Armstrong Wolves:

January 8, 2002

I have read Transformed by Truth and now The liberation of the WCG, and I'm still waiting for someone in the leadership of the WCG to label HWA for what he was--a Fraud!

I will never understand how men, who know the Bible (not the Lord) but who really know the Bible and understand Agape love ( I know they understand about biblical love because they can preach and even teach it with real clarity), but who are only interested in power, money, fame, sex--whatever. I'm not talking about ministers who sin and make human mistakes. I'm talking about people who know the Word of God but who couldn't care less about people. Elmer Gantry types whose lifestyles have nothing to do with the gospel. How do they live with themselves? I cannot understand that kind of mindset? Do they not fear God?

Garner Ted Armstrong was my wake up call. I thought he was a faithful, grandfatherly type who wanted to give me all kinds of free books to help educate me and to prepare me for the Kingdom and blah, blah, blah, blah. What a joke. I've even met him a couple of times. The guy deserves an Academy Award for best actor--(or maybe best hair! He must spend hours getting his hair like that).

Our Lord did warn us about twits like the Armstrongs. Wolves. --Canada

Comment: I think the book Without Conscience may explain much of it. Also read Profile of a Sociopath which shows the behavioral characteristics of many cult leaders.

Joseph Tkach Sr.'s Video Message Made No Sense!

January 11, 2002

Regarding Tkach Sr.'s video sermon I can't believe how judgmental Tkach sounded and how conflicting his statements were. I actually had to reread several paragraphs because they literally made no sense! Doesn't it seem like they spend so much time saying "we" this or "we" that and constantly stating their doctrinal positions, which seem to change with every speaker or speech? You just don't hear about reveling in the love and fellowship with Jesus and developing a comforting and trusting relationship with Him. It's all about what you're doing or what you're not doing. Boy, Tkach's explanation of keeping the Sabbath was so conflicting and confusing, it's a wonder people didn't leave the sermon thinking they were to keep it on Wednesday or something. --Formerly in WCG

Comment:  This message is the one that Tkach Jr. calls "the Christmas Eve sermon." The truth is that it was given on January 7, 1995 (ESN has the tapes). This sermon clearly reveals the manner in which the changes were first delivered to the members, giving contradictory and confusing statements; calling them names and shouting at them in the process. Is this the way God works when guiding his people to truth?

WCG Still Deceiving Members!

February 9, 2002

Do you know what I found out that my mother (who is still in WCG) believes? She believes that everybody has to go through what we did in the WCG - living under the O.T. to prepare them for accepting the new covenant. She thinks that living under the O.T. laws is a sort of proving ground for those who will be accepted by Christ. I don't think I understand that, other than that's probably something they told them so they won't feel like they wasted those years in the WCG under the O.T.. Also, I guess it makes them still feel elect and separate from other Christians. What do you think? --Former WCG child survivor

Sites Like Yours Give Me Hope:

February 11, 2002

Hi,

I found your site with information about cult recovery today. Just wanted to say thanks for the information.

My husband and I left a group after over nine years of total involvement - it was the absolute center of our lives. We are just now starting to come to terms with the fallout. Although the group we left wasn't the World Wide Church of God, much of the information on your site is relevant.

Of particular interest to me is an article entitled, How Did I End up in a Spiritually Abusive Group? It voiced my questions and problems with getting involved with another church perfectly.

My husband and I are expecting our first child in a couple of months. That is what actually spurred us to leave - we didn't want to raise our child in the group. Because I want to raise my child in church, we have began attending another church here in town. It's hard. It's been almost four months since we left, but I am suspicious, scared, still coping with lots of nightmares. Sites like yours give me hope that we will climb out of the hole we find ourselves in and be okay.

Oh, I also liked the article of what not to say to someone who has been involved in an aberrant group. Yep, not only have I heard some of those things said to me, I have angrily snapped them at myself.

Many blessings to you today.

Sincerely, --J. M.

A Healing Site:

March 10, 2002

I am thankful that you are doing all you can to keep this site as a "healing" site for those abused and hurt by WWCG. We all know that HWA was not a good person, but God does not hold us accountable for his behavior. I prefer to try to dwell on God's love for all of us, and on His forgiveness. I don't want to keep hearing about HWA or anyone else for that matter connected with WWCG. I thank you for the peacefulness, kindness, gentleness, and love that I have felt from this site. Thank you again for your dedication and inspiration. May God bless you. --Child survivor of WCG

WCG's Hypocrisy:

March 23, 2002

I am ex WCG member. For years I wanted to leave the WCG. They preached love, but there was not love. My life was severely damaged by their hypocrisy. I felt I was the reason for all my problems and that God was punishing me because I could not live up to those high expectations. 

When Mr. Tkach announced that we had been a church of salvation by grace plus works and that we were not the only true church, that gave me the freedom I had been begging for years from God. I know the church said they repented and they were changing but there was too much hurt and hostility. I said you may now have the truth but you are a sick church, and the blind leading the blind, so we left.

