For decades Charles Taze Russell’s legacy has been associated with Jehovah’s Witnesses in published accounts that inaccurately list him as their founder. In 1997, Professor David S. Doran corrected the matter by writing the editor of The Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia and delivering a more accurate account of Brother Charles Taze Russell’s life. Through Professor Doran’s efforts, the second edition presenting the truth was published in 1998 and reflects these changes. We quote as follows:
“Russell, Charles Taze , known as Pastor Russell (1852-1916). Religious leader, founder of what is commonly called the “Bible Student Movement,” born in Pittsburgh, PA. As a Congregationalist, he struggled with the concept of eternal torment, his subsequent studies leading him to conclude that the Biblical hell is oblivion, that the millennium began in 1874, and that a period of social and political upheaval would lead to a peaceable kingdom on earth. After his death, many followers abandoned his Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (1879), which under the leadership of Joseph Rutherford moved in other directions and ultimately — became known as Jehovah’s Witnesses (1931).” — Bible Students Newsletter, p. 7, Spring, 1999
The present day Jehovah’s Witness organization continues to quote Pastor Russell as their founder. Occassionally their publications will quote from something he wrote, usually from the Zion Watchtower magazine. It is true that Brother Russell founded the Watchtower magazine, but it is not true that he founded the JW organization. History shows that the more powerful Joseph Rutherford became in the organization, the more he began to distance himself from the teachings of Russell. Rutherford ultimately changed their name I believe in 1931 or around then. Why? Perhaps to further distance his group from the original Bible Students who still stuck to the original beliefs of Brother Russell. So to say that Russell was the founder of the present day Witnesses would be false. To say that Russell was a part of their history would be correct. Why say someone is your founder when you no longer follow the teachings of that person? Certain foundational teachings of Russell (and scripture) still can be found in the organization, but Rutherfords teachings also pervade as well. I do wish that both groups would stop quibbling amongst themselves and find some common ground in which to interact. The enemy is Satan, not each other. Both groups teach the oneness of Jehovah, the Kingship of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, the mortality of the human soul, the truth about hell, and the importance of Bible study and preaching. There is much to be learned from Pastor Russells writings and that would be a great starting place for both groups if a reunion is ever to happen.
Thanks James. Bible Student will continue to reach out to Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, since their organization views us as apostates, they would place themselves in jeopardy of discipline to fellowship with us. We are glad to meet them on equal ground as brothers and sisters.
And that is the essence of the problem right there my Brother. We would rather help than argue.