The Harp of God

by J.F. Rutherford

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330 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1921

About the author

Joseph Franklin Rutherford, also known as Judge Rutherford, was the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (Jehovah's Witnesses) from 1917 until his death in 1942. His appointment was disputed by the Society's board of directors, 4 of which accused him of an autocratic leadership style. This controversy lead to a schism in the Bible Students movement. In 1918 Rutherford and seven other Watch Tower executives were imprisoned briefly on charges of sedition. Following his release from prison, Rutherford began a major reorganization of Bible Student activities.

At a May, 1919 convention in Ohio he announced the publication of a new magazine, The Golden Age (later renamed Awake!). In 1920, Rutherford published a booklet, Millions Now Living Will Never Die, and a year later published his first hardcover book, The Harp of God. This was followed by a further nineteen hardcover books, each with one-word titles, such as Creation (1927), Jehovah (1934) and Children (1941). His publications reached a total printing of 36 million copies.

In 1925 he gained full control over what doctrines would be taught in Watch Tower Society publications, overruling the refusal by the five-man Editorial Committee to publish his article, "Birth of the Nation", which contained significant doctrinal changes. At a 1931 Bible Student assembly in Columbus, Ohio Rutherford proposed a new name for the organization, Jehovah's witnesses, to differentiate them from the proliferation of other groups that followed Russell's teachings.

Rutherford died at Beth Sarim on January 8, 1942 at the age of 72. Cause of death was "uraemia due to carcinoma of the rectum due to pelvic metastasis."

Reviews

[Sabne Raznik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember that this was published in 1928 and understanding of scripture continues to be refined. That being said, this book is a joy to read. I can’t remember the last time I read a 300+ page book so fast. Also, since certain teachings get *much* more discussion space here than they typically (and understandably) do today, I now have a clearer understanding of those teachings. A fascinating aspect of this book for me is the fact that it is a window into the world 100 years ago. Its close proximity to the psychologically seismic events of 1914 also gives us a unique look into the minds of those who lived through that experience and its immediate aftermath. Overall, a fascinating read!

[Kevin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Millions now living will never die! another failed prophecy of the JWs (International Bible Students)

[Michael David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read a significant amount of JW literature, and to be honest, Rutherford's work stands out the best. Although he wrote horrible books such as Riches, most of the better JW literature I've read come from him, too. Preservation is probably his best work, but Deliverance and this book aren't that far behind. It introduces people to the JW faith, and isn't as heavy-handed as a lot of later JW literature.

[Jonathan Brown]

Jehovah's Witnesses