The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, commonly known as “The Watchtower,” is the organizational and publishing arm of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Christian denomination known for its distinctive beliefs and practices. Founded in the late 19th century, The Watchtower is one of the most widely distributed religious publications in the world and plays a central role in the teachings and evangelistic efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Historical Background

Origins and Early Development

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was founded by Charles Taze Russell in 1881 as part of a broader religious movement that sought to restore early Christian teachings and practices. Russell’s interest in Bible prophecy, particularly concerning the return of Christ and the end times, led him to establish a small Bible study group in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in the 1870s.

1. Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916): Russell was influenced by Adventist teachings, which emphasized the imminent return of Christ. Dissatisfied with mainstream Christian interpretations of the Bible, Russell began publishing Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence in 1879. This publication would later become The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.
   

   Historical Reference: Russell’s early teachings focused on what he believed to be the accurate interpretation of Bible prophecy, particularly the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth. His views diverged significantly from traditional Christian eschatology and led to the formation of what would later be known as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

2. Formation of the Watchtower Society: In 1884, Russell formally incorporated the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania to manage the distribution of literature and the growing organizational structure of his movement. The society became the central publishing arm for Russell’s teachings and those of his successors.
   

   Historical Reference: The incorporation of the Watchtower Society marked a significant step in the formalization of the movement, which began to attract a larger following. The society’s focus on literature distribution and evangelism remains a hallmark of Jehovah’s Witnesses today.

Development Under Joseph Franklin Rutherford

After Russell’s death in 1916, Joseph Franklin Rutherford became the president of the Watchtower Society. Rutherford’s leadership was marked by significant changes in both the organization and its teachings.

1. Rutherford’s Reforms: Rutherford, also known as “Judge” Rutherford, introduced new organizational structures and doctrines that further distinguished Jehovah’s Witnesses from mainstream Christianity. He emphasized the use of the name “Jehovah” for God, a practice that became a defining characteristic of the movement.
   

   Historical Reference: Under Rutherford’s leadership, the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was officially adopted in 1931 to distinguish the group from other Christian denominations. This move was part of Rutherford’s broader effort to solidify the group’s identity and separate it from other religious movements.

2. Expansion of Literature and Evangelism: Rutherford greatly expanded the production and distribution of Watchtower literature, including books, pamphlets, and tracts. He also launched a global evangelistic campaign, encouraging members to distribute literature door-to-door, a practice that remains central to Jehovah’s Witnesses.
   

   Historical Reference: The period of Rutherford’s leadership saw the Watchtower Society become a global organization, with an emphasis on evangelism and literature distribution. This period also saw increased tension with governments and other religious groups, as Jehovah’s Witnesses refused to participate in political and military activities.

Modern Development and Global Expansion

Following Rutherford’s death in 1942, Nathan H. Knorr became the president of the Watchtower Society. Under Knorr’s leadership, the organization continued to grow and expand its global reach.

1. The New World Translation: One of Knorr’s significant contributions was the commissioning of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, a Bible translation produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses that reflects their doctrinal beliefs. The New World Translation was first published in 1950 and has since been translated into many languages.
   

   Biblical Reference: The New World Translation has been both praised for its readability and criticized for its translation choices, particularly those that align closely with the theological positions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, such as the rendering of John 1:1 (“the Word was a god” instead of “the Word was God”).

2. Educational and Organizational Changes: Knorr also introduced the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, a missionary training program, and restructured the organizational hierarchy to ensure greater control by the central leadership. These changes helped to standardize teaching and practices across the global organization.
   

   Historical Reference: The period under Knorr saw significant organizational growth, with Jehovah’s Witnesses expanding their missionary activities and establishing a more centralized leadership structure. This period also saw the construction of new headquarters and printing facilities to support the growing demand for Watchtower literature.

Key Beliefs and Teachings

The Nature of God and Jesus Christ

Jehovah’s Witnesses hold a distinctive understanding of God and Jesus Christ, which differs significantly from mainstream Christian theology.

1. Monotheism and the Name “Jehovah”: Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize strict monotheism, believing that Jehovah is the one true God. They reject the doctrine of the Trinity, viewing it as a pagan concept that was adopted by early Christians. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, Jesus is not God but rather a created being, the first and highest of God’s creations.
   

   Biblical Reference: Jehovah’s Witnesses often cite John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (NIV) to support their view that Jehovah alone is God and that Jesus is distinct from Him.

2. Jesus Christ as Michael the Archangel: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Jesus, before his earthly life, was Michael the Archangel, and after his resurrection, he returned to his role as Michael. They view Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity but do not believe in the traditional Christian view of Jesus as co-equal with God the Father.
   

   Biblical Reference: To support the belief that Jesus is Michael the Archangel, Jehovah’s Witnesses reference passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (NIV). However, this interpretation is not widely accepted in mainstream Christianity.

Eschatology and the Kingdom of God

The eschatological teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses are central to their faith and are a key motivator for their evangelistic efforts.

1. The Kingdom of God: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God’s Kingdom was established in heaven in 1914 and that Jesus Christ has been ruling as King since then. They teach that the final battle of Armageddon is imminent, after which God’s Kingdom will be fully established on earth, bringing an end to all human governments and establishing a paradise on earth.
   

   Biblical Reference: Jehovah’s Witnesses often refer to Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (NIV), to justify their extensive evangelistic work and the urgency of their message.

