Charles Taze Russell Preacher, founder of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious movement Date of Birth: 16.02.1852 Country: USA

1. Biography of Charles Taze Russell
2. Formulating a New Interpretation
3. Establishing the Watch Tower Society
4. Continuation of the Movement

Biography of Charles Taze Russell

Charles Taze Russell, a preacher and the founder of the religious movement known as Jehovah's Witnesses, was born on February 16, 1852, in Pittsburgh, in a Protestant family. His parents influenced his interest in religion. In his youth, Charles engaged in missionary work. However, he soon became disillusioned with Christianity and its teachings of tormenting sinners in hell. He searched for ideas that aligned with his own beliefs in other religions but failed to find them. That's when he formulated his own interpretation of the Scriptures.

Formulating a New Interpretation

Initially, Russell's interpretation was simply his own thoughts regarding the main book for all Christians, the Bible. According to his beliefs, the human soul is not immortal and, therefore, there is no afterlife. After death, oblivion awaits. He believed that the second coming of Christ would occur, and all the deceased would be resurrected. Sinners would be completely destroyed, while the righteous would live on earth eternally, resembling paradise.

Establishing the Watch Tower Society

In 1879, Russell began publishing a magazine called "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence," which was released twice a month. He also founded the religious organization known as the Bible Students and served as its first president. Russell began preaching his views, finding confirmation for his words in the Bible. He traveled abroad, visiting Palestine and Russia. Russell passed away in New York on October 31, 1916. He bequeathed all his possessions to the publishing house of "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence."

Continuation of the Movement

After Russell's death, Joseph Rutherford became the president of the Watch Tower Society, and the organization gained worldwide recognition as Jehovah's Witnesses.