Includes bibliographical references and index.

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Introduction -- Part one History. The doctrinal background of a New American religious movement -- Charles Russell and the Bible Student Movement -- The creation of a theocracy -- The era of global expansion -- Prophetic failure and reaction -- From dynamic growth to organizational stagnation -- Relations with the world.

Part two Concepts and doctrines. Bases of doctrinal authority -- Major doctrines.

Part three Organization and community. Organizational structure -- The Witness community -- Conclusion.

Since 1876, Jehovah's Witnesses have believed that they are living in the last days of the present world. Charles T. Russell, their founder, advised his followers that members of Christ's church would be raptured in 1878, and by 1914 Christ would destroy the nations and establish his kingdom on earth. The first prophecy was not fulfilled, but the outbreak of the First World War lent some credibility to the second. Ever since that time, Jehovah's Witnesses have been predicting that the world would end "shortly." Their numbers have grown to many millions in over two hundred countries. They distribute a billion pieces of literature annually, and continue to anticipate the end of the world. As a former member of the sect, Penton offers an overview of the Jehovah's Witnesses.

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