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 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.
The family then moved to Pittsburgh and joined the local Presbyterian church. As Charles did not feel a connection to God through the church, the young boy left and joined the Congregational Church. During this time, Charles would chalk chapters and verses of the Bible on sidewalks and fence posts hoping to convert 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.
Later Russell became involved in The Bible Student Movement. As a part of the movement, Russell was the first to publish a pamphlet known as Zion's Watch Tower, a publication now known as the Watch Tower. While Charles also published the Herald of Christ with co-founder William Henry Conley, that publication was never as popular as the first. Whereas, the Watch Tower still remains one of the most popular religious publications among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Russell continued to create a number of books, pamphlets, tracts, sermons and study materials throughout life. In fact, the series Millennial Dawn, now known as Studies in the Scriptures was a popular six chapter Biblical study series at the time. Later, there was an additional chapter provided by Rutherford, the man whom succeeded Charles as leader of the group after death.
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.
In most cases, the excuses provided were based on the development of the several smaller groups. While those whom had separated from the group created individual groups, two of which were the Pastoral Bible Institute and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement. Regardless, the beliefs of each group remained similar in nature to those whom had began a walk of faith with Pastor Russell.
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.
The family then moved to Pittsburgh and joined the local Presbyterian church. As Charles did not feel a connection to God through the church, the young boy left and joined the Congregational Church. During this time, Charles would chalk chapters and verses of the Bible on sidewalks and fence posts hoping to convert 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.
Later Russell became involved in The Bible Student Movement. As a part of the movement, Russell was the first to publish a pamphlet known as Zion's Watch Tower, a publication now known as the Watch Tower. While Charles also published the Herald of Christ with co-founder William Henry Conley, that publication was never as popular as the first. Whereas, the Watch Tower still remains one of the most popular religious publications among Jehovah's Witnesses.
Russell continued to create a number of books, pamphlets, tracts, sermons and study materials throughout life. In fact, the series Millennial Dawn, now known as Studies in the Scriptures was a popular six chapter Biblical study series at the time. Later, there was an additional chapter provided by Rutherford, the man whom succeeded Charles as leader of the group after death.
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.
In most cases, the excuses provided were based on the development of the several smaller groups. While those whom had separated from the group created individual groups, two of which were the Pastoral Bible Institute and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement. Regardless, the beliefs of each group remained similar in nature to those whom had began a walk of faith with Pastor Russell.
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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