NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Charles Taze Russell

Charles Taze Russell (February 16, 1852 – October 31, 1916), known as Pastor Russell, was an American evangelist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania who founded what is known as the Bible Student movement. He is known for founding the religious journal Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence in 1879, as well as one of the first Bible Societies in America, Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society, in 1881. A schism in 1917 resulted in the formation of the present-day movements known as Bible Students and Jehovah's Witnesses. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (477x610, 186 KB)Photograph of Charles Taze Russell, 1911 Eric Patterson http://www. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (477x610, 186 KB)Photograph of Charles Taze Russell, 1911 Eric Patterson http://www. ... February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 61 days remaining. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Charles Russell in 1911 The Bible Student movement is a religious movement with premillennialist expectations, that sprang from the teachings and ministry of Pastor Charles Taze Russell in the 1870s, whose followers generally call themselves Bible Students. Following a schism after Russellâ€™s death in 1916, several offshoot groups formed... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... A Bible society is a non-profit organization (usually ecumenical in makeup) devoted to translating, publishing and distributing the Bible at affordable costs. ... The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is the main corporation representing the Jehovahs Witnesses, and publishes The Watchtower. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... The word schism (IPA: or ), from the Greek ÏƒÏ‡Î¯ÏƒÎ¼Î±, skhÃsma (from ÏƒÏ‡Î¯Î¶Ï‰, skhÃzÅ, to split), means a division or a split, usually in an organization or a movement. ... Year 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... Charles Russell in 1911 The name Bible Students is used by many segments of what has been termed the Bible Student movement, all of whom follow the doctrinal views of Charles Taze Russell. ...

Early life

Charles Taze Russell was born to Joseph Lytel (pronounced 'little') Russell and Ann Eliza Birney on Monday, February 16, 1852 in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA. Charles, the second of five children, was one of only two to survive into adulthood. The other Russell children included Thomas, (1850–September 4, 1855), Margaret ("Mae", married name Margaret Land) who died in the late 1940s, Lucinda (1857–July 21, 1858), and Joseph Lytel, Jr. (1859–April 25, 1860). Their mother died on January 25, 1861 at the age of 29. The patriarch, Joseph, died December 17, 1897, at the age of 84. February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Allegheny (or Allegheny City) was an industrial town, named after the Allegheny River, in the region now designated Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States. ... Official language(s) English, Pennsylvania Dutch Capital Harrisburg Largest city Philadelphia Area Ranked 33rd - Total 46,055 sq mi (119,283 kmÂ²) - Width 280 miles (455 km) - Length 160 miles (255 km) - % water 2. ... Year 1850 (MDCCCL) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... September 4 is the 247th day of the year (248th in leap years). ... 1855 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... July 21 is the 202nd day (203rd in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar, with 163 days remaining. ... 1858 (MDCCCLVIII) is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... 1859 (MDCCCLIX) is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the Julian calendar). ... April 25 is the 115th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (116th in leap years). ... 1860 is the leap year starting on Sunday. ... January 25 is the 25th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1861 (MDCCCLXI) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link with display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the Julian calendar) // January 1 - Benito JuÃ¡rez captures Mexico City January 2 - Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia dies and is succeeded by... December 17 is the 351st day of the year (352nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

