Development Of Jehovah's Witnesses Doctrine
The doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses have developed since publication of The Watchtower magazine began in 1879. Early doctrines were based on interpretations of the Bible by Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society founder Charles Taze Russell, then added to, altered or discarded by his successors, Joseph Rutherford and Nathan Knorr. Since 1976, doctrinal changes have been made at closed meetings of the religion's Governing Body and attributed to "God’s progressive revelations" to it as a representative of the faithful and discreet slave class, the approximately 10,000 "anointed" Witnesses earthwide. These teachings are disseminated through The Watchtower, and at conventions and congregation meetings. Most members of the religion outside the Governing Body play no role in the development of doctrines and are expected to adhere to all those decided at Brooklyn headquarters. Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to welcome changes to their religion's doctrine, regarding such "adjustments" as "new light" or "new understanding" from God and proving that they are on the "path of the righteous".
Read more about Development Of Jehovah's Witnesses Doctrine: Method of Doctrinal Development, Watch Tower Society Founding Doctrines, Criticism
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