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Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses
Since 1876, Jehovah's Witnesses have believed that they are living in the last days of the present world. Charles T. Russell, their founder, advised his followers that members of Christ's church would be raptured in 1878, and by 1914 Christ would destroy the nations and establish his kingdom on earth. The first prophecy was not fulfilled, but the outbreak of the First World War lent some credibility to the second. Ever since that time, Jehovah's Witnesses have been predicting that the world would end 'shortly.' Their numbers have grown to many millions in over two hundred countries. They distribute a billion pieces of literature annually, and continue to anticipate the end of the world. Apocalypticism is the key issue in this detailed history, but there are others. As a long-time member of the sect, now expelled, Penton offers a comprehensive overview of a remarkable religious movement. His book is divided into three parts, each presenting the Witnesses' story in a different historical, doctrinal, and sociological. Some of the issues he discusses are known to the general public, such as the sect's opposition to military service and blood transfusions. Others involve internal controversies, including political control of the organization and the handling of dissent within the ranks. Penton has combined the special insight of an insider with the critical analysis of an observer now at a distance from his subject. From them he has created a penetrating study of a spreading world phenomenon. In this second edition, an afterword by the author brings us up to date on events since Apocalypse Delayed was first published in 1985. Penton considers changes in doctrine, practice, and governance on issues such as medical treatment, higher education, apostates, and the apocalypse. This edition features a revised and expanded bibliography.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
25 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
M. James Penton
6 books5 followersMarvin James Penton was a Canadian historian and author. A professor emeritus of history at the University of Lethbridge in Lethbridge, Alberta, he was the author of three books on the history of Jehovah's Witnesses. Although raised in the religion, he was expelled in 1981 on the grounds of apostasy after criticizing some of the teachings and conduct of the religion's leadership. His expulsion gained national media attention.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 23, 2022
This book is an absolutely stellar example of impeccable research. Penton - a former Jehovah's Witness who was disfellowshipped four years prior to this critical biography of the Witness movement - tackles the vast subject by deeply examining the Christian sect from four overarching angles, each arranged in parts. That is: the history, the doctrines, and the organisation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, or "Bible Students", as they were once less conspicuously called.
Penton is predominantly critical of his subject - much more so than he apparently was in his previous book, which praised the Witnesses as champions on free speech (they are, I didn't realise, one of the most persecuted of all Christian peoples around the world today). But, at the same time - and, I think, due largely to his still being a Christian (just a more normal one), whose critique therefore lacks the animosity and scorn many a Christian-to-atheist writer might have engaged in - Penton is never unduly harsh on the people or even the leaders of the religion. Often times, he actually defends Pastor Russel from much of the slanderous talk levelled against him by secular and religious forces both.
The reason I am giving this three starts instead of four is not because it isn't a great book to read if you are very interested in the topic. This is as definitive as I think you could get - the only limitation being its 1985 publication date. Like a nerd aiming for that high distinction from the professor, Penton even includes a thorough annotation of all the many sources he cites in his research. I did not read all of these, but I did glance over them admiringly.
No, the reason I give it only three is just due to my personal inability to stay engaged. It was just too comprehensive for me, who went into the book with just a casual interest. My patience wasn't up to the challenge and I started skipping parts where the section subtitle just didn't really appeal to me. I don't want to even say it's dry. Penton writes with humanity, humour, fairness and a sharply honed academic rigour.
I would fully recommend if you are deeply interested in the Jehovah's Witnesses. It just not the best way to go if your interests are only mild, like mine were.
Penton is predominantly critical of his subject - much more so than he apparently was in his previous book, which praised the Witnesses as champions on free speech (they are, I didn't realise, one of the most persecuted of all Christian peoples around the world today). But, at the same time - and, I think, due largely to his still being a Christian (just a more normal one), whose critique therefore lacks the animosity and scorn many a Christian-to-atheist writer might have engaged in - Penton is never unduly harsh on the people or even the leaders of the religion. Often times, he actually defends Pastor Russel from much of the slanderous talk levelled against him by secular and religious forces both.
The reason I am giving this three starts instead of four is not because it isn't a great book to read if you are very interested in the topic. This is as definitive as I think you could get - the only limitation being its 1985 publication date. Like a nerd aiming for that high distinction from the professor, Penton even includes a thorough annotation of all the many sources he cites in his research. I did not read all of these, but I did glance over them admiringly.
