Who is credited with starting the Jehovah's Witnesses movement?

Charles Taze Russell is credited with starting the Jehovah's Witnesses movement. He began this religious movement in the late 19th century, initially forming the Bible Student movement in the United States. Russell emphasized a distinct Christian interpretation of biblical texts, which led to the foundation of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania in 1881. This organization played a crucial role in disseminating the beliefs and doctrines that would later form the basis of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Russell's teachings included significant themes such as the use of God's name (Jehovah), the rejection of the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity, and the belief that Christ's presence was established in 1914. His work laid the groundwork for what would evolve into the Jehovah's Witnesses, continuing to grow and change under subsequent leadership.

The other choices represent founders or prominent figures of different religious movements: Joseph Rutherford was a key leader following Russell and helped institutionalize the movement further. William Miller is associated with the Millerite movement, which eventually led to the development of several other denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mary Baker Eddy is the founder of Christian Science, a separate faith altogether.