The Russells had lived in Philadelphia, as well as Allegheny. Once established in Pittsburgh, the Russells became respected members of the Presbyterian Church. In his early teens, his father made him partner of his Pittsburgh haberdashery store. By age twelve, he was writing business contracts for customers, and given charge of some of his father's other clothing stores. At age thirteen, he left the Presbyterian Church to join the Congregational Church due to a preference in their organizational style. In his earlier youth, Russell would chalk Bible verses on the downtown sidewalks to draw attention to the punishment of hell awaiting the unfaithful. When sixteen, a discussion with a childhood friend on faults perceived in Christianity (such as perceived contradictions in creeds, and medieval traditions) led him to question his faith. He then began to investigate other views and philosophies, including Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism, but abandoning them in short order. In 1870, at age eighteen, he cautiously attended a presentation by the famous Adventist preacher, Jonas Wendell. Wendell focused on what Russell considered to be rational, logical matters relating to Biblical prophecy and chronology, drawing attention to the future date of 1874 as the supposed date for Christ's return. The presentation left him with, he later related, a renewed zeal that not only was the Bible the word of God, but that all Christians had a responsibility to preach the gospel. This article is becoming very long. ... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, P-Burgh, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded 1758 Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (D) Area - City 151. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ... A haberdasher is a person who sells small items via retail, commonly items used in clothing, such as ribbons and buttons, or completed accessories, such as hats or gloves. ... Presbyterianism is part of the Reformed churches family of denominations of Christian Protestantism based on the teachings of John Calvin which traces its institutional roots to the Scottish Reformation, especially as led by John Knox. ... Congregational churches are Protestant Christian churches practicing congregationalist church governance, in which each congregation independently and autonomously runs its own affairs. ... Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... A creed is a statement or confession of belief â€” usually religious belief â€” or faith. ... Confucian temple in Jiading district, Shanghai. ... Buddhism is a dharmic, non-theistic religion, which is also a philosophy and a system of psychology. ... Taoism is the English name for a cluster of Chinese religious and philosophical traditions. ... Hinduism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ... 1870 (MDCCCLXX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The term Adventist can refer to: One who believes in the Second Advent (usually known as the Second coming) of Jesus. ... Elder Jonas Wendell (December 25, 1815 - August 14, 1873) of Edenboro, Pennsylvania, was a zealous Adventist preacher following in the spirit of William Miller. ...

Ministry

Beginnings

From 1870 through 1875 the Russell family, and others, participated in an analytical study of both the Bible and the origins of Christian doctrine, creed, and tradition. "Millerite" Adventist ministers George Storrs, and George Stetson, were also closely involved. Russell's group believed they had found significant errors in common Christian belief. As a result of such study, the Russell family believed they had gained a clearer understanding of true Christianity, and were re-baptized in 1874. 1870 (MDCCCLXX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Monday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1875 (MDCCCLXXV) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1874 (MDCCCLXXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link with display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

In the Spring of 1876, while on business in Philadelphia, Russell found a copy of "Herald of the Morning", published out of Rochester, New York by Nelson H. Barbour. Russell contacted Barbour to set up a meeting in Philadelphia to compare notes. Barbour introduced him to some new views that convinced Russell, amongst other things, the Rapture would occur in April 1878. Russell was moved to devote his life to what he believed were now the last two years before the return of Christ. He sold his five clothing stores for approximately $300,000 dollars. (the buying power of $5.5 million in the year 2005) Through Russells' encouragement and financial backing, Barbour wrote an outline of their current views, in the book "Three Worlds; or Plan of Redemption" published in 1877. A text Russell had written in 1874, entitled "The Object and Manner of our Lord's Return", was published the same year. Russell's desire to lead a Christian revival was evidenced by his calling two separate meetings of every Christian leader in Pittsburgh. Russell's ideas, and stressing of the Rapture's imminence, was rejected both times. 1876 (MDCCCLXXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Nickname: The Flour City, The Flower City, The Worlds Image Center Motto: Rochester: Made for Living Location of Rochester in New York State Country United States State New York County Monroe - Mayor Robert Duffy Area - City 37. ... NY redirects here. ... Nelson Homer Barbour, (1824-1905) a Millerite Adventist born in Toupsville, New York USA, is best known for his association with Charles Taze Russell from 1876 through 1881. ... In conservative Protestant Christian eschatology, the rapture (harpazo in Greek in 1 Thessalonians 4:17) is the name given to the event in which all Christians living on earth are simultaneously transported to Heaven to be with Jesus Christ. ... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1877 (MDCCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Split with Barbour

In April 1878, the Rapture did not occur as Russell, Barbour, and their associates had anticipated. According to the book Faith on the March, page 27, written by one of Russell's associates, A.H. Macmillan, "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.""

Confused by what was perceived to be an error in calculation, Russell re-examined the doctrine to see if he could determine that it had Biblical origins, or if it was, in his view, simply Christian tradition. His conclusion that it is tradition led him to begin teaching, through the pages of the Herald, what he believed to have discovered on the subject. Barbour, however, highly embarrassed by the failure of their expectations, rejected Russell's explanation, and a debate ensued in each monthly issue of the journal from the Spring of 1878 through to the Summer of 1879. In a matter of months Barbour's embarrassment led to a recanting of some of the views he and Russell had previously shared, including any reliance upon prophetic chronology. As their disagreements turned into a debate over Christ's ransom, a split between them resulted. Russell removed his financial support, and started his own journal, entitled "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence," with the first issue July, 1879, while Barbour formed "The Church of the Strangers" that same year, continuing to publish the "Herald of the Morning."

