Jehovah S Witnesses And The Secular World

This book examines the historic tensions between Jehovah’s Witnesses and government authorities, civic organisations, established churches and the broader public. Witnesses originated in the 1870s as small, loose-knit groups calling themselves Bible Students. Today, there are some eight million Witnesses worldwide, all actively engaged in evangelism under the direction of the Watch Tower Society. The author analyses issues that have brought them global visibility and even notoriety, including political neutrality, public ministry, blood transfusion, and anti-ecumenism. It also explores anti-Witness discourse, from media portrayals of the community as marginal and exotic to the anti-cult movement. Focusing on varied historical, ideological and national contexts, the book argues that Witnesses have had a defining influence on conceptions of religious tolerance in the modern world.

The zeal and dedication of Jehovah's Witnesses mask a highly disciplined organization that has a troubled history. Moreover, their thorough knowledge of their own scriptures gives a pretense of having spiritual truth. The movement has grown from about 1.1 million worldwide in 1965 to 4.4 million today. Yet all is not what it seems in the Watchtower Society. How do the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses run counter to orthodox Christianity? What drives adherents to give hundreds of hours a year to "witnessing"? What draws converts to a cult of strict control by religious leaders? Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Each book has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood.

History and teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses organization.

"Dr. David Bridges examines and explains the core beliefs of the Jehovah's Witnesses and their origins. This book offers a detailed essay of the teachings of the Watchtower Society from their own viewpoint, and a comparative mainstream Christian theology is then offered for consideration. The information in this book will prepare householders, lay ministers, and clergy to discuss their faith with Jehovah's Witnesses in an informed manner."--Back cover.

M. James Penton offers a comprehensive overview of a remarkable religious movement, from the Witnesses' inauspicious creation by a Pennsylvania preacher in the 1870s to its position as a religious sect with millions of followers world-wide. This second edition features an afterword by the author and an expanded bibliography.

A history of The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) from their origins in the 1870s up to the mid-1960s. Long out-of-print, now in a second edition. This title was originally published using the pen name "Timothy White."

From blood transfusions to salvation by works John Ankerberg and John Weldon expose the unorthodox doctrines that put Jehovah’s Witnesses at risk physically and spiritually. With its easy–to–follow question–and–answer format this book allows readers to quickly discover: Who founded Jehovah’s Witnesses and why; why medical care essential to life is refused; why few Jehovah’s Witnesses look forward to eternal life in God’s presence; how many Jehovah’s Witnesses prophecies have failed—and why; how Jehovah’s Witnesses view and interpret God’s Word. Whether looking for specific teachings or an overall understanding of Jehovah’s Witness beliefs and practices readers will find this guide delivers the information in a concise practical manner.