Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement

by Andrew Holden

This is the first major study of the enigmatic religious society. By examining the Jehovah's Witnesses' dramatic recent expansion, Andrew Holden reveals the dependency of their quasi-totalitarian movement on the physical and cultural resources have brought about the privatization of religion, the erosion of community, and the separation of 'fact' from faith.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 10, 2002

Reviews

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good, non-judgmental, sociological overview of a New Religious Movement. This will be useful to people trying to make sense of family or friends reticent to discuss their faith. Further reflections may be found here: Sects and Violence in the Ancient World.

[N · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, neutral study of the contemporary Jehovah’s Witness movement, particularly in the UK. I doubt there’s a better book out there if you’re interested in learning about Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, I wouldn’t say this book has much “crossover” appeal. It’s not an exciting read; it’s a sociology book, plain and simple.

P.S. My mum stole this from me while I was reading it. She really enjoyed it and wouldn’t stop talking about it. So… there’s an alternative viewpoint for you.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting sociological look into the lives of contemporary Jehovah's Witnesses in England. If you're looking for a look into Witness theology, this doesn't delve deep into their beliefs. However, it does give an interesting look at Jehovah's Witnesses and how they maneuver life in modern society that confronts and conflicts most of what they stand for.