KEY FIGURES
Charles Taze Russell Russell was born on February 16, 1853 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. His childhood and studies led him to have difficulties understanding certain aspects of Christianity. The idea of eternal hell was one concept which he could not reconcile. As he grew older, he left both Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. His goal was to promote the teachings and practices of first-century Christian congregation. In 1879, he started a Bible journal, later called The Watch Tower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom. In 1884, he founded the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, a publishing business. After the death of Russell on October 31, 1916, there was a dispute on the leadership of the society. Bible students who remained members of the society adopted the name Jehovah's Witnesses. |
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Jesus Christ Jehovah's Witnesses disagree with the belief that Jesus was God. Instead, their belief is that he was God's first creation. Jesus existed in pre-human form as God's "agent of creation" and God's "chief spokesman". He took on human form through Mary's virgin delivery. His purpose on earth was: 1. To teach the truth about God 2. To provide a model of a perfect life for people to follow 3. Sacrifice his life to set humans life free from sin and death. His crucifixion occurred on a single upright wooden stake. After his death, God raised Jesus from the dead "as a spirit creature"and returned him to his home in heaven. |
KEY BELIEFS
Bible - New World Translation
The New World Translation of the Bible is used exclusively by Jehovah's Witnesses. It is viewed as a gift from God. The New World Translation includes information on the concept and character of God, how to please Him, and how to cope with worldly problems.