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.
At the age of 16, the future pastor discussed religion with a friend. At the time, the friend actually persuaded Russell to believe that there were faults and holes in the faith. After which, Charles questioned the Christian faith. Then, after hearing an Adventist Minister by the name of Jonas Wendell speak, Charles went through a rebirth and renewal of faith. In the process, Russell also found the faith needed to believe the Bible to be the word of God.
Russell then became involved in the Bible Student Movement and became the original publisher of the Zion's Watch Tower, now known as the Watch Tower and a publication called the Herald of Christ's presence. After which, Charles co-founded the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society with William Henry Conley.
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.
After Russell's passing, there was an organizational crisis based on Rutherford's leadership compared that of Charles. As a result, a number of students left the movement and established a number of individual churches. After which, those whom stayed changed the name from the Bible Study Movement to Jehovah's Witnesses, a change that was adopted and finalized 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.
At the age of 16, the future pastor discussed religion with a friend. At the time, the friend actually persuaded Russell to believe that there were faults and holes in the faith. After which, Charles questioned the Christian faith. Then, after hearing an Adventist Minister by the name of Jonas Wendell speak, Charles went through a rebirth and renewal of faith. In the process, Russell also found the faith needed to believe the Bible to be the word of God.
Russell then became involved in the Bible Student Movement and became the original publisher of the Zion's Watch Tower, now known as the Watch Tower and a publication called the Herald of Christ's presence. After which, Charles co-founded the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society with William Henry Conley.
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.
After Russell's passing, there was an organizational crisis based on Rutherford's leadership compared that of Charles. As a result, a number of students left the movement and established a number of individual churches. After which, those whom stayed changed the name from the Bible Study Movement to Jehovah's Witnesses, a change that was adopted and finalized 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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