Russellism And The Bible Student Movement
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, there were a number of religious establishments and organizations. One such group were those whom followed RUSSELLISM and the BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT. A movement which would later be known as Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world. As such, the founder Charles Russell left quite a legacy when passing in 1929.
Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Russell was two of five children, Charles was one of only two whom lived into adulthood. After which, Ms. Russell passed away when Charles was only 9 years of age. In search of a new life, the Russells later moved to Pittsburgh. As such, growing up was not easy for the future pastor. Still, the teenager continued grow and learn by working hard and studying the scriptures when and where possible.
After having moved, the family became involved with the local Presbyterian church and congregation. Feeling somewhat disconnected with the Presbyterian church, Charles then left the Presbyterian church to join the Congregational church at the age of 13. A true believer, the future pastor would write Bible verses on city sidewalks and fence posts in hopes of converting non-believers.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the Word of God.
Charles then became involved with the Bible Student Movement. During which time the Jehovah Witness publication known as Zion's Watch Tower, now the Watch Tower was first published by Russell. While also publishing another pamphlet called the Herald of Christ's presence, that publication was never as widely accepted as the Watch Tower.
Having written a number of pamphlets, sermons, tracts and books, Russell published a six series bible study known as Millennial Dawn which was provided as a complete course of study. While the series later became known as A Study Of The Scriptures, the content and 7th chapter which would be added at a later date provided even more details with regards to the scriptures. In some cases, Christians of other branches and denominations have suggested that the publication lacks a sense of truth.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
In most cases, the excuses provided were based on the development of the several smaller groups. While those whom had separated from the group created individual groups, two of which were the Pastoral Bible Institute and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement. Regardless, the beliefs of each group remained similar in nature to those whom had began a walk of faith with Pastor Russell.
Born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, Russell was two of five children, Charles was one of only two whom lived into adulthood. After which, Ms. Russell passed away when Charles was only 9 years of age. In search of a new life, the Russells later moved to Pittsburgh. As such, growing up was not easy for the future pastor. Still, the teenager continued grow and learn by working hard and studying the scriptures when and where possible.
After having moved, the family became involved with the local Presbyterian church and congregation. Feeling somewhat disconnected with the Presbyterian church, Charles then left the Presbyterian church to join the Congregational church at the age of 13. A true believer, the future pastor would write Bible verses on city sidewalks and fence posts in hopes of converting non-believers.
When sixteen, Charles had a discussion with a childhood friend with regards to faults in the Christian belief system and other traditions. While having a brief period of questioning the faith once so boldly held, it was not long before the young pastor would be found attending a presentation by an Adventist Minister, Jonas Wendell. After which, Russell experienced a renewal of faith as well as the belief that the Bible truly was the Word of God.
Charles then became involved with the Bible Student Movement. During which time the Jehovah Witness publication known as Zion's Watch Tower, now the Watch Tower was first published by Russell. While also publishing another pamphlet called the Herald of Christ's presence, that publication was never as widely accepted as the Watch Tower.
Having written a number of pamphlets, sermons, tracts and books, Russell published a six series bible study known as Millennial Dawn which was provided as a complete course of study. While the series later became known as A Study Of The Scriptures, the content and 7th chapter which would be added at a later date provided even more details with regards to the scriptures. In some cases, Christians of other branches and denominations have suggested that the publication lacks a sense of truth.
A pastor by the name of Rutherford took over the movement when Russell passed on. Still, even with a new leader, the organization faced a crisis. For, Russell was a beloved leader whom many found hard to replace. As a result, a number of other individuals left the group and began starting small individual religious organizations in which different policies and procedures were implemented.
In most cases, the excuses provided were based on the development of the several smaller groups. While those whom had separated from the group created individual groups, two of which were the Pastoral Bible Institute and the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement. Regardless, the beliefs of each group remained similar in nature to those whom had began a walk of faith with Pastor Russell.
About the Author:
RUSSELLISM and THE BIBLE STUDENT MOVEMENT is finally here to make a difference. To learn more, visit this website at http://www.nowthink.com/russellism.
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