Is there a difference between Russellites and Jehovah's Witnesses?

Question

If so what are they? Thanks so much..Have been wondering about this for awhile..

Answer 1

Russell as you probably know was the originator of the group we now call Jehovah's Witnesses, so Russellites would technically be the original JW's

I find that when I bring up the original teachings, which includes multiple prophecy's which did not occur, current adherents to the group tend to try to distance themselves from Charles and his errors.

At their very core tho, JW's are Russellites who are a bit more refined in their delivery

Answer 2

There is a great deal of difference between the Jehovah's Witnesses and the "Russellites". The Bible Students were called "Russellites" as a derogatory term by people that considered Charles T. Russell's teaching heretical.

Joseph Rutherford changed quite a bit of the teaching and increased the eschatology of the group. Later in 1931 the Bible Students changed their name to Jehovah's Witnesses.

Answer 3

Yes and no. technically Russellites simply changed their names to the Watchtower Tract Society aka Jehovah's Witnesses. It could be argued that they are different in the sense that the beliefs of those who were called Russellites differ slightly to the modern JW in a way that the mormon of the 1800's is different than the mormon of today.

Answer 4

Check out these sites.

http://www.ctrussell.us/ctrussell/ctrussell.nsf/ScriptureStudies?OpenView

http://www.biblestudents.com/HTDB.cfm

Russellites and / or 'bible students' are an off shoot of Jehovah's Witnesses who continue to exist to this day.

I have also find some of their literature in Airports.
and have talked to some in the door to door work.

They viewed Russell as the 'Faithful Slave' and left the organization after Rutherford became president.

This is one reason why Jehovah's Witnesses aren't a cult.

We don't follow a man, but remain loyal to Jehovah God.

Answer 5

It was their old name.