Question: When did the founder of Jehovah's Witnesses say the world would end?
Answer: 1914

Jehovah's Witnesses is a millenarian restorationist Christian denomination with nontrinitarian beliefs distinct from mainstream Christianity.Sources for descriptors:• Millenarian: • Restorationist: • Christian:  • Denomination:  The group claims a worldwide membership of more than 8.2 million adherents involved in evangelism, convention attendance figures of more than 15 million, and an annual Memorial attendance of more than 19.9 million.  Jehovah's Witnesses are directed by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, a group of elders in Brooklyn, New York, which establishes all doctrines  based on its interpretations of the Bible.  They prefer to use their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures,  although their literature occasionally quotes and cites other translations.   They believe that the destruction of the present world system at Armageddon is imminent, and that the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth is the only solution for all problems faced by humanity. 

The group emerged from the Bible Student movement, founded in the late 1870s by Charles Taze Russell with the formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, with significant organizational and doctrinal changes under the leadership of Joseph Franklin Rutherford.   The name Jehovah's witnesses  was adopted in 1931 to distinguish themselves from other Bible Student groups and symbolize a break with the legacy of Russell's traditions.

Jehovah's Witnesses are best known for their door-to-door preaching, distributing literature such as The Watchtower and Awake!, and refusing military service and blood transfusions. They consider use of the name Jehovah vital for proper worship. They reject Trinitarianism, inherent immortality of the soul, and hellfire, which they consider to be unscriptural doctrines. They do not observe Christmas, Easter, birthdays or other holidays and customs they consider to have pagan origins incompatible with Christianity.  Adherents commonly refer to their body of beliefs as "the truth" and consider themselves to be "in the truth".  They consider secular society to be morally corrupt and under the influence of Satan, and most limit their social interaction with non-Witnesses.  Congregational disciplinary actions include disfellowshipping, their term for formal expulsion and shunning.  Baptized individuals who formally leave are considered disassociated and are also shunned. Disfellowshipped and disassociated individuals may eventually be reinstated if deemed repentant. 

The religion's position regarding conscientious objection to military service and refusal to salute national flags has brought it into conflict with some governments. Consequently, some Jehovah's Witnesses have been persecuted and their activities are banned or restricted in some countries. Persistent legal challenges by Jehovah's Witnesses have influenced legislation related to civil rights in several countries. 

The organization has attracted criticism over issues surrounding biblical translation, doctrines, handling of sexual abuse cases, and alleged coercion of its members. The claims are rejected by the religion's leaders, and some have been disputed by courts and religious scholars.

History

Background (1870–1916)

In 1870, Charles Taze Russell and others formed a group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to study the Bible.  During the course of his ministry, Russell disputed many beliefs of mainstream Christianity including immortality of the soul, hellfire, predestination, the fleshly return of Jesus Christ, the Trinity, and the burning up of the world.  In 1876, Russell met Nelson H. Barbour; later that year they jointly produced the book Three Worlds, which combined restitutionist views with end time prophecy. The book taught that God's dealings with humanity were divided dispensationally, each ending with a "harvest," that Christ had returned as an invisible spirit being in 1874 inaugurating the "harvest of the Gospel age," and that 1914 would mark the end of a 2520-year period called "the Gentile Times,"  at which time world society would be replaced by the full establishment of God's kingdom on earth.    Beginning in 1878 Russell and Barbour jointly edited a religious journal, Herald of the Morning.  In June 1879 the two split over doctrinal differences, and in July, Russell began publishing the magazine Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence,  stating that its purpose was to demonstrate that the world was in "the last days," and that a new age of earthly and human restitution under the reign of Christ was imminent. 

From 1879, Watch Tower supporters gathered as autonomous congregations to study the Bible topically. Thirty congregations were founded, and during 1879 and 1880, Russell visited each to provide the format he recommended for conducting meetings.  As congregations continued to form during Russell's ministry, they each remained self-administrative, functioning under the congregationalist style of church governance.   In 1881, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was presided over by William Henry Conley, and in 1884, Charles Taze Russell incorporated the society as a non-profit business to distribute tracts and Bibles.    By about 1900, Russell had organized thousands of part- and full-time colporteurs, and was appointing foreign missionaries and establishing branch offices. By the 1910s, Russell's organization maintained nearly a hundred "pilgrims," or traveling preachers.  Russell engaged in significant global publishing efforts during his ministry,   and by 1912, he was the most distributed Christian author in the United States.  

Russell moved the Watch Tower Society's headquarters to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909, combining printing and corporate offices with a house of worship; volunteers were housed in a nearby residence he named Bethel. He identified the religious movement as "Bible Students," and more formally as the International Bible Students Association.  By 1910, about 50,000 people worldwide were associated with the movement  and congregations re-elected him annually as their "pastor."  Russell died October 31, 1916, at the age of 64 while returning from a ministerial speaking tour. 

Reorganization (1917–1942)

In January 1917, the Watch Tower Society's legal representative, Joseph Franklin Rutherford, was elected as its next president. His election was disputed, and members of the Board of Directors accused him of acting in an autocratic and secretive manner.   The divisions between his supporters and opponents triggered a major turnover of members over the next decade. In June 1917, he released The Finished Mystery as a seventh volume of Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The book, published as the posthumous work of Russell, was a compilation of his commentaries on the Bible books of Ezekiel and Revelation, plus numerous additions by Bible Students Clayton Woodworth and George Fisher.     It strongly criticized Catholic and Protestant clergy and Christian involvement in the Great War.  As a result, Watch Tower Society directors were jailed for sedition under the Espionage Act in 1918 and members were subjected to mob violence; the directors were released in March 1919 and charges against them were dropped in 1920. 

Rutherford centralized organizational control of the Watch Tower Society. In 1919, he instituted the appointment of a director in each congregation, and a year later all members were instructed to report their weekly preaching activity to the Brooklyn headquarters.  At an international convention held at Cedar Point, Ohio, in September 1922, a new emphasis was made on house-to-house preaching.  Significant changes in doctrine and administration were regularly introduced during Rutherford's twenty-five years as president, including the 1920 announcement that the Jewish patriarchs (such as Abraham and Isaac) would be resurrected in 1925, marking the beginning of Christ's thousand-year Kingdom.    Disappointed by the changes, tens of thousands of defections occurred during the first half of Rutherford's tenure, leading to the formation of several Bible Student organizations independent of the Watch Tower Society,   most of which still exist.  By mid-1919, as many as one in seven of Russell-era Bible Students had ceased their association with the Society, and as many as two-thirds by the end of the 1920s.     

On July 26, 1931, at a convention in Columbus, Ohio, Rutherford introduced the new name—Jehovah's witnesses—based on Isaiah 43:10: "Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen"—which was adopted by resolution. The name was chosen to distinguish his group of Bible Students from other independent groups that had severed ties with the Society, as well as symbolize the instigation of new outlooks and the promotion of fresh evangelizing methods.    In 1932, Rutherford eliminated the system of locally elected elders and in 1938, introduced what he called a "theocratic" (literally, God-ruled) organizational system, under which appointments in congregations worldwide were made from the Brooklyn headquarters.

From 1932, it was taught that the "little flock" of 144,000 would not be the only people to survive Armageddon. Rutherford explained that in addition to the 144,000 "anointed" who would be resurrected—or transferred at death—to live in heaven to rule over earth with Christ, a separate class of members, the "great multitude," would live in a paradise restored on earth; from 1935, new converts to the movement were considered part of that class.   By the mid-1930s, the timing of the beginning of Christ's presence (Greek: parousía), his enthronement as king, and the start of the "last days" were each moved to 1914. 

As their interpretations of the Bible developed, Witness publications decreed that saluting national flags is a form of idolatry, which led to a new outbreak of mob violence and government opposition in the United States, Canada, Germany, and other countries.  

Worldwide membership of Jehovah's Witnesses reached 113,624 in 5,323 congregations by the time of Rutherford's death in January 1942.  

Continued development (1942–present)

Nathan Knorr was appointed as third president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society in 1942. Knorr commissioned a new translation of the Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the full version of which was released in 1961. He organized large international assemblies, instituted new training programs for members, and expanded missionary activity and branch offices throughout the world.  Knorr's presidency was also marked by an increasing use of explicit instructions guiding Witnesses in their lifestyle and conduct, and a greater use of congregational judicial procedures to enforce a strict moral code.  

From 1966, Witness publications and convention talks built anticipation of the possibility that Christ's thousand-year reign might begin in late 1975   or shortly thereafter.    The number of baptisms increased significantly, from about 59,000 in 1966 to more than 297,000 in 1974. By 1975, the number of active members exceeded two million. Membership declined during the late 1970s after expectations for 1975 were proved wrong.     Watch Tower Society literature did not state dogmatically that 1975 would definitely mark the end, but in 1980 the Watch Tower Society admitted its responsibility in building up hope regarding that year. 

The offices of elder and ministerial servant were restored to Witness congregations in 1972, with appointments made from headquarters  (and later, also by branch committees). It was announced that, starting in September 2014, appointments would be made by traveling overseers. In a major organizational overhaul in 1976, the power of the Watch Tower Society president was diminished, with authority for doctrinal and organizational decisions passed to the Governing Body.  Since Knorr's death in 1977, the position of president has been occupied by Frederick Franz (1977–1992) and Milton Henschel (1992–2000), both members of the Governing Body, and since 2000 by Don A. Adams, not a member of the Governing Body. In 1995, Jehovah's Witnesses abandoned the idea that Armageddon must occur during the lives of the generation that was alive in 1914 and in 2013 changed their teaching on the "generation".    

Organization

Jehovah's Witnesses are organized hierarchically, in what the leadership calls a "theocratic organization", reflecting their belief that it is God's "visible organization" on earth.   The organization is led by the Governing Body—an all-male group that varies in size, but since early 2014 has comprised seven members,Twelve members as of September 2005 (See The Watchtower, March 15, 2006, page 26)Schroeder died March 8, 2006. (See The Watchtower, September 15, 2006, page 31)Sydlik died April 18, 2006. (See The Watchtower, January 1, 2007, page 8)Barber died April 8, 2007. (See The Watchtower, October 15, 2007, page 31)Jaracz died June 9, 2010. (See The Watchtower, November 15, 2010, page 23)Barr died December 4, 2010. (See The Watchtower, May 15, 2011, page 6)Sanderson appointed September 1, 2012. (See The Watchtower, July 15, 2013, page 26)Pierce died March 20, 2014. (See The Watchtower, December 15, 2014, page 3) all of whom profess to be of the "anointed" class with a hope of heavenly life—based in the Watch Tower Society's Brooklyn headquarters.   There is no election for membership; new members are selected by the existing body.  Until late 2012, the Governing Body described itself as the representative   and "spokesman" for God's "faithful and discreet slave class" (approximately 10,000 self-professed "anointed" Jehovah's Witnesses).   At the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Watch Tower Society, the "faithful and discreet slave" was defined as referring to the Governing Body only.  The Governing Body directs several committees that are responsible for administrative functions, including publishing, assembly programs and evangelizing activities. It appoints all branch committee members and traveling overseers, after they have been recommended by local branches, with traveling overseers supervising circuits of congregations within their jurisdictions. Traveling overseers appoint local elders and ministerial servants, and while branch offices may appoint regional committees for matters such as Kingdom Hall construction or disaster relief. 

Each congregation has a body of appointed unpaid male elders and ministerial servants. Elders maintain general responsibility for congregational governance, setting meeting times, selecting speakers and conducting meetings, directing the public preaching work, and creating "judicial committees" to investigate and decide disciplinary action for cases involving sexual misconduct or doctrinal breaches.  New elders are appointed by a traveling overseer after recommendation by the existing body of elders. Ministerial servants—appointed in a similar manner to elders—fulfill clerical and attendant duties, but may also teach and conduct meetings. Witnesses do not use elder as a title to signify a formal clergy-laity division,  though elders may employ ecclesiastical privilege such as confession of sins. 

Baptism is a requirement for being considered a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jehovah's Witnesses do not practice infant baptism,  and previous baptisms performed by other denominations are not considered valid.  Individuals undergoing baptism must affirm publicly that dedication and baptism identify them "as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization," though Witness publications say baptism symbolizes personal dedication to God and not "to a man, work or organization."   Their literature emphasizes the need for members to be obedient and loyal to Jehovah and to "his organization,"  Raymond Franz (In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, p.449) cites various Watch Tower Society publications that stress loyalty and obedience to the organization, including: "Following Faithful Shepherds with Life in View", The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 591, "Make haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting its every aspect."; The Watchtower, September 1, 2006, pg 15, "Have we formed a loyal attachment to the organization that Jehovah is using today?"; "Your Reminders Are What I Am Fond Of", The Watchtower, June 15, 2006, pg 26, "We too should remain faithful to Jehovah and to his organization regardless of injustices we suffer and regardless of what others do."; "Are You Prepared for Survival?", The Watchtower, May 15, 2006, pg 22, "Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization."; Worship The Only True God (Watch Tower Society, 2002), pg 134, "Jehovah is guiding us today by means of his visible organization under Christ. Our attitude toward this arrangement demonstrates how we feel about the issue of sovereignty ... By being loyal to Jehovah’s organization, we show that Jehovah is our God and that we are united in worship of him." stating that individuals must remain part of it to receive God's favor and to survive Armageddon.   

Publishing

The organization publishes a significant amount of literature as part of its evangelism activities.  The Watch Tower Society has produced over 200 million copies of the Bible in whole or part in over 120 languages.  The Watchtower and Awake! are the most widely distributed magazines in the world.  Translation of Witness publications is done by over 2000 volunteers worldwide, producing literature in over 760 languages. 

Funding

Much of their funding is provided by donations, primarily from members. There is no tithing or collection. In 2001 Newsday listed the Watch Tower Society as one of New York's forty richest corporations, with revenues exceeding $950 million.  The organization reported for the same year that it "spent over 70.9 million dollars in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments." 

Beliefs

Sources of doctrine

Jehovah's Witnesses believe their religion is a restoration of first-century Christianity.  Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body, which assumes responsibility for interpreting and applying scripture.   The Governing Body does not issue any single, comprehensive "statement of faith", but prefers to express its doctrinal position in a variety of ways through publications published by the Watch Tower Society.  Their publications teach that doctrinal changes and refinements result from a process of progressive revelation, in which God gradually reveals his will and purpose,     and that such enlightenment or "new light"  results from the application of reason and study,  the guidance of the holy spirit, and direction from Jesus Christ and angels.  The Society also teaches that members of the Governing Body are helped by the holy spirit to discern "deep truths", which are then considered by the entire Governing Body before it makes doctrinal decisions.  The religion's leadership, while disclaiming divine inspiration and infallibility,  is said to provide "divine guidance"  through its teachings described as "based on God's Word thus ... not from men, but from Jehovah."  

The entire Protestant canon of scripture is considered the inspired, inerrant word of God.  Jehovah's Witnesses consider the Bible to be scientifically and historically accurate and reliable  and interpret much of it literally, but accept parts of it as symbolic.  They consider the Bible to be the final authority for all their beliefs,  although sociologist Andrew Holden's ethnographic study of the religion concluded that pronouncements of the Governing Body, through Watch Tower Society publications, carry almost as much weight as the Bible.  Regular personal Bible reading is frequently recommended; Witnesses are discouraged from formulating doctrines and "private ideas" reached through Bible research independent of Watch Tower Society publications, and are cautioned against reading other religious literature.    Adherents are told to have "complete confidence" in the leadership, avoid skepticism about what is taught in the Watch Tower Society's literature, and "not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding."     The religion makes no provision for members to criticize or contribute to official teachings  and all Witnesses must abide by its doctrines and organizational requirements. 

Jehovah and Jesus Christ

Jehovah's Witnesses emphasize use of the name Jehovah—a representation of God's name based on the Tetragrammaton.    They believe that Jehovah is the only true God, the creator of all things, and the "Universal Sovereign". They believe that all worship should be directed toward him, and that he is not part of a Trinity;  consequently, the religion places more emphasis on God than on Christ.   They believe that the holy spirit is God's applied power or "active force", rather than a person.  

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus is God's only direct creation, that everything else was created through Christ by means of God's power, and that the initial unassisted act of creation uniquely identifies Jesus as God's "only-begotten Son".  Jesus served as a redeemer and a ransom sacrifice to pay for the sins of humanity.  They believe Jesus died on a single upright post rather than the traditional cross.  They believe that references in the Bible to the Archangel Michael, Abaddon (Apollyon), and the Word all refer to Jesus.  Jesus is considered to be the only intercessor and high priest between God and humanity, and appointed by God as the king and judge of his kingdom.  His role as a mediator (referred to in 1 Timothy 2:5) is applied to the 'anointed' class, though the 'other sheep' are said to also benefit from the arrangement. 

Satan

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Satan was originally a perfect angel who developed feelings of self-importance and craved worship. Satan influenced Adam and Eve to disobey God, and humanity subsequently became participants in a challenge involving the competing claims of Jehovah and Satan to universal sovereignty. Other angels who sided with Satan became demons.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that Satan and his demons were cast down to earth from heaven after October 1, 1914,  at which point the end times began. Witnesses believe that Satan is the ruler of the current world order, that human society is influenced and misled by Satan and his demons, and that they are a cause of human suffering. They also believe that human governments are controlled by Satan,  but that he does not directly control each human ruler. 

Life after death

Jehovah's Witnesses believe death is a state of non-existence with no consciousness. There is no Hell of fiery torment; Hades and Sheol are understood to refer to the condition of death, termed the common grave.  Jehovah's Witnesses consider the soul to be a life or a living body that can die.  Jehovah's Witnesses believe that humanity is in a sinful state, from which release is only possible by means of Jesus' shed blood as a ransom, or atonement, for the sins of humankind. 

Witnesses believe that a "little flock" go to heaven, but that the hope for life after death for the majority of "other sheep" involves being resurrected by God to a cleansed earth after Armageddon. They interpret Revelation 14:1–5 to mean that the number of Christians going to heaven is limited to exactly 144,000, who will rule with Jesus as kings and priests over earth.  They believe that baptism as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is vital for salvation  and that only they meet scriptural requirements for surviving Armageddon, but that God is the final judge."Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium", The Watchtower, September 1, 1989, page 19, "Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the 'great crowd,'as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil."   During Christ's millennial reign, most people who died prior to Armageddon will be resurrected with the prospect of living forever; they will be taught the proper way to worship God to prepare them for their final test at the end of the millennium.  

God's kingdom

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that God's kingdom is a literal government in heaven, ruled by Jesus Christ and 144,000 "spirit-anointed" Christians drawn from the earth, which they associate with Jesus' reference to a "new covenant".   The kingdom is viewed as the means by which God will accomplish his original purpose for the earth, transforming it into a paradise without sickness or death.  It is said to have been the focal point of Jesus' ministry on earth.  They believe the kingdom was established in heaven in 1914,  and that Jehovah's Witnesses serve as representatives of the kingdom on earth.  

