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{{Short description|Jehovah's Witnesses religious magazine}}
:''This article is about the religious magazine. For information on literal watchtowers, see ].''
{{other uses|Watchtower (disambiguation)}}


{{primary sources|date=June 2020}}
]
{{Infobox magazine
| title = The Watchtower
| image_file = WatchtowerMagazine_logo.png
| image_size = 300px
| image_alt =
| image_caption =
| editor =
| editor_title =
| previous_editor =
| staff_writer =
| circulation = ''Public Edition'': 21.7 million (2024)<br />''Study Edition'': 13.8 million (2018)
| category = Religious
| frequency = ''Public Edition'': annually<br />''Study Edition'': monthly
| company = ]
| publisher = ]
| firstdate = {{start date and age|1879|7}} (as ''Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence'')
| country = ]
| based = ], United States
| language = ''Public Edition'': 444 languages (2024)<br />''Study Edition'': 463 languages (2024)
| website = {{URL| www.jw.org/en/library/magazines|The Watchtower}}
| issn = 2325-5838
}}
'''''The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom''''' is an illustrated religious ], published by the ]. ] distribute ''The Watchtower—Public Edition'', along with its companion magazine, '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008041|magazine= The Watchtower|title= The New Study Edition of ''The Watchtower''|date= January 15, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Holden|first= A.|title= Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement|url= https://archive.org/details/jehovahswitnesse00andr|url-access= registration|publisher= Routledge|year= 2002|page= }}</ref>


The Watch Tower Society reports a circulation of 21.7 million per issue for ''The Watchtower—Public Edition'' in 444 languages, with one new issue produced annually.<ref name="circulation1">{{cite magazine |date= |year=2024 |title=Contents |url=https://d34ji3l0qn3w2t.cloudfront.net/66688fd9-f6ff-4934-a668-7402f4958869/3/wp_E_202407.pdf |magazine=The Watchtower |publisher=Watch Tower Society |page=2 |volume=145 |issue=1}}</ref> ''The Watchtower—Study Edition'', used at congregation meetings, is published monthly.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/w20080115/The-New-Study-Edition-of-The-Watchtower/ |title=The New Study Edition of The Watchtower|access-date=5 July 2024|publisher=JW.ORG }}</ref>
'''''The Watchtower''''' is an illustrated religious ] printed and published by ] via their ] in ] and branch offices around the world.
{{clear left}}

== Purpose ==

''The Watchtower'' is used by Jehovah's Witnesses in their proselytising activities and gives their interpretation of the Bible. The magazine is also a major vehicle of communication from the ] of Jehovah's Witnesses to the association as a whole regarding doctrinal issues or changes.

The Watchtower and its companion journal ] both aim to spread the views of Jehovah's Witnesses. ''The Watchtower'' focuses more on religious and theological issues, while ''Awake!'' aims to be more of a topical read from a religious perspective.

The inside of the cover page of the ''Watchtower'' states:

:''"The purpose of the Watchtower is to exalt Jehovah God as Sovereign Lord of the Universe. It keeps watch on world events as these fulfill Bible prophecy. It comforts all peoples with the good news that God's Kingdom will soon destroy those who oppress their fellowman and that it will turn the earth into a paradise. It encourages faith in God's now-reigning King, Jesus Christ, whose shed blood opens the way for mankind to gain eternal life. The Watchtower, published by Jehovah's Witnesses continuously since 1879, is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority."''


== History == == History ==
]
]


Publication began in 1879 under the title ''Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence''. In 1909 the name was changed to ''The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence''. In 1920, the Watchtower Society reprinted all the issues from 1879-1919 in 7 volumes. This set is known as ''Watchtower Reprints''. Later on, in October 1939, the magazine was renamed ''The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence'', and, from March 1940 until now, its full name has been ''The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom''. The magazine was started by ] in July 1879 under the title '''''Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence'''''. According to its first issue, the magazine's original purpose was to draw attention to Russell's belief that people of the time were "living 'in the last days' 'the day of the Lord'—'the end' of the Gospel age," and that "the dawn of the 'new' age, are facts not only discernible by the close student of the Word, led by the spirit, but the outward signs recognizable by the world bear the same testimony."<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine= Zion's Watch Tower|date= July 1, 1879|title= Prospectus|page= 3}}</ref>


