The Church in the Thought of Charles Taze Russell

Charles Taze Russells views of the church fit into the theme of chronological primitivism, that of restoring the biblical church, prevalent among other nineteenth-century religious leaders. His view of the church moves in two directions. While emphasizing antisectarianism, ahistoricism, and the importance of freedom in declaring that the church is not yet completed, he nevertheless does develop a church structure which increasingly restricts freedom and eventually contributes to sectarianism. What were his views and where did they come from While in some ways his views are very clear regarding the church, on the other hand there is confusion. After sketching Russells life, this thesis considers his views on sectarianism and on church history. The author explores his views on the church and what they include by comparing hte 1891-1896 period with that which came after 1990. Russells views on the New Covenant in contrast to that which is in the Old Testament, about whether the New Covenant is sealed and in force or not, will be considered because not only does the resulting controversy suggest confusion, but it is directly related to the role of the church.