Letters
From Those Impacted By
Philadelphia Church of God
January 1, 2010 to present
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Or press "Page Down" on your keyboard to automatically scroll through letters. Email Us 2010 Letters From Those Impacted by WCG, HWA & Offshoots PCG's "House For God" Way Behind Schedule: January 1, 2010 PCG's auditorium is way behind schedule with no finish date. The conference and concerts are just going to be done over at the Field House. PCG had a major problem with some indoor wood paneling. Seems the wood mill splashed some oil on the veneer it was cutting. Not sure if there was some paneling already installed and they were waiting on the rest or if the whole order was messed up and is on re-order. --Insider No Contact Rule Makes Allowance For Not Getting in Trouble With Law: January 8, 2010 When it comes to the "no contact rule," PCG communication with outsiders is allowed on a "business level" if small children, the disabled or the elderly are involved. Our family falls in that necessary business level category. PCG does not want to get into trouble with the law where such responsibilities are concerned. We were observed and sized up in person by one of their ministers concerning our needful "family relations" and the minister laid down the boundaries for the situation. --Impacted by loved ones in PCG Herbert W. Armstrong Bible Correspondence Course Created Confusion: January 9, 2010 I have just started the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, and I could not believe what I was reading and hearing and became upset. I researched your website. Their literature seems to have little of Biblical truths and the Word I love. I thought maybe I just did not understand, or was too "lazy" about really studying Bible. It seems Bible verses are misquoted from all I have learned. I found this study by googling "Free Home Bible Studies." Information says it is an international course of biblical understanding, published by the Philadelphia Church of God in cooperation with HWA College, Edmond, OK, Editor in Chief, Gerald Flurry. The course seemed to lead in gradually. I
had no idea this was considered a cult! My upset is characterized by
confusion. I do other Bible studies that I love. Is my "feeling" of
incorrect teaching of the Bible and confusion, due to the fact that it is
false? Their discussion of immortal souls, etc., was driving me crazy and
I realized this must be false doctrine.
I got almost angry when I
researched the quoted scripture and saw what I thought was twisting and a
strange interpretation. Comment: This person has received a personal reply. For info on PCG go to Mike's Enlightenment Page. Also read: How Did Herbert W. Armstrong Recruit People? and our articles on Understanding Mind Control and Exploitive Groups. Update: Read: "Bible Correspondence Course" (an Examination) Scripture Does Not Need Special Training to Understand: January 10, 2010 I read the above letter, and I understand this person's confusion. It reminded me of myself so long ago. My family
and I went to the funeral of a member of the WCG. Many of the "worldly"
family members of the deceased were going to be there. We were warned of
this ahead of time. The WCG minister preached his usual sermon that was
really more a slap at traditional Christianity than a funeral service of
comfort. I was saying in my mind something like, "Sock it to them!" Then I
heard someone behind me say in a loud whisper, "See, I told you they just
quoted parts of Scripture." I was angry. I had my Bible in my lap like a
good little member and was following along. Then I realized that, indeed,
the verses he used were skipping around, and most times the quote was
ending short of a phrase that would change the meaning to a more
traditional teaching. I then felt embarrassed. Unfortunately, the feeling
did not last long, and I was then back under the group's control. Comment: Read: Taking Scripture Out of Context (Even Satan is a Bible student) Throwing Bible Correspondence Material in Trash: (2nd email from "Herbert W. Armstrong Bible Correspondence Course Created Confusion" - See January 9 letter above) January 10, 2010 I feel like God is telling me to throw away all the Bible correspondence material I have, and yet I find myself wondering if I just keep an "open" mind maybe I can learn something even from their material. Nope. In the trash it must go. Our minds are wonderful and strange. Thank you so much again. --[name withheld] PCG Bible Course: January 12, 2010 I have looked over the material from the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course that PCG sends out. In the trash (or better yet, the incinerator) is where it belongs. --Impacted by Flurry Had to Unlearn Garbage: January 12, 2010 I took the original HWA Bible Correspondence Course and the revised correspondence course [which is the same as PCG publishes]. What a bunch of garbage that I had to unlearn. --Former WCG member/impacted by loved one in PCG Morale is Sagging in PCG: January 12, 2010 I've spoken with some people in certain WCG offshoots who have relatives in PCG and they're saying that morale is really sagging among the membership. GF's character is becoming clearer to them. --Former PCG member Regarding Confusion After Reading Herbert W. Armstrong Correspondence Course: January 12, 2010 PCG Sister Cuts Off and Refuses to Read Anything Outside the Group: January 20, 2010 My sister has been in the PCG for over three years now. She has cut off all ties with me because they have told her so. I "try" to show her letters from your web site, but clearly the PCG