I have studied for years on my own and God has led the way. Although we left, we still received their literature; however, I found that they were heading into the ecumenical movement, and when they sent us a letter asking us to sign some evangelical agreement we knew they had aligned with the one world religion. I just recently read some history of HWA and to tell you the truth I had no idea that the church had ties to the Bilderbergers, etc., or that HWA was the man that he was. At different times I felt he might have been greedy; however, I never dreamed he was the man that he was.

We were spoon fed. We were discouraged to ask questions and boy was he idolized. If anyone dared say anything negative, the wrath of hell came upon them. My family did not idolize him so we were constantly on the black list. We never fit in and we never got any answers. And we were taught any answers on the outside were all lies. I was trapped. I didn't have any relationships in the world as I wasn't allowed to have any and I was not accepted in the church. We were troublemakers.

We moved from Pasadena in 1993 after my husband was downsized.

Sincerely, --Nebraska

WCG Just as Manipulative as Ever:

March 28, 2002

I am doing fine today and enjoying my freedom in Christ. I didn't get angry with God, but rather at myself and those "in charge" at WCG. I have learned that no one will ever be given control of my life again in no way shape or form--that is except Jesus Christ. My wife and I, and our [children] as well are so glad to be free of the WCG and its system--which is still active today and just as manipulative as ever.

I hope your website is helpful to others. Let me know if I can ever be of help to you. --West Virginia

April 1, 2002

This is amazing. I was so happy to find a group out there like yours. I was
raised in the Worldwide Church of God and have recently been coming to terms
with the negative effect it has had on my life. I have been going to counseling which has helped a lot, but I think it's going to take a lot of time and hard emotional work on my part to become a whole and healthy person after the abuse I suffered as a child at the hands of my parents and the Worldwide Church of God. Reading the truth is the first time that I have really been able to laugh at my experience and I found it very therapeutic. I also found it very sad to realize that I knew what every acronym stood for. I recognize now, that I was religiously abused by my parents and that it is my responsibility to work through that and take responsibility for my life. I don't blame my parents. I am not bitter as are my brother and sister, but I am just now recognizing how my parents involvement with the church has affected me and it's very, very sad. I'm
glad to know that there are others out there like me. --Child survivor of WCG

ESN Site Born of Humility:

April 9, 2002

I like the nurturing tone this site has taken on. It is borne of humility and is makes you feel welcome and able to close the door behind you on the vicious arguments and innuendo that characterize other WWC sites.

Humility like the apostle Peter showed when he referred to himself meekly as a "fellow elder." (Of course we in the WWC always called Peter the Chief Apostle along with HWA!)

How lacking in humility those days in WWC when we referred to all ministers as "Mr." while they addressed even the oldest members by their first names.

Praise the Lord for your work and may God use it for healing the pain of the past for the many hurt and reestablishing a nurturing relationship with our Good Shepherd.

Thanks, --Former WCG member

Dressing Exiters' Wounds:

May 16, 2002

To those you and your staff have helped along the way your works and efforts surely must be beyond known terms of expression. I am sure many were emotionally and spiritually mortally wounded and you dressed their wounds and saved those who would allow you to do so. --Florida

New WCG Embraces Everything:

May 16, 2002

Hi,

I ran across your website and as a former member of the World Wide Church of God it really caught my attention. I was raised in the WWCG and left in 1974. At a very young age (18), I married outside the church (to escape the church and my strict parents). I divorced 5 years later and of course was estranged from the "the church." Years later I attended sporadically, never feeling comfortable there, but not feeling comfortable in other churches either. When the changes occurred in the early nineties, I thought this was going to be the answer, but soon found out that I was wrong. I felt the old WWCG had "some truth" but was too legalistic and controlling. The new WWCG however seemed to throw "caution to the winds" and embrace anything and everything. I have not been able to find a "happy medium." I guess what I am trying to say is that in general I am not comfortable at all with any kind of a man made organization. I do not feel it is necessary. I believe the spirit of God dwells in us and teaches us what we need to know, and that the "body" of Christ is a spiritual body, and not made up of a man made religious organization with rules and regulations.  --Former WCG member

P.S. Good website, obviously lots of work involved.

How Do We Describe WCG When Questioned About Our Past?

June 9, 2002

I am curious how others describe the WCG to outsiders when questioned about their past. Do they call it a Fundamental Christian religion? A cult? I always feel really weird when it comes up. --WCG child survivor

Reply: Many have found it helpful to just say that they were raised in a "very controlling church" or a "high demand group." 

Attending a Real Christian Church Now:

June 18, 2002

You are so right about the freedom. It has been 5 years, and it has taken this long for me to be able to openly talk about what happened back then, without bursting into tears. We've been attending a real Christian church for the past 2.5 years and enjoying it very much.

Thanks again for your reply, and for your website! --Former WCG member

Feel Like a Weight Has Been Lifted From Me:

July 9, 2002

I just found you and after 30 minutes of reading I feel like a weight has been lifted from me. I followed GTA for years then he fell and I have been searching for ten years for help to figure out the truth. I have not read your entire site but just wanted you to know that you have already helped me. Thank you and may God continue to bless you.