No, the reason I give it only three is just due to my personal inability to stay engaged. It was just too comprehensive for me, who went into the book with just a casual interest. My patience wasn't up to the challenge and I started skipping parts where the section subtitle just didn't really appeal to me. I don't want to even say it's dry. Penton writes with humanity, humour, fairness and a sharply honed academic rigour.
I would fully recommend if you are deeply interested in the Jehovah's Witnesses. It just not the best way to go if your interests are only mild, like mine were.
October 1, 2018
A go-to manual for all things Jehovah's Witness. Want to hear the full story about the people who have just proselytized at your door? This is the book for you.
NOTE: This is a scholarly work and, therefore, has a significant amount of citation for further reading as well as confirming the author's arguments. It is dense and may not be suitable for those looking for an "easy read" on this religious group.
NOTE: This is a scholarly work and, therefore, has a significant amount of citation for further reading as well as confirming the author's arguments. It is dense and may not be suitable for those looking for an "easy read" on this religious group.
June 6, 2020
I once owned this book but found it a very dry academic read. I want to read it again a second time more carefully because the first time I didn't. I'm not 100% sure if I once owned the second or third edition but I will definitely try to read the third edition slowly with plenty of breaks between dry academic paragraphs.
November 4, 2023
I have never been impressed with JWs bible knowledge. They would regularly knock on my parents door and I at the age of 16 could see they were behaving like trained monkeys.
This very well researched book confirms that the Watchtower organisation is a dangerous group to get involved with. Not as bad as the Scientologists but a cult of none-thinkers.
This very well researched book confirms that the Watchtower organisation is a dangerous group to get involved with. Not as bad as the Scientologists but a cult of none-thinkers.
August 26, 2022
The author informs with facts while straying from invective and presenting Jehovah Witnesses as they see themselves and how outsiders would perceive them.
At no time does the author trash the sect just for the sake of nastiness as when I have previously read screeds against Mormons or other non-vanilla flavored Christian sects.
The history, dogma and sociology of the JW is presented fairly. It’s almost possible for a JW believer to read this book and see themselves in a favorable light. That is indicative of how well a job the author does at presenting the facts in this story.
It’s clear from this book that for what makes a JW who they are in their own eyes that any potential slander within this book would be ignored as coming from non-members of the cult and not worthy of consideration, and this book would also re-enforce a JWs certainty in themselves even though their religion is full of cognitive dissonance. Evangelical Christians such as Larson who wrote the book “The Book of Cults’, disliked any religion that doesn’t believe in the Trinity and classified JWs, Mormons, Bahais as cults because they are not trinitarians and therefore according to their narrow view point that makes them cults.
This book does show that the JW’s history for themselves is constantly being revised, their dogma gets re-interrupted as needed and their sociology is of a restrictive non-questioning cult with no tolerance for dissent. It’s not really that different from MAGA Republicans, try to, for example, as a MAGA republican say that Biden won the election in a fair election.
There’s a strange overlap between how JW feel themselves in the world and how MAGA Republicans would. Both groups see the outside world beyond their clique as full of lies with deep state non-sense and paranoia motivating their put-upon imaginary grievances, and each have a cult like narrow view point re-enforced by only allowing heavily filtered news to come across their transom and stifling dissent of any kind.
This book liked to deal with facts and kept feeling based assertions at bay and presented the JW as they would see themselves as would an outsider looking in.
At no time does the author trash the sect just for the sake of nastiness as when I have previously read screeds against Mormons or other non-vanilla flavored Christian sects.
The history, dogma and sociology of the JW is presented fairly. It’s almost possible for a JW believer to read this book and see themselves in a favorable light. That is indicative of how well a job the author does at presenting the facts in this story.
It’s clear from this book that for what makes a JW who they are in their own eyes that any potential slander within this book would be ignored as coming from non-members of the cult and not worthy of consideration, and this book would also re-enforce a JWs certainty in themselves even though their religion is full of cognitive dissonance. Evangelical Christians such as Larson who wrote the book “The Book of Cults’, disliked any religion that doesn’t believe in the Trinity and classified JWs, Mormons, Bahais as cults because they are not trinitarians and therefore according to their narrow view point that makes them cults.
This book does show that the JW’s history for themselves is constantly being revised, their dogma gets re-interrupted as needed and their sociology is of a restrictive non-questioning cult with no tolerance for dissent. It’s not really that different from MAGA Republicans, try to, for example, as a MAGA republican say that Biden won the election in a fair election.