Eschatology

A central teaching of Jehovah's Witnesses is that the current world era, or "system of things", entered the "last days" in 1914 and faces imminent destruction through intervention by God and Jesus Christ, leading to deliverance for those who worship God acceptably.  They consider all other present-day religions to be false, identifying them with "Babylon the Great", or the "harlot", of Revelation 17,  and believe that they will soon be destroyed by the United Nations, which they believe is represented in scripture by the scarlet-colored wild beast of Revelation chapter 17. This development will mark the beginning of the "great tribulation".   Satan will subsequently attack Jehovah's Witnesses, an action that will prompt God to begin the war of Armageddon, during which all forms of government and all people not counted as Christ's "sheep", or true followers, will be destroyed. After Armageddon, God will extend his heavenly kingdom to include earth, which will be transformed into a paradise similar to the Garden of Eden.  Most of those who had died before God's intervention will gradually be resurrected during "judgment day" lasting for one thousand years. This judgment will be based on their actions after resurrection rather than past deeds. At the end of the thousand years, Christ will hand all authority back to God.  Then a final test will take place when Satan is released to mislead perfect mankind. Those who fail will be destroyed, along with Satan and his demons. The end result will be a fully tested, glorified human race.  

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jesus Christ began to rule in heaven as king of God's kingdom in October 1914, and that Satan was subsequently ousted from heaven to the earth, resulting in "woe" to humanity. They believe that Jesus rules invisibly, from heaven, perceived only as a series of "signs". They base this belief on a rendering of the Greek word parousia—usually translated as "coming" when referring to Christ—as "presence". They believe Jesus' presence includes an unknown period beginning with his inauguration as king in heaven in 1914, and ending when he comes to bring a final judgment against humans on earth. They thus depart from the mainstream Christian belief that the "second coming" of Matthew 24 refers to a single moment of arrival on earth to judge humans.  

Practices

Worship

Meetings for worship and study are held at Kingdom Halls, which are typically functional in character, and do not contain religious symbols. Witnesses are assigned to a congregation in whose "territory" they usually reside and attend weekly services they refer to as "meetings" as scheduled by congregation elders. The meetings are largely devoted to study of Watch Tower Society literature and the Bible. The format of the meetings is established by the religion's headquarters, and the subject matter for most meetings is the same worldwide. Congregations meet for two sessions each week comprising five distinct meetings that total about three-and-a-half hours, typically gathering mid-week (three meetings) and on the weekend (two meetings). Prior to 2009, congregations met three times each week; these meetings were condensed, with the intention that members dedicate an evening for "family worship".   Gatherings are opened and closed with kingdom songs (hymns) and brief prayers. Twice each year, Witnesses from a number of congregations that form a "circuit" gather for a one-day assembly. Larger groups of congregations meet once a year for a three-day "regional convention", usually at rented stadiums or auditoriums. Their most important and solemn event is the commemoration of the "Lord's Evening Meal", or "Memorial of Christ's Death" on the date of the Jewish Passover. 

Evangelism

Jehovah's Witnesses are perhaps best known for their efforts to spread their beliefs, most notably by visiting people from house to house,    distributing literature published by the Watch Tower Society in 700 languages.  The objective is to start a regular "Bible study" with any person who is not already a member,  with the intention that the student be baptized as a member of the group;   Witnesses are advised to consider discontinuing Bible studies with students who show no interest in becoming members.   Witnesses are taught they are under a biblical command to engage in public preaching.   They are instructed to devote as much time as possible to their ministry and are required to submit an individual monthly "Field Service Report".   Baptized members who fail to report a month of preaching are termed "irregular" and may be counseled by elders;   those who do not submit reports for six consecutive months are termed "inactive". 

Ethics and morality

All sexual relations outside of marriage are grounds for expulsion if the individual is not deemed repentant;   homosexual activity is considered a serious sin, and same-sex marriages are forbidden. Abortion is considered murder. Suicide is considered to be "self-murder" and a sin against God.  Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized. Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden.  Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

The family structure is patriarchal. The husband is considered to have authority on family decisions, but is encouraged to solicit his wife's thoughts and feelings, as well as those of his children. Marriages are required to be monogamous and legally registered.   Marrying a non-believer, or endorsing such a union, is strongly discouraged and carries religious sanctions.  

Divorce is discouraged, and remarriage is forbidden unless a divorce is obtained on the grounds of adultery, which they refer to as "a scriptural divorce".  If a divorce is obtained for any other reason, remarriage is considered adulterous unless the prior spouse has died or is since considered to have committed sexual immorality.  Extreme physical abuse, willful non-support of one's family, and what the religion terms "absolute endangerment of spirituality" are considered grounds for legal separation.  

Disciplinary action

Formal discipline is administered by congregation elders. When a baptized member is accused of committing a serious sin—usually cases of sexual misconduct  or charges of apostasy for disputing Jehovah's Witness doctrines  —a judicial committee is formed to determine guilt, provide help and possibly administer discipline. Disfellowshipping, a form of shunning, is the strongest form of discipline, administered to an offender deemed unrepentant.  Contact with disfellowshipped individuals is limited to direct family members living in the same home, and with congregation elders who may invite disfellowshipped persons to apply for reinstatement;  formal business dealings may continue if contractually or financially obliged.  Witnesses are taught that avoiding social and spiritual interaction with disfellowshipped individuals keeps the congregation free from immoral influence and that "losing precious fellowship with loved ones may help [the shunned individual] to come 'to his senses,' see the seriousness of his wrong, and take steps to return to Jehovah."  The practice of shunning may also serve to deter other members from dissident behavior.  Members who disassociate (formally resign) are described in Watch Tower Society literature as wicked and are also shunned.    Expelled individuals may eventually be reinstated to the congregation if deemed repentant by elders in the congregation in which the disfellowshipping was enforced. Reproof is a lesser form of discipline given formally by a judicial committee to a baptized Witness who is considered repentant of serious sin; the reproved person temporarily loses conspicuous privileges of service, but suffers no restriction of social or spiritual fellowship.  Marking, a curtailing of social but not spiritual fellowship, is practiced if a baptized member persists in a course of action regarded as a violation of Bible principles but not a serious sin.A common example given is a baptized Witness who dates a non-Witness; see The Watchtower, July 15, 1999, p. 30.

Separateness

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible condemns the mixing of religions, on the basis that there can only be one truth from God, and therefore reject interfaith and ecumenical movements.    They believe that only their religion represents true Christianity, and that other religions fail to meet all the requirements set by God and will soon be destroyed.  Jehovah's Witnesses are taught that it is vital to remain "separate from the world." The Witnesses' literature defines the "world" as "the mass of mankind apart from Jehovah's approved servants" and teach that it is morally contaminated and ruled by Satan.    Witnesses are taught that association with "worldly" people presents a "danger" to their faith,  and are instructed to minimize social contact with non-members to better maintain their own standards of morality.   

Jehovah's Witnesses believe their highest allegiance belongs to God's kingdom, which is viewed as an actual government in heaven, with Christ as king. They remain politically neutral, do not seek public office, and are discouraged from voting, though individual members may participate in uncontroversial community improvement issues.   Although they do not take part in politics, they respect the authority of the governments under which they live.  They do not celebrate religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter, nor do they observe birthdays, nationalistic holidays, or other celebrations they consider to honor people other than Jesus. They feel that these and many other customs have pagan origins or reflect a nationalistic or political spirit. Their position is that these traditional holidays reflect Satan's control over the world.    Witnesses are told that spontaneous giving at other times can help their children to not feel deprived of birthdays or other celebrations. 

They do not work in industries associated with the military, do not serve in the armed services,  and refuse national military service, which in some countries may result in their arrest and imprisonment.  They do not salute or pledge allegiance to flags or sing national anthems or patriotic songs.  Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as a worldwide brotherhood that transcends national boundaries and ethnic loyalties.  Sociologist Ronald Lawson has suggested the religion's intellectual and organizational isolation, coupled with the intense indoctrination of adherents, rigid internal discipline and considerable persecution, has contributed to the consistency of its sense of urgency in its apocalyptic message. 

Rejection of blood transfusions

Jehovah's Witnesses refuse blood transfusions, which they consider a violation of God's law based on their interpretation of Acts 15:28, 29 and other scriptures.    Since 1961 the willing acceptance of a blood transfusion by an unrepentant member has been grounds for expulsion from the religion.   Members are directed to refuse blood transfusions, even in "a life-or-death situation".    Jehovah's Witnesses accept non-blood alternatives and other medical procedures in lieu of blood transfusions, and their literature provides information about non-blood medical procedures. 

Though Jehovah's Witnesses do not accept blood transfusions of whole blood, they may accept some blood plasma fractions at their own discretion.    The Watch Tower Society provides pre-formatted durable power of attorney documents prohibiting major blood components, in which members can specify which allowable fractions and treatments they will personally accept.   Jehovah's Witnesses have established Hospital Liaison Committees as a cooperative arrangement between individual Jehovah's Witnesses and medical professionals and hospitals.  

Demographics

Jehovah's Witnesses have an active presence in most countries, but do not form a large part of the population of any country.

As of August 2015, Jehovah's Witnesses report an average of 8.2 million publishers—the term they use for members actively involved in preaching—in 118,016 congregations.  In 2015, these reports indicated over 1.93 billion hours spent in preaching and "Bible study" activity. Since the mid-1990s, the number of peak publishers has increased from 4.5 million to 8.2 million.  In the same year, they conducted "Bible studies" with over 9.7 million individuals, including those conducted by Witness parents with their children.   Jehovah's Witnesses estimate their current worldwide growth rate to be 1.5% per year.

The official published membership statistics, such as those mentioned above, include only those who submit reports for their personal ministry; official statistics do not include inactive and disfellowshipped individuals or others who might attend their meetings. As a result, only about half of those who self-identified as Jehovah's Witnesses in independent demographic studies are considered active by the faith itself.   The 2008 US Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life survey found a low retention rate among members of the religion: about 37% of people raised in the religion continued to identify themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses.  

Sociological analysis

Sociologist James A. Beckford, in his 1975 study of Jehovah's Witnesses, classified the religion's organizational structure as Totalizing, characterized by an assertive leadership, specific and narrow objectives, control over competing demands on members' time and energy, and control over the quality of new members. Other characteristics of the classification include likelihood of friction with secular authorities, reluctance to co-operate with other religious organizations, a high rate of membership turnover, a low rate of doctrinal change, and strict uniformity of beliefs among members.  Beckford identified the religion's chief characteristics as historicism (identifying historical events as relating to the outworking of God's purpose), absolutism (conviction that Jehovah's Witness leaders dispense absolute truth), activism (capacity to motivate members to perform missionary tasks), rationalism (conviction that Witness doctrines have a rational basis devoid of mystery), authoritarianism (rigid presentation of regulations without the opportunity for criticism) and world indifference (rejection of certain secular requirements and medical treatments). 

Sociologist Bryan R. Wilson, in his consideration of five religions including Jehovah's Witnesses, noted that each of the religions: 
# "exists in a state of tension with the wider society;"
# "imposes tests of merit on would-be members;"
# "exercises stern discipline, regulating the declared beliefs and the life habits of members and prescribing and operating sanctions for those who deviate, including the possibility of expulsion;"
# "demands sustained and total commitment from its members, and the subordination, and perhaps even the exclusion of all other interests."

A sociological comparative study by the Pew Research Center found that Jehovah's Witnesses in the United States ranked highest in statistics for getting no further than high school graduation, belief in God, importance of religion in one's life, frequency of religious attendance, frequency of prayers, frequency of Bible reading outside of religious services, belief their prayers are answered, belief that their religion can only be interpreted one way, belief that theirs is the only one true faith leading to eternal life, opposition to abortion, and opposition to homosexuality. In the study, Jehovah's Witnesses ranked lowest in statistics for having earned a graduate degree and interest in politics. 

Opposition

Controversy surrounding various beliefs, doctrines and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses has led to opposition from local governments, communities, and religious groups. Religious commentator Ken Jubber wrote that "Viewed globally, this persecution has been so persistent and of such intensity that it would not be inaccurate to regard Jehovah's Witnesses as the most persecuted group of Christians of the twentieth century." 

Persecution

Political and religious animosity against Jehovah's Witnesses has at times led to mob action and government oppression in various countries. Their doctrine of political neutrality and their refusal to serve in the military has led to imprisonment of members who refused conscription during World War II and at other times where national service has been compulsory. In 1933, there were approximately 20,000 Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany,  of whom about 10,000 were later imprisoned. Of those, 2000 were sent to Nazi concentration camps, where they were identified by purple triangles; as many as 1200 died, including 250 who were executed. Shulman, William L. A State of Terror: Germany 1933–1939. Bayside, New York: Holocaust Resource Center and Archives.   In Canada, Jehovah's Witnesses were interned in camps  along with political dissidents and people of Chinese and Japanese descent.  In the former Soviet Union, about 9,300 Jehovah's Witnesses were deported to Siberia as part of Operation North in April 1951.Валерий Пасат ."Трудные страницы истории Молдовы (1940–1950)". Москва: Изд. Terra, 1994  Their religious activities are currently banned or restricted in some countries, including China, Vietnam and some Islamic states.  

Authors including William Whalen, Shawn Francis Peters and former Witnesses Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Alan Rogerson and William Schnell have claimed the arrests and mob violence in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s were the consequence of what appeared to be a deliberate course of provocation of authorities and other religions by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Whalen, Harrison and Schnell have suggested Rutherford invited and cultivated opposition for publicity purposes in a bid to attract dispossessed members of society, and to convince members that persecution from the outside world was evidence of the truth of their struggle to serve God.Claims that Jehovah's Witnesses chose a deliberate course of martyrdom are contained in:Barbara Grizzuti Harrison, Visions of Glory, 1978, chapter 6. Watch Tower Society literature of the period directed that Witnesses should "never seek a controversy" nor resist arrest, but also advised members not to co-operate with police officers or courts that ordered them to stop preaching, and to prefer jail rather than pay fines. 

Legal challenges

Several cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses have been heard by Supreme Courts throughout the world.  The cases generally relate to their right to practice their religion, displays of patriotism and military service, and blood transfusions. 

In the United States, their persistent legal challenges prompted a series of state and federal court rulings that reinforced judicial protections for civil liberties.  Among the rights strengthened by Witness court victories in the United States are the protection of religious conduct from federal and state interference, the right to abstain from patriotic rituals and military service, the right of patients to refuse medical treatment, and the right to engage in public discourse.  Similar cases in their favor have been heard in Canada. 

Criticism and controversy

Jehovah's Witnesses have attracted criticism over issues surrounding their Bible translation, doctrines, their handling of sexual abuse cases, and alleged coercion of members. Many of the claims are denied by Jehovah's Witnesses and some have also been disputed by religious scholars.

Free speech and thought

Doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses are established by the Governing Body.   The religion does not tolerate dissent over doctrines and practices;    members who openly disagree with the religion's teachings are expelled and shunned. Witness publications strongly discourage followers from questioning doctrine and counsel received from the Governing Body, reasoning that it is to be trusted as part of "God's organization".    It also warns members to "avoid independent thinking", claiming such thinking "was introduced by Satan the Devil"   and would "cause division". Those who openly disagree with official teachings are condemned as "apostates" who are "mentally diseased".   

Former members Heather and Gary Botting compare the cultural paradigms of the religion to George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-four,  and Alan Rogerson describes the religion's leadership as totalitarian.  Other critics charge that by disparaging individual decision-making, the religion's leaders cultivate a system of unquestioning obedience  in which Witnesses abrogate all responsibility and rights over their personal lives.   Critics also accuse the religion's leaders of exercising "intellectual dominance" over Witnesses,  controlling information   and creating "mental isolation", which former Governing Body member Raymond Franz argued were all elements of mind control. 

Jehovah's Witness publications state that consensus of faith aids unity, and deny that unity restricts individuality or imagination.  Historian James Irvin Lichti has rejected the description of the religion as "totalitarian". 

Sociologist Rodney Stark states that Jehovah's Witness leaders are "not always very democratic" and that members "are expected to conform to rather strict standards," but adds that "enforcement tends to be very informal, sustained by the close bonds of friendship within the group", and that Jehovah's Witnesses see themselves as "part of the power structure rather than subject to it." Sociologist Andrew Holden states that most members who join millenarian movements such as Jehovah's Witnesses have made an informed choice.  However, he also states that defectors "are seldom allowed a dignified exit", and describes the administration as autocratic. 

New World Translation

Some Bible scholars including Bruce M. Metzger, former Professor and Bible editor at Princeton Theological Seminary, have said that the translation of certain texts in its New World Translation of the Bible is biased in favor of Witness practices and doctrines.     The Bible editor Harold H. Rowley criticized the pre-release edition of the first volume (Genesis to Ruth) published in 1953 as "a shining example of how the Bible should not be translated." 

On the other hand, in his study on nine of "the Bibles most widely in use in the English-speaking world", Bible scholar Jason BeDuhn, Professor of Religious Studies at the Northern Arizona University, wrote: “The NW [New World Translation] emerges as the most accurate of the translations compared.” Although the general public and many Bible scholars assume that the differences in the New World Translation are the result of religious bias on the part of its translators, BeDuhn stated: “Most of the differences are due to the greater accuracy of the NW as a literal, conservative translation of the original expressions of the New Testament writers.” He added however that the insertion of the name Jehovah in the New Testament "violate[s] accuracy in favor of denominationally preferred expressions for God". 

Failed predictions

Watch Tower Society publications have claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses (and formerly, the International Bible Students) to declare his will   and has provided advance knowledge about Armageddon and the establishment of God's kingdom.    Some publications also claimed that God has used Jehovah's Witnesses and the International Bible Students as a modern-day prophet.Raymond Franz cites numerous examples. In Crisis of Conscience, 2002, pg. 173, he quotes from "They Shall Know That a Prophet Was Among Them", (The Watchtower, April 1, 1972,) which states that God had raised Jehovah's Witnesses as a prophet "to warn (people) of dangers and declare things to come" He also cites "Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger" (The Watchtower, May 1, 1997, page 8) which identifies the Witnesses as his "true messengers ... by making the messages he delivers through them come true", in contrast to "false messengers", whose predictions fail. In In Search of Christian Freedom, 2007, he quotes The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah—How? (1971, pg 70, 292) which describes Witnesses as the modern Ezekiel class, "a genuine prophet within our generation". The Watch Tower book noted: "Concerning the message faithfully delivered by the Ezekiel class, Jehovah positively states that it 'must come true' ... those who wait undecided until it does 'come true' will also have to know that a prophet himself had proved to be in the midst of them." He also cites "Execution of the Great Harlot Nears", (The Watchtower, October 15, 1980, pg 17) which claims God gives the Witnesses "special knowledge that others do not have ... advance knowledge about this system's end". Jehovah's Witnesses' publications have made various predictions about world events they believe were prophesied in the Bible.The Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1959, pp. 39–41  Failed predictions have led to the alteration or abandonment of some doctrines.   Some failed predictions had been presented as "beyond doubt" or "approved by God". 

The Watch Tower Society rejects accusations that it is a false prophet,  stating that its teachings are not inspired or infallible,    and that it has not claimed its predictions were "the words of Jehovah." George D. Chryssides has suggested that with the exception of statements about 1914, 1925 and 1975, the changing views and dates of the Jehovah's Witnesses are largely attributable to changed understandings of biblical chronology than to failed predictions. Chryssides further states, "it is therefore simplistic and naïve to view the Witnesses as a group that continues to set a single end-date that fails and then devise a new one, as many counter-cultists do."  However, sociologist Andrew Holden states that since the foundation of the movement around 140 years ago, "Witnesses have maintained that we are living on the precipice of the end of time." 