I am interested in any booklets you have by Dr. Vernon McGee. Thank You. --Texas

Had to Learn to Trust Before Seeing a Professional Counselor:

July 15, 2002:

I am a child survivor of the WCG who was severely abused in every way possible. I contacted the ESN one night over a year ago when I was at my rope's end. If it wasn't for the assistance, training, understanding, love and patience of one particular person in ESN since that time, I probably wouldn't be here today. She wasn't a trained counselor in that she had a "license," but she certainly was trained in knowing how to help me. 

I was too terrified to see a professional counselor for a long time. Yet what I received from her this last year and a half (email exchange and phoning her), enabled me to finally start counseling a few months ago with a therapist that I feel Jesus led me to. He has told me, "Do you realize everything that this person has done for you?" and "Every time I see you, I thank God for her. You would never have been able to come in here if it wasn't for her." God knew I needed two people [the one in ESN and my present counselor] to help me, because of the severity of my abuse. Counseling has been a frightening step for me, but because I learned to trust first, it has shown me that there are others that care. 

I have so much to heal from and much to grieve. But I know how much help I have now from two very caring and compassionate people. --Child survivor of WCG

Comment: Read one of this child survivor's articles, Learning to Be A Survivor and A Child Survivor's Journal. This person was the inspiration behind the Children Raised in Worldwide Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God, or Offshoots (formerly entitled "Children Raised in Worldwide Church"). Without her there may not have ever been this section on the ESN website.

Un-Christian Behavior in Ex-Armstrong Circles:

July 19, 2005

It never ceases to amaze me--the very un-Christian like behavior we see in ex-Armstrong circles. People have even resorted to threats against people with whom they disagree from time to time! It should be very obvious to these people just how wrong that is. Its just another very plain confirmation of what a fraud the WCG really was.

I was already aware that there are a lot of fruitcakes and other potentially dangerous persons in ex-WCG land, but this just confirms it.

And keep up the good work!! --Child survivor of WCG

WCG Was a Money Making Machine:

July 20, 2002

I became a member in the 1960's! Religion is a dangerous thing in the wrong hands! At my time with the WCG we soon found out that it was nothing but a money making machine, living on the fear of biblical teachings! The meeting point was Bricket Wood! --Former WCG member

HWA Urged Us to Get Second Mortgages:

July 27, 2002 

When I recall all the money we sent to WCG, it's easy to become angry with myself. We gave them amounts well beyond sound financial wisdom. When we were urged to get additional mortgages on our homes and "send it in," I just would not go that far. I well remember those days. We were asked to "send it in" as loans, but we were well aware there was no intent that we would ever recover such funds. I now enjoy doing what I can to support my church and give an offering to ESN now and then. --Former WCG member

Thank you ESN!

August 8, 2002

I have been trying to find the time to write you to thank you for the materials you sent. 

I wanted to let you both know I have a new found respect for the two of you. It took a lot of courage and inner spiritual strength to break from this "church" -- you are to be commended. Weaker souls wouldn't stand a chance! 

Do not underestimate your contribution for us. I thank you so much--again! I literally don't know what I would have done without you! I will keep you appraised of how things evolve here! --Anonymous 

Meaning of "Christ is the End of the Law":

August 16, 2002

In WCG I once did a sermonette on Rom. 10:4 "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes." Since we didn't believe what this verse says we had to figure a way around it. I brought out that the Greek word for "end" is telos, from which we get the English word telescope. With that we focus in on distant objects. I explained that the law focused onto Christ and that it still focuses onto Him.

I have more recently used that same verse in a sermon and I don't have to work my way around it any more. I still explained the Greek word for "end." That makes it easy for me to tie in the fact that we are not focused on the law, but on Christ. --Former WCG member, Florida

Who is Robert Brinsmead?

September 8, 2002

Didn't Robert Brinsmead write some good material on Sabbatarianism and law and grace a few years ago? --Former WCG member

Reply: Brinsmead published Verdict in the 70's and 80's and some former members started reading his journals. He seemed to have some helpful material to explain Law, grace and why Christians didn't need to observe the Sabbath day. However, he soon began to "advance" in his thinking and soon held to the belief that we no longer even needed the Bible. Brinsmead, age 65, later went on to denounce the virgin birth of Jesus Christ and His blood atonement.

Worldwide Church of God Splinter With Same Name!

September 25, 2002

Are you aware of a splinter that calls themselves "Worldwide Church of God"?? This looks like a Worldwide Church of God cloned after HWA's WCG. How did they get away with having the same name as WCG?! They hold to Herbert W. Armstrong and keep all the holy days and Sabbath. This is weird! --Former member

Comment: This group isn't supposed to be associated with the Worldwide Church of God in Pasadena, or with Joe Tkach Jr., but I agree it's mighty strange that they have gotten away with having the same name, yet are pro-HWA. 

WCG Giving Armstrong Followers What They Want?