(See the article Nelson H. Barbour for a more detailed history) Nelson Homer Barbour, (1824-1905) a Millerite Adventist born in Toupsville, New York USA, is best known for his association with Charles Taze Russell from 1876 through 1881. ...

Russell's marriage

On March 13, 1879, Russell married Maria (pronounced 'moriah') Frances Ackley (1850-1938) after merely a few months' acquaintance. Although expressing a fondness for each other, the marriage was not based on a romantic love, but was a mutually agreed upon celibate partnership established for preaching the gospel. In 1897 they separated following disagreements over the propriety of her role in the management of Zion's Watch Tower magazine. Russell recorded his version of events in the July 15, 1906 issue that can be read here. In 1906, she sued him for divorce under the claim of mental cruelty as a direct result of their marriage agreement of perpetual celibacy. During the trial she indirectly alleged sexual misconduct by Charles with a Watch Tower stenographer whom they had long been caring for as a foster child. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle published what was claimed to be segments from the court transcript, which can be read by visiting this link. Maria Russell, as she was named in her obituary, died in St. Petersburg, Florida in August of 1938 from Hodgkin's disease. March 13 is the 72nd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (73rd in leap years). ... 1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1850 (MDCCCL) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... July 15 is the 196th day (197th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 169 days remaining. ... 1906 (MCMVI) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... For the record label, see Divorce Records. ... Shorthand is a writing method that can be done at speed because an abbreviated or symbolic form of language is used. ... The Brooklyn Eagle, also called The Brooklyn Daily Eagle was a daily newspaper published in Brooklyn, New York from 1841 to 1955. ... Nickname: Floridas Sunshine City Location of the city proper in the state of Florida Coordinates: Country United States State Florida County Pinellas County Founded 1876 Incorporated February 29, 1892 - Mayor Rick Baker Area - City 133. ... Official language(s) English Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Largest metro area Miami Area Ranked 22nd - Total 65,795[1] sq mi (170,304[1] kmÂ²) - Width 361 miles (582 km) - Length 447 miles (721 km) - % water 17. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

Major publications

In 1881 Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was founded for the purpose of disseminating tracts, papers, doctrinal treatises and Bibles. All materials were printed and bound by contract with local printers, then distributed by 'colporteurs'. The Society was officially chartered in 1884. From this point Russell's ministry intensified. His Bible study group had grown to hundreds of local members, with followers throughout New England, the Virginias, Ohio, and elsewhere, who annually elected him "Pastor". Other congregations that eventually formed in other nations also followed this tradition. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2548x1328, 97 KB) Summary Chart from Divine Plan of the Ages, Studies in Scriptures Vol 1. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2548x1328, 97 KB) Summary Chart from Divine Plan of the Ages, Studies in Scriptures Vol 1. ... Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is the main corporation representing the Jehovahs Witnesses, and publishes The Watchtower. ... 1884 (MDCCCLXXXIV) is a leap year starting on Tuesday (click on link to calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Thursday of the 12-day-slower Julian calendar). ... This article is about the region in the United States of America. ... Official language(s) English Capital Richmond Largest city Virginia Beach Area Ranked 35th - Total 42,793 sq mi (110,862 kmÂ²) - Width 200 miles (320 km) - Length 430 miles (690 km) - % water 7. ... Official language(s) None Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Largest metro area Cleveland Area Ranked 34th - Total 44,825 sq mi (116,096 kmÂ²) - Width 220 miles (355 km) - Length 220 miles (355 km) - % water 8. ...

