OUTSIDER'S
INSIDE UPDATE™
Volume TWO. A newsletter of understanding ... Winter `95 Special Edition Published by the
Exit & Support Network™ VOLUME TWO contents: (partial index)
As usual the Exit & Support Network has been flying in high gear, tackling everything from exiting emergencies to research trips to doctrine pandemonium. We no sooner returned from the Evangelical Ministries of New Religions (EMNR) conference on cults in Oct., when we found ourselves soaring to Ohio for the 1994 Cult Awareness Conference. [NOTICE: Since this OIU, CAN is no longer a recommended resource. It was bankrupted by Scientology and is staffed by its operatives. More on CAN is mentioned in this offsite report.] Once again, the national yearly conference was jam packed with excellent professionals from around the globe sharing their years of experience and expertise on a multitude of cult related subjects. Every organization carries its strengths and weaknesses; the yearly conference is certainly an asset of the CAN organization. This was the ESN's second attendance. One of the highlights was meeting hundreds of people who are totally unrelated to the WCG, but can relate experiences as if they have lived through one's own. People from all over the US who have exited from hundreds of other cults, who have in some way, lived though a similar experience, help us to realize we are not alone and we're not personally attacked, but had been caught in the market of deception, control, coercion and manipulation for the gain of power and money. Attendees had the opportunity
to learn, discern and heal from their cultic involvement in every
aspect, spiritually and psychologically. When a victim breaks away from
a controlling and abusive group, putting his past in perspective is an
arduous task that involves critical thinking. The ability to recognize
that the cult phenomenon is far bigger then the WCG picture, helps one
to release himself from the bonds of WCG, to start the sorting process.
Education is imperative to healing and spiritual understanding. The CAN
conference is another tool provided to assist the cult victim on his
recovery path. In addition to attending these conferences, we held a
local television interview about cults, gave a presentation on cults at
Yale University, and continued with ESN's research on the WCG. As the
WCG spins its strategies into new directions, we methodically piece the
past and present together. The year 1994 culminated with another
research trip to Washington, DC. Our family enjoyed many of the sights
together, as we considered the true meaning of freedom and weighed it
against the atrocity of totalitarian governments. Worth mentioning at
this time, is what is considered to be the Library of Congress' most
valuable book. That book is the Gutenberg Bible, well protected
and on special display in the Madison Building. Most strikingly
eye-catching, were the words carved on a large bronze plaque, ironically
just above the display case that housed the Bible:
The Us vs. Them
Thinking...Sticks! Human nature shows us that we want to believe what feels comfortable to our psyche. We deny what might confront our pride. Accepting the need for recovery places us in another vulnerable position. It means we must tear down the wrong to build a solid future. That is one reason why so many ex-WCGers turn their back on the past, or jump directly into another belief system without thoroughly understanding it. It is temporarily more comforting to escape reality, transfer our beliefs and ignore the pain of truth, than it is to deal with it and get on with life. If the cult experience taught us anything, it should have been how necessary it is to think for ourselves, keep an open mind, question and take responsibility for our own lives. Unfortunately, many victims exit and neglect to utilize that freedom. The result is stunted spiritual and psychological growth. Negative Programming Prevents Growth Ministries state that their job is to preach the Gospel and sort out spiritual issues. Secular organizations strive to educate victims on cults and their psychological and behavioral effects. Secular does not mean anti-Christian. Many support organizations consider themselves secular in an effort to reach out to all people from many understandings; the goal is total well-being. Both sides are essential to recovery. It is a real loss when one places limitations on his healing because of propaganda, or closed thinking. Exiters must recognize that post-cult behavior reflects the negative training of the past and enhances prejudicial thoughts. Unless we personally take responsibility to cut the umbilical cord to the destructive thinking that dictates our behavior, we will forever be mentally tied to the Worldwide Church of God. That, by the way, would be indicative of the "programmers" pursuit. How to Recover After Exiting a Deceptive, Abusive Group As The Whirlwide
Turns...