September 27, 2002

I just saw on your website the letter referring to a WCG site that embraces HWA and seems like the WCG of old! [see previous letter] I have to tell you, there is something very fishy about this. They are even offering the Mystery of Ages. They could not do that without Tkach's permission, otherwise they would be in court like the PCG found out. It looks as if the Tkach crew is doing an end-run around all of their "competitors" in the COG world. Perhaps they are offering Evangelical Christianity for some, and good old Armstrongism for others. The Evangelical angle probably didn't make them as much money as they hoped it would, so they are giving the Armstrong followers what they want, plus they can get full tithes on gross incomes as well. Now I think I see why the WCG fought the PCG so hard for the copyrights to HWA's works. This was planned all along I bet. --Former WCG member

Why Ministers in WCG Can't Leave:

October 10, 2002

Long time ministers in WCG, or any others, "can't" leave. They have a pretty cushy job making really good money--take time off whenever they want, fly all over the country, get wined and dined and take a weekly vacation. WHO, would give up a job like that? Even if they didn't believe a word they said!

It becomes pure economics. What will I do if I leave? Well, go to another church, or start an MLM or something like that. They are scared of losing their lifestyle. I know this, because I still have a "friend" that would have a hard time giving up his swimming pool and car collection.

I could write a book, but I think everything has been covered.

P.S. I left everything and just read the Bible for the first time, without spiritual prejudice! What an enlightening experience!!! Yes, I am free, just me and my Saviour.

--Former AC graduate and assistant minister from 1969-1971.

Cults Confiscate Books About Them From Bookstore & Libraries:

October 13, 2002

This is all one of those "truth is stranger than fiction" situations. I've heard that that cults tend to go into bookstores and libraries, buying, or stealing, such material [that exposes them] in order to help keep it out of the hands of people! I found that several books were missing from the library system here, and one of the librarians confirmed this! How bizarre. --Former WCG  member 

ESN Like a Breath of Fresh Air:

October 14, 2002

In the past I read a good bit of that other agnostic web site before I found ESN. I was backing away from it because it was coming across as being very negative. I do not feel that becoming agnostic or atheistic as being the answer. ESN came on like a breath of fresh air when I found it. --Former WCG member

Update: Why Do Many Exiters of Armstrongism Turn to Agnosticism or Atheism?

Roman Catholic Church Article:

November 1, 2002

I finished reading your latest article on the RCC and was amazed at how convoluted their teachings are, so full of fear mongering and "dogmatic" statements. They make the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong and the WCG offshoots look like a bunch of amateurs by comparison. --Former WCG member

Disfellowshipped For Saying Christ Was Working With Others:

November 1, 2002

I've been reading some of the letters by ex-WCG members. I was disfellowshipped back in 1979, after five years in the WCG, for telling my pastor (Dean Wilson) that Christ was also working in people, churches, and organizations outside the WCG. I felt a great sense of relief when Wilson asked me to not come back to church.

Keep up the good work. --Harlan Simantel 

Comment: Read Harlan's testimony: Telling My Pastor There Were "Other Christians" Led Me Out of WCG

The Sabbath Question Answered at Last:

November 21, 2002

Just wanted to let you know that you have been an answer to a prayer. I grew up in WWCG from the time I was 2 until I turned 15. After my family left "the church" we immediately became part of a "splinter" group.

My questions began soon after I left WWCG. First, I questioned the "truth" about the holy days. I can't say I "proved" that we didn't need to keep them, but I decided that I couldn't explain why I "kept" the days when the teacher or boss asked, so I stopped going just to avoid the embarrassment.

Then, a few short years later, the next nagging question: was the Sabbath really THE day? I have, like others who have written, swallowed the lie that, although the cult was not perfect, we were still taught "the truth." I was especially programmed to believe the "truth" was contained in the Day--the Sabbath (something I still hear preached today), so this question was really a bit scary for me!

I sincerely wondered about this '"truth" and have since prayed repeatedly for an answer. So in my search for "the truth," I have periodically scoured the internet, looking for some guidance from people who have walked my path. I have come across lots of sites devoted to the abuses we have suffered in that cult and the lies we were told, but these sites were mostly very negative and anti-God.

After reading the book, Seventh-Day Adventism Renounced, and going through all the very thorough, scripturally based arguments against a 7th day Sabbath, I still had that nagging little voice about "the truth." 

And this is where your site has answered my prayer!!! I read many letters on your site asking the same questions about the "truth" and I repeatedly read your patient response: the "truth" is found in one answer, Jesus Christ. Now it took several times reading your answer, but it finally hit me: the truth IS Jesus! And He is not interested in my performance (a huge relief for a recovering perfectionist/legalist). He is interested in a relationship with me! Wow!

Now the journey begins. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!!

Sincerely, --Child survivor of WCG

Comment: Other helpful material on this subject:

The Lord's Day From Neither Catholics nor Pagans: An Answer to Seventh-Day Adventism on this Subject by D. M. Canright (online book; very thorough in its research and testimonies; confronts the varied and many assertions of Sabbath keepers)

The Pope Nor the Catholic Church Changed Sabbath to Sunday! (Did Pope Sylvester change the Sabbath during the time of Constantine?)

