Joseph Franklin Rutherford

Joseph Franklin Rutherford (1869–1942) was an American religious leader and author, best known for his role as the second president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, the main legal entity of the Jehovah's Witnesses. Born in Missouri, Rutherford was initially a lawyer before becoming involved with the Bible Student movement, which later evolved into the Jehovah's Witnesses under the leadership of Charles Taze Russell. After Russell's death in 1916, Rutherford became the head of the organization, where he played a significant role in shaping its doctrinal and organizational structure.

Under Rutherford's leadership, the Jehovah's Witnesses underwent several key changes, including the rejection of certain traditional Christian doctrines, such as the Trinity and the immortality of the soul, in favor of teachings that emphasized God's Kingdom and the second coming of Christ. He also introduced a strong stance on neutrality in political matters and prohibited military service, which led to the organization facing legal challenges, especially during World War I. Rutherford was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous books and articles, including "Prophet of the End", which outlined his interpretations of biblical prophecy and the impending end of the world.

One of Rutherford’s influential quotes is: "True Christians should never be afraid to stand up for the truth, even when it goes against the prevailing views of society." This reflects his emphasis on bold faith and standing firm in one’s beliefs. Another significant quote from him is: "The Kingdom of God will be established on Earth, and those who remain loyal to Jehovah will be rewarded." This encapsulates his central belief in the coming Kingdom of God and the ultimate victory of Jehovah's sovereignty over the Earth.