members were given a clear twofold purpose: (1) to recruit and train a "Great Company" who would be carried through Armageddon to live in the earthly kingdom and (2) to expose the machinations of the devil in trying to obstruct the kingdom's earthly establishment. With Rutherford now the movement's chief theologian, another round of prophetic revision ensued, this time focusing on 1925. In his 1920 booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die , Rutherford wrote that he expected

12954-455: The reign of Jesus Christ, the "Lord of the Sabbath", to run parallel with the seventh millennium of man's existence. The hope hinged on the Society's belief that Adam had been created in the northern hemisphere in the autumn of 4026 BCE. The Society suggested that the close of the first 6000 years of human history could correspond with the end of God's "rest day"—with the transition marked by

13081-442: The requirements set by God and refer to them as "false religion". Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." Their literature defines the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants" and teach that it is morally contaminated and ruled by Satan. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that association with "worldly" people presents a danger to their faith. Attending university

13208-405: The sacrificial death of Jesus Christ and the later establishment of God's kingdom on earth after his Second Coming. The kingdom would be inaugurated through two phases, one destructive, the other constructive. In the first phase, earthly institutions would be overturned in a tumultuous period known as the "Battle of Armageddon". For several decades the group believed the worldwide disintegration of

13335-427: The saints" to rule with the revealed Christ that year. Following the earth's tribulation and unrest, the Jews would return to God's favor, the "nominal Church" would have fallen, the final battle between Christ and Satan would have ended, the kingdoms of the world would be overthrown, and Christ would have gathered his saints into heaven, where they would reign with him, and when the millennium would begin. The belief

13462-478: The same materials on a schedule. Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize the use of God's name, and they prefer the form Jehovah —a vocalization of God 's name based on the Tetragrammaton . 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 ; consequently,

13589-580: The same moral standards and consequences for failing to comply. They are allowed to stay with their families until reaching the age of majority . Jehovah's Witnesses lost additional funding as a religious community in Norway because of its shunning policy, with the country concluding that it was psychological violence directed towards children. Subsequently, the group made some changes to its shunning policy in 2024; individuals may offer "simple greetings" to shunned members instead of completely avoiding them, unless

13716-485: The social order would take the form of a bloody struggle between the wealthy and laboring classes, resulting in terror and anarchy. This would be followed by an era of grand reconstruction, in which sickness, pain, and death would be removed and righteousness would triumph. Prior to the establishment of the kingdom, a chosen "little flock" of 144,000 anointed Christians would undergo a physical transformation from physical to spiritual form to achieve immortality. Since 1925,

13843-491: The spring of 1878   [...] we naturally and not unreasonably expected some change of our condition, and all were more or less disappointed when nothing supernatural occurred. But our disappointment was brief, for we noticed that the Jewish church (and not the Gospel church) was the pattern of ours, and therefore we should not expect parallels to Pentecost or to anything which happened in the beginning of this church. Russell wrote that "the light upon our pathway still shines and

13970-474: The staff dining room at the Watch Tower Society headquarters and declared that the Gentile times had ended and that "their kings have had their day." It signaled that God had withdrawn his benevolent disposition towards the Christian nations. The statement implied that the legitimacy of earthly governments had been downgraded in the eyes of God, which sociologist Joseph Zygmunt suggested may have contributed to

14097-554: The subsequent adoption of bolder tactics in condemning the global political system. Russell viewed the outbreak of World War I as the beginning of Armageddon, which would soon descend into worldwide revolution and in 1916, shortly before his death, he reaffirmed his conviction that the end was close and the harvest of saints was ongoing: Some of us were quite strongly convinced that the Harvest would be ended by now, but our expectations must not be allowed to weigh anything as against

14224-488: The term new religious movement because it also has negative connotations. Chryssides refers to the denomination as an "old new religion". In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed a group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , to study the Bible. During his ministry, Russell disputed many of mainstream Christianity's tenets, including immortality of the soul, hellfire, predestination, the physical return of Jesus Christ,