Members Still Following WCG Leadership:

November 21, 2002

The WWCG has gone through some changes, but we must understand that it is not up to us to decide, or choose, the way we want to worship God. As we found out through Herbert Armstrong's cult teachings, we must not allow ourselves to accept any thing else but what the Word of God says. While it is true that Armstrong said, "Don't believe me, believe your Bible," he himself had his own idea of what the Bible said.

I have read most of the ex WWCG writers letters in the ESN. Their stories of abuse are not only from the Armstrong era but also in this new leadership era. Mine is on there too. It is a true story. I did not lie, it is what happened. The sad thing is that it happened before and after the "change." I still have family members that are in the WWCG. When I talk to them about the doctrines of the WWCG, most of them really don't even know much of it. It seems they are following the leadership, no questions asked. This is not what we are to do. The Bible tells us to check out all things that we are being taught by our ministers. --J. M.

Friendship Changes after Our Friends Go into Cult:

November 24, 2002 

I am writing out of concern for my friends, they moved to [Canada] almost ten years ago. We were all sad when they left, even they were, we tried to convince ourselves we would always be the best of friends (our children were very close as well). In the beginning for about the first year we did talk or write or email each other. Then one day I got a call asking me not to send a Christmas card that year, as their new religion did not believe in Christmas and they no longer celebrated it, and they would appreciate it if we would respect them on this decision. I did, thinking okay how bad can this be as long as they are happy. I knew they were having a hard time adjusting to being so far from everyone, so I let it go. 

As time went by I started getting curious because of some things my friend would say to me and the fact that our communication was getting less and less. Then there was the couple of times we went to visit, my husband's [relatives], who also live in Canada. While we were visiting family we would make sure we saw our friends as well. I always got the feeling when we were there that they were hiding us. If a phone call came in they would not talk to who ever was on the phone in the same room as us. I thought it strange at the time but thought, they just can't concentrate with everyone in the room. Now I'm sure they didn't want their church to know they were entertaining people that don't belong to the church. 

I have been feeling lately that the only reason they have anything to do with us is when they need our help. This has been troubling me for a long time, I have thought should I just write these friends off and forget about them? But I can't seem to bring myself to do that. I think it's that I am worried about them. I promised them when their first child was born that I would watch out for the child and advise them if I thought it was needed. I need to know what to do if anything in this situation. I would appreciate any input. Thank-you for your time, I'm sure this is long winded, but I stumbled across this site and thought maybe you could give me some insight. --Needing help

Reply: I think the best thing is to stay in contact with them. If you go to Help! My Loved One is in a Deceptive Group, this will help you to know what to do and what not to do. There are some very good links at the bottom of this article. 

My Letter To WCG Members Who Still Send Money to "Headquarters":

November 24, 2002

To my brothers and sisters that I worshiped with so many years and grew to love like a family:

How can you open your November/December 2002 Worldwide News and not be appalled at what is happening?

Did you not read of the Church in Florida that lost their place of worship and needed to rely on donations from local families and businesses and find a dumpy store to hold services in? The pastors comment was that he had no money to rent a facility?

Do you not read that there will no longer be a free Plain Truth for church families?

But do you read about the senior staff, pastor general (or whatever the title these days), pastor general's wife, daughter, regional directors who are able to travel around the country and world for various conferences and events? Your offering and tithe money supports this, yet no money to rent a hall?

Is something backwards here?

A Christian is individually responsible for their stewardship before God. The old Worldwide Church of God teaching that "if you just send it in to headquarters you have done your part" doesn't wash.

Giving to support the cause of Christ is a good thing. If our money is used to follow the principles laid down in Mat 25 - feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and similar ministry we can be assured that our giving is in harmony with Biblical Principles.

May God bless those members that have realized work of any Church is at the local level. Prison ministry, homeless ministry, healing ministry and those without Christ are all around us.

I urge you all to be wise and good stewards of what God has blessed you with. Stop sending money to a headquarters who pays themselves first and then allocates back the leftover to your church. That is not a biblical model.

Give in such a way that you can stand before Christ on that day and hear a "Well done you good and faithful servant!" --Former WCG member

Splinters Say They Started in 31 AD:

November 26, 2002

There is another splinter group of WCG called "The WholeWorld Church of God." Their "statement of beliefs" is very deceptive because it doesn't even tell all of what they believe! There is also another splinter group called "The New Worldwide Church of God." They both hold to the old views. No wonder everyone has stopped trying to keep count of WCG's never-ending splinters! Most of these groups are only trying to cash in on some easily made money, and members continue to have "itching ears." Also, can you believe that when you ask them when their particular church was founded, they all say that it "started in 31 A.D." --Former member

WCG Inviting Former Members Back to Services:

November 26, 2002

WCG invited one of our grown children to attend services at WCG in our home area several weeks ago. Then the message passed on to me was that so many of the people (WCG members) really want to see me and extended a welcome. Now, they have never called me. They have never written me (one exception). I kind of feel that going back there for a visit would be about like a rape victim visiting his/her attacker. I don't know of any church at the moment that can offer me a meaningful worship and most certainly--not WCG. --Former member

Reply: WCG is on some sort of campaign right now to invite former members back to their congregations and members are being used for this purpose. 

WCG's Releasing HWA Material is Like Offering a Glass of Milk That Had a Piece of Dung in it:

November 26, 2002

As for releasing old booklets from the archives of the past Armstrong era, does the New Leadership point out in these books what parts of the book are in error and what parts are true to the Word of God? As Christians, why would we want to send out written material that has wrong doctrine in it mixed with true doctrine? If you had a glass of milk and there was a small piece of dung floating around in it, would you just remove the dung and than drink the milk, or would you consider the glass of milk contaminated? Have you ever heard the expression, "one bad apple spoils the whole basket?" One of Israel's major problems was just that, they began to mix their worship with false "religion." Read the book of Hosea, it is full of Israel mixing truth with untruth. [Hosea 11:1-4]." --Former WCG member

WCG Giving Out More Mixed Messages Than Ever:

November 26, 2002

Did you know that the WCG teaches that a person who dies unsaved can receive salvation after they die at judgment day? They continue to pervert the truth by adding on to or taking away from what the truth is. This is what Armstrong did, and this is what they are doing. Of course they have no biblical proof for this. They are saying exactly what Satan told Eve, "You shall not surely die." What they are teaching about salvation after death is a damnable lie. I read one Worldwide News letter, the comments from their members, and they were thrilled with this idea. What a terrible shame. 

Check around with the other members that recently left; they will confirm what I'm saying is true. This is one big reason why those that accepted WCG into the mainstream evangelical community jumped the gun. They should have watched them for a while; they should have gotten in touch with ex members; they should have viewed some of the stuff WCG was pointing out to their membership. What they say and print for people outside the membership and what they say to the members are quite different.

The WCG has in fact changed little in their tactics; they still use a certain amount of mind control, they still go on the attack towards anyone that questions them, or who sheds a bad light on their business, and that in my opinion is exactly what it is, a business.

Thank you so much for being there for those of us that need someone to talk to. I hope I can be of assistance to you more often. Don't hesitate to ask. --Former WCG member

Comment: WCG is indeed teaching members many strange things and delivering it with mixed messages and confusion. Read: What in the World is Worldwide Church of God Doing Now? ESN tried to warn outside ministries at the beginning of the changes, but most failed to heed. Read Research Letters Concerning Worldwide Church of God Changes.

WCG's Auditors Exposed For Dishonest Practices:

December 3, 2002

Were you aware of the auditing firm, Arthur Andersen, being exposed in the news for their dishonest practices? I wish someone would expose them about being the WCG's "auditors." I always wondered how they could honestly audit the WCG's finances and not catch the money being drained. Now I know how much $$$$$ talks.

Well, now I see why the WCG hired these guys. Can anyone contact these investigators and find out what they did for the WCG (like hiding how the buckeroos were drained into personal accounts, including that of Stan Rader, I'm sure) and how much the WCG paid them? I used to think that the WCG wasn't dishonest since they were given a "clean bill of health" from the Arthur Anderson auditors. I thought that if anything dishonest was going on, then the auditors would catch it. Boy, was I ever wrong! I wonder how many WCGers also have this impression? --Former WCG member

Comment: Read the Dec. 3, 2002 online article: Arthur Andersen's sorry story of big-time auditing that tells how Andersen has been involved in "one mess after another" as far back as 20 years. "Over and over again it has been accused of giving questionable or crooked corporate books its stamp of approval, with predictable results." To read more about Arthur Andersen & Co. and how they were the WCG's auditors, see Ambassador Report #33, October 1985.

WCG Said I Had a Demon:

December 5, 2002

At one time in WCG I had one man in all the self righteousness he could muster up tell me that the reason I wasn't healed was that I had a demon. Can you imagine?

Actually, I have been doing FAR better since I have been away from there. I don't ever even think about looking back. I'm enjoying my freedom. I sort of miss being in a church, but I am so fed up with organized religion that I don't think there is where God is dwelling. He is within our hearts. --Former member

December 11, 2002

Since certain WCG members say they came into the light and were converted (begotten) into the WCG of the 1990's, it is theoretically possible they will put "quotation marks" around the word "report," referring to the "stories" of former members and of those raised in the "church." I will now generously "pepper" this message with quotation marks. I don't really believe that someone who came into the church after Armstrong's death has a true grasp of what a personality based cult can do to entire families. All of us have our stories. I know a few who grew up in that mess, myself included. While I do have some good memories of family gatherings, seeing old friends once a year at the feast of booths, I can't forget or ignore some of the stuff that went on. I won't go into details, there are plenty in the stories on this site and others.

To grow up in the WCG is like nothing else. Imagine, the look on the faces of your elementary schoolmates as you answer about why you don't keep Christmas, or Easter. Or the reaction of your grandmother, who happens to be a principal'd, God-fearin', Jesus-lovin' southern Baptist who doesn't have an insincere or mean bone in her body, when you tell her that she is going to "Satan's Church."

This has been said many times on many websites also: What about the leadership at the top stepping forward and confessing for their sins of destroying lives and bilking the "dumb sheep" out of $millions. The leadership was flawed then when it went along with HWA/Rader in ousting all those ministers in the late 70's; it is wrong now in even keeping its doors open. Since they claim to be more "mainstream," why is there a need for their existence? There is plenty of honest church denominations out there. Plenty that won't demand triple tithes to purchase Grumman-Gulfstream aircraft or silver tea sets to entertain dignitaries that probably didn't give a rat's ass in the first place. Plenty that won't water down doctrine for the convenience of its upper echelons.

Hucksterism in the name of religion is an old scam, yet we all fall for it. I am glad that "Norway" feels comfortable in his "mix" of old and new truths. He should also note that Jesus came and took away our sins and nailed them to the cross. "Whosoever believes will have everlasting life." So in closing, I would suggest that it is enough to whisper, "Jesus, Jesus," and better to shout, "Jesus! Jesus!" If you believe. So there.

Where did these members get the idea that ESN was a church of some sort? I sure don't recall being baptized into "The Church of ESN." Again, I think God and all of y'all devoting your valuable time to this endeavor. It helps me a great deal in dealing with some of my "ghosts." Keep up the good work.

Sincerely, --"Voluntary Outcast" (of WCG)

P.S. Speaking of the current WCG leadership, Joe Tkach's father, Joseph W. soundly demonstrated wherein his loyalties were (to Stan Rader and HWA) during the 1979 Receivership of the California Facilities. I have for years heard the story of how he barricaded a door against the police trying to come in and do their duty. Tkach Sr. probably secured his place as HWA's successor at that moment.

Crippled 30 years by WCG; Now Ready to Work on Deprogramming:

December 11, 2002

Hi to all,

I've had a rough few days. For the past two years I have been attempting to have a closer walk with God and something just kept getting in my way. I thought I had allowed my heart to become so hardened that I would never be able to find God.

Then Saturday night I finally felt the presence of the Holy Spirit and the message that came through loud and clear for me was that I was still a victim of the teachings of the Worldwide Church of God.

I was incredulous -- and shocked! I left WWCG 30 years ago. I haven't been anywhere near it or its teaching in all this time. Imagine my surprise to learn that the blockage was brainwashing and programming that I have been living with all this time.

After crying copious tears for two days, I'm now reading everything you have on this site. I'm ready to get to work at deprogramming just as if I had just walked away from WWCG yesterday. The pastor of my current Methodist Church is there and willing to help in whatever way I need him.

I hope there is someone there in your group who can write back to me and give me some input on the best way to deal with all this.

Thirty years is a long time to be crippled and not even know it!

Sincerely, --Former member of WCG

Amazing Actions by Members and Amazing Statements by Ministers:

December 12, 2002

Hello:

Sometimes amazing statements were made by ministers in response to amazing things done by the sheople (sheep-people; i.e., members of WCG).

One year, I attended the Feast of Tabernacles in a certain part of the United States. The entrance to the parking lot, of the arena where the meetings were being held, was situated in a "T" intersection on a major throughway, with traffic lights and 3 way traffic flow, with the entrance to, and exit from the parking lot being the 4th.

On the first morning, I was waiting to turn left from the road onto the parking lot. In front of my car was another car, full with church people also waiting to turn left onto the parking lot. The light turned green, the car in front proceeded into the intersection and stopped while opposing traffic flowed. While waiting there in the middle of the intersection, the light turned yellow, then red. Instead of completing his left turn and clearing the intersection (it was safe to do so), to my amazement, he sat there in the middle of the intersection, blocking traffic, causing some chaos and bewilderment, waiting for the light to turn green, before completing his left turn. Waiting behind him, before, the intersection, I watched in utter and complete amazement wondering how much of a robotic nature were we developing.

A couple of mornings later, a minister made an announcement that amazed me. He announced that apparently people were stopping in the middle of the intersection when the traffic light turned red, including even pedestrians, putting their lives in danger, believe it or not!!!! He announced to people that they were to continue through the intersection if the light turned red once they had entered it. He went on and explained to the people that it was the right thing to do. He had begun his announcement by stating, "We in the Church, get so zealous for obeying, we strive so hard to obey and do the right thing, that sometimes we get carried away (Translated: we were so brain-washed that we could not think for ourselves any more.) --Former WCG member

I Feel Like Crap:

December 13, 2002

I (I feel guilty typing all this I, I, I, stuff, to you in this e-mail), I feel guilty talking about myself, we are not supposed to talk about ourselves, so said the ministers. I cannot help it. I was abused, emotionally, spiritually, financially. I have lived a life of mediocrity, frustration, disappointment, striving to obey God, wanting to be pure but,,, never feeling like I made any progress...I continually felt like like I was crap. Well that is a lot of crap I was not...sorry... --Former WCG member

Reply: Don't feel guilty typing "I" words. You are not "crap" either. Those are all lies (better known as programmings) that WCG placed into you. Face each of them with the truth. You are a human being with worth, forgiven, loved and accepted by God. It takes a lot of time to recover and I would suggest you start with reading some of the books on our Booklist. The book Classic Christianity has very helpful to exiters. Also, writing helps (either in a personal notebook or to someone who will validate you). Write about the good and the bad you remember in the WCG and then confront the lies. See Personal Writings About the WCG Experience.

