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 into the family of a shopkeeper. Ms. Russell passed away when Charles was only 9 years old. As a result, the Russells relocated to Pittsburgh in hope of a better life. As a teenager, Charles helped as a part-time shopkeeper in a new family run store while also studying scriptures on a regular basis.
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.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the 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.
Having written a number of pamphlets, sermons, tracts and books, Russell published a six series bible study known as Millennial Dawn which was provided as a complete course of study. While the series later became known as A Study Of The Scriptures, the content and 7th chapter which would be added at a later date provided even more details with regards to the scriptures. In some cases, Christians of other branches and denominations have suggested that the publication lacks a sense of truth.
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 into the family of a shopkeeper. Ms. Russell passed away when Charles was only 9 years old. As a result, the Russells relocated to Pittsburgh in hope of a better life. As a teenager, Charles helped as a part-time shopkeeper in a new family run store while also studying scriptures on a regular basis.
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.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the 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.
Having written a number of pamphlets, sermons, tracts and books, Russell published a six series bible study known as Millennial Dawn which was provided as a complete course of study. While the series later became known as A Study Of The Scriptures, the content and 7th chapter which would be added at a later date provided even more details with regards to the scriptures. In some cases, Christians of other branches and denominations have suggested that the publication lacks a sense of truth.
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.
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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.