Handling of sexual abuse cases

Jehovah's Witnesses have been accused of having policies and culture that help to conceal cases of sexual abuse within the organization.  The religion has been criticized for its "two witness rule" for church discipline, based on its application of scriptures at Deuteronomy 19:15 and Matthew 18:15-17, which requires sexual abuse to be substantiated by secondary evidence if the accused person denies any wrongdoing.    In cases where corroboration is lacking, the Watch Tower Society's instruction is that "the elders will leave the matter in Jehovah's hands".   A former member of the church’s headquarters staff, Barbara Anderson, says the policy effectively requires that there be another witness to an act of molestation, "which is an impossibility". Anderson says the policies "protect pedophiles rather than protect the children."  Jehovah's Witnesses maintain that they have a strong policy to protect children, adding that the best way to protect children is by educating parents; they also state that they do not sponsor activities that separate children from parents.  

The religion's failure to report abuse allegations to authorities has also been criticized.  The Watch Tower Society's policy is that elders inform authorities when required by law to do so, but otherwise leave that action up to the victim and his or her family.   The Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found that of 1006 alleged perpetrators of child sexual abuse identified by the Jehovah's Witnesses within their organization since 1950, "not one was reported by the church to secular authorities."   William Bowen, a former Jehovah's Witness elder who established the Silentlambs organization to assist sex abuse victims within the religion, has claimed Witness leaders discourage followers from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct to authorities, and other critics claim the organization is reluctant to alert authorities in order to protect its "crime-free" reputation.  In court cases in the United Kingdom and the United States the Watch Tower Society has been found to have been negligent in its failure to protect children from known sex offenders within the congregation   and the Society has settled other child abuse lawsuits out of court, reportedly paying as much as $780,000 to one plaintiff without admitting wrongdoing.

Predictions of the end of the world by Jehovah's Witnesses after 1975
Sponsored link:
Will TEOTWAWKI happen in our near future?
The WTS had taught that the generation that saw the events of 1914  would experience TEOTWAWKI (The end of the world as we know it). But the people who were born in 1914 or earlier are now  in their mid-90s or older. They are rapidly dying out.
In 1996-APR, the WTS changed  their criteria for TEOTWAWKI. "They now say that the generation that saw the events of  1914 is actually any generation that understands what happened" at that  time. 5 This allows an indefinite delay in the arrival of Armageddon -- for millennia if  necessary.
The latest estimate is 6,000 years after the creation of Eve, for     which no date can be determined with any accuracy. The Jehovah's Witnesses     are no longer setting absolute dates, but still expect that TEOTWAWKI       may happen at any time in our immediate future.
In their 1995-NOV issue of the Watchtower, the WTS  suggested that earlier dates for Armageddon were speculation rather than settled  doctrine. In 1995-DEC, Newsweek quoted Witnesses spokesperson Bob Pevy as  saying: "The end is still close. We just can't put numbers on Jesus' words." 6
The "yeartext" for 2004, published in the WTS Yearbook is: "Keep on the  Watch... Prove Yourselves Ready." It is a quotation taken from Matthew 24:42-44.  This yeartext is accompanied with the following remarks:
"Consistently,  God's Word reminds us that Jehovah's day will arrive with shocking suddenness.  Hence, our yeartext for 2004 reflects Jesus' deep love for his disciples, whom  he wants to preserve through 'the great tribulation.' (Rev. 7:14 ) How do we  remain spiritually watchful and ready? By allowing nothing to distract us from  our study of God's Word and from our privileges of sacred service." 7
The WatchTowerInformationService.org comments:
"Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the only chance for  [personal] salvation is to actively preach the end of this world and the Kingdom  of God . If they are not busy with their 'sacred service' when the 'day of  Jehovah' will arrive with 'shocking suddenness' they believe that they will die  with the wicked ones."
That is, they will be exterminated, along with all  non-Christians, and with the vast majority of Christians who are not members in  good standing of the WTS. 7
Criticism of the WTS estimates:
The WTS has been criticized by some conservative Christians for        having attempting to predict a precise date for Armageddon, in an apparent        violation of Matthew 24:35-36:
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but        my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no,        not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." (KJV)
However, the        criticism does not appear to be valid, as the WTS' estimates have never        involved the day and hour of the end -- only the year had been specified.
References:
The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above  essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
"History of the Jehovah's Witnesses," Catholic Answers, at: http://www.catholic.com/
"The Watchtower," 1976-JUL, Page 436.

Jehovah's Witnesses and their many false prophecies | CARM Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry
Jehovah's Witnesses and their many false prophecies
by Matt Slick
12/05/08
The Witnesses make many claims in their attempt to convert you to their faith. They profess to have the only true Christian church, to be the only true representatives of God, to have the only correct biblical teaching, and to be the only true announcers of Jehovah's coming kingdom.
If they are the only true church and are the only true voice of God's word, then what they say should prove to be true and especially in prophecy. When it comes to predicting the future, the Watchtower organization fails miserably. Following are some of the false predictions made over the years by the Watchtower organization. If you present these to a JW, he will probably say something like, "Those are taken out of context," or "They didn't claim to be the prophet of God," or "The light is getting brighter, and we are understanding Bible prophecy better now," etc. Make a copy of these false prophecies, found in the appendix, and give it to them to check. They are right out of the Witnesses' literature.
Remember Deut. 18:22, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." If someone makes a false prophecy and they have claimed to be a prophet of God, then they are false prophets and are not to be listened to. Do the Witnesses claim to be the prophet of God? Yes, they do.
In 1972 the Jehovah's Witness Watchtower claimed to be the prophet of God.
IDENTIFYING THE "PROPHET"--"So does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? . . . This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian Witnesses . . . Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a 'prophet' of God. It is another thing to prove it," (Watchtower,  Apr. 1, 1972, p. 197). (See Deut. 18:21.)
1897 "Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874," (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 4, p. 621).
1899 " . . . the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty' (Revelation 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced," (The Time Is at Hand, 1908 edition, p. 101).
1916 "The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ's Reign, began in 1873," (The Time Is at Hand, forward, p. ii).
1918 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection," (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, p. 89).
1922 "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914," (Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1922, p. 262).
1923 "Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge," (Watchtower, Apr. 1, 1923, p. 106).
1925 "The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during this year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. In his own due time God will accomplish his purposes concerning his people. Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire this year," (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1925, p. 3).
1925 "It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated, the thought that 1925 should see an end to the work," (Watchtower, Sept., 1925, p. 262).
1926 "Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything," (Watchtower, p. 232).
1931 "There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah's faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1917, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time . . . and they also learned to quit fixing dates," (Vindication, p. 338).
1941 "Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon," (Watchtower, Sept. 15, 1941, p. 288).
1968 "True, there have been those in times past who predicted an 'end to the world', even announcing a specific date. Yet nothing happened. The 'end' did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? . . . Missing from such people were God's truths and evidence that he was using and guiding them," (Awake, Oct. 8, 1968).
1968 "Why are you looking forward to 1975?" (Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1968, p. 494).
A JW might say that the organization is still learning. If that is so, then how can they trust what they are taught now by the Watchtower? Will what they are being taught now change also?
 
A true prophet of God won't err in prophesying. Only a false prophet does. The Jehovah's Witness organization, that claims to be a prophet of God, is really a false prophet. Jesus warned us by saying, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect--if that were possible" (Matt. 24:24).

Jehovah's Witnesses: End Of The World Predictions - The Watchtower Files | The Watchtower Files
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Jehovah’s Witnesses: End Of The World Predictions
End of The World Predictions
Fear, Hysteria, and The End of The WorldWell it came…and went without a peep.
May 21, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. the wrath of God was due to strike the earth at least according to Harold Camping founder of Family Radio.
The following link to the AP article has an excellent video on this failed prophecy as well as an interesting read about Camping’s group:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=13658139
You know I never fail to find humor in these typically all too human endeavors. How can a man presume to know something Jesus Christ flatly stated that He Himself didn’t know? How presumptious it is for anyone to say that they have been able to calculate the time for the end to come! A preacher, a “man of God” someone who obviously knows what the bible says about false prophets should be the last person to come forward with a time prediction for the end of the world!
Matthew 24:26
“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows.”
Will Camping now turn his efforts to damage control stating that “This was an important date and while we may have been wrong about the exact events occurring then, we do know that Jesus Christ took His heavenly throne at that time.”?
It has been done before hasn’t it?
The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society’s founder, Charles Taze Russell predicted the end of times with specific years and months while he was alive as well. When the date ran its course and nothing happened they engaged in the typical Watchtower “spin control” and attempted to explain away the issue. For example, when they were wrong about 1914 they came out with several elaborate explanations. One was that this was a “spiritual Armageddon” and that Jesus took his throne at that time and began ruling over the earth “invisibly”. With regard to an explanation as to why Armageddon didn’t coincide they came out in writing stating that the time differential between the creation of Adam and the creation of Eve was the reason they were ”off” as to the exact coming of Armageddon. Then, when 1975 came and went they engaged in the very same justification with a totally new group of people who were blissfully unaware that this exact same argument had been used over sixty years prior to explain away the failure of 1914 to bring about Armageddon.
The rank and file Jehovah’s Witness of today is usually quite ignorant of this past activity of date setting by the “faithful and discreet slave”. However ignorant they may be it did happen and as always the “seven old men in Brooklyn” were proven wrong.
Will the old WT ever set another date like this man did? Only time will tell. I guess it would depend on whether or not their membership / income starts to wane. It was a tremendous shot in the arm to their ranks and coffers both prior to 1914 as well as 1975.
Perhaps Camping and his misled followers will point to the volcano that erupted in Iceland yesterday to try to beef up some sort of support for the date as the Watchtower did with the outbreak of World War I for 1914. Who knows?
The fact of the matter is this:
If you are saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ and accept Him as your Savior today then you need never worry about when the end comes. Let’s face it: The end comes for all of us at some point in our lives. We live and we die. Jesus said that it would come “as a thief in the night” so nobody really expects it until it comes. If you die as a believer in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for your sins then the scriptures give you assurance that you will be with Him in paradise. The thief that was crucified next to Jesus only had to show a little faith by asking him to “remember me when you get into your kingdom” and Jesus gave him instant passage to paradise in that very moment! Telling people that they have to work and slave to get to heaven is the mark of a man-made organization and not based on the real truth of Jesus Christ.
When you accept Jesus Christ into your life you are instantly forgiven for everything you’ve ever done or ever will do. In man made terms: Your ticket has been punched!
Most of these cult leaders call this view silly and simplistic as I’m sure the Pharisees of Jesus’ time did as well. They attempt to cloud the issue and make it complicated. They seek to create rules and regulations and a big question mark about whether you’re saved or not. It is by engaging in this contrived theology and teaching it to others that they can usurp the position of Jesus Christ and then make you do their bidding.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
It was foretold that the end times will occur. That is a biblical fact. When it will happen is in God’s hands and not man’s.
Anytime I hear of some ego driven preacher or cult leader screaming about a new prediction for the end of the world I smile and look up and can almost hear the angels snickering!
Deuteronomy 18:22
If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
Yours in Christ,

Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, “Armageddon—A Happy Beginning,” Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005881 .
Ridenour, 118.
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, “Life in a Restored Paradise,” Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008323 .
To read the story of Cain and Abel, see The Holy Bible, New International Version © 2011, Genesis 4.
David L. Weddle, “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” in Encyclopedia of Religion 2nd ed. vol. 7 (New York: MacMillan Reference USA, 2005), 4821.
The Holy Bible, Mark 13:32.
Photo Credit: Eduard Bonnin / Stocksy.com .
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<div class="eg-article" itemscope itemtype="http://schema.org/Article"> <meta itemprop="isFamilyFriendly" content="true"> <meta itemprop="image thumbnailUrl" content="http://www.exploregod.com/uploads/default/files/jehovahs-witnesses-and-end-times_article_thumbnail-268x200.jpg"/> <meta itemprop="datePublished" content="2014-10-31"/> <meta itemprop="description" content="Five times the Jehovah's Witnesses have predicted a specific date for the end of the world. What do they believe the end times will be like?"/> <h1 itemprop="name headline">Jehovah’s Witnesses and the End Times</h1> <span class="author">By:  <span itemprop="author">Chris Morton</span><br/> © ExploreGod.com </span> <p><p><span>Jehovah’s Witnesses have very specific beliefs about the end of the world.</span></p></p> <blockquote> <p class="Body">“Armageddon will be the worst thing ever to hit the earth within the history of man. . . . That war is unavoidable. The facts of modern history prove we are in the ‘day of God the Almighty’ and his war is near.”<cite>Nathan Knorr, president of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Governing Body<sup>1</sup></cite></p> </blockquote> <p class="Body">With over six million members around the world, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have grown from an American sect to a worldwide religious movement. They are known for their unique <a href="/ten-unique-teachings-of-the-jehovahs-witnesses">practices</a>, such as the prohibition of holiday celebrations and blood transfusions. But perhaps their most prominent trait is their focus on the end of the world.</p> <p class="Body">Witnesses have many specific views on how the world will end, which are, in part, derived from the Bible. Revelation, the last book of the Bible, focuses on the end times. The book contains a series of allegorical images that describe God’s sovereignty over all other powers.</p> <p class="Body">Over the centuries, <a href="/are-jehovahs-witnesses-christian">Christians</a> have differed on interpretations of these passages. Drawing on a handful of images taken primarily from Revelation, Jehovah’s Witnesses take a different route altogether.</p> <h3 class="Body">Shifting Timelines</h3> <p class="Body">Throughout their history, Witnesses have shifted their statements regarding the end of the world. They have claimed that the world would end on five specific occasions. They have also introduced “New Light”—new teachings that override failed prophecies.<sup>2</sup></p> <p class="Body">Many Jehovah’s Witness teachings are based on their concept of history. Founder C. T. Russell taught there would be six thousand years from the creation of Adam until Jesus would return and begin his reign on earth.<sup>3</sup> Initially, Russell predicted the end of the world in 1914.</p> <p class="Body">When this prophecy failed, his successor, Joseph Rutherford, announced a recalculation of the original creation of Adam, moving the date up to 1925.<sup>4</sup> Three other specific dates for the end of the world have come and gone. Since November 1995, Witnesses have ceased to predict particular dates but insist “vehemently that they have never made any false prophecies.”<sup>5</sup></p> <h3 class="Body">Armageddon</h3> <p class="Body">Revelation 16:14–16 mentions a cataclysmic battle between world rulers that takes place in a location called the valley of Armageddon. Witnesses believe this is a description of a great final battle that will result in the end of the world. It is considered a global battle between the forces of good and evil, and the final result will be a cleansing of all things <a href="http://www.exploregod.com/evil">evil</a>.</p> <p class="Body">The imminence of Armageddon is used to encourage conversion since “those who respond favorably to the good news can survive Armageddon and live forever in perfection on a paradise earth.”<sup>6</sup> This message has defined much of the Witnesses’ actions and publications over the years. Although the world will end, “millions now living will never die!” they proclaim. Those millions are, of course, Jehovah’s Witnesses.</p> <h3 class="Body">The Two Groups</h3> <p class="Body">Witnesses also place a large emphasis on the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, this number has had two distinct meanings.</p> <p class="Body">In the early 1920s, Rutherford instituted the practice of door-to-door visitation. Witnesses were instructed to tell their neighbors that only 144,000 would make it into heaven after the battle of Armageddon, which was then predicted to happen in 1925. However, by the late 1920s, there were already over 144,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses committed to the religion, and the battle had yet to come.</p> <p class="Body">The leaders announced New Light, which taught that “everyone who had become a Jehovah’s Witness before 1935 would go to heaven (the ‘little flock’), while everyone who came after 1935 would be among the ‘great crowd’ who would . . . look forward to living on Earth in a new paradise.”<sup>7</sup></p> <h3 class="Body">The Millennium</h3> <p class="Body">In Revelation 20:1–6, we find mention of the millennial reign of Jesus. Again, Witnesses have a specific set of beliefs that grows out of this concept.</p> <p class="Body">Having won the battle of Armageddon, Jesus will set up a government with the help of the 144,000. At this time, the world will be restored to perfect conditions. There will be no death, plenty of food, and lasting peace.<sup>8</sup> Those who survive the battle of Armageddon, as well as any righteous person from Abel onward, will receive a second chance in the new world.<sup>9</sup></p> <p class="Body">At the end of one thousand years, Satan will be released to test the remnants of mankind. After this test, Jesus will step down from leadership and Jehovah will live with his people and reign forever.</p> <h3 class="Body">Annihilation</h3> <p class="Body">Historians note that the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, C. T. Russell, had specific difficulty with the concept of <a href="http://www.exploregod.com/hell">hell</a> as a place of eternal torment.<sup>10</sup> Witnesses teach that those who die outside of the organization are annihilated and completely cease to exist. Those who die in Armageddon will be annihilated immediately. Those who fail the test of Satan at the end of the Millennium will also be annihilated.</p> <p class="Body">Christians may differ on their understanding of the <a href="/what-happens-when-we-die-video">afterlife</a>, but Witnesses stand out for their willingness to describe man’s eternal state with such specificity.</p> <h3 class="Body">No One Knows</h3> <p class="Body">When referring to great moments of judgment, such as the fall of governments and the eventual end of the world, even Jesus was reticent: “About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”<sup>11</sup></p> <p class="Body">In their short existence, Witnesses have calculated and recalculated the end of the world. They have made precise statements about how the world will end, as well as what will happen afterward. They have even described levels of the afterlife and the specific numbers of people who will enjoy each level.</p> <p class="Body">Death and the end of the world as we know it are scary, enigmatic prospects, so it is easy to understand why we want to define them. The solution for the Jehovah’s Witnesses has been to create specific dogmas that address those fears. Yet again and again, they have had to readjust their statements.</p> <h3 class="Body">Faith</h3> <p class="Body">In describing the afterlife, the Apostle Paul stated, “Now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” The future will always have an element of mystery. This is, in part, because we do not currently have the faculties to comprehend what will come.</p> <p class="Body">Some matters of faith will remain just that—matters of <a href="http://www.exploregod.com/faith">faith</a>.</p> <div><hr /><ol id="footnotes"> <li>Alan Rogerson, <em>Millions Now Living Will Never Die</em> (Great Britain: The Anchor Press, 1969), 107.</li> <li>Fritz Ridenour, <em>What’s the Difference: A Look at 20 Worldviews, Faiths and Religions and How They Compare to Christianity</em> (Ventura, CA: Regal, 2001), 120.</li> <li>N. H. Barbour and C. T. Russell, <em>The Three Worlds</em> (Rochester, NY: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1877).</li> <li>Ridenour, 117.</li> <li>Ibid.</li> <li>Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, “Armageddon—A Happy Beginning,” <em>Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY,</em> <a href="http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005881" target="_blank">http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005881</a>.</li> <li>Ridenour, 118.</li> <li>Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, “Life in a Restored Paradise,” <em>Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY</em>, <a href="http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008323" target="_blank">http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008323</a>.</li> <li>To read the story of Cain and Abel, see <em>The Holy Bible, </em>New International Version © 2011, Genesis 4.</li> <li>David L. Weddle, “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” in <em>Encyclopedia of Religion</em> 2nd ed. vol. 7 (New York: MacMillan Reference USA, 2005), 4821.</li> <li><em>The Holy Bible</em>, Mark 13:32.</li> <li>Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.stocksy.com/117026" target="_blank">Eduard Bonnin / Stocksy.com</a>.</li> </ol></div></div>
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Failed date predictions of Jehovah's Witnesses
Ongoing
Note regarding Watchtower dates:
In a number of cases two different years are said to represent the same event. There are two reasons for this.
1. Watchtower chronology originally included a year "zero". When this error was rectified some calculations where extended by one year.
2. In Biblical prophecy the Watchtower regularly uses the month October as the start and end of the year. For this reason a prophetic fulfilment could span two years.
home  > changed teachings  > changed dates
Changed Dates :: Failed Predictions
This section covers some of the lesser known failed predictions and changed date doctrine of the Watchtower Society.      For the more important dates see the pages on 1914 , 1925 , 1975 . Many of the following quotes are from the Watchtower Society's Studies in the Scriptures Series. Scanned copies of these books can be downloaded for free from jehovah.net.au .
Jesus said he would provide his followers Holy Spirit to correctly understand what the future holds.
"However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide YOU into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to YOU the things coming." John 16:13
Whereas doctrine is subjective and un-provable, time prophecy leaves no room for error. On a number of occasions the Watchtower put a line in the sand when saying a specific event was going to happen on a specific date. When those dates passed without event those statements proved beyond argument to be false. When something predicted to happen does not occur there is irrefutable evidence that Jehovah did not direct the interpretation. In line with the Scriptures above, the following incorrect dates prove the Watchtower Society is not guided by Jehovah.
In 1876, Russell became interested in time prophecy, after reading a copy of Barbour's publication Herald of the Morning. The end had not come in 1874, as the Adventists had predicted. However, Barbour explained that Matthew 24:27 meant Jesus' invisible presence commenced in 1874, the rapture would be 1878, and the end of the world was to occur in 1914. (See Watch Tower, 1906 July 15 for a detailed account.)
In Russell's doctrinal chronology the most important dates were 1874 and 1914:
"The chapter in SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol. II, showing the parallels between the Jewish and Christian Dispensations, makes prominent four dates, viz., (1) October, 1874; (2) April, 1878; (3) October, 1881, and (4) October, 1914;" Watch Tower 1911 June 15 p.190
"The careful student will have observed that the period designated 'The Time of the End' is very appropriately named, since not only does the Gospel age close in it, but in it, also, all prophesies relating to the close of this age terminate, reaching their fulfillments. The same class of readers will have noticed, too, the special importance of the last 40 of these 115 years (1874-1914), called 'The End' or 'Harvest.'" Studies in the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.121
The above timeline shows Russell's preached the Second Coming of Jesus was 1874, and the start of the 1000 year earthly reign was 1914, as it was to end in 2914 A.D.
For Rutherford the important dates were:
"WE HAVE no doubt whatever in regard to the chronology relating to the dates of 1874, 1914, 1918, and 1925." Watchtower 1922 May 15 p.147
Over time, Rutherford replaced 1874, such that his time line was as follows.
Other significant dates the Watchtower no longer refer to are;
1799 A.D. - The beginning of the Last Days.
539 A.D. - Thought to be the start of Catholic Papal rule and the start point of many prophetic interpretations.
Of these above dates only 1914 is still considered significant, and even then, mostly for different reasons than originally prescribed. Though part of Watchtower lore for 60 years, most current Jehovah's Witnesses are unaware of their significance and that each one failed to eventuate as predicted.
Each time the Watchtower has predicted an occurrence, it has not eventuated as foretold, a 100% failure rate. Does this inspire confidence in Watchtower interpretation? Jehovah's Witnesses promoted these falsehoods in the past, and continue to zealously advocate current doctrine as unfailing truths.
It is claimed that Jesus found a cleansed Slave Class dispensing truthful food in 1919. However, Rutherford continued to promote Russell's interpretation of the dates for the 1700's, 1800's and 1914 until the 1930's. Many of the date prophecies were re-explained between 1930 and 1932; the remainder were adjusted in 1943. Rutherford even dismissed the majority of his own 1900's predictions.
Chapter 10 of Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom is devoted to the subject "Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth". This discusses that truth is progressive, yet makes little reference to the failed dates. Relegated to a footnote on page 133 is the statement that;
"A clearer understanding of Biblical chronology was published in 1943, in the book "The Truth Shall Make You Free" and it was then refined the following year in the book "The Kingdom Is at Hand," as well as in later publications.
Scant mention is made of the incredible list of dates that had been abandoned. Nor does it clarify that it was not until 1943 that the beginning of Christ's presence was specifically changed from the year 1874 to 1914. This change was in The Truth Shall Make You Free, released in the time of Knorr and the first book to be printed that did not list the author's name. This was after the death of Rutherford and well after 1919 when Jesus inspection supposedly found a spiritually cleansed Organization.
One can imagine that over time most of the current doctrine describing events of the 1900's will eventually be seen to be of little relevance and relegated to the forgotten annals of Watchtower history. It is yet to be seen what will become of 1914; being the most significant doctrine it will be the most difficult to eradicate without overwhelming consequences.
1780
May 19, 1780 was the date for the first sign of the last days, "The Dark Day." Certain Adventists still hold to this date. It was said by Ellen that "Since the time of Moses no period of darkness of equal density, extent, and duration, has ever been recorded." (Great Controversy, p. 308) This was touched on in Studies in the Scriptures - The Day Of Vengeance (1897) p.604;
"Reckoning a hundred years from 1780, the date of the first sign, the limit would reach to 1880; and, to our understanding, every item predicted had begun to be fulfilled at that date"
The time of darkness, the first sign of the end, was caused by fires in New England and was confined mostly to the North-Eastern part of the United States. Quite typically a new religion will think their country is predicted in prophecy. The Adventists, Mormons and Watchtower Society all began as US centric religions.
1798
"And, perhaps we can answer: the "time, times, and a-half," ended in 1798, at the taking away of the papal dominion, and is one of the great landmarks of prophecy." Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World (1877) p.158
The 1260 days in Revelation 12:7 were said to extend from 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D. and marked by the end of Papal rule. In 1889, Russell changed the last days from 1798 to 1799, based on a new understanding that papal rule started in 539 A.D.
1799
Few Witnesses today are aware of the relevance of the year 1799, that this year is pivotal to the very existence of Jehovah's Witnesses. 1799 was the beginning of "the time of the end." This concept started the era of enlightenment and Adventist movement of the 1800's, resulting in Russell's end time belief system.
In no uncertain terms, Watchtower presented "proof" that 1799 was "definitely" the start of the time of the end.
"THE "Time of the End," a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures. "The Day of His Preparation" is another name given to the same period." Studies in the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come p.23
In 1796, George Bell postulated that the Pope was the Antichrist and would fall in 1797. The war that started shortly afterwards, along with Napoleon debasing the Pope, was seen as evidence of the fulfilment of this. So dramatic was the apparent fulfilment of this prophecy that it led to the start of the Adventist movement and belief that the last days started 1799. The reasoning was related to Daniel's prophecy of the King of the North and prophecies of the 1260 days in Daniel 7:25, Revelation 12:7 and 11:1-3.
Studies in the Scriptures - The Time is as Hand and Zion's Watch Tower 1889 discussed this as relating to the 1799 date.
Catholic Papal rule started in 539 A.D. and was said to have ended 1260 years later in 1799, thus starting the beginning of the time of the end. The prophecy of the 1355 days was similarly calculated to extend from 539 A.D. to 1874, another key date in Russell's understanding of the end times. Although Russell did not get involved in the Adventist movement until the 1870's, he accepted this date as truth and felt that God had chosen him as his mouthpiece to preach the urgency of the times.
Despite Russell's death, and the failure of his teaching that Jesus earthly rulership would commence 1914,  Watchtower continued with this doctrine, and even well after Jesus apparent cleansing of Watchtower in 1919.
"Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, ... and being completed in 1799, marks, according to the Prophet's own words, the beginning of the "time of the end". The Harp of God (1921) pp.228,229
"The time of the end" embraces a period from A.D. 1799, as above indicated, to the time of the complete overthrow of Satan's empire and the establishment of the kingdom of the Messiah." The Harp of God p.231
"Twelve-hundred sixty years from A.D. 539 brings us to 1799-another proof that 1799 definitely marks the beginning of "the time of the end"." The Harp of God p.230
"How is the beginning of the “time of the end” definitely fixed at 1799 A. D.?" The Harp of God p.269
"This great increase in knowledge and the tremendous running to and fro of the people in various parts of the earth without question is a fulfilment of the prophecy testifying as to "the time of the end"." The Harp of God p.234
It is amusing to see the lengthy list of inventions The Harp of God used as proof that the 1800's was the time of the end. The locomotive and "flying machine" (p.231) were considered fulfilment of the "day of God's preparation" spoken of in Nahum 2:1-6. Evidence the Lord's presence commenced 1874 included - adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminium, antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, correspondence schools, cream separators, Darkest Africa, fireless cookers,  shoe-sewing machines, the telegraph, the telephone, Panama Canal, Pasteurization, and vacuum cleaners (page 235).
This teaching continued throughout the nineteen twenties in other publications.
"The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874." Watchtower 1922 Mar 1 p.73
"Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it, and then returned to France on October 1, 1799. The campaign is briefly, yet graphically described in the prophecy, verses 40-44; and its being completed in 1799 marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of "the time of the end. Twelve hundred and sixty years from 539 A.D. brings us to 1799, which is another proof that 1799 definitely marks the beginning of "the time of the end." This also shows that it is from the date 539 A.D. that the other prophetic days of Daniel must be counted." Creation (1927) 2,175,000 ed. p.293
"These physical facts cannot be disputed and are sufficient to convince any reasonable mind that we have been in "the time of the end" since 1799." The Harp of God p.234
Then as now, Watchtower resorted to insult, with Rutherford indicating above that a person is not of "reasonable mind" if they do not believe the time of the end started in 1799. Today, a Witness that does not believe 1914 was the start of the end is labelled as apostate or even the antichrist and disfellowshipped.
1829
1829 was the start of the Miller movement, as supposedly prophesied by the 1290 days of Daniel 12:11. This was 1290 years from the beginning of papal rule in 539 A.D, as explained in Studies in the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come p.84 and Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery pp.40, 60, 163.
"The Prophet Daniel's statement that "the wise shall understand" apparently refers to the end of the 1290 days mentioned in the same chapter. This period terminated in 1829. Shortly after 1829 the message of the nearness of the Second Advent of Christ began especially to be promulgated by William Miller. As a result of the exaltation of the Word of God, certain doctrines were brought forth in a very prominent way." Watchtower 1914 Nov 1 p.326
1840
Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet.
"The seventh trumpet sounds from Aug. 1840, until "the time of trouble," or day of wrath is ended. Hence, it doubtless ends with the times of the Gentiles, and this forty years of conquest; and therefore, sounds until A. D. 1914; at the end of which, Babylon the great, will have fallen, and the "dragon" be bound: that is, the nations will be subdued, and "the prince of this world cast out."" Three Worlds and the Harvest of This World (1877) p.27
1844
This was a key date for the Adventist movement. In the early 1800's John Aquila Brown taught that the Daniel chapter 8 prophecy of 2,300 days ended in 1844. Miller took up this theme and said that the end of the world would come in this year. When it did not Miller renounced his teaching but the Adventists stuck to it. They reinterpreted it to be the start of the time of the end and that the end would be 1874. This did not occur either.
In the 1870's Russell became interested in time prophecy. He followed Barbour's concept that the 1700 and 1800 dates put forward by the Adventists were correct; it was the understanding of what was going to happen that was wrong. Studies in the Scriptures Series 2 p.240 discusses Russell's understanding of 1844.
1846
The Sanctuary was cleansed in 1846, another understanding of the end of the 2,300 day prophecy. The cleansing was meant to be when G. Storrs abandoned false doctrines. Storrs was one of the preachers that Russell took his doctrines from. This is discussed in Studies in the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come p.108 and Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery p.163.
"The 2,300 days point to 1846 as the time when God's sanctuary would be cleansed of the defiling errors and principles of Papacy; and we have noted the cleansing there accomplished." Studies In the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come p.306
1873
1873 was the year that Second Adventists and Russell thought the 6,000 years of creation had ended.
"We are already living in the seventh millennium - since October 1872" Studies In the Scriptures - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. p.363
"Here we furnish the evidence that from the creation of Adam to A.D. 1873 was six thousand years. And though the Bible contains no direct statement that the seventh thousand will be the epoch of Christ's reign, the great Sabbath Day of restitution to the world, yet the venerable tradition is not without reasonable foundation. If, then, the seventh thousand-year period of earth's history be an epoch specially noted as the period of Christ's reign, we shall, by showing that it began in A.D. 1873, be proving that we are already in it." Studies In the Scriptures - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. p.39
"Looking back to 1871, we see that many of our company were what are known as Second Adventists, and the light they held briefly stated, was that there would be a second advent of Jesus-- that he would come to bless and immortalize the saints, to judge the world and to burn up the world and all the wicked. This, they claimed would occur in 1873, because the 6,000 years from the creation of Adam were complete then." Zion's Watch Tower 1881 Feb p.3
This began the reign of Christ and the period of darkness on the earth. The signs of the last days were apparently proven by the start of political systems such as Socialism, Communism and Nihilism. Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery The Watchtower did not change their workings on the 6,000 years until 1943, when they started to say that due to inaccuracies in the King James Bible they had wrongly stated 1873 and that the 6,000 years actually ended in 1975. (See Proclaimers footnote p.133)
1874
1874 was a key date for Russell. In many ways, 1874 was to Russell what 1914 is to Jehovah's Witnesses today. 1874 was the time of the second coming or second advent, the start of Jesus' invisible presence, the start of the harvest work and the beginning of the time for the generation that would see the end.
"The second advent of our Lord in the end or harvest of the Gospel age, occurring in the fall of 1874, proves to be at a point of time exactly parallel to the time of his first advent, in the end of the Jewish age. ... the Jubilee Cycles show October 1874 to be the date of our Lord s return. ... While the time-prophecies thus point to and harmonize with 1874 as the date of our Lord s second presence, assuring us of the fact with mathematical precision, we find ourselves overwhelmed with evidence of another character; for certain peculiar signs, foretold by the Lord and the apostles and prophets, which were to precede his coming, are now clearly recognised as actually fulfilled. ... The cleansing of the sanctuary was also accomplished as predicted, and at a time sufficiently in advance of 1874 to make ready "a people prepared for the Lord" a people in devout expectancy of his coming"" The Time of the Harvest (1911 ed.) pp.125,127,129
"... he would in reality assume the kingly office, power, etc., viz., in the spring of 1878, three and a half years after his second advent at the beginning of the harvest period, in the fall of 1874." The Time of the Harvest (1911 ed.) p.234
"So short a time ago as 1870 we saw, in addition to the first principles of the Gospel, only the two bare facts - the Lord's second coming and the Restitution - and these but vaguely; for though we then saw restitution taught in Scripture, we were much in doubt as to its comprehensiveness, questioning often whether it would include all the billions of the dead whom the god of this world had in the present life blinded. And concerning the Lord's second coming, while we realized that he is no longer a man, but is now the new creature--the express image of the Father's person-- a quickening spirit, yet we failed somehow to make a proper application of this to his second coming, and unthinkingly and ignorantly, rather expected his coming to be as a glorified man, than as a spiritual being. It was not until about 1874 that these things became clearer, so that we realized that when Jesus should come, it would be as unobserved by human eyes as though an angel had come; and that it could be known only by some miracle, by some manifestation or demonstration....
Next our attention was drawn to the subject of the TIME of our Lord's coming. Before this we had strenuously ignored time, partly because of its being made so much of by "Second Adventists," and because of the frequent failures of their expectations. Moreover, the fact that they claimed the destruction of the world to be the impending event, and used the periods of time mentioned in Scripture to mark the time of that destruction, was another reason why we were disposed to ignore the subject of time. Their erroneous theory of the destruction of the world cast discredit on the time which they associated with it.
When, however, the manner of our Lord's coming was seen in the light of what he is--a spiritual, and no longer a human being--then we saw that our Father had provided TIME in the Bible, that thus we might know, or see with the eye of our understanding, what we could not see with our natural eyes-- viz., the Lord's presence. A careful study of times and seasons taught in Scripture convinced us that the Lord was due to be present in 1874, and other time teachings of the Word showed that in the spring of 1875 the restitution of all things was due to commence." Zion's Watch Tower 1883 Aug p.1
Initially, Russell felt that the battle of Armageddon started in 1874, based on his understanding that this was a social upheaval
"The date of the close of that "battle" is definitely marked in Scripture as October 1914. It is already in progress, its beginning dating from October, 1874." Zion's Watch Tower 1892 Jan 15 p.23
In 1904, Russell changed the start of Armageddon to be 1914.
There was a great deal of Scriptural "proof" used to show Jesus' presence began in 1874, such as:
The end of the jubilee cycles (Zion's Watch Tower 1881 January).
It was the end of 6000 years after creation
Daniel's prophecy of the 1335 days. This was interpreted to mean 1335 years after papal rule had started in 539 AD. Historical years were changed and adjusted in order to fit the year to the prophecy.
Russell followed Barbour's idea that the Adventists were wrong to think the end of the world would be 1874 as this was just 30 years from 1844. As a generation is 70 years, the end of the world itself would not be until 1914. This fitted nicely with Barbour's understanding of the seven times.
It is interesting that prophecies vigorously used today to point to special events in the 1900's were used to point to completely different events in the 1800's. Even the methodology to work out these prophecies has changed. For instance, the 1335 days were said to represent years, now we are supposed to believe they represent lunar days; that is, about 1320 solar days! These prophecies are meant to strengthen faith in the Watchtower interpretation of the Bible, when they are obviously being used to fit any situation the Watchtower Society desires.
1874 was still being used well after 1914.
"Bible prophecy shows that the Lord was due to appear for the second time in the year 1874. Fulfilled prophecy shows beyond a doubt that he did appear in 1874. Fulfilled prophecy is otherwise designated the physical facts; and these facts are indisputable." Watchtower 1922 Nov 1 p.333
"Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874;…" Watchtower 1924 Jan 1 p.5)
"The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D." Prophecy 1929 1,589,000 ed. p.65
"Applying the same rule then, of a day for a year, 1335 days after 539 A.D. brings us to 1874 A.D. at which time, according to Biblical chronology, the Lord's second presence was due." Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.298
"The Scriptural proof is that the period of his presence and the day of God's preparation is a period from 1874 A.D. forward. The second coming of the Lord, therefore, began in 1874; and that date and the years 1914 and 1918 are specially marked dates with reference to his coming. Prophecy can not be understood until it has been fulfilled or is in the course of fulfillment. From 1874 to 1914 the prophecy concerning the Lord's coming was being fulfilled and could be understood, and was understood, by those who were faithful to the Lord and who were watching the development of events, but not by others." Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.289
The Harp of God contains many references to 1874 in both the 1921 and 1928 editions. The 1927 edition of Creation uses inventions from 1874 onwards as evidence of the Lord's presence since that date. These included:
"But mention is made of some of those things that have come to light since 1874, as a further evidence of the Lord's presence since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminium, antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, cream separators, disc plows, electric railways, electric welding, elevators, escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, monotypes, motion pictures, pasteurization, radium, railway signals, Roentgen rays, skyscrapers, smokeless powder, submarines, subways, talking machines, telephones, television, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, wireless telegraphy and wireless telephony." Creation 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.297
1874 was not dropped as the start of the second coming until the 1930s, when articles such as the following started to be released.
"The prophecy of the Bible, fully supported by the physical facts in fulfilment thereof, shows that the second coming of Christ dates from the fall of the year 1914." What is Truth? (1932) p.48
1874 was not removed entirely from Watchtower doctrine until 1943, when a change in how the 6000 years were calculated meant it could no longer be used as the end of the 6000 years. (see God's Kingdom on a Thousand Years Has Approached p.209)
The Society generally glosses over its history and wrong interpretations. However, some of the excuses it provides for these errors are quite shocking;
"According to an inaccurate chronology that had been worked out from the King James Authorized Version Bible, Russell calculated Christ's "presence" had begun in the year 1874 C.E., unseen to human eyes and seen only by the eye of faith." Man's Salvation Out Of World Distress At Hand (1975) p.287
Is indicating that God allowed the Bible to come down to us incorrectly really the best way to exonerate Russell's wrong teachings? Doesn't this raise more problems than it answers?
1878
Today, Jehovah's Witnesses longingly believe the New System and resurrection is just about to happen. The idea that it will be "soon" has been preached from the very start of the Watchtower Society, for over a century.
"... the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time." Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom p. 632
1878 was the first prediction that Russell publicized for his followers to receive their resurrection.
In January 1876, Charles Russell read a copy of Barbour's publication Herald of the Morning. This explained that Jesus had returned invisibly in 1874, and the Rapture would occur in 1878. As the kingdom had not come to earth in 1874 as predicted by the Adventists, Barbour started to preach that it was only invisibly present in 1874, (exactly the same justification used years later by Rutherford to explain why the kingdom did not manifest itself in 1914). 1878 was to be the year to fulfil many events, being 3 ½ years after 1874, based on Jesus 3 ½ year ministry. Russell was deeply affected by this and started to fund Barbour's publication, believing it would only be for two years.
In 1878, the first of the dead 144,000 saints would go to heaven, along with the 'rapture' of Barbour, Russell and his followers to heaven.  He believed he had been led to the truth just in time for the resurrection 2 years later.
"Expecting the Lord Jesus to come in 1878 to catch them up miraculously to be with him in heaven, some who had been Second Adventists (including Barbour) were disappointed when that miracle did not occur. Russell, though, "did not for a moment feel cast down," but "realized that what God had so plainly declared must some time have a fulfillment"; and he "wanted to have it just in God's time and way."
On one occasion while talking with Russell about the events of 1878, I told him that Pittsburgh papers had reported he was on the Sixth Street bridge dressed in a white robe on the night of the Memorial of Christ's death, expecting to be taken to heaven together with many others. I asked him, "Is that correct?"
Russell laughed heartily and said: "I was in bed that night between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. However, some of the more radical ones might have been there, but I was not. Neither did I expect to be taken to heaven at that time, for I felt there was much work to be done preaching the Kingdom message to the peoples of the earth before the church would be taken away." FAITH ON THE MARCH pp.26-27
Shortly after this time, Russell split from Barbour and in 1879 started his own magazine, Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence.
Even after the failure of the Rapture to eventuate in 1878, this year continued to be considered a prophetic date by Russell and Rutherford. This was the year Jesus took rulership in heaven.
"... 1874 as the time of our Lord's second presence as Bridegroom and Reaper, and to April 1878 as the time when he began to exercise his office of King of kings and Lord of lords ..." Studies in the Scriptures - Thy Kingdom Come (1911 ed.) p.150
It was the start of the resurrection of the dead saints.
"Our Lord's resurrection occurred three and a half years after his advent as the Messiah, in A.D. 29; and the resurrection of his body, the Church, we have seen, was due in the year 1878, three and a half years after his second advent, in October 1874." Studies In the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.305
"In the year 1878, the dead in Christ were resurrected, as shown by number 8. It was time for them to be engaged in kingdom work. In that same year a call was issued for the saints on this side of the "veil" to come out of Babylon. The 1845 years of fleshly Israel's disfavor ended in 1878." Explanation of Chart Representing the Plan of the Ages
In 1906, Russell claimed that the "Lord has helped and guided" him to reveal the truth, but then goes on to explain that he had been wrong about his living followers being taken to heaven in 1878, and changed this to be the date when those already dead were taken to heaven. Despite the Lord's help this too was wrong, as the Watchtower now claims this event occurred in 1914.
"We did not then see, as we now do,* that that date (1878) marked the time for the beginning of the establishment of the Kingdom of God, by the glorification of all who already slept in Christ, and that the "change" which Paul mentions (I Cor. 15:51) is to occur in the moment of dying, to all the class described, from that date onward through the harvest period, until all the living members ("the feet") of the body of Christ shall have been changed to glorious spirit beings. But when at that date nothing occurred which we could see, a re-examination of the matter showed me that our mistake lay in expecting to see all the living saints changed at once, and without dying--an erroneous view shared in by the whole nominal church, and one which we had not yet observed or discarded." Zion's Watch Tower 1906 July p.230 "Harvest Gathering and Siftings."
This was the first of many dates that the rapture and the sealing of the 144,000 were to occur.
To explain the failure of the rapture Barbour used the 'new light' concept. This concept of new light was seized upon by Russell and has been used by generations of Witnesses since. As can be seen from the quote above, 1878 was considered incontrovertible for decades, yet later was re-explained by 'brighter' light.
"The spring of A.D. 1878 (three and a half years later) corresponds to the date at which our Lord assumed the office of King, rode on the ass, cleansed the temple of its money-changers, and wept over and gave up to desolation that nominal church or kingdom; and it marks the date when the nominal church systems were "spewed out" (Rev. 3:16), and from which time (A.D. 1878) they are not the mouth pieces of God, nor in any degree recognized by him.      So it was in this harvest also up to A.D. 1878 the time prophecies and the fact of the Lord's presence, substantially as here presented, though less clearly, was our message. Since then the work has widened, and the view of other truths has become brighter and clearer; but the same fact and scriptures, teaching the same time and presence, stand unchallenged and incontrovertible." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. p.235
Eventually the brighter light faded and 1878 is now considered completely irrelevant.
Other events for 1878 were the 'end of the gospel age', with God's favour being returned to the Jews and the Kingdom of God starting to exercise power. (see Zion's Watch Tower October 1879, Three Worlds p.68, Jehovah's Witnesses-Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) p.632, Divine purpose p.19, Studies in the Scriptures, Series 2 p.101, Studies in the Scriptures, Series 6 p.663 and Millions Now Living will Never Die (1920) pp.27-28)
1880
By 1880 all the signs of the end were said to have started, great earthquakes, war, pestilence, bad behaviour of people and so forth.
"A "generation" might be reckoned as equivalent to a century (practically the present limit) or one hundred and twenty years, Moses' lifetime and the Scripture limit. (Gen. 6:3.) Reckoning a hundred years from 1780, the date of the first sign, the limit would reach to 1880; and, to our understanding, every item predicted had begun to be fulfilled at that date;-the "harvest" or gathering time beginning October 1874; the organization of the Kingdom and the taking by our Lord of his great power as the King in April 1878, and the time of trouble or "day of wrath" which began October 1874, and will cease about 1915; and the sprouting of the fig tree." Studies in the Scriptures Series IV - The Day of Vengeance p.604
The exact opposite is now stated. You Can Live Forever In Paradise on Earth claims that the time before 1914 was a period of peace, and it was not until 1914 that all these signs of the last days started to be fulfilled.
"Yet what were prominent world leaders foretelling just before 1914? They were saying that conditions promising world peace were never more favourable. Yet the terrible troubles the Bible foretold began right on time, in 1914!" You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth p.5
This would seem to indicate that these signs can be comfortably fit to any generation.
1881
1881 became the next prophesied year that the sealing of the 144,000 was to be complete. This was to be at the end of 7 harvest years after the jubilee cycles had ended in 1874.
"the gathering of the bride into the place of safety, will occupy a parallel of seven years of time, ending in 1881" Zion's Watch Tower 1881 January p.1
"To our understanding the general call to this joint heirship with our Redeemer as members of the New Creation of God, ceased in 1881." Studies In the Scriptures Series VI - New Creation 1915 ed. p.95
"As in the type that date - three and a half years after the death of Christ - marked the end of all special favor to the Jew and the beginning of favor to the Gentiles, so we recognize A.D. 1881 as marking the close of the high calling, or invitation to the blessing peculiar to this age - to become joint-heirs with Christ and partakers of the divine nature." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. p.235
"The General Call To The High Calling Ceased-9      Even though the general call ceased in 1881, the door to the high calling remains open, as shown by number 9. However, it is only when one who is spirit begotten has to be replaced, (on account of being overcharged with the cares of this world, or sinful living, or loss of faith), that one, desirous of doing the Father's will, is invited to enter the narrow way as a replacement. The door to the high calling will remain open until the bride has made herself ready." Explanation of Chart Representing the Plan of the Ages
"It was also reasoned that the end of God's special favor to natural Israel down to 36 C.E. might point to 1881 as the time when the special opportunity to become part of spiritual Israel would close." Jehovah's Witnesses-Proclaimers of God's Kingdom p.632
Once again it was believed that the remaining of the 144,000 would be taken by the rapture straight to heaven. In January 1881 the Watchtower stated that "the translation or change from the natural to the spiritual condition, [is] due this side or by the fall of our year 1881."
1906
Russell predicted a great war for 1906. As early as the Zion's Watch Tower 1892 January 15 Russell had stated;
"Then "Woe to the man or nation who starts the next war in Europe; for it will be a war of extermination." if not brought to an end by the establishment of god's Kingdom in the hands f his elect and then glorified Church, it would exterminate the race - Matt. 24:22."
The European War was said to be fulfilment of prophecy. When the Russo-Japanese war began in 1904, Russell suggested in Zion's Watch Tower 1904 March 1 that it would suck in all Europe fulfilling his prophecy for 1906.
1910
1910 was another date for the 'rapture', with the Bible Students expecting to be taken to heaven. Studies in the Scriptures Series 3 p.364 (versions printed before 1910) based this teaching on measurements from the Great Pyramid of Gizeh. It was also to Herald the time of Great trouble upon the Churches.
"It is but a few years before the full close of the time of trouble which ends the Gentile times; and when we remember the Lord's words-that the overcomers shall be accounted worthy to escape the severest of the trouble coming upon the world we may understand the reference to be to the anarchous trouble which will follow October, 1914; but a trouble chiefly upon the Church may be expected about 1910 A.D. The four years from 1910 to the end of 1914, indicated thus in the Great Pyramid, will doubtless be a time of "fiery trial" upon the Church (1 Cor. 3:15) preceding the anarchy of the world, which cannot last long- "Except those days should be shortened there should no flesh be saved." Matt. 24:22" Studies In the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.364
1914
1914 has been a pivotal date for the Watchtower. The expectations prior to 1914 included it being the end of the Gentile Times, the end of Armageddon, the fall of false religion, the end of all governments, the resurrection, the start of Jesus 1000 year reign and paradise on earth. See 1914 for a in-depth article regarding this date.
1915
In 1912 Russell explained that he did not know how to account for the year 0 between B.C. and A.D. and that the end could be in either 1914 or 1915. The 2520 years of Daniels seven times prophecy extends from 606 to 1915 once the year zero between B.C. and A.D. is removed.
"Then, we were content to say, "606 B.C. seems a well authenticated date for the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and B.C. 536 the date when the seventy years' appointed desolation of the land ceased." …
As to the methods of counting, Encyclopaedia Britannica says, "Astronomers denote the year which preceded the first of our era as 0 and the year previous to that as B.C. 1-the previous year B.C. 2, and so on."
Whichever of these ways we undertake to calculate the matter the difference between the results is one year. The seventy years of Jewish captivity ended October, 536 B.C., and if there were 536-1/4 years B.C., then to complete the 2,520 years' cycle of the Times of the Gentiles would require 1913-3/4 years of A.D., or to October, 1914. But if the other way of reckoning were used, then there were but 535-1/4 years of the period B.C., and the remainder of the 2,520 years would reach to A.D., 1914-3/4 years, otherwise October, 1915.
Since this question is agitating the minds of a considerable number of the friends, we have presented it here in some detail. We remind the readers, however, that nothing in the Scriptures says definitely that the trouble upon the Gentiles will be accomplished before the close of the Times of the Gentiles, whether that be October, 1914, or October, 1915. The trouble doubtless will be considerable before the final crash, even though that crash come suddenly, like the casting of a great millstone into the sea. (Rev. 18:21.) The parallel between the Jewish Harvest and the present Harvest would corroborate the thought that the trouble to the full will be accomplished by October, 1915." Watch Tower 1912 Dec 1 pp. 377-8
With the outbreak of World War One in August 1914, Russell reconfirmed that the end would be October 1914. When nothing happened in October 1914 Russell reused the idea that 1915 would signal the end.
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. ...
Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that the "battle of the great day of God Almighty" (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1915, with the complete overthrow of the earth's present rulership, is already commenced. ...
The "Gentile Times" prove that the present governments must all be overturned about the close of 1915 A.D." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand 1915 ed. pp.99, 101, 242
1915 was to herald the end of worldly government and the reestablishment of Palestine.
"Be that as it may, there is evidence that the establishment of the Kingdom in Palestine will probably be in 1925, ten years later than we once calculated." Studies In the Scriptures Series VII - The Finished Mystery p.128
When nothing happened in 1915 the Watchtower went back to using 1914.
It was not until 1943 that the Watchtower Society explained once more that there is no year zero. However this time they did not use 1915 as Russell had done when acknowledging his mistake. The Watchtower decided to retain 1914, and was able to do so by changing the date for the destruction of Jerusalem from 606 B.C. to 607 B.C.
"Providentially, those Bible Students had not realized that there is no zero year between "B.C." and "A.D." Later, when research made it necessary to adjust B.C. 606 to 607 B.C.E., the zero year was also eliminated, so that the prediction held good at "A.D. 1914."-See "The Truth Shall Make You Free," published by the Watch Tower Society in 1943, page 239." Revelation - Its Grand Climax at Hand! p. 105
Since it was prior to 1914 that Russell and the Bible Students identified there was "no year zero," the above comment is dishonest. The year zero was not removed because research led to 607 B.C., but rather the elimination of the year zero led to moving from 606 B.C to 607 B.C.
The Society changed history with the stroke of a pen, however neither 607 B.C. nor 606 B.C. is correct. All historical evidence shows that Jerusalem fell in 587 B.C. an understanding that undermines the entire basis for 1914.
1917
The first printing of Studies In the Scriptures Series VII - The Finished Mystery was June 1917, in which the end of World War One was predicted for October 1st, 1917. Subsequent printings retrospectively stated the war ended 1918.
p.268
75,000 edition "Is not yet come.- But is due to make its appearance with the close of the war, some time about October 1st, 1917. (See comments on Rev. 16:17-21; Ex. 10:23.)" Click here for scan
2,604,000 edition "Is not yet come. - But is due to make its appearance after the close of the war, probably early in the year 1918. (See comments on Rev. 16:17-21; Ex. 10:23.)" Click here for scan
1918
It did not take long for the extension of the chronology following the failure of the end to come in 1914. In 1916, Rutherford predicted the "harvest work" would end in 1918, with the destruction of all religion. It also became the year that the resurrection for the heavenly ones was to start.
"Incidentally we remark that some historians put the end of the Jewish Time of Trouble as April A.D. 73, which would correspond to April 1918." Watch Tower 1916 Sep 1 p.265
"The parallel, therefore, would establish definitely that the harvest would close forty years thereafter; to wit, in the spring of A.D. 1918. If this be true, and the evidence is very conclusive that it is true, then we have only a few months in which to labor before the great night settles down when no man can work." Watch Tower Oct 1 1917 p.292,293
"That the harvest began in 1878, there is ample and convincing proof. The end of the harvest is due in the spring of 1918." Watch Tower May 1 1918 p.132
This was covered in detail with the release of the last book of Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery.
"The data presented in comments on Rev. 2:1 prove that the conquest of Judea was not completed until the day of the Passover,      A.D. 73, and in the light of the foregoing Scriptures, prove that the Spring of 1918 will bring upon Christendom a spasm of      anguish greater even than that experienced in the Fall of 1914. Reexamine the table of the Parallel Dispensations in      STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol. 2, pages 246 and 247; change the 37 to 40, 70 to 73, and 1914 to 1918, and we believe it is correct and will be fulfilled with great power and glory. (Mark 13:26)" p.62
"The awakening of the sleeping saints, A. D. 1878, was just half way (three and one-half years each way)      between the beginning of the Times of Restitution in 1874 and the close of the High Calling in 1881. Our      proposition is that the glorification of the Little Flock in the Spring of 1918 A. D. will be half way (three and      one-half years each way) between the close of the Gentile Times and the close of the Heavenly Way, A. D. 1921." p.64
"It seems conclusive that the hour of Nominal Zions travail is fixed for the Passover of 1918. (See Rev. 3:14.) That will be 7 years prior to 1925. At that time there is every reason to believe the fallen angels will invade the minds of many of the Nominal Church people, driving them to exceedingly unwise      conduct and leading to their destruction at the hands of the enraged masses, who will later be dragged to the same fate." p.128
"Brother Russell put the question to three prominent brethren, all of whom replied that they did not know, but were willing to wait and see. When he called upon me I said, Since the year 73 A.D. saw the complete overthrow of nominal Natural Israel in Palestine, so in the parallel year 1918, I infer we should look for the complete overthrow of nominal Spiritual Israel; i.e., the fall of Babylon. (Rev.18.) Brother Russell replied; Exactly. That is exactly the inference to draw. The conclusion of the Churchs career comes first. (Rev. 3:14.)" p.129
"The people who are the strength of Christendom shall be cut off in the brief but terribly eventful period beginning in 1918 A.D. A third part are 'burned with fire in the midst of the city.' Fire symbolizes destruction. One large part of the adherents of ecclesiasticism will die from pestilence and famine. (Deut. 32:24.)      After 1918 the people supporting churchianity will cease to be its supporters, be destroyed as adherents, by the spiritual pestilence of errors abroad, and by the famine of the Word of God among them. The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17),      which is the Word of God, will be wielded in the hands of 'Present Truth' believers in such a manner as to cause conscientious supporters of ecclesiasticism to cease to be supporters."      pp.398-399
"Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity." p.485
The Finished Mystery was heralded as further proof that the end of the harvest was nigh, and the heavenly class were due to be called beyond "the veil".
"It is with sincere joy that we are privileged to report that amongst the activities of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY for 1917 the Seventh Volume of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES has been published and is now going forth. We count this as another one of the strong proofs that the harvest is nearing the end, and that in all probability the Spring of 1918 will mark the beginning of the closing up of all activities of the kingdom class on this side the veil." Watch Tower Dec 15 1917 pp.373-374
A later quote claims that though these predictions were wrong, the dates were correct. That too has turned out to be wrong, since 1925 no longer holds significance to Jehovah's Witnesses.
There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovahs faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1914, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time. Later the faithful learned that these dates were definitely fixed in the Scriptures; and they also learned to quit fixing dates for the future and predicting what would come to pass on a certain date. Vindication I (1931) pp.338-339
1920
1920 was another of Rutherford's foretold ends for Christendom and all government. Notice how this prediction was changed between the 1918 and 1926 edition of Studies In the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery
p.179
1918 ed. We anticipate that the "earthquake" will occur early in 1918, and that the "fire" will come in the fall of 1920.
1926 ed. We anticipate that the "earthquake" will occur early in 1918, and that the "fire" will follow in due course.
p.258
1918 ed. Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920. The three days In which Pharaoh's host pursued the Israelites into the wilderness represent the three years from 1917 to 1920 at which time all of Pharaoh's messengers will be swallowed up in the sea of anarchy.
1926 ed. Even the republics will disappear in the time of anarchy. The three days in which Pharaoh's host pursued the Israelites into the wilderness may represent the three years preceding the time of anarchy at which time all of Pharaoh's messengers will be swallowed up in the sea of angry humanity.
p.313
1918 ed. The masses of mankind, not under religious restraint - the condition of the whole world in the time of anarchy due in its full severity in the fall of 1920.
1926 ed. The masses of mankind, not under religious restraint - the condition of the whole world in the time of anarchy due in its full severity in the end of the time of trouble.
p.542
1918 ed. "As the fleshly-minded apostates from Christianity, aiding with the radicals and revolutionaries, will rejoice at the inheritance of desolation that will be Christendom's after 1918, so will God do to the successful revolutionary movement; it shall be utterly desolated, "even all of it" Not one vestige of it shall survive the ravages of world-wide all-embracing anarchy, in the fall of 1920."
1926 ed. "As the fleshly-minded apostates from Christianity, siding with the radicals and revolutionaries, will rejoice at the inheritance of desolation that will be Christendom's after 1918, so will God do to the successful revolutionary movement; it shall be utterly desolated, "even all of it." Not one vestige of it shall survive the ravages of world-wide all-embracing anarchy, in the end of the time of trouble."
1921
1921 was another foretold closing of the calling and for the 144,000 to go to heaven. Rutherford drew on a string of interesting prophetic reasoning's that the Watchtower no longer refers to, such as 'half way' signs.
"This confirms the hope of the Church's glorification forty years (a year for a day) after the awakening of the sleeping saints in the Spring of 1878. The Seventh-days before the Deluge may represent seven years, from 1914 to 1921, in the midst of which "week of years' the last members of the Messiah pass beyond the veil. Our proposition is that the glorification of the Little Flock in the Spring of 1918 A.D. will be halfway between the close of the Gentile Times and the close of the heavenly way, A.D. 1921." Studies In the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery p.64
The half way signs in the article above went on the include;
Abrahamic covenant 2045 B.C. was half way between Adam 4127 B.C. and Cornelius 36 A.D.
Last typical jubilee 626 B.C. was half way between end of Adam's day 3127 B.C. and 1914 A.D.
Captivity 606 B.C. was half way between fall of man 4127 B.C. and full restoration 2914 A.D.
Christs death 33 A.D. was half way between his baptism and the conversion of Cornelius
Awakening of the Saints 1878 was half way between 1874 and the close of the calling in 1881.
It is mind boggling to see the number of teachings Rutherford presented, some from Russell and some of his own, that he later changed. Could Rutherford have really believed that the Angels directed him to write such a string of mistakes?
1925
1925 was a date set by Rutherford for the commencement of the earthly paradise and the resurrection onto earth of people such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. See 1925 for a full discussion on Watchtower expectations for this date.
1932
Another date for the destruction of Christendom, apparently promoted within the congregations by elders.
"They [elected elders] had preached that in an early time God would overthrow "Christendom". Many had emphasized the year 1925 as the date, and then when that date did not materialize the date was moved up to 1932. Again, 1932 came and "Christendom" was not destroyed.... Because men tried to fix the date when God would destroy modern Nineveh and God did not back up their prophecy... is that any reason to be peeved?" Watchtower 1938 Feb 15 p.55
1935 - Sealing of the Anointed
With the progression of time obscure Watchtower interpretation relating to the 1700's, 1800's and 1900's fade into irrelevance. These are thrust aside, relegated to obscurity and replaced with new date concepts more palatable to current generations.
A noteworthy example is the date for the sealing of the 144,000, a date constantly changed. Russell originally set it as being 1878. This was moved to 1881, 1910, 1914, 1925, 1931 and finally 1935. In 2007 it has admitted as unknown.
The Watchtower 1933 Nov 15 p.343 explained the parable of Matthew 20:1-16 related to the 12 years from 1919 to 1931 and hence the close of the sealing. "Let God be True" 1946 ed. p.298 also discussed 1931 as closing the sealing. (See Watchtower 2007 May 1 pp.30-31)
In 1966 this was reassigned to coincide with the introduction of the Great Crowd doctrine in 1935. From that time forward it was presented as gospel that the sealing concluded in 1935, such as in the following article. This is despite no Scriptural reasoning to support the 1935 date, or any other date for that matter.
"Logically, the calling of the little flock would draw to a close when the number was nearing completion, and the evidence is that the general gathering of these specially blessed ones ended in 1935." Watchtower 1995 Feb 15 p.19
Exactly what 'evidence' is that? Apparently none, as admitted in 2007.
"Thus it appears that we can not set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends." Watchtower 2007 May 1 p.31
There are a number of likely contributors to this admission. By the year 2005 1935 was 70 years prior, somewhat of an irrelevant embarrassment. Even the Governing Body contained few born prior to 1935. Of utmost importance to Watchtower doctrine is the concept that the Great Crowd must obey the direction of the Anointed. In order to be identified as sheep rather than goats and saved at Armageddon they must have demonstrated good works towards the Anointed. With few new admissions to this class eventually who would be left for the Great Crowd to follow. Furthermore, from around 1980 the number of memorial partakers was no longer declining, stable at around 8,000 people.
1940's
As Rutherford was approaching his final years he wrote ever more directly that the end was about to happen. Though not stating a particular year he was adamant that the end was about to occur, prompting the release of articles including topics on why marriage and child bearing should be put off until after Armageddon. In 1941 the book Children was released discussing such things. The Watchtower summed up the atmosphere after release of the book;
"Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." Watchtower 1941 Sep 15 p.288
1951
Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D, 37 years after Jesus death.  In 1950 Watchtower articles made comparison to this. In 1951 it was stated we are 37 years into the ""time of the end" of Satan's world", hinting that it could be the end of the world.
"More proof that such system had ended was given thirty-seven years later when the Jewish priests were forcibly deprived of their sacrificial work by the destruction of their typical temple, which has continued unrestored till this very day. Today, after more than thirty years of similar harvest work, how well we see prefigured in that Jewish harvesting and threshing what is in progress in Christendom today! When we call to mind the horrible end that came upon the Jewish capital and its besieged inhabitants back there, we shudder at the more terrible end that is shortly to come upon hypocritical Christendom and its confusion of religions." Watchtower 1950 Nov 1 pp.407-408
"The instruction these examples of divine help contain should not now be lost upon us. They were recorded for the benefit of God's people now "upon whom the accomplished ends of the systems of things have arrived". (1 Cor. 10:11, NW) Counting from the end of the "appointed times of the nations" in 1914, we are 37 years into the "time of the end" of this world." Watchtower 1951 Mar 15 p.179
"WHEREAS the "appointed times of the nations" ended in 1914, it is now 37 years that we have been in the "time of the end" of Satan's world. (Dan. 12:4; 11:40) During all this time Jehovah's witnesses have become increasingly active and prominent. Why? Who commissioned them and gave them their message? Has their witness accomplished its purpose after all these years? Or must it be classed as a failure? All this was answered in Isaiah's vision at the temple." Watchtower 1951 Apr 1 p.214
In 1952 this 37 year concept was abandoned. Rather the idea of a 'generation' was discussed.
"The Bible does speak of a man's days as being threescore and ten or fourscore years; but it assigns no specific number of years to a generation.-Ps. 90:10." Watchtower 1952 Sep 1 pp.542-543
Even if it did, we could not calculate from such a figure the date of Armageddon, for the texts here under discussion do not say God's battle comes right at the end of this generation, but before its end. To try to say how many years before its end would be speculative. The texts merely set a limit that is sufficiently definite for all present practical purposes. Some persons living A.D. 1914 when the series of foretold events began will also be living when the series ends with Armageddon. All the events will come within the span of a generation. There are hundreds of millions of persons living now that were living in 1914, and many millions of these persons could yet live a score or more years. Just when the lives of the majority of them will be cut short by Armageddon we cannot say."
The "generation" concept is another doctrine that has had to go through numerous revisions. In 1995 it was extended to be able to include several generations of people, no longer just those "living A.D. 1914". In 2010, it was changed to an "overlapping" generation, which extends it to two full lifetimes from 1914; potentially as far as the year 2114.
1975
It was implied that the end would occur in 1975, since this was 6,000 years from the creation of Adam. See 1975 for a full discussion of this date.
1980
1980 was said to potentially be the year that the Jews are resurrected, based on it being a 70 year period from Russell's 1910 lecture to the Jews.
"It is possible that A. D. 1980 may have something of special interest for Fleshly Israel, but certainly not for us. It is 70 years beyond 1910, the date when Pastor Russell gave his great witness to the Jewish people in the New York Hippodrome." Studies in the Scriptures - The Finished Mystery p.62
"The date 1980, mentioned  on pages 61, 62, [of The Finished Mystery] probably marks the regathering of all of Fleshly Israel from their captivity in death." The Parable of the Penny p.6
1986
1986 was the United Nations year of peace. This was an exciting time for Witnesses, due to the implication that it could be the 'cry of peace and security' that precedes Armageddon, something I remember discussing at great lengths.
"Yet one more event will come as an unmistakable signal that world destruction is imminent. Of this the apostle Paul wrote: "Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them . . . and they will by no means escape."-1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3; Luke 21:34, 35.      The world's leaders know that a nuclear war means virtual extinction. Also, critical problems such as pollution, the population explosion, and domestic problems demand attention and money. So they want to relax the strained international relations. An evidence of this is the proclamation by the United Nations of 1986 as the 'international year of peace and security.' This, no doubt, is a step toward the fulfillment of Paul's above-quoted words." True Peace and Security - How Can You Find It? (1986) p.85 When Will the Foretold World Destruction Come?
2000
2000 was not stated to be the end, but there was strong indication that it would be impossible for Armageddon not to come before 2000.
"And if the wicked system of this world survived until the turn of the century, which is highly improbable in view of world trends and the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, there would still be survivors of the World War I generation." Watchtower 1980 Oct 15 p.31
"Shortly, within our twentieth century, the "battle in the day of Jehovah" will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom." The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah p. 216
"Some of that "generation" could survive until the end of the century. But there are many indications that "the end" is much closer than that!" Watchtower 1984 Mar 1 pp.18-19
"He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century". Watchtower 1989 Jan 1 p.12.
The 1989 Watchtower used the term "in our 20th century" in the magazine, but this was changed to "in our day" for the bound volume and subsequent CD library. Click on the thumbnails to compare the magazine version to the bound volume.
          