Russell devoted nearly a tenth of his fortune, along with contributed funds, in publishing and distributing Food for Thinking Christians in 1881. In the same year followed The Tabernacle and its Teachings, and Tabernacle Shadows of the Better Sacrifices. In 1886, after what was reported to be a financial set-back resulting from the immense outlay on these three titles, he published the long promised The Plan of the Ages (later renamed The Divine Plan of the Ages). In the course of preparation, Russell concluded the book was to be merely the first of a seven-volume series. The remaining volumes, originally called Millennial Dawn, but later renamed Studies in the Scriptures to clarify that they were not novels, were: Year 1881 (MDCCCLXXXI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1886 (MDCCCLXXXVI) is a common year starting on Friday (click on link to calendar) // Events January 18 - Modern field hockey is born with the formation of The Hockey Association in England. ... The Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications containing six volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students and Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

The delayed publishing of the seventh volume eventually became a source of great anticipation and mystery among Bible Students. Following Russell's death in 1916, a seventh volume entitled The Finished Mystery, was published in 1917 and advertised as his "posthumous work". True to Russell's plan, this seventh volume was a detailed interpretation of the book of Revelation, but had included interpretations of Ezekiel, and the Song of Solomon. Immediate controversy surrounded both its publishing, and contents. In a short time it was established that it was actually written and compiled by two of Russell's associates, Clayton J. Woodworth and George H. Fisher, and edited by Joseph Franklin Rutherford. Year 1889 (MDCCCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1891 (MDCCCXCI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1899 (MDCCCXCIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1904 (MCMIV) was a leap year starting on a Friday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... Revelation is an uncovering or disclosure via communication from the divine of something that has been partially or wholly hidden or unknown. ... Ezekiel the Prophet of the Hebrew Scriptures is depicted on a 1510 Sistine Chapel fresco by Michelangelo. ... The Song of Solomon or Song of Songs (Hebrew title ×©×™×¨ ×”×©×™×¨×™×, Shir ha-Shirim) is a book of the Hebrew Bibleâ€”Tanakh or Old Testamentâ€”one of the five megillot. ... Joseph F. Rutherford Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869â€”8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

In 1903, newspapers began publishing his written sermons. These newspaper sermons were syndicated worldwide, eventually reaching an estimated readership of twelve to fifteen million in the United States. Through the syndicated sermons, and advertising efforts made by the newspaper syndicators, Pastor Russell's face became one of the most recognizable images in the world. Russell, however, had many critics, and was labeled a heretic, amongst other things. As he became more prominent the number of critics increased. 1900 (MCMIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Friday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ... Heresy, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is a theological or religious opinion or doctrine maintained in opposition, or held to be contrary, to the Catholic or Orthodox doctrine of the Christian Church, or, by extension, to that of any church, creed, or religious system, considered as orthodox. ...

Death, aftermath, and legacy

During his return from a ministerial tour of the western and southwestern United States, the already ill Pastor Russell died from the result of multiple ailments on the night of October 31, 1916 in a train car as it approached Pampa, Texas. His death was a major front-page headline in many newspapers across the globe. He was buried in Rosemont United Cemetery, Pittsburgh. The gravesite is marked by both a headstone, and an eight-foot tall pyramid memorial gifted from friends of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society [1] in 1924. October 31 is the 304th day of the year (305th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 61 days remaining. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Pampa is a city located in Gray County, Texas. ... Official language(s) English (de facto) See also languages of Texas Capital Austin Largest city Houston Area Ranked 2nd - Total 261,797 sq mi (261,797 kmÂ²) - Width 773 miles (1,244 km) - Length 790 miles (1,270 km) - % water 2. ... Nickname: Steel City, Iron City, City of Champions, City of Bridges, City of Colleges, P-Burgh, The Burgh Motto: Benigno Numine Location in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Coordinates: Country United States State Pennsylvania County Allegheny County Founded 1758 Mayor Luke Ravenstahl (D) Area - City 151. ... The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is the main corporation representing the Jehovahs Witnesses, and publishes The Watchtower. ... 1924 (MCMXXIV) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar). ...

