Number DOI: http://doi.org/10.33209/2519-4348-2019-7-59

VB. – № 7, 2019. – P. 215-227

Summary

As it happens with any heretical doctrine that takes part of the Christian truth for a whole, the further it goes from the fullness of the truth, the more it parasitizes on parts of that truth. At present time it is impossible to ignore the increased activity of different sects and the fact that their followers grow in numbers. The activities of these organizations are destructive. Rejecting the authenticity of gospel teaching, they present a serious challenge for the Christians of our time. The most common totalitarian sect of today is the Jehovah’s Witnesses, a religious organization founded by Charles Russell in the United States at the end of the nineteenth century. His organization received its present name in 1931. Like other contemporary religious organizations that are not affiliated with the Church of Christ, Jehovah’s Witnesses also respond very painfully to the question of the historical connection with the apostolic times and the date of foundation of the organization. The followers of this sect call themselves Christians and are very active in spreading their special teachings around the world. The wording of the Jehovah’s Witness doctrine is solely the prerogative of the Governing Body located in Brooklyn. Only this authority has the power to make the Bible’s interpretation normative and binding on all followers. The doctrine can, over time, undergo certain transformations, which is due to the revelation of God, which can only be accepted by the higher leadership. Jehovah’s Witnesses practice control of members of the organization, isolation from external relations with society, psychological influence and pressure on dissenters, rigid conspiracy and discipline. The closure from the outside world, which has repeatedly provoked family conflicts, is the cause of sharp criticism of the practices and structure of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as well as accusations of sectarianism and even of a totalitarian approach. This article outlines the major milestones in the history of the formation of the Jehova’s Witnesses, and analyzes how much the Christian principles of the Watchtower Society proposed to their followers and propagated through their missionaries are consistent with Christian teaching.

Key words: sect, doctrine, history, Charles Russell, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christ.

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