is telling them not to read any kind of letters unless it is from their own website. She will not even open any of my emails, but she deletes them right away. Even if I speak to her in the most loving tone with tears in my eyes, I can tell they have "programmed" her into not listening to me because the "devil is trying to trick her and take her away from God." She is also mean to my little children. They asked her if she would like to see their Christmas tree and she told them, "It is probably the ugliest thing I have ever seen! And no, don't like it!" She made an excuse up and said I put them up to asking her that question. She still thinks that what she says is right. How can I help her when she won't listen to me or anyone in our family? She divorced her wonderful husband because of this. I have lost my only sister. --Impacted by loved one in PCG Comment: Read: If You Have a Loved One in a Deceptive, Exploitive Group. When Did HWA Begin Teaching One Man Government: January 26, 2010 I was wondering if you might be able to post HWA's 1939 article: "Did Christ Re-Organize the Church"? From memory, he rightly spoke against "one-man government" and that type of organization, and then, of course, some time after, he turned around and adapted the very thing he condemned. I also would be interested to know when he adapted and applied his version of "one-man government," and the "supremacy of Peter." --Impacted by PCG Reply: This article is posted on our site here. According to Armstrongism: Religion or Rip-Off? by Marion J. McNair: "...by the mid 60's Armstrong lauded the principle of dictatorship and by 1973 he had fixed the doctrine of spiritual dictatorship firmly upon the shoulder of his adherents. David Robinson says HWA began teaching absolute power beginning in early 1978 (Chapter IX of Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web). However, Herman Hoeh first proclaimed HWA as "God's Apostle" in 1951 (pp. 216 & 217 of Armstrongism: Religion or Rip-Off? See Feb. & Mar. `55 Good News). This couldn't have been printed without HWA's prior approval. Hoeh also stated in a July 1953 Good News: "Mr. Armstrong's office carries with it divine authority, backed by the power of God. Jesus has sent him to speak in His name and by His authority..." It was statements like these that began to raise HWA to almost divine status among his members. (Ibid; p. 219) (Read a few statements by HWA calling himself an Apostle.) PCG Members Are Being Led to the Slaughter: January 26, 2010 I am in a state of sheer disgust. Not only in the religious cults that I have been involved in for the past 40 years of my life but also myself. I have had a good scriptural knowledge for most of my life and can only wonder how in this world I let these people lead me in such a blind direction! I have been a member of the PCG for a few short years and followed HWA teachings in the 70's. I am certain now that I must act on what I have found out in the past few months. PCG members are being led to the slaughter so to speak. We are so afraid of the ministry because we are taught that they are God's Government on earth at this time. Don't blame us; blame Gerald Flurry and his family! They are taking advantage of all of the members that truly believe they are doing what God wants them to do and are told that this is the only way to get their family members to repent and come into the PCG before it is too late (by no contact with former members of PCG or for that matter former WCG). I pray that I can find my way out of this mess and hopefully take some with me. Thanks for all the information you have supplied. I pray others will find it, but I fear they won't, given the fear tactics used so skillfully by the PCG and other false churches. --Hopeful still People Have No Idea How Bad it is Getting in PCG: January 31, 2010 (2nd email from above person) I can't thank you enough for all the information you provide on these cults that prey on well meaning people. I am still a member of PCG only because I hope to help plant a few seeds before I leave and it will be very shortly. I have spent all day reading letters and articles on your site. It is such a blessing to have found it. People have no idea how bad it is getting in the PCG now. I am watching people die needlessly because of being ridiculed if they go to a doctor; e. g., sermons that tell us that "Gods people" should not be going to doctors. A woman in Mr. Cal Culpepper's region died a couple of weeks ago of a massive stroke. Of course it was a "precious sight" in God's eyes. I don't think her 14 year old son thought so. I know of several members that are sick and are using herbal remedies or nothing at all. Less doctors; more money for the ministry! More changes are on the way I'm sure. The ministerial conference was over a couple of weeks ago. I hope I never get wrapped up in anything like this again. After reading your articles I have decided that I am not going to attend United Church of God as I had thought. I will take some time to regroup and build a foundation on the scriptures, not on a man's imaginings. Thanks again for your courage and caring. May God always bless you. --Hopeful still PCG No Contact Nightmare: January 31, 2010 I have just found out about the untimely death of a dear friend in the
PCG. Unfortunately, due to the PCG's no
contact rule, I have had no interaction with this person, or their
family for several years. At one time we were all very close, and helped
each other tremendously. This has been the hardest thing for me to accept.
Is it any wonder that they have no contact with anyone who leaves PCG?