In January 1917 Joseph Franklin Rutherford was successfully elected second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society despite a series of disputes over the election process. Further disputes arose over interpretation of sections in Russell's Last Will & Testament dealing with the future contents of Zion's Watch Tower magazine, as well as who, if any, had authority to print new literature. Nearly three-quarters of the congregations chose not to accept Rutherford's increasing number of changes in doctrine, openly published in the pages of the Watchtower magazine, as early as 1918. For many Bible Students, Rutherford's rejection of the Great Pyramid in November, 1928, and Russell's role in restoration of the truth in February, 1927, was considered the last straw. Those remaining supportive, however, eventually adopted the new name Jehovah's Witnesses in 1931, and changed the name of the Society from Watch Tower to Watchtower. As their numbers began to grow, Rutherford sought to change the organizational structure of the Watchtower Society, shifting the long-held independence of the congregations, to a more centralized role, where elders began to be chosen by the Society, instead of by the local congregations. Many of those Bible Students who had ceased association with the changing Watchtower Society attempted to regroup in 1929 with the First Annual Bible Students Convention held in the old Pittsburgh "Bible House" long used by Pastor Russell. These conventions were held yearly, but the process of regathering took nearly twenty years. Year 1917 (MCMXVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar (see link for calendar) or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar (see: 1917 Julian calendar). ... Joseph F. Rutherford Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869â€”8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... Joseph F. Rutherford Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869â€”8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... The Great Pyramid of Giza, (sometimes spelled Gizeh) is the oldest and last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous pyramid in the world. ... Year 1928 (MCMXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar). ... 1927 (MCMXXVII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link is to a full 1931 calendar). ...

(See the article Bible Student movement for a more detailed history) Charles Russell in 1911 The Bible Student movement is a religious movement with premillennialist expectations, that sprang from the teachings and ministry of Pastor Charles Taze Russell in the 1870s, whose followers generally call themselves Bible Students. Following a schism after Russellâ€™s death in 1916, several offshoot groups formed...

Several denominations have either formed around, or adopted some style of, Pastor Russell's views, among them the Worldwide Church of God, the Concordant Publishing Concern, the Assemblies of Yahweh. Among the numerous Bible Student off-shoot groups include the Pastoral Bible Institute, the Layman's Home Missionary Movement and others. The Worldwide Church of God was founded in 1933 by Herbert W. Armstrong as the Radio Church of God. ... The Assemblies of Yahweh are a religious organization based in Bethel, PA. Their doctrines are a mix of Christian and Orthodox Jewish beliefs, centering on the use of the names Yahweh for God and Yahshua the Messiah for Jesus Christ, respectively. ... In the early history of Bible Students, a number of prominent brethren withdrew their support from the Watchtower Society after Judge Rutherford became the president of the Society, following the death of Pastor Russell. ... The Laymans Home Missionary Movement, founded by Paul S. L. Johnson in 1919, is a non-sectarian, interdenominational religious organisation that arose as an independent offshoot of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society after the death its founder, Charles Taze Russell. ...

Theology and teachings

Following his analytical examination of the Bible, Pastor Russell, and other Bible Students, came to believe that Christian creeds and traditions were harmful errors, believing they had restored Christianity to the purity held in the first century. Such views and conclusions were viewed as heresy by many Church leaders and scholars in his day, although adopting some of his views in later decades. Pastor Russell agreed with other Protestants on the primacy of the Bible, and justification by faith alone, but thought that errors had been introduced in interpretation. Pastor Russell agreed with many 19th century Protestants, including Millerites, in the concept of a Great Apostasy that began in the first century AD. He also agreed with many other contemporary Protestants in belief in the imminent Second Coming of Christ, and Armageddon. Some of the areas in which his Scriptural interpretations differed from those of Catholics, and many Protestants, included the following: Millerite can have the following meanings: Millerites, a diverse family of denominations and Bible study movements that have arisen since the middle of the 19th century, traceable to the Adventist movement sparked by the apocalyptic teachings of William Miller. ... The Great Apostasy is a term of opprobrium used by some religious groups to allege a general fallen state of traditional Christianity, or especially of Catholicism, reformist Protestantism and Eastern Orthodoxy: that it is not representative of the faith founded by Jesus and promulgated through his twelve Apostles: in short... The Second Coming or Last Coming refers to the Christian belief in the coming or earthly return of Jesus Christ to fulfill Messianic prophecy, such as the resurrection of the dead, last judgment and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth (also called the Reign of God), including... The evangelist John of Patmos writes the Book of Revelation. ...