There’s a strange overlap between how JW feel themselves in the world and how MAGA Republicans would. Both groups see the outside world beyond their clique as full of lies with deep state non-sense and paranoia motivating their put-upon imaginary grievances, and each have a cult like narrow view point re-enforced by only allowing heavily filtered news to come across their transom and stifling dissent of any kind.
This book liked to deal with facts and kept feeling based assertions at bay and presented the JW as they would see themselves as would an outsider looking in.
March 14, 2022
Very scholarly, I enjoy Mr Penton's unique point of view as someone who was deeply involved in the schism of 1980. I particularly enjoyed his anecdotes about Rutherford's and Franz's quotes at conventions that were not widely reported, in Rutherford's cases using anti-semitism in his speeches. I would read this again.
March 29, 2016
a good research book. Not exactly light reading. But he covers just about everything around this fruity religion.
September 11, 2020
This hits different if you grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness. Non-biased secular account on its history. Really fascinating.
December 24, 2018
Penton's exhaustive portrait of the Jehovah's Witness movement approaches the subject from three main angles, which form the organization of the book: history, doctrines and beliefs, and organization. Each section refers to the others and the result is a rich and sturdy tapestry with all of the blemishes and brilliance of the movement on display. Indeed, Penton cultivates a voice that is all too rare in religious studies. Departing from the typical social science approach to studies of particular religions--to abstain from making any judgments about truth value, even in the face of glaring violations of the law of non-contradiction--Penton does evaluate individual beliefs and even organizational methods, but always from a purely "text-immanent" perspective. That is to say, he doesn't judge the movement as a whole, rather he lets the movement speak for itself but actually listens and actively listens. Thus, Penton does not shy away from pointing out that the Watch Tower society lacks a fully coherent and systematic theology since so many of its beliefs are arrived at on an ad hoc basis and even contradict previously published claims, sometimes with endorsement of a claim and its contradiction moving back and forth several times over the movement's history, sometimes with a single president (Russell's wavering on whether Witnesses were under the "New Covenant") or from one president to the next (Russell's advocacy of abstaining from marriage to Rutherford's lukewarm endorsement of marriage). When there is evidence for duplicity (in 1980, to try to shore up their power, the Board of Directors tossed around the idea of saying that the harvesting of the 144,000 began in 1957 with the beginning of the space age, rather than 1914), Penton calls it out. This doesn't prevent Penton from following leads and seeing where they end up, even invoking the principle of charity. Any criticism of Watch Tower beliefs or practices is arrived at purely rationally in terms of documented effects that practices have had or in terms of contradictory claims that arise. When a claim is purely empirically verifiable, e.g., "the apocalypse will begin in 1975," he points out that the claim has been shown to be false. This doesn't lead to a condemnation, rather the purpose is to engage the reader in an examination that is all the richer precisely because it doesn't leave common sense at the doorstep. (To see the alternative to this, read some histories of American denominations or of The Second Great Awakening where historians or religious studies scholars since the 1960s usually bend over backwards never to make claims about whether miracles did or didn't occur or whether there was chicanery involved, often turning common sense into a Procrustean caricature of itself in order not to be judgmental.) Penton offers here one of the most comprehensive, thought-provoking, and fairest overviews of the Witnesses from C.T. Russell to about 2014. Probably the only shortcoming in the book, which will probably be addressed in the next edition (the book first came out in 1985 and Penton has updated it twice since then), is the unfortunate fact that Penton claims the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society has stuck to the old-fashioned medium of print and eschewed movies or video production, to say nothing of social media or Internet; it's really been only in the last few years, since the 3rd edition was published, that this has changed radically, with the Watch Tower society producing a glut of videos and even cartoons for kids available at their online TV website (how does mom respond when her child comes home from kindergarten asking about families with two moms?), a lot of raw material that Penton is probably already analyzing with a view towards the 4th edition.
March 18, 2025
"Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain"
I was quite emotional reading this because James Penton's dedication and research was on a whole other level. Being a fourth generation Jehovah's Witness, his indoctrination ran deep, and even being the target of a witch hunt he didn't hold back. Despite being ordered to remain silent, he chose to defy authority and boldly published this book.
This is a very well researched book by a former elder with a balanced and fair perspective. Although published in the 80s this book is still important today with the growing population. Penton exposes the hypocrisy, faults, and breach of ethics, but still addresses the suppression experienced during the Nazi regime and many other points in history.