14351-411: The time when Christ "entered the temple for the purpose of judgment". He later wrote that it was only after 1918, when the Lord came to the temple, that it could be understood that 1914 had also marked the time when the heavenly part of God's kingdom was established and when a "New Nation" was born. From that time the Bible Student group was able to view itself as more than just an agency for completing

14478-488: The unfaithful from its ranks, but says adherents remained confident that "God's Word" had not failed. Since its formation in the 1870s, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society has claimed that God has chosen the organization from among the churches to fill a special role in the consummation of prophetic history. Charles Taze Russell , a prolific writer and founder of the Bible Student movement, viewed himself as

14605-483: The use of God's name vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism , inherent immortality of the soul , and hellfire , which they consider unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe Christmas , Easter , birthdays , or other holidays and customs they consider to have pagan origins incompatible with Christianity. They prefer to use their own Bible translation, the New World Translation of

14732-411: The very portals of that blessed time! Let us look up and lift up our heads. Deliverance is at the door! Rutherford's belief that the patriarchs' return would occur in 1925 was based on his calculations of the Jewish jubilee, counting forward 3500 years from 1575 BCE. As the year advanced, he wrote of the urgency of witnessing in the "few remaining months", though he also provided a caution that not all

14859-443: The weekend (two meetings). Until 2009, congregations met three times each week; these meetings were condensed, with the intention that members dedicate an evening for family worship. Gatherings are opened and closed with hymns called Kingdom songs and brief prayers. Twice each year, Jehovah's Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for a one-day assembly. Larger groups of congregations meet annually for

14986-479: Was also marked by increased use of explicit instructions guiding Jehovah's Witnesses' lifestyle and conduct and a greater use of congregational judicial procedures to enforce a strict moral code. From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Jesus' thousand-year reign might begin in 1975 or shortly thereafter. The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974. By 1975,

15113-467: Was announced that, as of September 2014, appointments would 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 . Since Knorr's death in 1977, the presidency has been held by Frederick Franz , Milton Henschel , Don Alden Adams and Robert Ciranko . In 1995, Jehovah's Witnesses abandoned

15240-418: Was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1942. He 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. Knorr's presidency

15367-514: Was appointing foreign missionaries and establishing branch offices. By the 1910s, Russell's organization maintained nearly a hundred "pilgrims", or traveling preachers. Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry, and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States. He also directed The Photo-Drama of Creation . Russell moved the Watch Tower Society's headquarters to Brooklyn , New York, in 1909, combining printing and corporate offices with

15494-406: Was defined as one of the ways in which some of the saints might undergo their translation. Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series had explicitly identified October 1914 as the "full end of the times of the Gentiles" and consequently the "farthest limit" of human rulership. It would bring the beginning of Christ's millennial reign and all his followers expected the immediate "translation of

15621-464: Was expected to submit the amount of hours they spent preaching in their monthly field service report. As of November 1, 2023, this requirement was modified to only members who have agreed to a specific hour requirement (for example, pioneers ). Other members will only be required to check to indicate they engaged in some form of ministry during the month, along with any Bible studies they conducted. Jehovah's Witnesses require individuals to be baptized by

15748-447: Was returning to the Jews. The failure of Russell's prediction did not significantly alter the movement's short-term, date-focused orientation. In early 1881 Russell asserted that 1878 had, indeed, been a milestone year, marking the point at which "the nominal Christian churches were cast off from God's favor". By 1881, Russell had found a biblical basis for extending the harvest to a new date, later that year. He explained: Coming to

15875-457: Was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth . They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word parousia —usually translated as "coming" when referring to Jesus—as "presence". Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they are the kingdom's representatives on earth. They also believe that they must remain separate from human governments, which they consider to be controlled by Satan. The kingdom

16002-432: 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 Jesus, 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. By

16129-482: Was unequivocal, based on his study of the Bible and the Great Pyramid , and satisfied only upon the establishment of an earthly paradise. Russell remarked that altering the prophecy by even one year would destroy the perfect symmetry of its biblical chronology. In the second book of his Studies in the Scriptures series he described it as "an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and

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