In 1909 the name was changed to ''The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence''. In 1920, the Watch Tower Society reprinted all issues from 1879–1919 in seven volumes, known as the ''Watchtower Reprints'', which have since been reprinted by various ] groups. On October 15, 1931, the magazine was renamed ''The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence''; on January 1, 1939, ''The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Kingdom''; from March 1, 1939 until the present, its full name has been ''The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom''.<ref>{{cite book|title=Watchtower Publications Index|year=2008}}</ref>
''The Watchtower'' and '']'' were sold for a small charge in the ] until March 1, 1990, shortly after the ] ruled religious literature being sold was subject to taxation on January 17. In the United States, distribution of Jehovah's Witnesses literature was then switched to a voluntary donation system. The new rulings by the Court would have added tax collection and submission to the distribution process. So, members were not told that this was to dodge taxes, but rather that it was to "simplify our Bible education work and separate ourselves from those who commercialize religion." The sale of the magazines, and all Jehovah's Witnesses' literature, continued around the world until the early ], and in some countries until the start of 2000.


== Content ==
''The Watchtower'' is now distributed free of charge everywhere, its printing being funded by voluntary donations.
Articles are submitted by writing committees from worldwide branch offices, which are then checked by editors and translated into the languages of publication; all involved are volunteers.<ref>{{cite book|title=1994 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses|publisher=Watch Tower Society|page=29}}</ref> Women are permitted to write articles that are not of a doctrinal nature.<ref>{{cite book|title=Branch Organization Manual|publisher=Watch Tower Society|pages=24–1|quote=Those used as writers must be dedicated, baptized brothers or sisters in good standing with their local congregations and who have writing ability. ... Some articles will deal with spiritual matters, and these should be written by brothers.}}</ref> The names of the authors (except in first-person life stories), and other publishing staff are not provided. ''The Watchtower'' is overseen by the Writing Committee of the ].<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Watchtower|date=April 15, 2013|page=30|title=Do Not Tire Out}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Watchtower|title='Upon the Watchtower I Am Standing'|date=March 1, 1987|page=15|quote=Each article in both ''The Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'' and every page, including the artwork, is scrutinized by selected members of the Governing Body before it is printed.}}</ref>


''The Watchtower'' is the official means of sharing ],<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Watchtower|date=December 15, 1971|page=755|title=A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation|quote=The official magazine of Jehovah's Christian witnesses is ''The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom''.}}</ref> and includes articles relating to biblical prophecies, ] conduct and morals, and the ] and the Bible. It is intended to draw attention to the ], which Jehovah's Witnesses believe is a real government that will soon replace all earthly governments. According to the magazine's mission statement:<ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 1, 2013|journal=The Watchtower|page=2|title=Contents page}}</ref>
== Distribution ==
''The Watchtower'' has an average print run of 26.4 million and is printed semi-monthly in about 110 languages, and monthly in about another 40 for a total of 150 languages.


<blockquote>THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors ] ], the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God's heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in ], who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God's Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the ] as its authority.</blockquote>
The Watchtower is distributed by Jehovah&#8217;s Witnesses. They consider their work a public service. Witnesses commonly offer these magazines in the course of their house-to-house ministry. They are also distributed by approaching people in public places or informally to doctors, academics, politicians and acquaintances. The Watchtower may also be seen left as reading material in public places, including bus terminals, ]s or other places. Distribution practices such as mailbox drops and placing large stacks in public places are discouraged by the Watchtower Society.


Previously, each issue of the ''Watchtower'' contained study articles and other regular features and was distributed to the general public. In 2008, content was divided into a ''Public Edition'' distributed to non-Witnesses and a ''Study Edition'', which contains "pointed information prepared especially for Jehovah's Witnesses".<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=July 2007|page=1|title=Exciting Changes for The Watchtower|quote=This edition can also contain pointed information prepared especially for Jehovah’s Witnesses and Bible students who are making spiritual progress.}}</ref>
== Editions ==


