Charles Taze Russell, a key figure in the development of modern biblical interpretations, launched The Watchtower magazine in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This publication aimed to offer a new perspective on biblical teachings, focusing on the core beliefs of Christianity without the traditional Trinitarian views that were common in the mainstream church at the time. Russell's approach was to provide a clear outlook on the scriptures and present a message of hope centered around God's Kingdom. The first issue was small, containing articles that emphasized Bible study, Christian unity, and the significance of the Kingdom of God. It was a response to the growing interest in alternative religious thought and the discontent with orthodox beliefs, particularly among those seeking a more scriptural basis for their faith.

As time progressed, The Watchtower magazine evolved into a more structured publication with regularly recurring themes and a clear editorial direction. It became instrumental in starting a movement that would eventually culminate in the formation of the Jehovah's Witnesses. The magazine not only served to educate its readers but also functioned as a tool for outreach, distributing literature that would spread its teachings to a wider audience. Russell and his small group of followers identified the magazine as a primary means for reaching people who were looking for a more profound scriptural understanding than what was offered by the dominant Christian sects of the day.

This publication opened avenues for theological discussions and debates that were previously limited to church circles. Within just a few years, The Watchtower gained traction outside Pittsburgh, leading to regional and then national distributions, impacting the religious landscape of the time. Readers were encouraged to engage with their faith actively, promoting personal study of the Bible as opposed to reliance on clergy-led interpretations. By presenting complex theological ideas in accessible language, Russell's magazine played a pivotal role in shaping a distinctive community of believers dedicated to experiencing and living out their faith in accordance with their interpretations of the Scriptures.