Crisis of Allegiance

In February 1981 the Jehovah’s Witnesses excommunicated Dr. James Penton, a recognized Canadian historian, a fourth-generation member, and one of their best academics. Penton and his family were among many Witnesses in Lethbridge, Alberta to face a crisis of allegiance to the Watch Tower Society.

This book chronicles the drama of one of the most serious and vocal dissents in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses and explores the larger issues at stake in the proper evaluation of Witness beliefs and practices.

Praise for the First Edition

While we differ in some doctrinal areas, I am impressed by James Beverley’s fairness in his revealing account of a controversial case and his perceptive analysis of the crucial, deep-rooted issue regarding the rightful limits of religious authority that produced it.
—Raymond Franz
Former Member, International Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Author, Crisis of Conscience

A gripping blow-by-blow account of the excommunication of James Penton, a notable Canadian historian, and the lessons we can draw from the fiasco. It makes fascinating and instructive reading.
—Clark Pinnock
Former Professor
McMaster University

Crisis of Allegiance was first published in 1986. This second edition provides an improved bibliography and resource guide, and an update on James Penton in the forty years since he was kicked out of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. 

James A. Beverley, PhD is Research Professor at Tyndale University in Toronto and Associate Director, Institute for the Study of American Religion in Woodway, Texas. Professor Beverley is the author and editor of eighteen books and is internationally recognized for his expertise on new and world religions.