===''Public Edition''===
Over the years, Jehovah's Witnesses have added a variety of editions of the magazine, with a view to making it available to a wider public. In 1976, The Watchtower became available in Grade II English Braille. In 1988, it began to be produced on audiocassette for the benefit of the visually impaired as well as others who wished to listen to it. In 2003, a videocassette edition (of main study articles) in ] was produced, and this was extended to DVD in 2004. Select articles are available at their official website (www.watchtower.org). Additionally, 2004 saw the release of ''The Watchtower'' on compact disk (] and later audio CD format). In 2005, a DVD edition of "The Watchtower" was made available in ].
The ''Public Edition'' of ''The Watchtower'' contains biblical articles relating to a theme shown on the cover. In January 2013, ''The Watchtower&mdash;Public Edition'' was reduced from 32 to 16 pages, with greater focus on the official Jehovah's Witnesses website. Initially issued monthly, as of January 2016 the ''Public Edition'' was published every two months, and was further reduced to three issues per year as of January 2018. In 2022, publication was reduced to one new issue per year.<ref>{{citation|publisher=Watch Tower Society|title=Announcements and Reminders|page=1|date=July 2021}}; {{citation|publisher=Watch Tower Society|title=Announcements and Reminders|page=2|date=July 2022}}.</ref>


== Content == ===''Study Edition''===
The ''Study Edition'' contains study articles written for the ], as well as other intra-organizational information directed to current and prospective members.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jw.org/en/publications/|title=Jehovah's Witnesses—Featured Items|access-date=2009-01-14}}</ref>


Each issue contains two or three study articles used as guides to religious studies of Jehovah's Witnesses throughout the world. Virtually all of the Jehovah's Witness communities throughout the earth discuss the same information each week at the "Watchtower Study". In this meeting the Watchtower Study Conductor has each paragraph read aloud, after which he asks the questions printed at the bottom of the page for that paragraph; Witnesses present at the meeting are then called upon to answer the questions using the information just read in the paragraph. Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide discuss the same article each week at the ''Watchtower'' Study. At this meeting, each paragraph is read aloud by a designated reader; the study conductor then asks questions printed at the bottom of the page for each paragraph and calls on members of the congregation to answer the questions based on the printed information. They are encouraged to put the information in their own words and to "draw attention to scripture application, supporting arguments, or practical application of the material."<ref>{{cite magazine|date=December 1998|title=Overseers Taking the Lead—The Watchtower Study Conductor|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|page=8}}</ref>


A separate ''Simplified'' version of the ''Study Edition'' was introduced in July 2011<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Watchtower|language=en |url=http://download.jw.org/files/media_magazines/5c/ws_E_20110715.pdf|date=July 15, 2011|title=Introduction letter|page=3}}</ref> but was discontinued in 2019.<ref>According to the ''Watch Tower Publications Index'', the ''Simplified'' and ''Study'' editions were "merged", leaving only the ''Study Edition''.</ref>
Today, the magazine is 32 pages in size and is published in 150 languages. A typical issue usually includes their interpretations of topics such as ] prophecy, ] conduct and morals, as well as the ] and the Bible.


== Distribution ==
''The Watchtower'' has long drawn criticism that it publishes definite dates for the end of the world as a matter of ]. ''The Watchtower's'' subtitle, "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom," indicates its interest in eschatology but Watch Tower Society writers caution, "It does no good to use Bible chronology for speculating on dates that are still future in the stream of time," despite the fact that they have repeatedly done so. (All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial, 1963) Following are a few examples of false prophecies that have been printed in the magazine's pages over the years:
The magazine is printed in nineteen countries.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005807|magazine=The Watchtower|title=Contributions That Warm God's Heart|date=November 1, 2005|page=27}}</ref> {{As of|2024||post=,}} each issue of the ''Public Edition'' has an average circulation of 21.7 million copies in 444 languages.<ref name="circulation1" /> The monthly production of the ''Study Edition'' is not stated in the English edition; in January 2018 the Russian edition stated a circulation of 13.8 million.<ref name=":0">{{cite magazine|url= https://download-a.akamaihd.net/files/media_magazines/9a/w_U_201801.pdf|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130835/https://download-a.akamaihd.net/files/media_magazines/9a/w_U_201801.pdf|url-status= dead|archive-date= 2017-10-11|magazine=The Watchtower|date= January 2018|page= 2|title= Contents page|language= ru
|publisher=Watch Tower Society}} </ref> The ''Study Edition'' is published in 463 languages.<ref>"Study Articles for April 8 to May 4". ''The Watchtower''. February 2024. in: ''JW Library'' (app). "Search languages (463): Abbey: Zulu: ''INqabayokulinda''".</ref>