I pioneered during the late 1980's and was strongly influenced by the statements in the 1980's articles. I told my Bible studies and many people when preaching that it would be almost impossible that the end would not have arrived by the year 2000.
2033
2033 is not a changed date but shows the attitude of serving to a date still seems to exist within the Organization. In 2003 a concept was touched upon, with attention being draw to the fact that Noah's last days went for 120 years.
In Noah's day, Jehovah declared: "My spirit shall not act toward man indefinitely in that he is also flesh. Accordingly his days shall amount to a hundred and twenty years." (Genesis 6:3) The issuance of this divine decree in 2490 B.C.E. marked the beginning of the end for that ungodly world. Just think what that meant for those then living! Only 120 years more and Jehovah would bring "the deluge of waters upon the earth to bring to ruin all flesh in which the force of life is active from under the heavens."-Genesis 6:17. Noah received the warning of the upcoming catastrophe decades in advance, and he wisely used the time to prepare for survival. "After being given divine warning of things not yet beheld," says the apostle Paul, "[Noah] showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household." (Hebrews 11:7) What about us? Some 90 years have passed since the last days of this system of things began in 1914. We are certainly in "the time of the end." (Daniel 12:4) How should we respond to warnings we have been given? "He that does the will of God remains forever," states the Bible. (1 John 2:17) Now is therefore the time to do Jehovah's will with a keen sense of urgency." Watchtower 2003 Dec 15 p.15 "Warned of "Things Not Yet Beheld"
There is no specific statement in the article that the end must come by the end of 120 years or exactly on the 120th year. However, like with 1975, a parallel is drawn to yet another concept that is supposed to indicate that the end is soon to be upon us.
Knowing what has been written in the pages of the Watchtower in regards to Armageddon's arrival at many different years in the past how can anyone trust the Society after reading a quote like the following?
"A real champion of God's Word, the Holy Bible, and of God's kingdom that will restore God's rightful place in the hearts of men is The Watchtower. For ninety years this faithful journal has been pointing forward to this very time, urging people to turn to the Bible because of the spiritual famine that the Bible itself foretold was to come in our generation." Awake! 1970 Jan 8 p.32
An aware Watchtower reader cannot help but see the irony in the following statement.
"Down through the centuries since Jesus day, so many unfulfilled predictions have been made that many no longer take them seriously. … Undeterred by previous failures, some seem to have been spurred on by the approach of the year 2000 and have made further predictions of the end of the world. … The flood of false alarms is unfortunate. They are like the wolf-wolf cries of the shepherd boy  people soon dismiss them, and when the true warning comes, it too is ignored." Awake 1993 Mar 22 3-4 Why So Many False Alarms?
It is sad to see how the Watchtower accounts for the wrong predictions of the past. Rather than accepting responsibility, subtle wording deflects the fault to the members.
"Out of zeal and enthusiasm for the vindication of Jehovah's name, Word and purposes, and the desire for the new system, some of his servants have at times been premature in their expectations." Watchtower 1979 Jul 1 p.29 How Jehovah Guides His People
It is an interesting attitude that the Governing Body shows towards its followers. It appears to feel that people will not serve Jehovah if the do not think he is about to shortly reward them with paradise; that if there is no urgency and no date to work for and pin hopes on, then people will drift away. This is an insult to individual motives. Many Churches are undergoing great growth without any such date as motivation. People have served God for generations based purely on the concept that they will see him in heaven at the end of their earthly life. Seventh-day Adventists follow the Witness concept of this being the last days; yet they have reached similar numbers of people sharing similar morals not based on working to a date but knowing that the time left is short and love of God is what is of primary importance.
Ongoing Date Implications
Despite being known for their failed predictions of Armageddon, the Watchtower does not hold back from criticising other religions that do the same.
"RELIGIOUS LEADERS sometimes predict tragic worldwide events to warn mankind and gather followers. Doomsday prophet Harold Camping and his disciples widely advertised that the earth would be destroyed in 2011. Needless to say, the world is still here." Watchtower 2014 May 1 p.3
The history of the Watchtower Society has been based around the doomsday message that the end is about to come. Statements abound such as in the 1930's book The New World;
"The Scriptures give good reason to believe that it shall be shortly before Armageddon breaks."
Toward the end of the twentieth century, the Watchtower Society refrained from issuing specific dates for Armageddon, but still has not stopped implying dates and time frames.
Luke warned about those whose message is that the "due time has approached."
"He said: "Look out that YOU are not misled; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, 'I am he,' and, 'The due time has approached.' Do not go after them." Luke 21:8
Moses warned against those that make predictions in the name of Jehovah that do not come true.
"And in case you should say in your heart: "How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?" When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak..." Deuteronomy 18:20-22
The Watchtower says that the standard by which to judge a false messenger is whether their messages "come true."
"Jehovah is the Grand identifier of his true messengers. He identifies them by making the messages he delivers through them come true. Jehovah is also the Great Exposer of false messengers." Watchtower 1997 May 1 p.8
Ironic, considering the Watchtower specifically said the end would come in 1914 and then 1925 . This section demonstrated over 20  "messages" promoted by the Watchtower for decades that turned out not to be "true." What does this prove about them as messengers and prophets ?