He doesn't villainize, but directs us to a more logical perspective that Jehovah Witnesses globally are the victims of its major doctrines and immoral control mechanisms. Consequentially, the members are left psychologically impacted since the unique "super-pietism" have detrimental effects, something I've witnessed myself. Penton paints daily life in captivity for some members and Governing Body "insulated themselves from intellectual stimuli for so long that they often have rather naive and jaundiced views of the rest of the world". I am throughout each page wondering: how can this indoctrination be stopped?
Rest in Peace James Penton. You left a remarkable impact through your work and bravery inspiring many to embrace bold ideas, intellectual freedom, and seek truth for themselves.
I was quite emotional reading this because James Penton's dedication and research was on a whole other level. Being a fourth generation Jehovah's Witness, his indoctrination ran deep, and even being the target of a witch hunt he didn't hold back. Despite being ordered to remain silent, he chose to defy authority and boldly published this book.
This is a very well researched book by a former elder with a balanced and fair perspective. Although published in the 80s this book is still important today with the growing population. Penton exposes the hypocrisy, faults, and breach of ethics, but still addresses the suppression experienced during the Nazi regime and many other points in history.
He doesn't villainize, but directs us to a more logical perspective that Jehovah Witnesses globally are the victims of its major doctrines and immoral control mechanisms. Consequentially, the members are left psychologically impacted since the unique "super-pietism" have detrimental effects, something I've witnessed myself. Penton paints daily life in captivity for some members and Governing Body "insulated themselves from intellectual stimuli for so long that they often have rather naive and jaundiced views of the rest of the world". I am throughout each page wondering: how can this indoctrination be stopped?
Rest in Peace James Penton. You left a remarkable impact through your work and bravery inspiring many to embrace bold ideas, intellectual freedom, and seek truth for themselves.
June 8, 2023
Análisis relativamente parcial sobre los Testigos de Jehová (TJ). Analizando la historia y el origen de ciertas doctrina Penton ahonda bien en ellas de forma parcial, sin dar calificativos a estas creencias.
Sin embargo, en muchos aspectos sobre la descripción de la vida secular (escuela, entretenimiento, arte) estaba muy atrasado en su análisis, sabiendo que el libro se reeditó el 2014.
Han habido varios cambios organizacionales en la religión.
Por ejemplo, en una parte dice que los Testigos se resisten a los avances tecnológicos en su proselitismo. Quizás hace 15 años atrás, hoy en día el sitio JW.Org es uno de los más visitados a nivel mundial y traducido a cientos de idiomas.
En otra parte indica que los TJ cantan mal, afirmación fuera de lugar para un libro serio, lo cual encontré muy estúpido.
Aun así Penton pinta una imagen mayormente neutral sobres los Testigos y su evolución a lo largo de la historia.
Recomiendo los capítulos enfocados en la historia de la religión y sus doctrinas, los demás capítulos están bien anticuados.
Sin embargo, en muchos aspectos sobre la descripción de la vida secular (escuela, entretenimiento, arte) estaba muy atrasado en su análisis, sabiendo que el libro se reeditó el 2014.
Han habido varios cambios organizacionales en la religión.
Por ejemplo, en una parte dice que los Testigos se resisten a los avances tecnológicos en su proselitismo. Quizás hace 15 años atrás, hoy en día el sitio JW.Org es uno de los más visitados a nivel mundial y traducido a cientos de idiomas.
En otra parte indica que los TJ cantan mal, afirmación fuera de lugar para un libro serio, lo cual encontré muy estúpido.
Aun así Penton pinta una imagen mayormente neutral sobres los Testigos y su evolución a lo largo de la historia.
Recomiendo los capítulos enfocados en la historia de la religión y sus doctrinas, los demás capítulos están bien anticuados.
September 4, 2022
This isn't an exciting book. BUT If you are looking for a Jehovah's Witness trustable fact based research book with no theories, this is the perfect textbook. It is my opinion that this book is a thorough review of the history and ramifications of the Watchtower Society.
Penton is fair in his appraisal. He is objective. Having been associated with this organization for a half century I have witnessed many of the trends he describes.
I consider his overall coverage of this subject to be informative, accurate and just.
This is an excellent source for any who have unanswered questions about the Watchtower Society.
Penton is fair in his appraisal. He is objective. Having been associated with this organization for a half century I have witnessed many of the trends he describes.
I consider his overall coverage of this subject to be informative, accurate and just.
This is an excellent source for any who have unanswered questions about the Watchtower Society.
