{"product_id":"apocalypse-delayed-9781442616059","title":"Apocalypse Delayed","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince 1876, Jehovah’s Witnesses have believed that they are living in the last days of the present world. Charles T. Russell, their founder, advised his followers that members of Christ’s church would be raptured in 1878, and by 1914 Christ would destroy the nations and establish his kingdom on earth. The first prophecy was not fulfilled, but the outbreak of the First World War lent some credibility to the second. Ever since that time, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been predicting that the world would end “shortly.” Their numbers have grown to many millions in over two hundred countries. They distribute a billion pieces of literature annually, and continue to anticipate the end of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor almost thirty years, M. James Penton’s \u003cem\u003eApocalypse Delayed\u003c\/em\u003e has been the definitive scholarly study of this religious movement. As a former member of the sect, Penton offers a comprehensive overview of the Jehovah's Witnesses. His book is divided i\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"A well-written, clear and fascinating study.\" -- James A. Beverley Toronto Journal of Theology \"All in all, this is an excellent book and required reading for those interested in Jehovah's Witnesses. Penton's special perspective provides a scholarly inside look at a fascinating and persistent example of modern millenarianism.\" -- Timothy P. Weber American Historical Review 'This is not a vindictive slamming of the Witness organization by a raving ex-member, but a carefully written, well-documented critical analysis by a scholar with the special insight that only a former insider could give.' -- Dwayne Janke Lethbridge Herald 'M. James Penton offers us one of the few comprehensive accounts of a sectarian tradition that remains an enigma to scholars of modern religion.' -- Robert C. Fuller The Journal of Religion 'Penton, a fourth generation Witness with an impeccable academic background, sets forth a detailed and damning outline of the movement and, in particular, those who run the world wide organization.' -- Grant MacGillivray Halifax Daily News 'Highly recommended.' -- D.S. Azzolina Choice Magazine - vol 53:01:2015 \"Penton's unique position - a well-travelled, fourth-generation member who served in various capacities - makes him a reliable informant. He aptly gives insight into major doctrines, past and recent prophetic speculation, the authority structure of the Witness organization, and the harshness of the total ban upon those who attempt open discussion of any differing exegetical view.\" Christianity Today\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction  Part One: History  1. The Doctrinal Background of a New American Religious Movement  2. Charles Russell and the Bible Student Movement  3. The Creation of a Theocracy  4. The Era of Global Expansion  5. Prophetic Failure and Reaction  6. From Dynamic Growth to Organizational Stagnation  7. Relations with the World  Part Two: Concepts and Doctrine  8. Bases of Doctrinal Authority  9. Major Doctrines  Part Three: Organization and Community  10. Organizational Structure  11. The Witness Community  Conclusion\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"University of Toronto Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49408353337687,"sku":"9781442616059","price":31.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0817\/1739\/5799\/files\/9781442616059.jpg?v=1730502561","url":"https:\/\/bookcurl.com\/products\/apocalypse-delayed-9781442616059","provider":"Book Curl","version":"1.0","type":"link"}