Where did Jehovah's Witnesses originate?
History of Jehovah's Witnesses
In 1929 Rutherford announced that the vindication of God's name—which would ultimately occur when millions of unbelievers were destroyed at Armageddon—was the primary doctrine of Christianity and more important that God's display of goodness or grace towards humans.[148][149][150][151] By 1933, the timing of Christ's parousia and the start of the "last days" had been moved from 1874 to 1914[152] with the principles of parallel dispensations retained to place Christ's enthronement 3½ years later in 1918.[153] In 1935 a new interpretation of the "great company" of Revelation 7 placed them on earth as survivors of Armageddon rather than in heaven[154] and from that point converts to the movement were generally identified as those who, if worthy, would qualify for life on a paradise earth.[155] The same year, Witnesses were told they should refuse to salute the flag, stand for the national anthem, or accept alternative service provided for those who had conscientious objection to military service. Reference to the cross and crucifixion in Watch Tower publications ceased in 1936 when it was asserted that Christ had actually died on a tree.[147] By 1939 Watch Tower publications explained that only those who were part of God's "organization" would be spared at Armageddon.[156]