Challenging the Cults: History of Jehovah Witnesses
 
5. History of Jehovah Witnesses
Most      people have had a visit by Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses from the local      Kingdom Hall. Reactions vary, from rudeness, to hospitality.  Just who are these Witnesses? Are they Christian? Are they a      cult? To find these answers we need to examine the facts.
         Today, the active number of Jehovah Witnesses is      6,429,000, and there are 95,919 congregations. [1] In 2003, 258,845 new Jehovah Witnesses were baptized. The      Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, the official name, claims to      be Godï¿½s prophet on Earth.
 
"The historical facts show that 1919 was the year when the      remnant on earth of the 144,000 Kingdom heirs began to be freed      from Great Babylon. In that year the message of God's      established kingdom began to be preached from house to house and      publicly by Jehovah's Christian witnesses in a fearless way.      This preaching of the Kingdom as established in 1914 was in      fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:14: 'This good news      of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a      witness to all the nations."
Babylon the Great Has Fallen!, 1963, p. 515. [2]
 We acknowledge as the visible organization of Jehovah on      earth the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, and recognize the      Society as the channel or instrument through which Jehovah and      Christ Jesus give instruction and meat in due season to the      household of faith.
The Watchtower April 15, 1939
 How can somebody know if this organization is speaking for      God?   The Jehovah Witnesses give us the answer to this very      question.
 ï¿½Reasonable persons agree that the only fair method is to examine the evidence on both sides, both for and against a      disputed theory. That is how one arrives at the truth.ï¿½ (Awake, Oct. 22, 1973, page 6)
 ï¿½Can there be false religion? It is not a form of religious      persecution for anyone to say and to show that another religion      is false. It is not religious persecution for an informed      person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false,      thus allowing persons to see the difference between false      religion and true religion.ï¿½ (Watchtower, Nov. 15, 1963, page 688)  
 A  Short history of the Jehovah Witnesses
 The founder of the Jehovah Witnesses is Charles Taze Russell,      who was born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on February 16, 1852.   He was the son of Joseph L. and Anna      Eliza Russell, young Charles was raised a Congregationalist and      spent most of his early years in Allegheny and Pittsburgh      Pennsylvania. At the age of 16, in the year 1868 he found      himself losing faith in Churches, Church Creeds, the Bible and      God.
 Adventist past
At this point, a chance encounter with Jonas Wendell, a      Second Adventist preacher restored his faith.
 Seemingly  by accident, one evening I dropped into a dusty      dingy hall in Allegheny, Pa., where I heard religious services      were held, to see if the handful who met there had anything more      sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.  There,      for the first time, I heard something of the view of the Second      Adventists, the preacher being Mr. Jonas Wendell. 
Zionï¿½s Watch Tower, July 15, 1906      Page 3821 Societyï¿½s reprints
 The Adventist movement and it teaching would influence the      young Russell in the formation of his doctrines and teachings.      The Adventist movement traces it roots back to William Miller a      Baptist lay preacher who in 1816 began preaching Christ would      return in 1843.  His preaching attracted many from Baptist and      mainline churches, close to 50,000 put their trust in Millerï¿½s      timing of prophetic events.  When in March 1843 the Lord did not      appear, the date was recalculated to March 1844 and then to      October 1844.  Miller and the Millerites were disappointed and a      shattered people.  Dr. Josiah Litch, a Millerite leader in Philadelphia wrote on October 24th,
 ï¿½It is a cloudy and dark day hereï¿½the sheep are scatteredï¿½the      Lord has not come yetï¿½ [3]
 Most of his followers returned to their churches before his      death in 1849. Others kept the movement alive and formed into      several sects.  These ï¿½Adventistï¿½ groups included the Advent      Christian Chruch, the Life and Advent Union, the Seventh-Day      Adventist, and others  which split to form the Watch Tower movement.  David Reed, a former Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses connects the      dots between Russell and the ï¿½Adventistï¿½ movement.
 
