Which apocalyptic religious movement was founded by Charles Taze Russell?

Answer 1

We don't consider that Charles Taze Russell founded a religion. He certainly was not on such a venture.

Charles Taze Russell found a group of genuine Bible Students, and THEY gathered together for intensive Bible Study. It was THEIR desire not to be influenced by traditional religion just because it was acceptable to the majority. This GROUP, could not fathom the concept of a God 'eternally tormenting' any creature. This did not fit with a God of Love & Compassion. That was one of Their first intensive studies. THEY felt that the concept of 'eternal torment' was a 'God-DISHONORING' concept; that it painted God as black.

They simply called themselves 'Bible Students' for years.

This group grew; and so congregations of Bible Students sprung up in various places. They kept in contact with each other and shared their research among each other.

They regularly published their research (in the Watchtower, and other books); and they started to go from house-to-house to share their research with everyone that would listen.

After Russell died, this worldwide group realized that they should be MORE THANBible 'STUDENTS'. They considered themselves as TEACHERS; and willingly expended of themselves in spreading what they considered Bible Truth.

In 1931 they realized that they could be even MORE THAN 'Christian'. Since they witnessed about Jehovah God, they called themselves Jehovah's Witnesses.

Before 1931, anyone could have claimed that name for themselves; but no one wanted that name. The name 'Jehovah' still makes many so-called Christian's stomach crawl. So by now they've accepted us as being what we call ourselves.

But Russell never envisioned this; nor was it a goal; and there was no charter stating the founding of a new religion.

In all reality, it's the rest of the religions that also 'call us' Jehovah's Witnesses. We consider it the greatest honor being called a Witness of Jehovah God. Who can argue with that.

Answer 2

Charles Taze Russell founded the religious movement known as the 'Bible Students' which later after it when international became the 'International Bible Students'. From the a large part of this group came the Jehovah's Witnesses under the teachings of Joseph Rutherford.