In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were a number of religious establishments and organizations. One such group were those whom followed RUSSELLISM and the BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT. A movement which would later be known as Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world. As such, the founder Charles Russell left quite a legacy when passing in 1929.
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.
Once relocated in Pittsburgh, the Russell family became members of the local Presbyterian church. Sometime later, Charles then left the Presbyterian church at age 13 to join the more open-minded Congregational church. In order to spread the news about Christianity, Charles could often be found writing scriptures on fence posts or using chalk to share the word of God as a method of converting agnostics and atheists to the Christian church and faith.
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.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
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.
Once relocated in Pittsburgh, the Russell family became members of the local Presbyterian church. Sometime later, Charles then left the Presbyterian church at age 13 to join the more open-minded Congregational church. In order to spread the news about Christianity, Charles could often be found writing scriptures on fence posts or using chalk to share the word of God as a method of converting agnostics and atheists to the Christian church and faith.
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.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
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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