Medieval illustration of Hell in the Hortus deliciarum manuscript of Herrad of Landsberg (about 1180) A hell, according to many religious beliefs, is an afterlife of suffering where the wicked or unrighteous dead are punished. ... 144,000 is a positive whole integer between 100,000 and 200,000. ... For other uses, see Trinity (disambiguation). ... Year 1874 (MDCCCLXXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (link with display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The Second Coming or Last Coming refers to the Christian belief in the coming or earthly return of Jesus Christ to fulfill Messianic prophecy, such as the resurrection of the dead, last judgment and full establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth (also called the Reign of God), including... In Christianity, Parousia means the (Second) Coming of Christ. ... 1914 (MCMXIV) was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Combatants Allied Powers: Russian Empire France British Empire Italy United States Central Powers: Austria-Hungary German Empire Ottoman Empire Bulgaria Commanders Nikolay II Aleksey Brusilov Georges Clemenceau Joseph Joffre Ferdinand Foch Robert Nivelle Herbert H. Asquith D. Lloyd George Sir Douglas Haig Sir John Jellicoe Victor Emmanuel III Luigi Cadorna... The evangelist John of Patmos writes the Book of Revelation. ... Pyramidology is a term used to refer to alternative scientific theories regaring pyramids. ... John Taylor was a publisher, essayist, lawyer, soldier, politician and writer born in East Retford, Nottinghamshire in 1781 and died in 1864. ... Charles Piazzi Smyth (1819-1900) Charles Piazzi Smyth (January 3, 1819 â€“ February 21, 1900), was Astronomer Royal for Scotland from 1846 to 1888, well-known for many innovations in astronomy and his pyramidological and metrological studies of the Great Pyramid of Giza. ... The Great Pyramid of Giza, (sometimes spelled Gizeh) is the oldest and last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous pyramid in the world. ... Hebrews (or Heberites, Eberites, Hebreians; Hebrew: ×¢×‘×¨×™× or ×¢×‘×¨×™×™×, Standard , Tiberian , ; meaning descendants of biblical Patriarch Eber), were Jews who lived in Canaan, an area encompassing Israel, both banks of the Jordan River (The West Bank and Jordan), Sinai, Lebanon, and the coastal portions of Syria. ... The Hyksos (Egyptian heka khasewet meaning foreign rulers, Greek ) were an ethnically mixed group of Southwest Asiatic or Semitic people who appeared in the eastern Nile Delta during the Second Intermediate Period. ... Tora redirects here. ... Zionism is a political movement that supports a homeland for the Jewish people in the Land of Israel, where Jewish nationhood is thought to have evolved somewhere between 1200 BCE and late Second Temple times,[1][2] and where Jewish kingdoms existed up to the 2nd century CE. Zionism is... 1878 (MDCCCLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Jacob Wrestling with the Angel â€“ Gustave DorÃ©, 1855 Jacob or Yaakov, (Hebrew: ×™Ö·×¢Ö²×§Ö¹×‘, Standard Tiberian ; Arabic: ÙŠØ¹Ù‚ÙˆØ¨, ; holds the heel), also known as Israel (Hebrew: ×™Ö´×©Ö°×‚×¨Ö¸×Öµ×œ, Standard Tiberian ; Arabic: Ø§Ø³Ø±Ø§Ø¦ÙŠÙ„, ; Struggled with God), is the third Biblical patriarch. ... 1910 (MCMX) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Sunday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ... NY redirects here. ... The Hippodrome Theatre, which stood in New York between 1905 and 1939, was reputedly the worlds largest theatre. ... Map of the British Mandate of Palestine. ... Map of the British Mandate of Palestine. ... for Christians who belong to Zionist denominations in southern Africa, see Zionist Churches Christian Zionism is a belief among some Christians that the return of the Jews to the Holy Land, and the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, is in accordance with Biblical prophecy. ...

Criticisms and controversies

As early as 1892 Russell's views and management style were strongly criticized by certain individuals associated with his ministry. In 1893 a paper was written and circulated to Bible Students in Pittsburgh by associates Otto van Zech, Elmer Bryan, J.B. Adamson, S.G. Rogers, Paul Koetitz, and others. It expressed concern that Russell was a dictatorial leader, a shrewd businessman who appeared eager to collect funds from the selling of the "Millennial Dawn" books, cheated one of them out of financial gains, and issued thousands of Millennial Dawn books under a female pseudonym. A booklet entitled A Conspiracy Exposed and Harvest Siftings was written by Russell and issued as an extra to the April, 1894 Zion's Watch Tower magazine in order to pre-empt attempts to have their views circulated to a wider audience of Bible Students. Russell printed copies of letters he had received from these former associates in order to show that their claims were trumped up, and those involved were guided by Satan in an attempt to subvert his work as a "minister of the gospel". 1892 (MDCCCXCII) was a leap year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... Year 1893 (MDCCCXCIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar). ... For other uses, see Satan (disambiguation). ...