The ''Public Edition'' is distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses in the course of their public ministry including door-to-door canvassing, approaching people in public places, given informally to acquaintances and professionals, or left as reading material in waiting areas.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Question Box|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=March 1988|page=4|quote=Perhaps some back issues of the magazines could be distributed free when visiting nursing homes and hospitals. They could be left at Laundromats or in the lobbies of residential buildings where our work is restricted. However, good judgment should be exercised as to how many and how often magazines are left at one place.}}</ref> The ''Study Edition'' is generally distributed only to members but is made available to members of the public attending the study of ''The Watchtower'' at congregation meetings.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=July 2007|page=1|title=Exciting Changes for ''The Watchtower''!}}</ref>
:"The culmination of the trouble in October, 1914, is clearly marked in the Scriptures; and we are bound therefore to expect a beginning of that severe trouble not later than 1910; - with severe spasms between now and then." (September 15, 1901 Watchtower, p. 2876)


The magazine has been made available in various ] formats. Selected articles were provided in Braille since 1960<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Awake!|publisher=Watch Tower Society|date=April 8, 1977|page=19|title=They Read with Their Fingers}}</ref> with the full magazine available in 1979.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|pages=2&ndash;4|date=August 1979|title=Announcements|publisher=Watch Tower Society}}</ref> It has also been made available in various audio formats since 1998.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|page=2|date=October 1987|title="The Watchtower" on Cassette}}</ref> Jehovah's Witnesses' official website provides content from ''The Watchtower'' in various digital formats.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Good News on the Internet|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=November 1997|page=3}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Announcements|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=June 2008|page=3|quote=Since January 2008, audio files of ''The Watchtower'' and ''Awake!'' in English and Spanish have been made available at the Web site www.jw.org.}}</ref>
:"The parallel, therefore, would establish definitely that the harvest would close forty years thereafter; to wit, in the spring of A.D. 1918. If this be true, and the evidence is very conclusive that it is true, then we have only a few months in which to labor before the great night settles down when no man can work." (October 1, 1917 Watchtower, p. 6149)
===Cost===


Until March 1990, ''The Watchtower'' was available for a small charge that varied over time and in different countries. For example, in the United States, the suggested donation per issue was $0.05 in 1950,<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Watchtower|date=May 15, 1950|page=4|title=Publication details}}</ref> gradually increasing to $0.25 in 1989.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|page=2|date=October 1989|title=Announcements}}</ref> On January 17, 1990, the ] ruled against ] that sales of religious literature were subject to taxation,<ref>Swaggart Ministries v. California Board of Equalization, 493 U.S. 378 (1990)</ref> which introduced ambiguity into the formerly tax-free practice of suggesting a specific amount in exchange for the magazines. The Watch Tower Society supported Swaggart in the case, arguing that the perceived sale of religious literature should be exempt from taxation.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Four Presidents of the Watch Tower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses)|author=Edmond C. Gruss|publisher=Xulon Press|year=2003|pages=72&ndash;73}}</ref>
:"That the harvest began in 1878, there is ample and convincing proof. The end of the harvest is due in the spring of 1918." (May 1, 1918 Watchtower, p. 6243)


From March 1, 1990, the magazines were made available at no cost, on a freewill donation basis in the ], with the stated purpose of simplifying their Bible educational work and distinguishing themselves from those who commercialize religion.<ref name=OKM>{{cite magazine|magazine=Our Kingdom Ministry|date=May 1990|page=7|title=Use Our Literature Wisely|quote=At the end of February 1990, it was explained that magazines and literature will be provided to publishers and to the interested public on a complete donation basis, that is, without asking or suggesting that a specific contribution be made as a precondition to receiving an item.}}</ref> An article in the May 1990 issue of ''Our Kingdom Ministry''&mdash;a newsletter provided to members&mdash;stated that "there are growing pressures against all religious elements" and went on to say that their main concern was to move ahead in the worldwide preaching work, "without hindrance."<ref name="OKM" />
:"Soon now six millenniums of his wicked exploiting of mankind as his slaves will end, within the lifetime of the generation that has witnessed world events since the close of the Gentile Times in 1914 till now, according to the prophetic words of Jesus in Matthew 24:34. Would not, then, the end of six millenniums of mankind's laborious enslavement under Satan the Devil be the fitting time for Jehovah God to usher in a Sabbath millennium for all his human creatures? Yes, indeed!" (October 15, 1969 Watchtower, p. 623)


