While there are a number of different branches of the Christian faith and organized religion, a number of started with a somewhat unknown movement. The founder of the movement Charles Taze Russell lived from 1852 to 1916 and had a great impact on organized religion. For, Jehovah Witnesses and other independent groups were formed based on the early teachings of RUSSELLISM and the BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT.
Charles Russell was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the son of a shopkeeper and housewife. While the couple gave birth to five children, only two would survive to become adults. After which, Ms. Russell became very ill and passed away when Charles was only nine years of age.
After having moved, the family became involved with the local Presbyterian church and congregation. Feeling somewhat disconnected with the Presbyterian church, Charles then left the Presbyterian church to join the Congregational church at the age of 13. A true believer, the future pastor would write Bible verses on city sidewalks and fence posts in hopes of converting non-believers.
At the age of 18, Charles had a discussion with a close friend. The friend provided information suggesting there were major faults with Bible stories and the Christian faith. At which time, Charles began to question the faith. Then, after hearing a sermon by an Adventist Minister, Russell went through a renewal of faith in God and in the belief that the Bible was in fact the inspired word of God.
Charles then became involved with the Bible Student Movement. During which time the Jehovah Witness publication known as Zion's Watch Tower, now the Watch Tower was first published by Russell. While also publishing another pamphlet called the Herald of Christ's presence, that publication was never as widely accepted as the Watch Tower.
After having written a number of sermons, pamphlets, tracts and books, Pastor Russell published a six volume series called Millennial Dawn, a Biblical studies course. After which, the name of the study series was later changed to Studies in the Scriptures. Later, there was a seventh volume published and included in future printings of the series.
Following the death of Pastor Russell, there was an organization wide crisis based on the successor's, Rutherford's leadership of the group. After which, the majority of Bible students who had been associated with the church and teachings left due changes which were being made throughout the movement. Then, those whom stayed began refocusing on what would later become the Jehovah's Witness branch of the Christian faith, having adopted the name in 1931.
Most excuses for leaving were with regards to difference in opinion with regards to organizational matters. While the movement lost a number of members, it was still quite successful, especially after having been adopted in 1931 with the name change to Jehovah's Witnesses. While there was a big split in the earlier organization, eventually many returned to become members of the Jehovah's Witnesses churches and congregations.
Charles Russell was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the son of a shopkeeper and housewife. While the couple gave birth to five children, only two would survive to become adults. After which, Ms. Russell became very ill and passed away when Charles was only nine years of age.
After having moved, the family became involved with the local Presbyterian church and congregation. Feeling somewhat disconnected with the Presbyterian church, Charles then left the Presbyterian church to join the Congregational church at the age of 13. A true believer, the future pastor would write Bible verses on city sidewalks and fence posts in hopes of converting non-believers.
At the age of 18, Charles had a discussion with a close friend. The friend provided information suggesting there were major faults with Bible stories and the Christian faith. At which time, Charles began to question the faith. Then, after hearing a sermon by an Adventist Minister, Russell went through a renewal of faith in God and in the belief that the Bible was in fact the inspired word of God.
Charles then became involved with the Bible Student Movement. During which time the Jehovah Witness publication known as Zion's Watch Tower, now the Watch Tower was first published by Russell. While also publishing another pamphlet called the Herald of Christ's presence, that publication was never as widely accepted as the Watch Tower.
After having written a number of sermons, pamphlets, tracts and books, Pastor Russell published a six volume series called Millennial Dawn, a Biblical studies course. After which, the name of the study series was later changed to Studies in the Scriptures. Later, there was a seventh volume published and included in future printings of the series.
Following the death of Pastor Russell, there was an organization wide crisis based on the successor's, Rutherford's leadership of the group. After which, the majority of Bible students who had been associated with the church and teachings left due changes which were being made throughout the movement. Then, those whom stayed began refocusing on what would later become the Jehovah's Witness branch of the Christian faith, having adopted the name in 1931.
Most excuses for leaving were with regards to difference in opinion with regards to organizational matters. While the movement lost a number of members, it was still quite successful, especially after having been adopted in 1931 with the name change to Jehovah's Witnesses. While there was a big split in the earlier organization, eventually many returned to become members of the Jehovah's Witnesses churches and congregations.
About the Author:
RUSSELLISM and THE BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT is finally here to make a difference. To learn more, visit this website at http://www.nowthink.com/russellism.
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