In 1897 Russell's wife left him after disagreeing over the management of Zion's Watch Tower magazine. She expressed that, as his wife, she should have equal control over its administration, equal privilege in writing articles, preaching, and traveling abroad as his representative. In 1903 she filed for legal separation on the grounds of mental cruelty, related to what she considered to be forced celibacy, and frequent cold, indifferent treatment. The separation was ultimately granted in 1906, with Russell charged to pay alimony. During the trial her attorney made the claim that Russell had been inappropriately intimate with Rose Ball, a young woman the Russells had cared for as a "foster daughter" since age ten. She alleged that Ball had told her Russell claimed to be a "jellyfish floating around" to different women until someone responded to his intimacy. Russell defended himself by claiming that not only was she "poisoned" by the women's suffrage movement, but that all her claims were false. Following her attorney's claim, page 10 of the court transcript records that Mrs. Russell was asked by the Judge to clarify if she was, in fact, accusing her husband of adultery, and replied "No". The Washington Post and Chicago Mission Friend reprinted the claim that Russell was a "jellyfish", and was sued by him for libel. The jury voted in his favor, awarding him one-dollar. After appealing this decision, Russell received a cash settlement of $15,000 (the same buying power as $310,000 in 2005) as well as payment of all court costs, an agreement for an article of retraction defending his character, and an agreement that his weekly syndicated sermons be published in their newspapers. 1897 (MDCCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ... 1900 (MCMIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar) of the Gregorian calendar or a common year starting on Friday of the 13-day slower Julian calendar. ... 1906 (MCMVI) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

On March 22, 1911, The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, a tabloid newspaper, began publishing articles accusing Russell of gaining profit from a strain of wheat named "Miracle Wheat" by its discoverer, K.B. Stoner of Fincastle, Virginia in 1903. Once other newspapers read this claim, many critics began to insist that Russell had deceived and defrauded many by selling this supposedly advanced strain of wheat for $60 a bushel, far above the average cost of wheat for the day. Throughout 1912 and 1913 the Eagle continued to report on this alleged fraud on Russell's part. Russell sued the Eagle for libel, but lost. Russell defended himself publicly, and in writing, by claiming that the wheat was donated to the Watch Tower Society, and although sold for $1 per pound Mr. Stoner routinely sold it for a $1.25 per pound. Russell claimed to have no financial connection to the wheat, and that any who were dissatisfied by their purchase and donation were offered a refund as much as one year following purchase. None claimed a refund. Species T. aestivum T. boeoticum T. compactum T. dicoccoides T. dicoccon T. durum T. monococcum T. spelta T. sphaerococcum T. timopheevii References: ITIS 42236 2002-09-22 For the indie rock group see: Wheat (band). ... Fincastle is a town located in Botetourt County, Virginia. ... Official language(s) English Capital Richmond Largest city Virginia Beach Area Ranked 35th - Total 42,793 sq mi (110,862 kmÂ²) - Width 200 miles (320 km) - Length 430 miles (690 km) - % water 7. ... 1912 (MCMXII) was a leap year starting on Monday in the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Tuesday in the 13-day-slower Julian calendar). ... Year 1913 (MCMXIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ...