The end of the Civil War in 1865 found former Millerites      promoting new dates for the Second Coming.  George Storrs of      Brooklyn, New York, who published the Bible Examiner and was      instrumental in forming the Life and Advent Union, focused his      followersï¿½ hopes on 1870, while a group headed by N.H. Barbour      of Rochester, New York, looked to 1873 or 1874, and published      their calculations in Barbourï¿½s periodical the Herald of the      Morning. ï¿½.Barbour and Storrs were      among the Adventist leaders who shaped the thinking of a      newcomer to the religious scene, teenager Charles Taze Russell. [4]
 
Charles continued to study under Adventist teachers for      sometime and at the age of 18 organized a Bible Study group.  Two Adventist he gave credit to guiding him into greener      pastures were Advent Christian Church minister George Stetson      and the Bible Examinerï¿½s publisher George Storrs.
 
Thus I confess indebtedness to Adventistsï¿½And here I should      and do gratefully mention assistance rendered by Brothers George      Stetson and George Storrs, the later the editor of the The      Bible Examiner, both now deceased.  The study of the  Word      of God with these dear brethren led, step by step, into greener      pasturesï¿½.
Zionï¿½s Watch Tower, July 15, 1906,      Page 3821 Societyï¿½s reprints [5]
 Russellï¿½s Bible study continued and in 1876, when he was 23,      his bible study group elected him ï¿½Pastorï¿½.  During this time,      Russell received a copy of the Herald of the Morning, N.      H. Barbourï¿½s magazine that foretold the return of Christ in      1874.  The year of 1874, having since past Russell noticed the      group believed Christ returned invisibly in 1874.  The magazine      was failing, as many readers refused to accept the invisible      Second coming.
 
The summer of 1876, Russell became the financial backer of      the magazine. He was added to the masthead as assistant editor,      and he contributed articles and money to the publication.  Russellï¿½s and Barbourï¿½s groups became affiliates.  Since the      Lord returned ï¿½invisiblyï¿½ in 1874 they believed the saints would      be ï¿½Caught away bodilyï¿½ three and half years later, to be with      the Lord in the spring of 1878. (Zionï¿½s Watch Tower, July 15, 1906,      Page 3823 Societyï¿½s reprints) When the ï¿½Catching awayï¿½ (The      rapture) did not occur as expected Barbour and Russell split.      Barbour had ï¿½New Revelationsï¿½ to account for the lack of the      rapture but Russell and others rejected his ï¿½Revelationsï¿½ .
 
Zionï¿½s Watch Tower Magazine
Russell would start his own magazine, His new magazine was      called Zionï¿½s Watch Tower and Herald of Christï¿½s Presence, and published its first issue in July, 1879.  Russell no      longer considered himself a ï¿½Adventistï¿½ or ï¿½Milleriteï¿½ but      considered their movements of God. He viewed these movements as      fulfillment of the ï¿½Midnight Cryï¿½ that the ï¿½Bridegroom comethï¿½      in the Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. Russell      held that Christ came invisibly in 1874.
 
Barbour of Rochester, was we believe, the chosen vessel of      God through whom the ï¿½Midnight Cryï¿½ issued to the sleeping      virgins of Christ, announcing a discrepancy of thirty years in      some Millerï¿½s calculationsï¿½and the Bridegroom due in that      morning in 1874ï¿½
            If these movements were of God, and if Bros.      Miller and Barbour were his instruments, then that ï¿½Midnight      Cryï¿½ based on the prophetic and other statements and evidences,      was correct, and the ï¿½Bridegroom cameï¿½ in 1874. We believe that Midnight      Cry was of Godï¿½
Zionï¿½s Watch Tower, November 1881, Pages 288-289 Societyï¿½s      reprints [6]
 
Starting with      6,000 initial issues the publication has grown to 17.8 million      issues per month in 106 languages. In 1884, the ï¿½Pastorï¿½      incorporated ï¿½Zionï¿½s Watch Tower Tract Societyï¿½ in Pittsburgh,      Pennsylvania.  In 1886, the Society published the first of seven      volumes entitled Studies in the Scriptures, originally      published as The Millennial Dawn.  The seventh volume was      edited after his death in 1917.  This volume, the Finished      Mystery caused a split in the organization. One group became      known as the ï¿½Jehovahï¿½s Witnessesï¿½ under Rutherfordï¿½s leadership and the other as ï¿½The Dawn Bible Students      Associationï¿½
 
In 1908, the      headquarters of the movement was changed to Brooklyn, New York at 17 Hicks Street and became known as the ï¿½Brooklyn      Tabernacleï¿½. Today large tracts of land are owned by the      society, the society also owns are a large up-to-date printing      plant, which has produced billions of pieces of literature.  All      employees in factory are voluntary and receive a nominal amount      of money per month for personal expenses.  (In 1995 that amount      was $14.00/month)
 
Russellï¿½s life      was filled with several legal entanglements including a divorce      from his wife Maria Ackley who left him after seventeen years of      marriage.
In 1897, filing      for separation in 1903, the divorce revealed the financial      structure of Watch Tower as recorded in his obituary in the      Brooklyn Daily Eagle, November 1, 1916.
 
There was much      litigation then that was quite undesirable from the ï¿½Pastorï¿½sï¿½      point of view regarding alimony for his wife, but it was settled      in 1909 by the payment of $6,036 to Mrs. Russell.  The      litigation revealed that ï¿½Pastorï¿½ Russellï¿½s activities in the      religious field were carried on through several subsidiary      societies and that all of the wealth hat flowed into him through      these societies was under the control of a holding company in      which the ï¿½Pastorï¿½ held $990 of the $1,000 capital and two of      his followers the other $10. [7]
 
The teachings      of Charles Taze Russell were central to the Watch Tower Society      and its membership grew under his direction.  Russell commenting      on his Studies in the Scriptures published by the      Watchtower wrote,
 If the six      volumes of Scripture Studies are practically the      Bible, topically arranged with Bible proof texts given, we might      not improperly name the volumes the Bible in an arranged      form.  That is to say, they are not mere comments on the      Bible, but  they are practically the Bible itselfï¿½.
            Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the      divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also,      that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he      has used them, after he has become familiar with the, after he      has read them for ten yearsï¿½if he then lays them aside and      ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he understood      his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two      years he goes into darkness.  On the other hand, if he had      merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had      not read a page fo the Bible, as such, he would be in the light      at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the      Scriptures.
The Watchtower,      September 15, 1910, Page 298 [8]
 
In      1886, Russell published The Divine Plan of the Ages projecting that 1914 would witness Armageddon and the dawn of      Christï¿½s thousand-year rule on earth. The date was later changed      to 1915.
 
October 31st,      1916 Russell died aboard a transcontinental train in Texas.  He was      buried in Pennsylvania and was succeeded by Judge Rutherford. In Russellï¿½s cemetery,      where early Jehovah Witnesses are buried there stands granite      pyramid, measuring nine feet at its base with the name WATCH      TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY with a Cross inside of a crown.
 
Russell taught      and wrote that the Great Pyramid of Gaza was designed by Jehovah      and was a blueprint to end-times chronology. This teaching was      held by the Jehovah Witnesses till November 15th 1928 when Judge Rutherford reversed the teaching calling it      Satanï¿½s teaching.
 
Judge      Rutherford  (November 1916-1942)
 
After Russellï¿½s      death, there was a contentious battle for control of the Watch      Tower Bible and Tract Society.  Russell had prepared detailed      written instructions to distribute his authority with several      followers. Joseph F. Rutherford served as legal counsel for      Russell and the society. Rutherford ignored Russellï¿½s      instruction and consolidated power under his authority.
The book Faith on the March, by A.H. Macmillan published in 1957 with      Watch Tower approval and still found in Kingdom Hall libraries      details the legal battle.
 
Rutherford      consolidated his power in the local congregations by sending      ï¿½Service directorsï¿½ to each congregation to handle the      literature shipped from Brooklyn. He began to increase their authority and decreased the      authority of locally elected elders.  He aimed to set up an      organization ruled from the top, a theocratic organization with      him being ï¿½Godï¿½s mouthpieceï¿½.
 
Rutherford      started to change doctrines taught by Russell, including the      name of the organization to Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses from International Bible Students Association.  Rutherford also denounced Russellï¿½s ï¿½Pyramidï¿½ prophecies as an      attempt to find Godï¿½s will outside of the Scriptures (1929). Rutherford credited the Pyramid to Satan rather then to Jehovah      God as Russell attributed it construction.
Many of the      followers left the organization as a result of this action, they      were later threatened by Rutherford to ï¿½suffer destructionï¿½ if      they did not repent and recognize Jehovahï¿½s will as expressed      through the Society.
 
Beth Sarim
 One      of the more embarrassing episodes of Rutherfordï¿½s tenure is      known as Beth Sarim. Rutherford, prophesied that Abraham and the      other prophets of Hebrews 11 would soon rise from the dead by      1925. Beginning in 1920, Rutherford declared,
  "As we have heretofore stated, the great jubilee cycle is due      to begin in 1925. At that time the earthly phase of the kingdom      shall be recognized."
 How would it      be recognized? What event would trigger the ushering in of the      kingdom?  Rutherford explained,
  "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the      return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of      old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews chapter      eleven, to the condition of human perfection" (Millions Now      Living Will Never Die, pp. 89-90).
 Watch      Tower members were excited. Jehovah Witnesses saw their      organizationï¿½s vindication in the eyes of the world. In 1925      when Abraham and the rest of the prophets did not come,      some of Rutherford's followers left. Still others believed, the      arrival, the Hebrews 11 prophets would be soon. Though it had      not occurred by 1929, it was still a topic of much excited      anticipation.  Therefore, Rutherford gave instructions to build      them a house. In his book, Salvation, Rutherford mentions this house and the purpose for building it.
 
"At San Diego,      California, there is a small piece of land, on which, in the      year 1929, there was built a house, which is called and known as      Beth Sarim. The Hebrew words Beth Sarim mean `House of      the Princes;' and the purpose of acquiring that property and      building the house was that there might be some tangible proof      that there are those on earth today who fully believe God and      Christ Jesus and in His kingdom, and who believe that the      faithful men of old will soon be resurrected by the Lord, be      back on earth, and take charge of the visible affairs of earth"
 Salvation      (p. 311).
 With      the house now built, there was nothing to do but wait. In the      meantime, Judge Rutherford lived in this house while his wife      lived in another part of the country. Moreover, Witnesses waited      until 1942 when after the death of Rutherford, the house was sold.
 
Nathan      H.  Knorr  (1944-1977)
 Following      Rutherford, Nathan Knorr was immediately elected president and      served in the position until June of 1977.  During his tenure,      the New World Translation was created which was the first      translation by the Watchtower Bible and Tract society.
During his      time, the Watch Tower experienced explosive growth. When he      began in 1942 there were 98,076 active members by 1977 there      were 2,223,538.
 
Armageddon was      to happen in 1975, and young Watch Tower men and women were discouraged from having children and pursuing      careers. Knorr was responsible for designing the door-to-door      evangelism system used today by the Watch Tower.
 
 
 
Following Knorr      death in June 1977, Fredreick W. Franz a long-time leader and      then vice-president was elected president.
After his      death, Milton Henschel became the President over the Governing      Body.
Henschel passed      away in March 2003.
 
 
Are todayï¿½s      Jehovah Witnesses connected with Charles Taze Russell?
 For      many Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses some of the teachings of Russell are an      embarrassment, and many Jehovah Witnesses repudiate him, denying      they follow his teachings.
 
ï¿½But who is      preaching the teachings of Pastor Russell? Certainly not      Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses! They cannot be accused of following him,      for they neither quote him as an authority nor publish nor      distribute his writingsï¿½ [9]
 
This claim is      not borne out in fact. Jehovah Witnesses have quoted Russell      many times since his death in 1916.  His is listed as the      founder of the Watchtower Organization on the official websiteï¿½s      short history of the modern Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses, says,      (Paraphrased)
 
In the 1870 an      unassuming bible Study group started in Allegheny, Pennsylvania.  Charles T. Russell was the main mover of the group. On July      1879, the publication Zionï¿½s Watch Tower was      issuedï¿½In 1884 it was incorporated with CT Russell as president. [10]
 
1. In 1923,      seven years after the ï¿½Pastorï¿½sï¿½ demise Judge Rutherford heir to      the Russellite throne, wrote a booklet some fifty-odd pages      long, entitled World Distress: Why and the Remedy
ï¿½               Russell is quoted 16 times
ï¿½               His book Studies in the Scriptures is      referred to 12 times
ï¿½               6 pages at the end of the book advertise Russellï¿½s      books
 
2.  In 1953,      the publication Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses, Communists or Christians
ï¿½               Russell is quoted 5 times
ï¿½               His best known works, Plan of the Ages (1886) and The Battle of Armageddon (1897)
 
3. The      Watchtower (October 1, 1953)
ï¿½                 Quotes Studies in the Scriptures (4:554)
 
4. Jehovahï¿½s      Witnesses in the Divine Purpose (1959) a society history
ï¿½                 50 pages are devoted to Russell and his      contributions
 
Organization
 
The Governing      Body of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society controls their      followers through a tightly knit organizational structure that      is dictated from Brooklyn, New York.  This group is made of the      ï¿½Heavenly Classï¿½ or ï¿½Anointedï¿½ [11] men (currently 12). Milton Henschel, the president presides over      this group.
 
Future Members      are baptized into the society through immersion at the local      ï¿½Hallï¿½ level.  New members must immediately begin training for      fieldwork by spending time with older members as they conduct      their fieldwork.
 
ï¿½                 Publishers: Are Witnesses who commit 1200 hours per year in ï¿½Fieldworkï¿½,      including door-to-door recruitment, sidewalk soliciting and book      studies with new prospective members.
ï¿½                 Pioneers: Are those who dedicate a significantly greater amount of      time then 1200 hours
 
Groups meeting      together are called congregations; their meeting place is      called a Kingdom Hall
Appointed      leaders are called Elders or Overseers, the person      who heads the meeting is called Presiding Overseer. The Service Overseer handles service business within the      congregation. Ministerial Servants are delegated      administrative responsibilities to the elders.
 
ï¿½                 Circuits: Are 20 congregations supervised by a Circuit Overseer.
ï¿½                 Districts: Are geographical collections of circuits (22 are in the United States) District Overseer organizes the annual district      convention. Here all new ï¿½Teachingsï¿½ and ï¿½Rulesï¿½ from the      Governing Body are announced to members and new publications are      presented.
ï¿½                 Branches: Are collections of Districts
ï¿½                 Zones: are Collections of Branches
ï¿½                 Headquarters: Brooklyn Society Office
 
ï¿½                 Memorial of Christ Death at Passover: The only day of      the year which Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses have ceremony.  This event      held in large Auditoriums, requires all members be present along      with family, friends and prospective members.  The elements of      the Lordï¿½s Supper are passed through the crowd.  Only the      ï¿½Anointed Classï¿½ is allowed to partake of the elements.  No one      born after 1914 is eligible for the class.
 
5 meetings per      Week all members are expected to attend.
1.             Public Talk is held each Sunday
2.             Watchtower Study follows the Public Talk
3.             Theocratic Ministry School is a weekday evening meeting
4.             Service Meeting follows the Theocratic      Ministry School
5.             Book Study: Each Witnesses is required to attend a ï¿½Book Studyï¿½ in      addition to field work [12] .
 
Authority
The Watchtower      Society is absolute authority, The Governing body is vested with      all authority including to teach and understand the Bible.  The      Watchtower is Godï¿½s ï¿½Visible organizationï¿½ on Earth, no dissent      is allowed.
 
ï¿½                So Jehovahï¿½s visible organization under Christ is a      channel for bringing he divine interpretation of his word to his      devoted people. [13]
ï¿½                We acknowledge as the visible organization of      Jehovah on earth the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, and      recognize the Society as the channel or instrument through which      Jehovah and Christ Jesus give instruction and meat in due season      to the household of faith. [14]
ï¿½                If we are to walk in the light of truth we must      recognize not only Jehovah God as our father but his      organization as our ï¿½Motherï¿½ [15]
ï¿½                Make haste to identify the visible theocratic      organization of God that represents his king, Jesus Christ.  It      is essential for life. Doing so be complete in accepting its      every aspect. [16]
ï¿½                They(Witnesses) must adhere absolutely to the      decisions and scriptural understand of the Society because God      has given it this authority over his people. [17]
ï¿½                Avoid independent thinkingï¿½questioning the counsel      that is provided by Godï¿½s visible organizationï¿½Fight against      independient thinking. [18]
ï¿½                To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must      identify that organization and serve God as part of it. [19]
I
 
Those who      choose to dissent are disfellowshipped.  The congregation is to      have nothing to do with the individual. Those in the      congregregation are not to have any communication the member.
 
A      disfellowshipped person is cut off from the congregation, and      the congregation has nothing to do with him. Those in the      congregation will not extend the hand of fellowship to this one,      nor will they so much as say ï¿½Helloï¿½ or ï¿½Good-byeï¿½ï¿½(The      congregation members) will not converse with such a one or show      him recognition in any way. [20]
 
Are only      non-Witnesses are allowed to question their religion, but      Jehovah Witnesses are not?
 
Witnesses are      not allowed to read any information this is contrary to the      Watchtower. This includes material from those who have been      disassociated Witnesses, disgruntled Witnesses or someone who      was never a Witnesses.
 
Have no dealings      with apostatesï¿½For example, what will you do If you receive a      letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it      is from an apostate?  Will curiosity cause you to read it, just      to see what he has to say? You may even reason: ï¿½It wont affect      me; Iï¿½m too strong in the truth.  And besides, if we have the      truth, we have nothing to fear.  The truth will stand the testï¿½  In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate      reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt. [21]
 
But those who      investigating the Jehovah Witnesses are told to question what      they believe, to investigate and search out Godï¿½s will.
 
