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== External Links == |
== External Links == |
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*[http://www.pastor-russell.com Official Pastor Russell |
*[http://www.pastor-russell.com Official Pastor Russell/Bible Student website] |
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*[http://www.biblestudents. |
*[http://www.biblestudents.org Hope, Indiana Bible Students] |
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*[http://www.chicagobible.org Chicago, Illinois Bible Students] |
*[http://www.chicagobible.org Chicago, Illinois Bible Students] |
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*[http://www.nsbible.org North Seattle, Washington Bible Students] |
*[http://www.nsbible.org North Seattle, Washington Bible Students] |
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*[http://www.bible411.com New |
*[http://www.bible411.com New Brunswick, New Jersey Bible Students] |
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*[http://www.agsconsulting.com personal Bible Student website from Romania] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Bible Students]] |
Revision as of 02:06, 3 August 2005
The Bible Students are a religious group that follow the teachings and views of Charles Taze Russell (better known as "Pastor Russell"). The name has also been used by Jehovah's Witnesses, especially in reference to their early history. The Bible Students practice regular reading of the Bible and hold Bible Study classes utilizing the six volumes of "Studies in the Scriptures", written by Pastor Russell.
History
In the late ninteenth century, the Bible Students were congregations following the teachings of Pastor Russell. (at that time, and presently, referred to as "Ecclesia's").
In 1914, the International Bible Students Association was incorporated in London, and local congregations were advised to stop using that name to advertise themselves, reserving it for the national or international level. The name "Associated Bible Students" was recommended, and used, instead.
After the death of Pastor Russell in 1916, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society took a more central role under the guidance of Joseph Franklin Rutherford, and there was a significant split between the congregations accepting the authority of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, who were named "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931, and those who opposed Rutherford's doctrinal views and rejections of Pastor Russell's doctrinal views. The latter continue to call themselves "Bible Students".
The International Bible Students Association remained under the control of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Beliefs
Bible Students reject the doctrines of the Trinity and of the immortal soul that leaves the body at death. They hold that eternal life is attained through bodily resurrection on Jesus's return.
Believing that Baptism requires a willing engagement, they reject infant baptism.
It should be noted that due to common origins, many of their beliefs are similar to those of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The most significant differences relate to prophetic expectations, and the role of Jesus and his ransom. Bible Students believe that Jesus died for all mankind, and that eventually all will benefit from that ransom.