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Jehovah's Witnesses: Continuity and Change (Routledge New Religions)

Paperback |English |1138548782 | 9781138548787

Jehovah's Witnesses: Continuity and Change (Routledge New Religions)

Paperback |English |1138548782 | 9781138548787
Overview


From its origins in nineteenth century Adventism until the present day, the Watch Tower Society has become one of the best known but least understood new religious movements. Resisting the tendency to define the movement in terms of the negative, this volume offers an empathetic account of the Jehovah's Witnesses, without defending or seeking to refute their beliefs. George Chryssides critically examines the historical and theological bases of the organization's teachings and practices, and discusses the changes and continuities which have defined it. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars of new religious movements and contemporary religion.
ISBN: 1138548782
ISBN13: 9781138548787
Author: George D. Chryssides
Publisher: Routledge
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2018-02-07
Language: English
Edition: 1
PageCount: 320
Dimensions: 6.14 x 0.73 x 9.21 inches
Weight: 16.0 ounces


From its origins in nineteenth century Adventism until the present day, the Watch Tower Society has become one of the best known but least understood new religious movements. Resisting the tendency to define the movement in terms of the negative, this volume offers an empathetic account of the Jehovah's Witnesses, without defending or seeking to refute their beliefs. George Chryssides critically examines the historical and theological bases of the organization's teachings and practices, and discusses the changes and continuities which have defined it. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars of new religious movements and contemporary religion.
Editorial Reviews


"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 Jehovah´s 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




George D. Chryssides is a Visiting Fellow at York St John University, and was previously Head of Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. He has published extensively in scholarly journals and has authored and edited several books including The Path of Buddhism (1988), The Advent of Sun Myung Moon (1991), The Elements of Unitarianism (1998), Exploring New Religions (1999), A Reader in New Religious Movements (co-edited with Margaret Z. Wilkins, 2006), Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses (2008), Christianity Today (2010), Heaven's Gate (2011), Christians in the Twenty-First Century (with Margaret Z. Wilkins, 2011), Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements (2nd edn 2012), The Study of Religion (with Ron Geaves, 2nd edn 2013), and The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements (with Benjamin E. Zeller, 2014).

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  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

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Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

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If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

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  • Downloadable software products
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Overview


From its origins in nineteenth century Adventism until the present day, the Watch Tower Society has become one of the best known but least understood new religious movements. Resisting the tendency to define the movement in terms of the negative, this volume offers an empathetic account of the Jehovah's Witnesses, without defending or seeking to refute their beliefs. George Chryssides critically examines the historical and theological bases of the organization's teachings and practices, and discusses the changes and continuities which have defined it. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars of new religious movements and contemporary religion.
ISBN: 1138548782
ISBN13: 9781138548787
Author: George D. Chryssides
Publisher: Routledge
Format: Paperback
PublicationDate: 2018-02-07
Language: English
Edition: 1
PageCount: 320
Dimensions: 6.14 x 0.73 x 9.21 inches
Weight: 16.0 ounces


From its origins in nineteenth century Adventism until the present day, the Watch Tower Society has become one of the best known but least understood new religious movements. Resisting the tendency to define the movement in terms of the negative, this volume offers an empathetic account of the Jehovah's Witnesses, without defending or seeking to refute their beliefs. George Chryssides critically examines the historical and theological bases of the organization's teachings and practices, and discusses the changes and continuities which have defined it. The book provides a valuable resource for scholars of new religious movements and contemporary religion.
Editorial Reviews


"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 Jehovah´s 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




George D. Chryssides is a Visiting Fellow at York St John University, and was previously Head of Religious Studies at the University of Wolverhampton. He has published extensively in scholarly journals and has authored and edited several books including The Path of Buddhism (1988), The Advent of Sun Myung Moon (1991), The Elements of Unitarianism (1998), Exploring New Religions (1999), A Reader in New Religious Movements (co-edited with Margaret Z. Wilkins, 2006), Historical Dictionary of Jehovah's Witnesses (2008), Christianity Today (2010), Heaven's Gate (2011), Christians in the Twenty-First Century (with Margaret Z. Wilkins, 2011), Historical Dictionary of New Religious Movements (2nd edn 2012), The Study of Religion (with Ron Geaves, 2nd edn 2013), and The Bloomsbury Companion to New Religious Movements (with Benjamin E. Zeller, 2014).

Books - New and Used

The following guidelines apply to books:

  • New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
  • Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
  • Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.

Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.

Shipping Fees

  • Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
  • Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
  • No additional fees and charges.

Delivery Times

The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.

Estimated delivery times:

  • Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
  • Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days

Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.  

Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times. 

Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.). 

If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.

You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.

Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.

Additional non-returnable items:

  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software products
  • Some health and personal care items

To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)

  • Book with obvious signs of use
  • CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
  • Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
  • Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery

Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.

Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.

If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:

  • Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
  • Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
  • Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.

You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).

If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.


Shipping Cost


We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

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