In the early 1870s, he established a Bible study movement-the International Bible Students Association-in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Like these individuals, Russell engaged in studying the Bible and he sold the cloth merchant and haberdashery business he had inherited in order to finance his preaching and publishing activities. Russell was something of a religious seeker, establishing friendships with teachers in the Adventist movement including Jonas Wendell, George Stetson, and Nelson Barbour, although he claimed never to have been an Adventist himself (Chryssides 2016, 47). Initially known as Bible Students, Jehovah’s Witnesses originated in America in the latter half of the nineteenth century with the teachings of Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916) and his associates. This article outlines the history, beliefs, and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses before turning to a discussion of apocalyptic and millenarian beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses are also known for their refusal of blood transfusions for not taking part in political, military, or interfaith activities and for not celebrating Christmas, Easter, or birthdays. 1914 is believed by Jehovah’s Witnesses to mark the beginning of the ‘End Times’. The earth will be transformed into a paradise over the period of the Millennium and the saved will have restored physical bodies to enjoy everlasting life on earth. Jesus will then return to heaven, from where he will rule over the earth, with the help of the ‘anointed class’ of 144,000. During the battle of Armageddon, it is believed, Jesus will return to defeat the current rulers and imprison Satan for a period of a thousand years, the Millennium. It is a millennialist religion, with followers believing that we are living in the Last Days and that Armageddon is fast approaching.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are the followers of a Christian-based religion perhaps best known for their ‘door-to-door’ evangelizing activities.

Jehovah witness beliefs on easter