The membership has been repeatedly mind controlled to believe that they
are at war with Satan and every other Church of God organization. Comment: Read: So Much Lost and Jesus is Always There. Gerald Flurry Maintains Erroneous Beliefs: February 2, 2010ear ESN, Gerald Flurry has painted himself into a
corner. He is not able to retract what the PCG has told me in two letters,
because he long ago persuaded the appropriate PCG employees at Edmond that
everything in his book and those letters was truthful. The Article on GF's Erroneous Beliefs: February 2, 2010 The above article was an interesting read, though a little too long. I think it was worth reading just because it puts into words what most people understand by intuition. --Former PCG member Our Life is So Good After Leaving PCG: February 4, 2010 Its been about 2004-2005 since I talked to you and sent you material. I read your letters every week still. The story by "Dotty" caught my eye (PCG is a Sick System). That is so true. I have had Wilson Magruder and his wife Martha (deceased by Dotty's story) stay in my house. Martha was a great lady and she would drop a hint now and then about Wilson so I know what Dotty is talking about. My wife and I have been out of PCG since 2004. I left first and my wife left in about a year. We know where we are, where GOD is and where JESUS is. Our life is so good and relaxed and we do laugh now. When I read all the letters that people send in, it's so sad that they cannot reach out to God and get the help they need. Life is no life of any kind in PCG. I am 71 now and so sorry that I wasted part of my days in Satan's house. God bless. We love all you folks. Keep the good work going. --"David King" (former PCG member) Comment: David wrote: What Has Happened to Gerald Flurry?? (concerns from a former member regarding Flurry's spending). People Continuing to Die in PCG Due to Untreated Diseases: February 8, 2010 From what was leaked out by a friend in PCG, members are continuing to die from untreated diseases. One person's diabetes raised their blood pressure so much that they had a fatal stroke. Another person continues to have trouble breathing because of a really bad heart condition which is being untreated. The PCG is absolutely killing people in their greed for more money instead of letting people get medical attention. --Anonymous Comment: See: Use of the medical profession being is strongly discouraged. Life Shattered Due to PCG: February 18, 2010 I grew up in the WCG and when I was [older] my family joined the PCG. I was later excommunicated from PCG because I fell in love with a Christian man, but he was "in the world" so I was out. My life is shattered. Actually, that is an understatement. I was a "good soldier" and made the PCG my life--the only life I knew. ... My family cut off, including all my friends. ... I am in complete distress emotionally and spiritually, and appreciate all your info online and any other advice or resources you can provide. We were taught in the PCG with such fervor to avoid sites like yours, but it has been very helpful as I am finally trying to sort through all of this. Thanks for all the hard work. I know you must get a lot of hate from PCGers and similar groups, but please, please keep up your efforts. --Child survivor of WCG and PCG PCG Putting a Lot of Funds Behind Court Cases: February 21, 2010 Basically, we've been in and out of court twice now. Both times were long court battles--two years each time. Each time, the courts were hesitant/unwilling to get involved in what they will always see as a religious dispute. Basically, I was told both times, by two different sets of lawyers and experts, that the only thing the court cared about was what was harmful to our daughter, and what the court defines as harmful and what I define as harmful are two different things. But both times, we won. You should also be aware that the PCG is putting a lot of funds behind these cases, I was told, as part of an effort to "legitimize" themselves. So, basically, last time it became a battle of resources. My family spent well over $100,000 in order to protect my daughter [from PCG]. The lawyer hired by my ex was paid for by the PCG, and they spent more than us. This has basically bankrupted my family, and left us without resources for the next court battle. Yes, I'm sure he/they will try again. As my daughter is a special needs child, this money would have been out to good use for her education and medical needs. Instead, it went to lawyers and the courts. Yuk! And, from what I'm told, expect to expect more of the same. --[name withheld] PCG Member Dies Painful Death: March 4, 2010 My father, a member of the PCG, recently died a horribly painful death that could have been prevented. I am no longer a member and have not been so for over 5 years. Other family members outside of the religion are wondering that since he refused medical treatment could it be that the PCG takes out life insurance polices on members, or do they have some burial fund to help members subsidize funeral cost, since he refused to also get life insurance? I am very curious to know since family members have specific instructions on how to conduct the funeral, but have no instructions on how to pay for it. Do I have any legal action against the PCG or family members for allowing him to suffer? This just does not make sense. --Former PCG member Reply: I am really sorry to hear about your father's death. As far as PCG, I've never heard of them having life insurance polices or any such thing as a "burial fund" to help members. An attorney can advise you on specifics, but in my opinion you have no legal leg to stand on. In other words, there will be no way to get them to pay for any expenses. With all the double talk in the organization, it would be easy for them to claim he chose to refuse medical treatment. People's Lives Being Destroyed: March 6, 2010 These groups deserve to be sued. People's lives are destroyed by their actions. And they will keep doing this to others--others who truly repented of their sins, gave their lives to Jesus, and were trying to discover what it meant to have a personal relationship with Him. The police and lawyers know of their activities and they do nothing, and as long as they do not help innocent victims, these horrendous acts will continue to go on by abusive, deceptive groups. Thank you for your informative article [How to Recover After Exiting a Deceptive, Abusive Group] and for the book recommendation [Recovery From Churches that Abuse]. --Anonymous
2010 Letters From Those Impacted by WCG,
HWA & Offshoots Contents
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