The sale of Jehovah's Witnesses' literature was gradually phased out in other countries, and ''The Watchtower'' has been distributed free of charge worldwide since January 2000, its printing being funded by voluntary donations from Jehovah's Witnesses and members of the public.<ref>{{cite book|title=2001 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses|page=18|quote=Another factor in reaching more people with the good news has been the simplified literature distribution arrangement. ... The voluntary donation arrangement is explained to people, but no charge is made for the literature. As of January 2000, that arrangement was extended to all lands where it was not already in operation.}}</ref>
Some Jehovah's Witnesses point to conflicting quotes such as the following as a defense:


==See also==
:According to the best chronological reckoning of which we are capable, it is approximately that time--whether it be October, 1914, or later. Without dogmatizing, we are looking for...the inauguration of Messiah's Kingdom in the world. (Watchtower 1913 10/15)
*]


== References ==
:Does this mean that the year 1975 will bring about Armageddon? No one can say with certainty what any particular year will bring. (Watchtower 1968 5/1 pp272-273)
{{reflist|2}}

:Jesus...emphasized...five times. "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows"... we do not need to know the "day and hour" when God's coming destructive act will begin. (Watchtower 1974 6/15 pp 378-379)


=== Authorship ===
There is a writing commitee within the WBTS that oversees the research, editing, and development of the articles. The articles are mostly contributed by writing commitees within the branch offices worldwide, which are then checked by a team of editors for accuracy, grammar, spelling, etc, and then translated into the languages of publication by other teams. The names of the authors, editors, etc. are never included in the final magazine, though all articles are produced under the authority of the Governing Body, and therefore the content is considered the official position of the organization.


== External links == == External links ==
* (Jehovah's Witnesses: Watchtower Society Official Web Site) *
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719174217/http://www.mostholyfaith.com/bible/Reprints/ |date=2010-07-19 }}
{{Authority control}}
*
{{Jehovah's Witnesses navbox}}

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Latest revision as of 20:57, 14 October 2024

Jehovah's Witnesses religious magazine For other uses, see Watchtower (disambiguation).
This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. Please improve this article by adding secondary or tertiary sources.
Find sources: "The Watchtower" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (June 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
The Watchtower
CategoriesReligious
FrequencyPublic Edition: annually
Study Edition: monthly
CirculationPublic Edition: 21.7 million (2024)
Study Edition: 13.8 million (2018)
PublisherWatch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
First issueJuly 1879; 145 years ago (1879-07) (as Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence)
CompanyJehovah's Witnesses
CountryUnited States
Based inWarwick, New York, United States
LanguagePublic Edition: 444 languages (2024)
Study Edition: 463 languages (2024)
WebsiteThe Watchtower
ISSN2325-5838

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom is an illustrated religious magazine, published by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. Jehovah's Witnesses distribute The Watchtower—Public Edition, along with its companion magazine, Awake!.

The Watch Tower Society reports a circulation of 21.7 million per issue for The Watchtower—Public Edition in 444 languages, with one new issue produced annually. The Watchtower—Study Edition, used at congregation meetings, is published monthly.

History

Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, July 1879
Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, October 1, 1907

The magazine was started by Charles Taze Russell in July 1879 under the title Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. According to its first issue, the magazine's original purpose was to draw attention to Russell's belief that people of the time were "living 'in the last days' 'the day of the Lord'—'the end' of the Gospel age," and that "the dawn of the 'new' age, are facts not only discernible by the close student of the Word, led by the spirit, but the outward signs recognizable by the world bear the same testimony."

In 1909 the name was changed to The Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence. In 1920, the Watch Tower Society reprinted all issues from 1879–1919 in seven volumes, known as the Watchtower Reprints, which have since been reprinted by various Bible Student groups. On October 15, 1931, the magazine was renamed The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence; on January 1, 1939, The Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Kingdom; from March 1, 1939 until the present, its full name has been The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom.

