What would happen if I accepted an invitation to Bible Study from Jehovah's Witnesses? What would attending a Kingdom Hall meeting involve? And if I invited door-knocking Witnesses into my home? This book introduces Jehovah's Witnesses without assuming prior knowledge of the Watch Tower organization. After outlining the Society's origins and history, the book explains their key beliefs and practices by taking the reader through the process of the seeker who makes initial contact with Witnesses, and progresses to take instruction and become a baptized member. The book then explores what is involved in being a Witness - congregational life, lifestyle, rites of passage, their understanding of the Bible and prophetic expectations. It examines the various processes and consequences of leaving the organization, controversies that have arisen in the course of its history, and popular criticisms. Discussion is given to the likelihood of reforms within the organization, such as its stance on blood transfusions, the role of women and new methods of meeting and evangelizing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

An unbiased introduction to the beliefs and practices of this often misunderstood religious community, written by a leading scholar of Jehovah's Witnesses.

About the Author
George D. Chryssides is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at York St John University, UK. His books include The Bloomsbury Handbook to Studying Christians (Bloomsbury, 2019), Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses 2nd edition (2019), Jehovah's Witnesses: Continuity and Change (2016), and The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements (Bloomsbury, 2016).

Reviews
Chryssides's book doesn't avoid contentious Jehovah Witness issues, such as internal dissent or persecution, but because the author might be thought of as a friendly observer, his overview will appeal to a wide audience that seeks understanding rather than controversy. * Library Journal *
Dr. Chryssides is the world's foremost expert on Jehovah's Witnesses. His book offers a careful and much-needed introduction to the beliefs and practices of this often misunderstood religious community. * Emily B. Baran, Interim Chair and Associate Professor, Middle Tennessee State University, USA *
Everything you wanted to know about the Jehovah's Witnesses but did not know whom to ask. An essential introduction, of great use to scholars and easily readable for the general public. * Massimo Introvigne, Managing Director, Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), Italy *



Book Information
ISBN 9781350190894
Author George D. Chryssides
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 322g