During 1913, other matters of interest were addressed by John Jacob (J.J.) Ross, a minister from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada in his booklet entitled Some Facts about the Self-Styled "Pastor" Charles T. Russell. Russell had taken Ross to court on the charge of libel. Ross attempted to show that when Russell was asked in trial if he possessed knowledge of the Greek alphabet he first claimed he did, then retracted the claim when cross-examined and shown the alphabet. Ross also claimed that Russell blatantly lied when asked if he was an ordained minister by answering "yes". In answer to Ross's accusations, Russell stated that he never claimed knowledge of the Greek language, merely the alphabet, and that due to the Judge's objection to the line of questioning, the book was taken away before he could even see it. He believed that his ordination was "of God" according to the biblical pattern, not requiring any denominational approval, and that his annual election as "Pastor" by over 1,200 congregations worldwide constituted him as "ordained", or chosen, to be a minister of the gospel. Motto: Together Aspire - Together Achieve Location in the province of Ontario, Canada Coordinates: Country Canada Province Ontario Incorporated June 9, 1846[1] Government - Mayor Fred Eisenberger - City Council Hamilton City Council - Representatives 5 MPs and 5 MPPs Area [2] - City 1,138. ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Latin: Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Official languages English (de facto) Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant-Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Parliamentary representation - House seats - Senate seats 106 24 Area Total - Land - Water (% of total) Ranked 4th 1,076... This article is about the sacrament. ...

In recent times, Russell has been accused of having had close ties with Freemasonry. Critics have not only attempted to connect him with any of several different rites of the Free Masons, but have also attempted to show that such associations are connected with occult practices. It has been pointed out that in later editions of his Studies in the Scriptures series a winged solar disk appears on the front cover, which some have claimed is an exclusively Masonic symbol. In his writings, Russell stated that membership in Freemasonry, Knights of Pythias, Theosophy, and other similar groups are unscriptural. He also denied having direct knowledge of Masonic practices and considered such things to be "grievous evils" (1895; Zion's Watch Tower, June, 1895, pg. 143). His use of the winged solar-disk originated from his understanding that Malachi 4:2, which denotes a sun with wings, is a symbol that Christ's millennial Kingdom had begun. The Masonic Square and Compasses. ... The Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications containing six volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students and Jehovahs Witnesses. ...

References

1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... Year 1959 (MCMLIX) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1993 (MCMXCIII) was a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003). ... 1931 (MCMXXXI) was a common year starting on Thursday (link is to a full 1931 calendar). ...

External links

General

Specific biographical

1879 (MDCCCLXXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... Joseph F. Rutherford Joseph Franklin Rutherford 8 November 1869â€”8 January 1942, is best known as the second president of the Watch Tower Society, the legal organization used by Jehovahs Witnesses. ... 1915 (MCMXV) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... December 1 is the 335th (in leap years the 336th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1916 (MCMXVI) was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar). ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... {{year nav|1939 1923 (MCMXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1974 (MCMLXXIV) was a common year starting on Tuesday. ... 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday. ...

Categories: 1852 births | 1916 deaths | Religious leaders | Christian ministers | Christian Zionists | Watchtower Society presidents | Bible Students | Premillennialism | Charismatic religious leaders Image File history File links Krekrakro. ... Charles Russell in 1911 The Bible Student movement is a religious movement with premillennialist expectations, that sprang from the teachings and ministry of Pastor Charles Taze Russell in the 1870s, whose followers generally call themselves Bible Students. Following a schism after Russellâ€™s death in 1916, several offshoot groups formed... The Associated Bible Students is the branch of the Bible Student movement that follows the most closely the teachings and views of Charles Taze Russell, also known as Pastor Russell. The Bible Students practice regular reading and study of the Bible and hold Bible Study classes utilizing the six volumes... The Laymans Home Missionary Movement, founded by Paul S. L. Johnson in 1919, is a non-sectarian, interdenominational religious organisation that arose as an independent offshoot of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society after the death its founder, Charles Taze Russell. ... In the early history of Bible Students, a number of prominent brethren withdrew their support from the Watchtower Society after Judge Rutherford became the president of the Society, following the death of Pastor Russell. ... The Dawn Bible Students Association is a legal entity used by a branch of the Bible Student movement. ... The Studies in the Scriptures is a series of publications containing six volumes of great importance to the history of the Bible Students and Jehovahs Witnesses. ... The Dawn is an religious magazine printed and published by Associated Bible Students via their Dawn Bible Students Association, East Rutherford, New York and branch offices around the world. ... In the early history of Bible Students, a number of prominent brethren withdrew their support from the Watchtower Society after Judge Rutherford became the president of the Society, following the death of Pastor Russell. ... Paul Samuel Leo Johnson Paul Samuel Leo (formerly Levitsky) Johnson (1873 â€“ 1950) was an american scholar and pastor, the founder of the Laymans Home Missionary Movement. ...

Contents

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