-Charles Taze Russell (1852-1916)

He is really the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, though because of his questionable character, is no longer looked as the founder by the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  When looking towards most cults, often times the leader is not all together a great person (Joseph Smith from the Mormons).  Charles Taze Russell (CTR) is of no greater stature.

He actually predicted the second coming of Jesus on two occasions.  His first prediction was for 1874, and when that did not happen it was predicted for 1914… and didn’t happen.  In 1881 he co-founded Zion Watch Tower and Tract Society with William Henry Conley.

Russell also lied under oath about being able to read Greek.  When asked to identify the alphabet, he could not make out any letters.  He never went on to advance his education and never learned a language like Greek or Hebrew.

-Joseph Rutherford (1869-1942)

Rutherford took over this religious group when Russell died.  He tried to cover up Russell’s failed prediction of Jesus’ second coming by claiming that’s when he was crowned as “Lord of Creation.”  Rutherford claims that this made Satan mad, and was at this time (1914AD) cast out of heaven.  He caused World War I after this event.

The group officially became known as the Jehovah’s Witnesses while Rutherford was in charge.

To separate from these two men, the JW’s have set a couple policies in place.  First, only writings published after 1942 would be considered authoritative (that’s when Rutherford died).  And second, no authors are identified on the writings as to prevent being  wrong in court.

Why would the JW’s try to separate from their founding fathers unless they were not good men?  Obviously they are trying to hide something from their members and public; something that would add to their falsity as a religion.