Content

Articles are submitted by writing committees from worldwide branch offices, which are then checked by editors and translated into the languages of publication; all involved are volunteers. Women are permitted to write articles that are not of a doctrinal nature. The names of the authors (except in first-person life stories), and other publishing staff are not provided. The Watchtower is overseen by the Writing Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Watchtower is the official means of sharing Jehovah's Witness beliefs, and includes articles relating to biblical prophecies, Christian conduct and morals, and the history of religion and the Bible. It is intended to draw attention to the kingdom of God, which Jehovah's Witnesses believe is a real government that will soon replace all earthly governments. According to the magazine's mission statement:

THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God's heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God's Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority.

Previously, each issue of the Watchtower contained study articles and other regular features and was distributed to the general public. In 2008, content was divided into a Public Edition distributed to non-Witnesses and a Study Edition, which contains "pointed information prepared especially for Jehovah's Witnesses".

Public Edition

The Public Edition of The Watchtower contains biblical articles relating to a theme shown on the cover. In January 2013, The Watchtower—Public Edition was reduced from 32 to 16 pages, with greater focus on the official Jehovah's Witnesses website. Initially issued monthly, as of January 2016 the Public Edition was published every two months, and was further reduced to three issues per year as of January 2018. In 2022, publication was reduced to one new issue per year.

Study Edition

The Study Edition contains study articles written for the Watchtower Study, as well as other intra-organizational information directed to current and prospective members.

Congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide discuss the same article each week at the Watchtower Study. At this meeting, each paragraph is read aloud by a designated reader; the study conductor then asks questions printed at the bottom of the page for each paragraph and calls on members of the congregation to answer the questions based on the printed information. They are encouraged to put the information in their own words and to "draw attention to scripture application, supporting arguments, or practical application of the material."

A separate Simplified version of the Study Edition was introduced in July 2011 but was discontinued in 2019.

Distribution

The magazine is printed in nineteen countries. As of 2024, each issue of the Public Edition has an average circulation of 21.7 million copies in 444 languages. The monthly production of the Study Edition is not stated in the English edition; in January 2018 the Russian edition stated a circulation of 13.8 million. The Study Edition is published in 463 languages.

The Public Edition is distributed by Jehovah's Witnesses in the course of their public ministry including door-to-door canvassing, approaching people in public places, given informally to acquaintances and professionals, or left as reading material in waiting areas. The Study Edition is generally distributed only to members but is made available to members of the public attending the study of The Watchtower at congregation meetings.

The magazine has been made available in various accessible formats. Selected articles were provided in Braille since 1960 with the full magazine available in 1979. It has also been made available in various audio formats since 1998. Jehovah's Witnesses' official website provides content from The Watchtower in various digital formats.

Cost

Until March 1990, The Watchtower was available for a small charge that varied over time and in different countries. For example, in the United States, the suggested donation per issue was $0.05 in 1950, gradually increasing to $0.25 in 1989. On January 17, 1990, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against Jimmy Swaggart that sales of religious literature were subject to taxation, which introduced ambiguity into the formerly tax-free practice of suggesting a specific amount in exchange for the magazines. The Watch Tower Society supported Swaggart in the case, arguing that the perceived sale of religious literature should be exempt from taxation.

From March 1, 1990, the magazines were made available at no cost, on a freewill donation basis in the United States, with the stated purpose of simplifying their Bible educational work and distinguishing themselves from those who commercialize religion. An article in the May 1990 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry—a newsletter provided to members—stated that "there are growing pressures against all religious elements" and went on to say that their main concern was to move ahead in the worldwide preaching work, "without hindrance."

The sale of Jehovah's Witnesses' literature was gradually phased out in other countries, and The Watchtower has been distributed free of charge worldwide since January 2000, its printing being funded by voluntary donations from Jehovah's Witnesses and members of the public.

