Jehovah's Witnesses

Well-researched studies of Jehovah's Witnesses are few and far between. Using a wealth of newly available information, George Chryssides offers a fresh perspective on the Watchtower movement's development from its 19th century origins to the era of globalisation. His careful account of the collision between Theocracy, the Internet, environmentalism, the sexual revolution, liberalism and accusations of sexual abuse is intriguing and highly readable. - James A. Beckford, University of Warwick, UK I have been waiting for a book like this for a long time. George Chryssides has written a real fine piece of scholarship about the Jehovahs Witnesses. The book is comprehensive, scientific, interesting, and easy to follow. I recommend it to students and scholars alike. - Liselotte Frisk, Dalarna University, Sweden This is a book that gives us a wealth of information about one of the best-known, yet relatively unknown, of the many minority religions that have spread throughout the globe over the past century and a half. Professor Chryssides takes us from the origins of the Jehovah's Witnesses right up to the present day, indicating the changes that have taken place along the way. We learn about the Witnesses' beliefs and practices, some of the more controversial of these (refusal of blood transfusions, proselytising, and conscientious objection) being discussed in a critical, yet always empathetic, manner. Particularly masterful is the way Chryssides guides us through the maze of dates and prophecies that have given rise to confusion not only for the outsider but also for many of the Witnesses themselves. Written with admirable clarity, the book provides absorbing material for a wide range of readers. - Eileen Barker, Inform, UK Jehovah's Witnesses is a remarkable feat in both scope and depth of analysis. In clear and fluent prose, Chryssides explains continuity and change in the Watch Tower Society, exploring everything from its nineteenth century origins and modern rites of passage to its complex eschatology and twenty-first century challenges. With this book Chryssides cements his reputation as one of the world's leading scholars of the organisation. - Zoe Knox, University of Leicester, UK Finally, in this long-awaited book, George Chryssides sums up in one volume decades of activities as the leading European expert on Jehovah's Witnesses. He analyses their historical roots, and discusses significant recent changes in the Watch Tower organisation. A seminal book, which will define the field of the scholarly study of Jehovah's Witnesses for years to come. - Massimo Introvigne, Pontifical Salesian University, Torino, Italy and Managing Director of CESNUR (Center for Studies on New Religions) Finally - an empathetic but non-partisan history of the Jehovah's Witnesses in sociological perspective. Chryssides challenges many of our deeply held misconceptions about this fascinating old/new religious movement. - Susan Palmer, McGill University, Canada This is a much needed update on developments within and surrounding the Jehovah's Witnesses by one of the leading scholars who has done serious research on the Witnesses. (...) Overall, this is a valuable addition to the literature on the Witnesses and on minority religions in general as they grapple with how to maintain themselves in current times. Chryssides has done a commendable job of pulling together a tremendous amount of material and also making good use of his excellent ties with Witness congregations. His book will, I believe, stand the test of time and become a much-cited source for future scholars. - James T. Richardson, University of Nevada, Reno