We need to      examine not only what we personally believe but also what is taught by      any religious organization with which we may be associated.  Are      its teachings in full harmony with Godï¿½s Word, or are they based      on the traditions of men?  If we are lovers of the truth, there      is nothing to fear from such an examination. It would be the      sincere desire of every one of us to learn what Godï¿½s will is      for us, and then to do it. [22]
 
Can anybody      understand the Bible apart from the Jehovah Witnessesï¿½ Watch      Tower Organization?
 
The Jehovah      Witnesses believe without the aid of their organization it is      impossible to understand the Bible or Godï¿½s will.
 
ï¿½                            Rather we should seek for dependent Bible study,      rather than for independent Bible study. [23]
ï¿½                            He does not impart his holy spirit and      understanding and appreciation of his Word apart form his      visible organization. [24]
ï¿½                            The Bible is an organizational book and belongs to      the Christian congregation as a whole, not to individuals,      regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can      interpret the bible.  For this reason the bible cannot be      properly understood without Jehovahï¿½s visible organization in      mind. [25]
ï¿½                            They (Questioners) say that it is sufficient to      read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at      home. But, strangely, through such ï¿½Bible readingï¿½ they have      reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries      by Christendomï¿½s clergy were teaching 100 years ago. [26]
 
 
The        Trinity
1. ï¿½The        doctrine, in brief, is that there are three gods in one:        ï¿½God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost,ï¿½        all three equal in power, substance, and eternityï¿½ (Let        God Be True, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract        Society, 1946 ed., 100).
2. ï¿½The        obvious conclusion is, therefore, that Satan is the        originator of the Trinity doctrineï¿½ (LGBT, 101).
3.        ï¿½Sincere persons who want to know the true God and serve        Him find it a bit difficult to love and worship a        complicated, freakish-looking, three-headed Godï¿½ (LGBT, 102).
4. ï¿½The        Trinity doctrine was not conceived by Jesus or the early        Christiansï¿½ (LGBT, 111).
5. ï¿½The        plain truth is that this is another of Satanï¿½s attempts        to keep God-fearing persons from learning the truth of        Jehovah and his Son, Christ Jesus. No, there is no        Trinityï¿½ (LGBT, 111).
6. ï¿½Any        trying to reason out the Trinity teaching leads to        confusion of mind. So the Trinity teaching confuses the        meaning of John 1:1ï¿½2; it does not simplify it or make        it clear or easily understandableï¿½ (ï¿½The Word,ï¿½ Who        Is He? According to John, 7).
7. Is        Jehovah a Trinityï¿½three persons in one God? No! Jehovah,        the Father, is ï¿½the only true Godï¿½ (John 17:3; Mark        12:29). Jesus is His firstborn Son, and he is subject to        God (1 Cor. 11:3). The Father is greater than the Son        (John 14:28). The holy spirit is not a person; it is        Godï¿½s active force (Gen. 1:2; Acts 2:18) (What Does        God Require of Us?, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and        Tract Society, 1997, electronic version).
8.        ï¿½Thus, neither the thirty-nine books of the Hebrew        Scriptures nor the canon of twenty-seven inspired books        of the Christian Greek Scriptures provide any clear        teaching of the Trinity. ï¿½ Thus, the testimony of the        Bible and of history makes clear that the Trinity was        unknown throughout biblical times and for several        centuries thereafterï¿½ (Should You Believe in the Trinity?, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract        Society, 1997, electronic version).
 
The        Deity of Christ
1. ï¿½The        true Scriptures speak of Godï¿½s Son, the Word, as ï¿½a        god.ï¿½ He is a ï¿½mighty god,ï¿½ but not the Almighty God,        who is Jehovahï¿½ (The Truth Shall Make You Free,        Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1943, 47).
2. ï¿½In        other words, he was the first and direct creation of        Jehovah Godï¿½ (The Kingdom Is at Hand, Brooklyn:        Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1944, 46ï¿½47, 49).
3. ï¿½The        Bible shows that there is only one God ï¿½ greater than        His Son ï¿½ and that the Son, as the Firstborn,        Only-begotten, and ï¿½the creation by God,ï¿½ had a        beginning. That the Father is greater and older than the        Son is reasonable, easy to understand, and is what the        Bible teachesï¿½ (From Paradise Lost to Paradise        Regained, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract        Society, 1958, 164).
4.        ï¿½Jesus was ï¿½the Son of God.ï¿½ Not God himself!ï¿½ (ï¿½The        Word,ï¿½ Who Is He?, 20).
5. ï¿½The        very fact that he was sent proves he was not equal with        God but was less than God his Fatherï¿½ (TWWIH,        41).
6.        ï¿½Certainly the apostle John was not so unreasonable as        to say that someone (the Word) was with some other        individual (ï¿½Godï¿½) and at the same time was that other        individual (ï¿½Godï¿½)ï¿½ (TWWIH, 53).
7.        ï¿½Thus, Jesus had an existence in heaven before coming to        the earth. But was it as one of the persons in an        almighty, eternal triune Godhead? No, for the Bible        plainly states that in his prehuman existence, Jesus was        a created spirit being, just as angels were spirit        beings created by God. Neither the angels nor Jesus had        existed before their creationï¿½ (Should You Believe in        the Trinity?).
 
The        Holy Spirit
1. ï¿½The        holy spirit is the invisible active force of Almighty        God that moves his servants to do his willï¿½ (Let God        Be True, 108).
2. ï¿½As        for the ï¿½Holy Spirit,ï¿½ the so-called ï¿½third Person of        the Trinity,ï¿½ we have already seen that it is not a        person, but Godï¿½s active forceï¿½ (The Truth That Leads        to Eternal Life, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and        Tract Society, 1968, 24).
3. ï¿½The        Scriptures themselves unite to show that Godï¿½s holy        spirit is not a person but is Godï¿½s active force by        which he accomplishes his purpose and executes his willï¿½        (Aid to Bible Understanding, Brooklyn: Watchtower        Bible and Tract Society, 1969, 1971, 1543).
4. ï¿½The        Bibleï¿½s use of ï¿½holy spiritï¿½ indicates that it is a        controlled force that Jehovah God uses to accomplish a        variety of his purposes. To a certain extent, it can be        likened to electricity, a force that can be adapted to        perform a great variety of operationsï¿½ (Should You        Believe in the Trinity?).
5. ï¿½No,        the holy spirit is not a person and it is not part of a        Trinity. The holy spirit is Godï¿½s active force that he        uses to accomplish his will. It is not equal to God but        is always at his disposition and subordinate to himï¿½ (SYBITT?).
 
The        Virgin Birth
1. ï¿½Mary        was a virgin. ï¿½ When Joseph learned that Mary was going        to have a child, he did not want to take her as his        wife. But Godï¿½s angel ï¿½ said: ï¿½That which has been        begotten in her is by holy spiritï¿½. ï¿½ He took Mary his        wife home. ï¿½But he had no relations with her until she        gave birth to a sonï¿½ï¿½ (Matt. 1:20ï¿½25) (From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained,        122ï¿½123).
2.        ï¿½Jesus was conceived by a sinless, perfect Father,        Jehovah God. ï¿½ The perfect child Jesus did not get human        life from the sinner Adam, but received only a human        body through Adamï¿½s descendant Mary. Jesusï¿½ life came        from Jehovah God, the Holy One. ï¿½ Jehovah took the        perfect life of his only-begotten Son and transferred it        from heaven to ï¿½ the womb of the unmarried girl Mary. ï¿½        Thus Godï¿½s Son was conceived or given a start as a human        creature. It was a miracle. Under Jehovahï¿½s holy power        the child Jesus, conceived in this way, grew in Maryï¿½s        womb to the point of birthï¿½ (FPLTPR, 126ï¿½127).
3.        ï¿½Jesusï¿½ birth on earth was not an incarnation. ï¿½ He        emptied himself of all things heavenly and spiritual,        and Godï¿½s almighty spirit transferred his Sonï¿½s life        down to the womb of the Jewish virgin of Davidï¿½s        descent. By this miracle he was born a man. ï¿½ He was not        a spirit-human hybrid, a man and at the same time a        spirit person. ï¿½ He was fleshï¿½ (What Has        Religion Done for Mankind?, 231).
4.        ï¿½While on earth, Jesus was a human, although a perfect        one because it was God who transferred the life-force of        Jesus to the womb of Maryï¿½ (Should You Believe in the        Trinity?).
 
The        Atonement
1. ï¿½That        which is redeemed or bought back is what was lost,        namely, perfect human life, with its rights and earthly        prospectsï¿½ (Let God Be True, 114).
2.        ï¿½Jesus as the glorified High Priest, by presenting in        heaven this redemptive price, is in position to relieve        the believing ones of Adamï¿½s descendants from the        inherited disability under which all are bornï¿½ (LGBT,        118ï¿½119).
3. ï¿½The        human life that Jesus Christ laid down in sacrifice must        be exactly equal to that life which Adam forfeited for        all his offspring: it must be a perfect human life, no        more, no less. ï¿½ This is just what Jesus gave ï¿½ for men        of all kindsï¿½ (You May Survive Armageddon Into Godï¿½s        New World, Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract        Society, 1955, 39).
4.        ï¿½Jesus, no more and no less than a perfect human, became        a ransom that compensated exactly for what Adam lostï¿½the        right to perfect human life on earth. ï¿½ The perfect        human life of Jesus was the ï¿½corresponding ransomï¿½        required by divine justiceï¿½no more, no less. A basic        principle even of human justice is that the price paid        should fit the wrong committed. ï¿½ So the ransom, to be        truly in line with Godï¿½s justice, had to be strictly an        equivalentï¿½a perfect human, ï¿½the last Adam.ï¿½ Thus, when        God sent Jesus to earth as the ransom, he made Jesus to        be what would satisfy justice, not an incarnation, not a        god-man, but a perfect man, ï¿½lower than angelsï¿½ï¿½ (Should        You Believe?).
 
Salvation by Grace
1.        ï¿½Immortality is a reward for faithfulness. It does not        come automatically to a human at birthï¿½ (Let God Be        True, 74).
2.        ï¿½Those people of good will today who avail themselves of        the provision and who steadfastly abide in this        confidence will find Christ Jesus to be their        ï¿½everlasting Fatherï¿½ï¿½ (Isaiah 9:6) (LGBT, 121).
3. ï¿½We        have learned that a person could fall away and be judged        unfavorably either now or at Armageddon or during the        thousand years of Christï¿½s reign or at the end of the        final test ï¿½ into everlasting destructionï¿½ (From        Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained, 241).
4. ï¿½Make        haste to identify the visible theocratic organization of        God that represents his king, Jesus Christ. It is        essential for life. Doing so, be complete in accepting        its every aspectï¿½ (The Watchtower, October 1, 1967: 591).
5. ï¿½To        receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must        identify that organization and serve God as part of itï¿½        (The Watchtower, February 15, 1983:        12).
 
The        Resurrection of Christ
1. ï¿½This        firstborn from the dead was raised from the grave, not a        human creature, but a spiritï¿½ (Let God Be True,        276).
2.        ï¿½Jehovah God raised him from the dead, not as a human        Son, but as a mighty immortal spirit Son. ï¿½ For forty        days after that he materialized, as angels before him        had done, to show himself alive to his disciplesï¿½ (LGBT,        40).
3.        ï¿½Jesus did not take his human body to heaven to be        forever a man in heaven. Had he done so, that would have        left him even lower than the angels. ï¿½ God did not        purpose for Jesus to be humiliated thus forever by being        a fleshly man forever. No, but after he had sacrificed        his perfect manhood, God raised him to deathless life as        a glorious spirit creatureï¿½ (LGBT, 41).
4.        ï¿½Usually they could not at first tell it was Jesus, for        he appeared in different bodies. He appeared and        disappeared just as angels had done, because he was        resurrected as a spirit creature. Only because Thomas        would not believe did Jesus appear in a body like that        in which he had diedï¿½ (From Paradise Lost to Paradise        Regained, 144).
5.        ï¿½Having given up his flesh for the life of the world,        Christ could never take it again and become a man once        more. For that basic reason his return could never be in        the human body that he sacrificed once for all timeï¿½ (You        Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Brooklyn:        Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1982, 143).
 
The        Return of Christ and Human Government
1.        ï¿½Christ Jesus returns, not again as a human, but as a        glorious spirit personï¿½ (Let God Be True, 196).
2. ï¿½Some        wrongfully expect a literal fulfillment of the symbolic        statements of the Bible. Such hope to see the glorified        Jesus coming seated on a white cloud where every human        eye will see him. ï¿½ Since no earthly men have ever seen        the Father ï¿½ neither will they see the glorified Sonï¿½ (LGBT,        186).
3. ï¿½It        does not mean that he [Christ] is on the way or has        promised to come, but that he has already arrived and is        hereï¿½ (LGBT, 198).
4. ï¿½Any        national flag is a symbol or image of the sovereign        power of its nationï¿½ (LGBT, 242).
5. ï¿½All        such likenesses [symbols of a national power, eagle,        sun, lion, etc.] are forbidden by Exodus 20:2ï¿½6 [the        commandment against idolatry]ï¿½ (LGBT, 242).
6.        ï¿½Hence no witness of Jehovah, who ascribes salvation        only to Him, may salute any national emblem without        violating Jehovahï¿½s commandment against idolatry as        stated in His Wordï¿½ (LGBT, 243).
 
The        Existence of Hell and Eternal Punishment
1.        ï¿½Those who have been taught by Christendom believe the        God-dishonoring doctrine of a fiery hell for tormenting        conscious human souls eternallyï¿½ (Let God Be True,        88).
2. ï¿½It        is so plain that the Bible hell is mankindï¿½s common        grave that even an honest little child can understand        it, but not the religious theologiansï¿½ (LGBT,        92).
3. ï¿½Who        is responsible for this God-defaming doctrine of a hell        of torment? The promulgator of it is Satan himself. His        purpose in introducing it has been to frighten the        people away from studying the Bible and to make them        hate Godï¿½ (LGBT, 98).
4.        ï¿½Imperfect man does not torture even a mad dog, but        kills it. And yet the clergymen attribute to God, who is        love, the wicked crime of torturing human creatures        merely because they had the misfortune to be born        sinnersï¿½ (LGBT, 99).
5. ï¿½The        doctrine of a burning hell where the wicked are tortured        eternally after death cannot be true, mainly for four        reasons: (1) Because it is wholly unscriptural; (2) it        is unreasonable; (3) it is contrary to Godï¿½s love; and        (4) it is repugnant to justiceï¿½ (LGBT, 99).
6. ï¿½It        is ï¿½ a lie, which the Devil has had spread, that the        souls of the wicked are tormented in a hell or a        purgatoryï¿½ (You Can Live, 89).
 
Man the        Soul, His Nature and Destiny
1. ï¿½Man        is a combination of two things, namely, the ï¿½dust of the        groundï¿½ and ï¿½the breath of life.ï¿½ The combining of these        two things (or factors) produced a living soul or        creature called manï¿½ (Let God Be True, 68).
2. ï¿½So        we see that the claim of religionists that man has an        immortal soul and therefore differs from the beast is        not scripturalï¿½ (LGBT, 68).
3. ï¿½The        fact that the human soul is mortal can be amply proved        by a careful study of the Holy Scriptures. An immortal        soul cannot die, but Godï¿½s Word, at Ezekiel 18:4, says        concerning humans: ï¿½Behold all souls are mine. ï¿½ The        soul that sinneth it shall dieï¿½ï¿½ (LGBT, 69ï¿½70).
4. ï¿½It        is clearly seen that even the man Christ Jesus was        mortal. He did not have an immortal soul: Jesus, the        human soul, diedï¿½ (LGBT, 71).
5. ï¿½Thus        it is seen that the serpent (the Devil) is the one that        originated the doctrine of the inherent immortality of        human soulsï¿½ (LGBT, 74ï¿½75).
6. ï¿½The        Scriptures show that the destiny of the sinful man is        deathï¿½ (LGBT, 75).
7. ï¿½The        Holy Scriptures alone offer real hope for those who do        seek Jehovah God and strive to follow his waysï¿½ (LGBT,        75).
8. ï¿½At        death manï¿½s spirit, his life-force, which is sustained        by breathing, ï¿½goes out.ï¿½ It no longer exists. ï¿½        When they are dead, both humans and animals are in this        same state of complete unconsciousness. ï¿½ That the soul        lives on after death is a lie started by the Devilï¿½ (You        Can Live, 77).
9. ï¿½The        human soul ceases to exist at death. ï¿½ Hell is mankindï¿½s        common graveï¿½ (Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses in the Twentieth        Century, electronic version).
 
The        Kingdom of Heaven
1. ï¿½Who        and how many are able to enter it [the Kingdom]? The        Revelation limits to 144,000 the number that become a        part of the Kingdom and stand on heavenly Mount Zionï¿½(Let        God Be True, 136).
2. ï¿½In        the capacity of priests and kings of God they reign a        thousand years with Christ Jesusï¿½ (LGBT, 137).
3. ï¿½He        [Christ] went to prepare a heavenly place for his        associate heirs, ï¿½Christï¿½s body,ï¿½ for they too will be        invisible spirit creaturesï¿½ (LGBT, 138).
4. ï¿½If        it is to be a heavenly kingdom, who will be the subject        of its rule? In the invisible realm angelic hosts,        myriads of them, will serve as faithful messengers of        the King. And on earth the faithful children of the King        Christ Jesus, including faithful forefathers of his then        resurrected, will be ï¿½princes in all the earthï¿½. ï¿½ Then,        too, the ï¿½great crowdï¿½ of his ï¿½other sheepï¿½ ï¿½ will        continue to ï¿½serve him day and night,ï¿½ and many of them        will also be ï¿½princesï¿½. ï¿½ They will ï¿½multiply and fill        the earthï¿½ in righteousness and their children will        become obedient subjects of the King Christ Jesus. And        finally the ï¿½unrighteousï¿½ ones that are to be        resurrected then, to prove their integrity, must        joyfully submit themselves to theocratic rule. ï¿½ Those        who prove rebellious or who turn unfaithful during the        loosing of Satan at the end of Christï¿½s thousand-year        reign will be annihilated with Satan, the Devilï¿½ (LGBT,        318ï¿½319).
5. ï¿½The        Creator loved the new world so much that he gave his        only begotten Son to be its Kingï¿½ (LGBT, 143).
6. ï¿½The        undefeatable purpose of Jehovah God to establish a        righteous kingdom in these last days was fulfilled in a.d. 1914ï¿½        (LGBT, 143).
7. ï¿½Obey        the King Christ Jesus and flee, while there is still        time, to the Kingdom heights. ï¿½ Time left is short, for        ï¿½the kingdom of the heavens has drawn nearï¿½ï¿½ (LGBT,        144).
8. ï¿½Only        a little flock of 144,000 go to heaven and rule with        Christ. ï¿½ The 144,000 are born again as spiritual sons        of Godï¿½ (Jehovahï¿½s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century,        electronic version).