See also

References

  1. "The New Study Edition of The Watchtower". The Watchtower. January 15, 2008.
  2. Holden, A. (2002). Jehovah's Witnesses: Portrait of a Contemporary Religious Movement. Routledge. p. 67.
  3. ^ "Contents" (PDF). The Watchtower. Vol. 145, no. 1. Watch Tower Society. 2024. p. 2.
  4. "The New Study Edition of The Watchtower". JW.ORG. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  5. "Prospectus". Zion's Watch Tower. July 1, 1879. p. 3.
  6. Watchtower Publications Index. 2008.
  7. 1994 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. Watch Tower Society. p. 29.
  8. Branch Organization Manual. Watch Tower Society. pp. 24–1. Those used as writers must be dedicated, baptized brothers or sisters in good standing with their local congregations and who have writing ability. ... Some articles will deal with spiritual matters, and these should be written by brothers.
  9. "Do Not Tire Out". The Watchtower. April 15, 2013. p. 30.
  10. "'Upon the Watchtower I Am Standing'". The Watchtower. March 1, 1987. p. 15. Each article in both The Watchtower and Awake! and every page, including the artwork, is scrutinized by selected members of the Governing Body before it is printed.
  11. "A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation". The Watchtower. December 15, 1971. p. 755. The official magazine of Jehovah's Christian witnesses is The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom.
  12. "Contents page". The Watchtower. January 1, 2013. p. 2.
  13. "Exciting Changes for The Watchtower". Our Kingdom Ministry. July 2007. p. 1. This edition can also contain pointed information prepared especially for Jehovah's Witnesses and Bible students who are making spiritual progress.
  14. Announcements and Reminders, Watch Tower Society, July 2021, p. 1; Announcements and Reminders, Watch Tower Society, July 2022, p. 2.
  15. "Jehovah's Witnesses—Featured Items". Retrieved 2009-01-14.
  16. "Overseers Taking the Lead—The Watchtower Study Conductor". Our Kingdom Ministry. December 1998. p. 8.
  17. "Introduction letter" (PDF). The Watchtower. July 15, 2011. p. 3.
  18. According to the Watch Tower Publications Index, the Simplified and Study editions were "merged", leaving only the Study Edition.
  19. "Contributions That Warm God's Heart". The Watchtower. November 1, 2005. p. 27.
  20. "Contents page" (PDF). The Watchtower (in Russian). Watch Tower Society. January 2018. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-11.
  21. "Study Articles for April 8 to May 4". The Watchtower. February 2024. in: JW Library (app). "Search languages (463): Abbey: Zulu: INqabayokulinda".
  22. "Question Box". Our Kingdom Ministry. March 1988. p. 4. Perhaps some back issues of the magazines could be distributed free when visiting nursing homes and hospitals. They could be left at Laundromats or in the lobbies of residential buildings where our work is restricted. However, good judgment should be exercised as to how many and how often magazines are left at one place.
  23. "Exciting Changes for The Watchtower!". Our Kingdom Ministry. July 2007. p. 1.
  24. "They Read with Their Fingers". Awake!. Watch Tower Society. April 8, 1977. p. 19.
  25. "Announcements". Our Kingdom Ministry. Watch Tower Society. August 1979. pp. 2–4.
  26. ""The Watchtower" on Cassette". Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1987. p. 2.
  27. "Good News on the Internet". Our Kingdom Ministry. November 1997. p. 3.
  28. "Announcements". Our Kingdom Ministry. June 2008. p. 3. Since January 2008, audio files of The Watchtower and Awake! in English and Spanish have been made available at the Web site www.jw.org.
  29. "Publication details". The Watchtower. May 15, 1950. p. 4.
  30. "Announcements". Our Kingdom Ministry. October 1989. p. 2.
  31. Swaggart Ministries v. California Board of Equalization, 493 U.S. 378 (1990)
  32. Edmond C. Gruss (2003). The Four Presidents of the Watch Tower Society (Jehovah's Witnesses). Xulon Press. pp. 72–73.
  33. ^ "Use Our Literature Wisely". Our Kingdom Ministry. May 1990. p. 7. At the end of February 1990, it was explained that magazines and literature will be provided to publishers and to the interested public on a complete donation basis, that is, without asking or suggesting that a specific contribution be made as a precondition to receiving an item.
  34. 2001 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. 18. Another factor in reaching more people with the good news has been the simplified literature distribution arrangement. ... The voluntary donation arrangement is explained to people, but no charge is made for the literature. As of January 2000, that arrangement was extended to all lands where it was not already in operation.

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