the story of Jehovah's Witnesses Penton, M. James 1932- creator author. text bibliography Electronic books. Electronic books. onc 2015 Third edition. monographic eng 1 online resource. 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. 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. M. James Penton. Includes bibliographical references and index. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. RELIGION / Christianity / Denominations Jehovah''s Witnesses Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society Témoins de Jéhovah Zeugen Jehovas BX8526 .P46 2015eb 289.9/2 Penton, M. James, 1932- author. Third edition (OCoLC)892301589 9781442669604 1442669608 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=961836 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=961836 N$T 150309 20200709060338.0 ocn904548079 eng