2. The 144,000 and the “Great Crowd”: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that only 144,000 faithful Christians will go to heaven to rule with Christ, based on their interpretation of Revelation 7:4 and 14:1-3. The rest of the faithful, referred to as the “great crowd,” will live forever on a restored earth.
   

   Biblical Reference: Revelation 7:9 describes a “great multitude” that stands before God’s throne, which Jehovah’s Witnesses interpret as those who will live on earth rather than in heaven. This belief is distinct from the mainstream Christian understanding of heaven and the afterlife.

Authority of the Watchtower Society

Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Watchtower Society as God’s “faithful and discreet slave,” an organization through which God provides spiritual food and guidance to His people.

1. Governing Body: The leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses is centralized in a Governing Body, which is responsible for interpreting the Bible and providing doctrinal direction. The Governing Body is believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and its decisions are considered binding on all members of the organization.
   

   Biblical Reference: Jehovah’s Witnesses reference Matthew 24:45-47, where Jesus speaks of a “faithful and wise servant” who is put in charge of his household, as a basis for their belief in the Governing Body’s authority.

2. Watchtower Publications: The literature produced by the Watchtower Society, including The Watchtower magazine, is considered authoritative and is used extensively in the study and teaching within the organization. Members are encouraged to rely on Watchtower literature for their understanding of the Bible and to follow its guidance closely.
   

   Critique: Critics argue that this reliance on Watchtower publications leads to a form of doctrinal control, where individual interpretation of Scripture is discouraged, and members are expected to accept the teachings of the Governing Body without question.

Critiques of the Watchtower and Jehovah’s Witnesses

Doctrinal Criticisms

The doctrines of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been widely criticized by mainstream Christian denominations, particularly regarding their views on the nature of God, Christ, and salvation.

1. Denial of the Trinity: One of the most significant doctrinal differences between Jehovah’s Witnesses and mainstream Christianity is their denial of the Trinity. Traditional Christian theology affirms the Trinity as a central doctrine, teaching that God exists as three persons in one essence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jehovah’s Witnesses reject this doctrine, viewing it as unscriptural and pagan.
   

   Critique: Critics argue that the Watchtower Society’s rejection of the Trinity misinterprets key biblical passages and departs from the historic Christian faith. For example, passages like Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (NIV) are seen as affirming the Trinitarian nature of God.

2. The New World Translation: The New World Translation of the Bible, produced by Jehovah’s Witnesses, has been criticized for its translation choices, which some scholars argue are biased to support the group’s doctrines. For example, the translation of John 1:1 as “the Word was a god” rather than “the Word was God” has been widely disputed.
   

   Critique: Many biblical scholars argue that the translation of John 1:1 in the New World Translation is linguistically and theologically unsound, reflecting the organization’s theological bias rather than a faithful rendering of the text.

Organizational and Ethical Criticisms

In addition to doctrinal issues, the organizational structure and ethical practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been subjects of criticism.

1. Control and Exclusivity: Critics of the Watchtower Society often point to the high level of control exerted over members, including strict guidelines on behavior, social interaction, and religious practices. Jehovah’s Witnesses are discouraged from associating with non-members and are often required to cut ties with former members, including family, who leave the organization.
   

   Critique: This exclusivity and control have led to accusations of the organization being cult-like, with concerns raised about the psychological and social impact on members who are disfellowshipped or who leave the group.

2. Handling of Abuse Cases: In recent years, the Watchtower Society has faced criticism and legal challenges over its handling of cases of child sexual abuse within the organization. Critics have accused the organization of covering up abuse cases and failing to report them to authorities, instead handling matters internally.
   

   Critique: The Watchtower Society’s policies on confidentiality and the handling of abuse cases have been widely condemned by victims, advocacy groups, and legal authorities. Critics argue that the organization’s approach has allowed abuse to go unreported and unaddressed, causing further harm to victims.

Evangelism and Proselytism

The evangelistic practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, particularly their door-to-door ministry and distribution of literature, have also been the subject of both praise and criticism.

1. Aggressive Evangelism: Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for their persistent evangelistic efforts, which are often seen as intrusive by those who are approached. While their commitment to spreading their message is admirable, it can also lead to negative perceptions and resistance from the general public.
   

   Critique: Some critics argue that the aggressive nature of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ evangelism can be alienating and counterproductive, leading to a negative public image and resistance to their message.

2. Targeting Vulnerable Individuals: Critics have also raised concerns about the targeting of vulnerable individuals, such as those experiencing personal crises, in Jehovah’s Witnesses’ evangelistic efforts. The organization’s message of imminent deliverance and a new world order can be appealing to those in difficult circumstances, but critics argue that it can also be manipulative.
   

   Critique: There are concerns that Jehovah’s Witnesses may exploit the vulnerability of individuals in crisis, offering them hope while drawing them into an organization that demands strict adherence to its teachings and practices.

Conclusion

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has played a central role in shaping the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a group that has grown into a global religious movement with millions of adherents. The society’s emphasis on Bible study, literature distribution, and evangelism has made it one of the most recognizable religious organizations in the world.

From a Christian worldview, the teachings of the Watchtower Society represent a significant departure from historic Christian doctrine, particularly in their views on the nature of God, Christ, and salvation. While the commitment of Jehovah’s Witnesses to evangelism and their dedication to their faith are notable, the theological differences and ethical concerns raised by critics warrant careful consideration.

For those seeking to understand or engage with Jehovah’s Witnesses, it is important to approach the conversation with both respect and discernment, recognizing the deeply held beliefs of its members while also being aware of the significant theological and ethical issues that have been raised.