January 22, 2022
Perhaps most thoroughly written and comprehensive history of this relatively new religious movement. While certainly not a hagiography, the work of Professor Penton is free from any negative bias or prejudice and at the same time full of deep research and abundance of references. Must read for everyone interested in how it all started- and why the JW organization is what it is today. Goes best with coffe or tea on several consecutive cold afternoons.
February 1, 2022
As far as I know, this is the most in-depth and most up to date book on Jehovah's Witnesses history and theology available. The entire spectrum of history is covered as well as culture. If I had to add anything to this book, it would be more on theology. There definitely is theology in this book, but not at the depth I would have hoped. But overall, this is a must read for anyone with a keen interest in this religion.
August 29, 2023
Jim penton got it right, jws are so full of hot air and vindictiveness. this is a man who has lived through all this and can tell you exactly what the inner workings and history of this strange religion are about. read this, you won't be disappointed
May 25, 2022
Great book! Writer knows how to write scholarly book about history of JWs!
August 2, 2022
This book was written by a religious scholar and it has no fluff. It is all accurate information. I also like to listen to old Jordan Maxwell interviews you can find on Watchtower.
September 5, 2023
Even though I once tried to read the second edition and once owned the third edition of this book I didn't read it carefully from cover to cover. It was exhausting to read and not very encouraging. I once thought I might try again but I don't think Jehovah wants me to.
Even though some Watchtower words haven't been correct the Governing Body has always admitted this later on and compared to the teachings of other Christian churches/religions they are the most correct.
The example of Job comes to mind. Not all of his words were accurate but compared to the words of his three self-righteous friends they were. He prayed for them and they offered sacrifices. Then they were healed of the boils that Jehovah punished them with for their wicked words.
Elihu waited a long time before speaking his words of rebuke to the four older men. It isn't just older people that can conquer the wicked one by their faith. It can be younger ones as well. It isn't wrong for a young child to rebuke an older one. Think about Samuel and Eli.
Ignorance isn't bliss. But I prefer to stick to books that open my eyes to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy such as the evil modern day food situation which is a fulfillment of Zechariah 5 and part of the table of demons.
I've thought that Canadians are nicer than Americans. Also that Canadians are not as evil as Americans. The two statements don't always mean the exact same thing. Return Service Requested.
I agree with the author and with another author that most Jehovah's Witnesses are not like Gideon and the 300. Most Jehovah's Witnesses should not be going door to door because their neighbors find them foul. Return Service Required.
Even though some Watchtower words haven't been correct the Governing Body has always admitted this later on and compared to the teachings of other Christian churches/religions they are the most correct.
The example of Job comes to mind. Not all of his words were accurate but compared to the words of his three self-righteous friends they were. He prayed for them and they offered sacrifices. Then they were healed of the boils that Jehovah punished them with for their wicked words.
Elihu waited a long time before speaking his words of rebuke to the four older men. It isn't just older people that can conquer the wicked one by their faith. It can be younger ones as well. It isn't wrong for a young child to rebuke an older one. Think about Samuel and Eli.
Ignorance isn't bliss. But I prefer to stick to books that open my eyes to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy such as the evil modern day food situation which is a fulfillment of Zechariah 5 and part of the table of demons.
I've thought that Canadians are nicer than Americans. Also that Canadians are not as evil as Americans. The two statements don't always mean the exact same thing. Return Service Requested.
I agree with the author and with another author that most Jehovah's Witnesses are not like Gideon and the 300. Most Jehovah's Witnesses should not be going door to door because their neighbors find them foul. Return Service Required.
July 3, 2012
I wish I could give this book more stars, but sadly I cannot. I like this book. I think it's fair. The subject matter is very interesting. The writing is a bit tough. I usually read books this length much faster than I did this one, but I had to put it down after every 5 or so pages and it felt like a bit of a struggle to finish it. I'm glad I did, but I wouldn't bother unless you're very interested in the subject.
Want to read
July 7, 2011Nope. Couldn't do it...
And it wasn't the academic tone....
And it wasn't the academic tone....
Want to read
August 3, 2010Edition irrelevant.2010-02-11
June 16, 2014
Extremely dense read! Being raised in the religion, the author explained a lot of topics I had often wondered. It was eye opening, yet a little sad at the same time.
May 22, 2019
A bit of an ax to grind (and some weird takes on Mormons), but otherwise good.
January 18, 2022
BRILLIANT
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews