Letters From Those Impacted by
WCG, HWA & Offshoots
January 1, 2012 to present
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2012 Letters From Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God
What's New (new postings; testimonies)
So Glad to Have Run Across This Website:
January 4, 2012
I am so glad to have accidentally run across this website. I was a child of parents who were suckered into this abominable organization from the early 60's until the early 70's. I just wanted to tell you that my experiences in the WCG were not dissimilar to the ones I have read about. I had not much thought about that evil place where my childhood was sacrificed and ruined by men who taught such appalling lies until I found this site. Mr. Prince in Oklahoma City was the minister who put my daddy out and I didn't even know what it was about. All I knew was that I was finally free. After having had my childhood taken away from me and held captive by those wicked men who led that cult, I was finally free. However, it was difficult to try and piece together a life when there was such untruthful, unholy garbage inside my head put there by Herbert Armstrong and his ministers who did everything HWA said without question, and who raped the minds of the innocent people on a weekly basis. --Child survivor of WCG
Wonderful and Very Needed Website:
January 6, 2012
First, let me thank you for your wonderful and very needed website! I am a child survivor of WCG and have been struggling for many years with the "stuff in my head" and the guilt that it brings. I am 56 and attended for over 20 years. I have recently been attending a great evangelical church near my home and attending a women's Bible study. What a difference to be around godly women who really love and know the Lord. Thank you again for your great work to help all of us find our way back to the true gospel message and a real relationship with Jesus. --R.C.
Nothing Has Changed Except Who Gets More Power and Money:
January 7, 2012
I was reading about the latest split from the United Church of God known as Church of God, A Worldwide Association. Nice new name, eh? (Now that the old Worldwide is now Grace Communion International.) If it wasn't so sad it would be downright comical. This split is huge so I guess the new Worldwide is the UCG so to speak. Crazy stuff. Nothing has changed except various leaders having hissy fits about who gets the most blinded sheep in order to get more power and money.
I appreciate all you do especially after all these years. --Former WCG member (Canada)
The Absence of Jesus in Herbert Armstrong's Teachings:
January 10, 2012
I grew up in the WCG and went through several slinter groups before finally realizing the absence of our Savior in their teachings. There was a focus on earning our salvation regardless of how many times it was professed that we cannot. I do pray for all those taken in by the deceptive teachings of how they believe a person is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I know pastors that cringed at the mention of Jesus and how they ranted and raved about it being too "syrupy" (if I can use that term) and too Protestant.
I am currently a Pastor of a small church that teaches about the true relationship we can have with Jesus Christ.
Thank you for your website. I do see that it has helped many and continues to do so with the many problems they have faced and still do. --J. H.
Relief at Finding Your Site:
January 18, 2012
I just wanted to express my relief and good fortune at finding your site. I was a member of the WCG for 18 years and left in the mid 90s. Dave Pack married my wife and me and that's about all I can say about him. Many of these people are deluded and lost. I look forward to reading more and it does help me. --L
You Have Been of Great Help:
January 26, 2012
I would like to thank you for your web site. As a former WCG member (1969 to 2002), you have been of great help to me. I check your site several times a week and have recommended it to others. I am glad to be out and have no interest in any of the tangent groups. --K.
Many Long Time Members are Beginning to Wake Up:
February 1, 2012
Every now and then someone comes into my life who is/was affiliated with various Churches of God, either directly or indirectly. The good thing, though, is through all these splits many long time members are just beginning to wake up. The ESN is still greatly needed. --Former member of WCG
You Helped Convince Me About WCG:
February 2, 2012
Thanks so much for your site. I exited WCG over three years ago after coming in contact with your site. You helped convinced me that the WCG was a cultic organization that brought destruction and damage to many lives including mine. I experienced firsthand the burdens its legalistic teachings placed on members. The present organization and its leadership has been in my opinion been very unwilling to acknowledge the damage done to past and current members and their families. It seems that the survival of the organization is more important [to them] than the healing of spiritually and religiously abused people. Your points about the way WCG uses fear, guilt, and mind control techniques is right on target. --Georgia
Now Seeing How Wrong HWA, et al., Were:
February 7, 2012
I grew up in WCG, and finally left David Hulme's group [see: Church of God, An International Community on ESN site] two years ago. I was always taught how wrong everyone else was, and now I'm seeing how wrong HWA, et al., were, but I'm finding it difficult to discover what or who is right.
Please email me the .pdf files for Marion McNair's and William Hinson's books. Your website has been very helpful. Thanks for being there! --Impacted by WCG and COG, An International Community
Reply: We must read the Bible and believe what we read, instead of dismissing what it says through the rationalizations taught to us by HWA and other controlling offshoots. See: How I untangle my mind from HWA's dogma? (Q&A) and Where Do I Find the "One True Church"?)
Nothing Less Than Hoodlums and Gangsters:
February 15, 2012
Much thanks for your work. The fourth quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009 were very disturbing for me as I "unbelievably" came to learn that the WWCG and its splinter groups are nothing less than hoodlums and gangsters. This is sad but what is more sad for me is that I knew Jesus as my Lord and Savior and this knowledge was diminished gradually as a result of all the indoctrinations of The Restored Church of God headed by David C. Pack.
I am repulsed that these men, in these splinters, continue in the shadow of Herbert Armstrong. Yet, I am more confused and saddened that their members don't see what seems so obvious--that they are caught up in a religious cult where they sacrifice the God-given gift of their intellect. And for what? I have spent much time deliberating why these so called ministers and "apostles" would continue as they do. I could take the easy road and say that they themselves are/have been deceived by HWA. But, nay, not all! Surely they have "a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof: from such turn away." (II Tim. 3:5).
I remember asking one of the members why is it that Mr. Pack has such a nice and large home and nice vehicles. The member said to me, "he has to because no one will follow or listen to him if he does not have them. You know how people are." I could not believe my ears because if David Pack truly believes that he is God's appointed then surely he would not depend upon his worldly possessions to entice new membership. But then again, that's what their business is all about--to attract, allure, persuade... Tragic.
Surely, these men have not a clue as to what it really is to present their bodies a living sacrifice and that they be not conformed to this world and the ways of this world. (Romans 12:1-2)
Finally, I have just read the critique of Mystery of the Ages, chapter two. All I can is gangsters, gangsters!!
I pray that you all be increased with right knowledge and wisdom from above. Thank you again.
With my warmest regards, --Impacted by Restored Church of God
Comment: Totalistic religious cult leaders do what they do because many of them have the characteristics of a sociopath and therefore have no conscience. HWA also lived a luxurious lifestyle. Be sure and read: Herbert W. Armstrong: The Rich Apostle (Is requiring accountability of finances wrong?).
David Pack is Simply Part of a Long Line of False Prophets:
February 16, 2012
Just for the record, it should be noted that Jesus said that the church would never die out; that it would exist without interruption throughout the ages until His Second Coming. If this is true, then how can it be that we would have a church claiming to be God's church which would call itself the "Restored" Church of God.
How could it be that God's Church had to be restored and by "a man" when Christ said it would never die out and that He would be with it until the end of the age.
Knowing that makes it amply evident that David Pack is simply one of a long line of false prophets preaching for filthy lucre's sake, a wolf devouring God's sheep, feeding and clothing himself rather than sacrificing "his" life for the well being of the flock and feeding God's sheep.
He, like so many other ministers who came out of the wreckage of the WCG, is simply someone who was in need of a job and wouldn't have been able to make a living in the real world and so chose to live off of the gullibility of those whom he could deceive. --R. F.
Comment: As we know, RCG will assert that after HWA died and his "true church" changed doctrines, it is they who are now the "restored church" of God. In other words, HWA was given "restored truth" that he claimed had been "lost." See our research article: True Original Church/Faith Once Delivered (Proof Herbert Armstrong Lied About the "Lost" Church Century). Thank you for a very good email.
The Bragging and Boasting in RCG is Not of God:
February 17, 2012
I have noticed that you have been receiving more letters regarding the Restored Church of God lately. It's possible that this has occurred because the RCG spin doctors are at work. Some of Dave Pack's ministers who have come from other organizations have been blogging about their experience in the RCG. The ones that I have read have been in the WCG and later went onto United Church of God. They all anointed their eyes and wound up in "God's one and only true church" (of course, that is none other than RCG).
This is nothing more that a public relations campaign to make the RCG look magnificent! They act like they are the only group doing anything. Plans are in the making for a World Headquarters in the Wadsworth, OH area. They boast of healings and other miracles. Someone needs to let them know that the false prophet Gerald Flurry is over 10 years ahead of RCG with his building project. Other organizations claim increased membership, record numbers of people watching their programs, increasing magazine circulation, and incomes rising despite the difficult economy.
All of the bragging and boasting in RCG is not of God. --Impacted by WCG, RCG and PCG
David Pack Calling for Fast on March 3:
February 28, 2012
The RCG is fasting this coming Saturday. Pack wants to borrow money to finish his "building project." He feels the need to exceed Gerald Flurry. The banks want 50% already paid, plus the names and addresses of the members who are pledging property. The fast is to somehow pressure God to change the bank's mind or to persuade God to help them to come up with more money. My question is, why? If we are so close to fleeing to Petra, why bother? --Anonymous
David Pack's Propaganda Statements in His Co-Worker Letter:
February 28, 2012
David Pack said the following propaganda statements in his September 27, 2011 to co-workers and brethren: (Comments by ESN are in brackets and purple.)
"When we consider this year's outbreak of violent and deadly tornadoes across the U.S., is it any surprise there are increasing hurricanes and tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico and on America's East Coast? When these storms arrived in the last few weeks, I did not hear one person say that the nation must turn to God and repent." (p. 2) [Pack fails to mention the fact that HWA was saying the same thing in his day. This is simply placing fear in the members along with discounting many Christians and Christian ministries who have always spoke about the need to turn to God. But how would RCG members know this since they aren't to listen to what anyone else says except Pack?]
"The entire Work is changing in ways that are difficult at this point to even quantify. It is a story of miracles and open doors appearing almost daily." (p. 2) [Pack's criteria for "God being with RCG" is to focus on physical things not on having the peace of God.]
"Incidentally, several in the group that went to Pasadena entered what was Mr. Armstrong's home, which is now occupied by a real estate company that rented it about a year ago... Mr. Bill Behrer explained to the owner a little of the man who had once lived there, and the owner had no knowledge of this and no idea who Mr. Armstrong was. ... I thought about how even the greatest of God's servants through the ages are so quickly lost to memory. [Which of "God's servants" is he talking about? Surely not great men such as Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, George Muller, and many more.]
"The Internet presents people with the opportunity to instantly ask about services in their area. We are now seeking to slow people down, in hundreds of cases way down, and get them much deeper into literature ... We hope and believe that the net result will actually be a faster growth rate in the Church in 2012..." (p. 3) [This is a cult tactic so people will come to the false conclusion that RCG is "God's true church." Read ESN article: How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit People? to understand the process.]
"Know that I have not moved 'one inch' from my belief about when the 6,000 years of man's rule are up. It seems almost beyond impossible to me that we have more years remaining than can be counted on one hand. (p. 4) [Pack stated in his sermon Clarion Call—The Time is Now! that "the Tribulation would begin in the spring of 2018 at the latest" and that "the latest Christ could return is Feast of Trumpets 2021." Now it seems he is predicting a date of less than five years.]
I am sending you his entire letter as PDF. Note where it says on page 4, second paragraph how it he is predicting something for around 2016. --Impacted by RCG
Update: Read: David C. Pack Dear Brethren / Co-Worker Letters (a sampling of what they contain)
David C. Pack's Sons Have Criminal Records:
February 29, 2012
I wonder how many are aware that David C. Pack's sons, Randall David Pack, born 7-20-72, and Robert William Pack, born May 18, 1974, have criminal records? I am sending you what I found as it is all public record online (Greensboro, North Carolina). A sad situation. --[name removed]
David Pack's Assistant Wanted to Set Up a Visit After I Ordered a Booklet:February 29, 2012
I was just roaming around The Restored Church of God's website and I stumbled into your expose´ of David Pack.
I am an ex member of WCG and was with them for 20 years. I also attended Ambassador College so was privy to a lot going on of which the lay membership were not aware. I left in 1980 so am an old bird so to speak. I have several friends who also left and we just have home Bible study.
I got the distinct impression from David Pack's website that he, too, was just like Herbert--a little peacock strutting his stuff, full of himself, and passing himself off as an Apostle.
I had to chuckle at your expose´ of David Pack. but at the same time, found it so sad because so many innocent sheep are going to the slaughter with these splinter groups. They are being so mind controlled, just like we were in WCG.
I had an interaction with Pack's assistant that didn't go very well so I told him politely, thanks, but no thanks. He wanted to set up a visit--all because I just sent for a booklet.
Thanks for your good work. --J. H.
What Kind of Home Does David C. Pack Live in?
February 29, 2012
Someone I know seems to think that David C Pack lives in a very modest home and drives a simple car. Is there is way of knowing what kind of a home he lives in and what kind of vehicle he drives? Any information would be helpful. To date he has give approximately $60,000 to the Restored Church of God. --[name removed]
Dave Pack Attacks Ron Weinland:
March 2, 2012
Dave Pack attacked Ron Weinland on RCG's website news ("Ron Weinland—Spectacularly Wrong!"). But it strikes me that what Pack accuses Weinland of is the same thing that applies to Pack; i.e., a "false prophet," "deceiving thousands of people," is a "complete fraud," etc.
Thanks for all that you do. You are wonderful and doing good things. --Impacted by RCG
David C. Pack Lives in a "Rich" Neighborhood:
March 9, 2012
David C. Pack lives in a very nice neighborhood at 402 Pheasant Run, Wadsworth, OH 44281. (I am sending you photos of his house and neighborhood.) Some houses in there are very, very nice. His is not bad at all. Hardly "modest." I'd call it an upper middle class neighborhood, maybe even upper class. I would say that considering the surrounding area (Wadsworth) that David Pack lives in a "rich" neighborhood.
The new future campus site is conveniently located about 2 miles from Pack's house. The site is right by all the modern shopping centers, chain restaurants, name brand retail outlets, etc. Looks like they will be depending on the local police department to enforce the no trespass sign. --W.
David C. Pack Lives in Swanky Neighborhood:
March 9, 2012
Thanks for sending me the photos of Pack's home and neighborhood. Dave Pack definitely lives in a swanky neighborhood. I'd say his home in that neighborhood would go for $750,000+. --S. L.
Pack and His Plans for a World Headquarters:
March 13, 2012
Your recent article: "David C. Pack Plans a World Headquarters" is extremely good! --Impacted by loved one in RCG
Joel Hemphill Speaks With HWA's Old Friend Anthony Buzzard:
March 13, 2012
I have Robert L. Sumner's book on Armstrongism. As a matter of fact Dr. Sumner has printed some of my research on Armstrongism. We did an article on 8 time Dove award winner, author of many well known Gospel songs, Joel Hemphill. I thought the Jehovah's Witnesses were bad in their attacks on the deity of Christ, and the Trinity, but Hemphill tops the cake. How he can perform in Christian churches [singing gospel songs] is a real shame. He has duped many Christians. He speaks with Herbert Armstrong's old friend, Anthony Buzzard. Buzzard is part of the adjunct faculty at the Atlanta Bible College. This college has also duped many Christians. You can see some of Hemphill's blasphemous materials on the 21st Century Reformation cult site.
I now see Joel Hemphill's materials on many cult sites. One is a leader (he used to be in the cult The Way International) and was considered to be the next president after Victor Paul Wierwille died. Interesting that this individual's son is a adjunct professor at the Atlanta Bible College. This college will dupe many because some of the adjunct professors have their degrees from Evangelical Seminaries.
I notice that Hemphill's book is on the Church of God General Conference site. Dr. Sumner did an excellent job on exposing him also in his Biblical Evangelist paper. It's still on the web. --James
Joel Hemphill is Very Disappointing and Deceptive:
March 14, 2012
I used to like the music of Joel Hemphill. He was part of the group, The Hemphills, back in the '70s. You might remember Hemphill's song, "He's Still Working On Me" that charted pretty well. He's now involved with a cultic group (Anthony Buzzard). There's a Herbert Armstrong connection there.
I read that Joel Hemphill no longer posts his concert dates and places because of [certain people] showing up and telling the attendees about him.
If I ever had any respect for him, I've since lost all of it. Hemphill is very disappointing and deceptive. --W. S.
Was Informed Something Was "Off" About Armstrong:
March 14, 2012
We've been looking for the David Robinson book for a while in particular because my mother remembers her mother-in-law bringing it to her attention in the 1970's in an attempt to inform us that there was something "off" about Armstrong.
Thank you so much! We look forward to receiving the PDF books. --Former WCG members
Getting Re-Acquainted With Jesus:
March 15, 2012
Thank you for your encouraging words and help. I studied hard when coming into the WCG so I am having to do likewise to leave it spiritually. I count myself blessed to have been a believer before coming across the WCG so it is a case of getting re-acquainted with Jesus. I recently came across a letter written to my Dad when I was young and I could see the joy of Christian living, faith and the child-like trust. Within the next 4 years I would be told (by a WCG minister) that I needed to be re-baptized and that God was under no obligation to listen to my prayers while I was a non-baptized member. Rather than "helpers of my joy" Armstrongism stole my joy! Scriptures long buried are returning to my mind. I believe it is harder for second generation folk. Their only knowledge of God came from a cult and they know nothing else.
Bless you, your helpers and family, for the sacrifices you make on our behalf. Love, --Child survivor and former member of WCG
David Pack and His Brethren/Co Worker Letters:
March 15, 2012
David Pack places himself into Revelation 10:11 as the one who will be "visiting before world leaders" and prophesying. I remember HWA claiming this also. In his January 4, 2012 brethren/co-worker letter he does nothing but boast and brag about what has taken place (most of it completely unverifiable). All of his brethren/co-worker letters end with words from Herbert Armstrong (usually something about being faithful or sacrificing) which Pack refers to as "the customary closing quote." I guess he feels HWA's words will keep members motivated. --J.
Continue to Do This Great Service:
March 16, 2012
I wanted to simply say thank you. I have listened to just about 80% of the programs done by Aaron Budjen (some of which I have listened to twice and indeed intend to listen to them again). These programs have been very humbling to me. Interestingly as I listened to some of them, I had certain questions, and I thought I would write down my questions before I decided to write Aaron. But as I continued on listening to more of the programs, those same questions were answered.
I have a friend who spent her entire life in WWCG having left a few years ago. She has a broken spirit. I could understand because I have had only a short 2 years with RCG and find myself feeling shattered after I learnt I was deceived. This friend recently embraced Universalism. I read some paper on it. However, I was never able to get my mind wrapped about it. We both referred to Scripture how that Christ died for the whole world (forgiveness). She believed in Universalism because of these Scriptures. I am so thankful that I now understand that there is a distinct and fundamental difference between forgiveness and salvation.
I look forward to listening to Aaron and have been doing so now just about everyday. I had been listening to a SDA (Seventh-day Adventist) radio station, when driving, after I somewhat cleared my head from the deception of RCG and yesterday was the first time I actually changed the station. Listening to that station this last week has become unbearable and they seem to stuff down your throat the Sabbath command, dietary laws, etc. I only wish I could tune into a station that brings the true understanding about the Scriptures. I told my friend yesterday that I had a website for her to go to. I hope she too will receive the freedom in understanding who she is Jesus Christ because of what He has done.
Continue to do this great service that you are doing to help those that are hurting so badly because of the deceptions. When I visit your site, which is every week, I am always hoping to see more and more letters from those impacted by the WWCG and its offshoots which for me is a prayer answered, that God will reveal, to the various members, the truth about these destructive groups and they may break away to stop the destruction and exploitation.
Thank you so very much again. With my warmest regards to all of you at ESN. --Ex RCG member
Pack Went on Another Rampage:
April 1, 2012
David Pack went on another rampage and posted a 9 page article online called " 'Cry Aloud, Spare Not'—What ALL Forgot!" Then he took an extra 1 1/2 hours yesterday to "talk" about his article that he posted. --Impacted by RCG
Comment: In the article Pack lifted verses out of the O.T. that were for Israel in Isaiah's time (Isaiah 51:8). He spoke at length about how Herbert Armstrong "spent his life fulfilling Isaiah 58:1," backing it up with many quotes by HWA to show how he would speak with "authority and boldness" just as Pack now claims he is doing. He talked about how one could know with "absolute certainty" who God is working with (himself, of course). This all comes after he attacked Ron Weinland and Gerald Flurry recently as being "false prophets and false apostles," even describing Gerald Flurry as having "the workings of a cult leader." ("Is That Prophet Alive Today?" by David C. Pack) These are the fruits of Herbert Armstrong's WCG. Scores of offshoots claiming to be the one true church and the man that God is working with. Read ESN article: Where Do I Find the "One True Church"?
Herbert Armstrong Did Not Restore Any Truths:
April 4, 2012
Herbert Armstrong stole and plagiarized from everyone. Nothing was really "revealed" to him. To all those who say he restored truths probably wouldn't care what he plagiarized and obviously from several sources. He can't even claim the word truth because that is what the groups who restore things call those findings too. They are so in awe of him. --D.
Having Second Thoughts About Restored Church of God:
April 10, 2012
I am just about to exit one of the splinter groups. Been looking at Restored COG but now having second thoughts. I think I should go right back to basics and question HWA. So if I can receive this PDF book [Armstrongism--Religion or Rip-Off], I would be very grateful. --[name removed]
David Pack's April Letter Full of Fear and Boasting:
April 13, 2012
David Pack's April 3 letter to Brethren and Co-workers was filled with more fear and boasting. He talked of diseases epidemics on the horizon, extreme weather increasing, this evil world, etc. Hence, holy day offerings are "crucial." One of his boastful statements in regard to the newspaper coverage on his new HQ: "For now, just realize that our name (and my name personally) is probably known to over 90 percent of the people in Wadsworth. ALL my neighbors read the article, and with not one exception have asked me about it when they have seen me." Another: "Millions upon millions of people read about God's Church and Work." According to Profile of a Sociopath, "Grandiose Sense of Self" is one of their characteristics. --J.
Restored Church of God is a For Profit Business:
April 13, 2012
Herbert Armstrong prophesied of specific dates and was wrong, so he qualifies as a false prophet according to the Bible. David Pack is aware of these false prophecies since he is some sort of expert on HWA and promotes him as one who had "truth." But he cherry picks HWA to make his own ploy look credible with regard to HWA being the first Apostle and now Pack being the final Apostle, thus enabling Pack to fleece the flock. Pack therefore is deliberately misinforming the members and selectively presenting this HWA information to further his fraud. He seems to be most interested in money so that he might glorify and enrich himself. He is a businessman and uses deceptive practices. His rhetoric is designed to attract and retain members from whom he extracts cash.
Pack is judgmental, critical, combative, and seems to be delusional. Where is the love that Jesus talked so much about? Instead Pack pulls out select Bible verses that justify his meanness. This RCG is so far off track when it comes to being kind and charitable to other human beings. What kind of charitable organization is it that serves only itself? Answer is: it's not a charitable organization. It is a for profit business and everything that Pack says, writes, or does is related to money.
I do hope that this perspective might be shared and help anyone affected by David Pack to see some nugget of truth in this and that they might be spared the destruction that ultimately comes to those who are deceived, hopefully sooner rather than later. --Anonymous
My Image of Herbert Armstrong Has Been Completely Blown Apart:
April 18, 2012
I just finished reading Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web by David Robinson. Thank you for emailing it to me. What an absolute mess! How in the world--not to mention a "church"--could things get so completely corrupt and twisted? How could men, who have the abilities, the potential, and the resources to do so much good in the world, chose to do such evil? I will never be able to get my mind around that!
My image of HWA has been completely blown apart with the idea of him answering the door to his hotel room completely nude; keeping a "black book" to record every time he "pleasured" himself. [See this part in Honey I Shrunk the Church] The very thought of a 90 year old man "pleasuring" himself is just wrong on too many levels to begin to tell. Committing incest with his daughter? Where the hell was Loma in all this?
How did the man live with himself?
I believe every word of Robinson's account because the book was written in 1980 and if it were not true, Stan Rader would have had David Robinson in court so fast, suing him for libel, that it would have made your head spin. That's how you can know it's true.
Herbert W Armstrong stood in awe of power. He craved power and authority and was enamored by world leaders who had the respect and prestige that went along with being a power broker. He featured these leaders on the cover of The Plain Truth and his own office was festoon with autographed pictures of various world leaders he collected on his travels.
One such leader was the late King Hussein. Why did Armstrong admire men like Hussein? ...
In David Robinson's book Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web, he often quotes Lord Acton's famous:
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely."
These words are very true. But most people seldom hear that quote in its entirety. The complete quote goes like this:
"Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men."
In the eyes of this world, HWA, Stanley Rader, King Hussein, they were "great men." But as it turns out, Acton was right. They were also very BAD MEN!
God will have the final say.
Thanks for the info. God bless Exit & Support. --S.
Comment: It helps to read: Profile of a Sociopath. When we begin to understand the mind of such men (and their goal of power and wealth), we begin to make some sense of what happened.
As far as King Hussein, those in WCG were told:
"I hope to arrange for the use of Petra as a possible refuge or place of safety during the Great Tribulation when I see King Hussein. Pray for this please." (February 25, 1982 Co-Worker letter from Herbert W. Armstrong)
David Pack Selling His Books:
April 23, 2012
Did you know David Pack is selling his books? I. e., The True Jesus Christ - Unknown to Christianity. This reminded me of how GTA tried to sell his book The Real Jesus in the 70's. [GTA's book is called pure speculation in this testimony.] I guess Proverbs 23:23 doesn't apply when what you're selling isn't "the truth" and when the true Jesus is unknown to the author, not to Christianity. I also remember Raising the Ruins by Stephen Flurry started out selling strongly on Amazon because members began snatching it up, then it tanked quickly. Now, you couldn't give a copy away, let alone get someone to buy it that didn't have a clue what it is about. I can't believe Pack has the audacity to try to sell his books. At least a lot of people knew GTA just because of HWA pushing himself out into the public eye. Most people haven't a clue who David Pack is. --S. L.
Thank You For Your Courage:
April 24, 2012
I have found your site very informative. Thank you for your courage in posting all of it.
I need to get the word out to our membership about the problems with CGI. I will definitely refer them to your site. ... --[name removed]
Dave Pack Identifies "Synagogue of Satan" and Marks Several Splinter Leaders:
April 24, 2012
I just listened to Pack's over two hour and fifteen minute sermon called "Synagogue of Satan" that was posted April 23. Here is a quick summary:
All splinters are the Synagogue of Satan
Ministers (not the brethren as he repeats over and over "not the brethren") are deceived and of Satan
Pack had supper with Garner Ted Armstrong, then Pack told HWA what GTA said; ten days later GTA was fired
Splinters stole billions of dollars from God: "Just think what RCG could have done with the money"
Pack speaks of himself in 3rd person
Many are vilifying Pack
Armstrong was the Elijah
"God made" Pack "the watcher"
"How can they invent so many lies against me?"
Ministers are the scorpions referenced in the Bible
Pack is bringing some current splinter ministers with him (to the Place of Safety)
"No turning back now"
Formal announcement: Rod Meredith, Richard Ames and 8 others are formally marked, could be as many as 20 but did not name more than the 10 as "God's enemies"
If splinter ministers don't join RCG, they will be marked
If not in RCG, they are cut off from God
Pack "is not judging anyone"
All other ministers on earth are "invalidly ordained" and certainly not of God
"
"I have given them a chance to become part of RCG"
References his dad as one who made him (Pack) tough
He knows that this sermon will lead to severe criticism
The man is losing his mind! He displays many symptoms of psychological deterioration. --Anonymous
We Were Thinking of Joining Restored Church of God:
April 24, 2012
We were thinking about joining the Restored Church of God under David C Pack as we thought we had finally found the true church. Now we are very worried about RCG after reading the information on your site, especially Without My Informed Consent! The obligation is to the "church" [RCG] and not to God.
Thank you so much for sending Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web. We had been searching for it. WOW. I can't believe it. --[names removed]
Documentary About Jim Jones Cult Reminded Me of WCG:
May 12, 2012
I was watching a documentary about Jim Jones and it reminded me of being raised in a "crazy church" (Worldwide Church of God), as it is called in my family.
Thank you for your website. It's wonderful, supportive, and loving. --R.
Your Site Helped Me Understand the Truths and Exposed the Lies:
May 12, 2012
I want to thank you for creating such a website that helps me understand the truths and to expose the lies and deceptions of false churches. I've been church hopping for many years to want to learn the truth. Nothing makes sense. I'm a Seventh-day Adventist almost like WCG and I'm getting out.
I went through the same emotional problems as the WCG members until I found your website. Now I'm free!
I just want to say "thank you". --R. K.
Followers of Armstrong Do Not Believe in the God of the Bible:
May 15, 2012
To those who have taken the time to gather and/or write such detailed information that is found on your Exit & Support Network website, I can't say thank you enough.
I grew up in WCG in the early 70s. From the time I was a small child, I knew that something was wrong with this whole "religion" thing. I ended up on my own, basically for not wanting to go to "church" anymore. Through it all, I never outright blamed God, but I didn't give Him too much thought either. I hated religion. I was fortunate, though. For the most part, things turned out fine for me. I managed to get my college degree, a good job, family and a middle class life. After the demise of WCG, my parents are now avid followers of David Pack.
A few years ago, I came to saving faith and was baptized in a non-denominational church. I began to study the Bible in earnest, and was blessed to be discipled by a wonderful couple who were well grounded in the Bible. I realized fairly quickly, that God had used my experience growing up in WCG to bless me with the wonderful ability of discernment.
This afternoon, after reading one of your articles, you stated that followers of Armstrong do not believe in the God of the Bible. It finally clicked for me. The god they follow does not fit with the attributes described of God in the Bible, no more than the Mormon god or Allah of Islam. You've provided me with a point to start picking away at my parent's theology. I pray that God will open their mind and heart to hear the truth, and if I can be the tool God uses would truly be a blessing. They are so deep in their erroneous beliefs, direct refuting will fall on deaf ears. Planting a seed of doubt--with God it can grow.
I just want to express my heartfelt thanks. --[name removed]
2012 Letters From Those Impacted
by Philadelphia Church of God
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