Former Minister's Wife Needs to Leave it All Behind:

December 16, 2002

When I think of everything I could say, the story I could tell, the harm done to me, to my children, and members of the church, I just want to cry. I spent a lot of time on [another] website, but it was too anti-God and I need God in my life. So I was thankful to find this web site. I emailed some of the information for children raised in the church to my [children], and they are doing ok. I guess I did a better job raising them than taking care of myself. I was the gullible one, ripe pickings for a cult when [young]. ... and now need to leave it all behind. 

Should I write my story from the beginning? My girls say I could write a book; any former member of WCG could...! Having been a ministers wife, I feel special guilt for multitudes of past members I have offended (known and unknown offenses). ... Email me back when you can with some feedback please? --Former WCG minister's wife

Comment: Read How to Recover After Exiting a Deceptive, Abusive Group

I Felt Truly Validated:

December 17, 2002

Thank you so much for the quick response you sent me. It meant SO much. I felt truly validated.

I have been reading your articles, especially An End to Guilt. I think I have read most everything, but just needed someone to tell me to get going. I have a journal. I have been making amends to my girls. I have asked for forgiveness from God. I have asked God to heal the people I have hurt.

I am making a "real fresh start." My husband and I have accepted new jobs in another state. I have chosen a weekend only position for now to avoid the church scene entirely. It's scary, but I believe it was created by God for my healing. There's nothing holding me here; my family is scattered throughout the country.

You don't have to post this email if you don't want to, but have my permission to do so. I just wanted you to know I appreciate you and thank God for people like you and you may hear from me again...with...the "rest of the story." --Recovering ex-wife of ex-WCG minister

I Feel Like Crap Much of the Time Also:

December 17, 2002

The December 13 message [see above] says a lot, and actually goes a long way to describe the way I feel much of the time. I have struggled to put words to the way I feel, but that pretty well sums it up. I would also add that for a long time, I would feel a pang of guilt every time I spent some of my own hard earned money for something so frivolous as a new VCR or computer, or any manner of niceties. A pair of boots paid 3-5 times what I would otherwise pay, mainly because I didn't want to replace them in a year, and mostly, because I want them. To feel guilty for one's accomplishments, to feel guilty for having, when we as good Christians should suffer, and have not. Dress me up in the sackcloth and ashes! I have a great job, and have a lot of things that I wasn't sure that I would ever have. A trait of my personality, I explain everything to my wife, and 90 percent of the time, it's unnecessary, and she tells me so. Thank God for her and the fact that she did not grow up in "the Church."

Sometimes I feel like a selfish jackass. It's just the mindset. I will work through it and get over it.

Sorry (there I go again, apologizing for everything) for being a downer so close to Christmas. On that note, I would like to extend the warmest possible Season's Greetings to all at ESN who work so hard to help us heal. May the Lord bless you and keep you, and your days on this Earth be long and fruitful. --Texas

Present WCG Has No Discernment:

December 18, 2002

I have contact with some present members in WCG. WCG has joined with Billy Graham Association and they have helped with the Franklin Graham conferences. They are pretty ecumenical. A WCG minister out west was told how the ECT [Evangelicals and Catholics together] supports the Council of Trent and he said, "Maybe we ought to join that!" They don't have any discernment at all. --Former WCG member

Followed Own Desires For 20+ Years:

December 27, 2002

To all past members of WCOG:

I was raised in the WCOG in the 60's and 70's and left as soon as I could because I could not stand the hypocrisy I saw every time I attended service. I then followed the desires of my own for some twenty odd years. I received a severe clout in the back of the head which would not surprise anyone who believes in God, which led to me being able to give the following advice to all those from any group who still believe in God.
You do not need to belong to a church, simply take up your Bible (King James Version) and do three things, read, believe and do.

If you do these things, you will find God, you will please God, and God will take care of you. Regards, --Child survivor of WCG

Bible is Not a Puzzle or Mystery:

December 28, 2002

It is a known fact that if a Jehovah's Witness reads their Bible without any of their Watchtower helps, they become able to leave the group within 2 years. Why? Because, for the first time, they discover that the Bible does not agree with WT literature. Even though the JW can quote Scripture freely, they actually only read 6% of their Bible. I imagine this is true of the average WCG/PCGer. Look at how we could quote Leviticus, Matthew 24, and Revelation. We could quote portions of books without actually reading the whole book (Galatians, Romans, Hebrews, etc.). When one understands that the whole Bible is about Jesus (O.T.--promises and prophecies of the coming Messiah to redeem man, N.T.--the coming and fulfillment of the prophecies and the gift of salvation), the Bible is no longer "a puzzle or mystery" that needs some self-appointed man to solve. --Former WCG member

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