What prevents us from seeing the real story? Definitions: (American
Heritage Dictionary)
Recapture True
History [Update: Stan Rader died of acute pancreatic cancer July 2, 2002, at the age of 71, and Garner Ted Armstrong died of pneumonia, at age 73, on September 15, 2003.] The in-house fighting for change and correction resulted with seventy ministers leaving and over 11,000 members exiting. [Note: Be sure and read: Worldwide Church of God History by Kenneth Westby which covers this period of time and the very turbulent 1970 era talked about in ESN's letter to author Janis Hutchinson.] Personal accounts clearly describe the firings, the character assassination, the disfellowshippings and the painful emotional distress the pioneers suffered through. These men used every respectful tactic known to aid in initiating change from the Hitler type of government to a true church of biblical understanding. They were rewarded by being thrown out, ridiculed and labeled as liberal rebels conspiring to take over the church. Many, under the HWA dictatorship, were teaching lies and persisted on doing so despite the massive communication pointing out their errors. They continued to preach the biblical distortions as it damaged thousands of lives--some to the point of death--knowing full well that much of it was heresy. The HWA team had total control over its membership and it continued to use fear and guilt to twist and manipulate each member that was snarled in its web. The WCG story played like Star Wars on earth. Exposés blanketed the globe about the corruption and doctrinal distortions. Meanwhile, the members were sheltered by the threat of satanic attacks and threats about annihilation in the Lake of Fire. The church did not have a clear cut "doctrine package." Herbert W. Armstrong's belief system consisted of a compilation of teachings and beliefs from other religions. His authoritarian tactics were comprised from his extensive history involving right-wing extremist organizations. The belief system and behavioral tactics were rightly called "Armstrongism." Several ministers started the first of the spin-off churches. Among them was Ernest Martin, head of the Theology Department for Ambassador College. Ernest Martin aided hundreds of exiters through his articulate explanation of the massive errors in the Armstrong teachings. It was also Ernest Martin's research that Dr. Hoeh used without permission to verify the change in Pentecost. [Update: Ernest L. Martin died 1-16-02.] Rebellion against Armstrongism was ignited in the early 1970's by men of integrity. By 1978, the Systematic Theology Project was written. " This systematic theology is being produced by the Worldwide Church of God to reflect its doctrines, beliefs, practices and traditions. The development of the project is the response to a need sensed by the leadership of the Church. The need was for an up-to-date and accurate statement of our official doctrinal positions and understandings, which would provide a formal record and serve as a communications vehicle both within and without the church." " As a formal record of the Church's beliefs and teachings, the systematic theology will provide an official source of public information about the doctrines of the WCG." The above statement prefaces the almost 500 page binder which outlines the proposed doctrinal statement and beliefs. Herbert W. Armstrong rejected the attempt for change and correction by expelling the idea and a few ministers along with it. The story of the 1970's is a
book unto itself. Several agendas were accruing simultaneously. While
HWA and Stan Rader globetrotted visiting particular leaders for
the purpose of "secret agendas," the battle behind the
Pasadena wall escalated. The massive amount of documentation left in the
wake of the 1970 era awakens us to the deception perpetrated by the
leaders of the Worldwide Church of God. It also highlights the fact that
Joseph W. Tkach has not been given "NEW TRUTH," by
Jesus Christ, as he so dogmatically claims! Getting the church back on track was the order of business following the ouster of Garner Ted Armstrong in 1978. It was at this time that the penetrating publications such as, The Incredible Human Potential and the Mystery of the Ages were launched. [Read: ESN's critical review of Mystery of the Ages] What seems today to read like Project Mind Control was really a heavy dose of HWA's rendition of GOD SPEAKING TO HIS PEOPLE! It was no secret to the inner circle that HWA was not managing the church. Stan Rader was the number one answer-man. It is documented by many that HWA was often under heavy influence of alcohol and had frequent episodes of senility. Stan Rader decided that it was time to keep HWA highly visible and pictured on all the publications, which helped cover for lack of personal appearances. On the other hand, it is highly doubtful HWA authored any materials, including the Mystery of the Ages, during his final twenty years of life. Considerable documentation points to the communism/fascism/Aryan race expert, Herman Hoeh as having the final say on the "belief system," and accompanying dogma. [Update: Herman Hoeh died November 21, 2004. Read 2004 letter: Herman Hoeh Converted to Buddhism.] The unraveling of God's Plan of Salvation and all its science fictional trimmings was christened at the 1978 Feast of Tabernacles by HWA, and it became the diet for the membership for the next ten years. The WCG leadership was determined to get their people back on track. No method of control was considered too harsh. The God's Government routine provided the foundation for the belief system--the pursuit of doctrine clarification was not a priority. The membership anchored to the constant barrage of threats, fear and abuse instead. The leadership learned many lessons by their mistakes in the 1970's, henceforth; safeguards were built in to prevent uprisings in the future. Those safeguards consisted of the wearing away of individual identities, wills and self worth. The Bible was the tool used in a distorted way to prove that each individual was only garbage in God's eye. What follows is a quote that represents the locked in mental programming forced on the unsuspecting spiritual seekers. Just What IS Repentance? "Repentance is a change of mind and attitude. It is a change from this carnal attitude of hostility toward God--of rebellion against God's Law, to the opposite attitude of love, submission, obedience, and worship of God, and reliance on Him. It is an "about-face" in attitude and intent, the way of God's righteousness. Repentance means that you come to really see yourself as you are--as God sees you--as a self-centered, hostile, shriveled-up, rotten, vile, filthy, sinning hulk of rotting human flesh, unworthy to breath the free air God gives you! It means to be so sorry, not only for what you have done, but also for what you ARE--that you so abhor yourself that you come emotionally broken up, throwing yourself on God's mercy, asking His forgiveness, and His redemption! It means wanting to be made righteous." ("What Do You Mean--The Unpardonable Sin"? by Herbert W. Armstrong.) The same underlying message found its way in all the readings and letters and sermons geared for the membership. Is there any wonder why so many found suicide to be the answer to their pain? While the ministry accused the psychology field as being SATANIC, they employed whatever psychological measures needed to keep their "sheeple" (people/sheep) in line. [ESN Note: Read: Can I commit the unpardonable sin? (Q&A)] All Good Things Come To An End Thanks to Jonestown and the increased cult awareness, recruiting slowed down through the 1980's. The HWA hard-line approach was continued by Tkach for at least three years following HWA's death. The Tkach regime manipulated many marketing strategies with the Plain Truth and World Tomorrow broadcast. It seemed as if the formats were being changed every few months. That certainly would indicate what wasn't working. The year 1988 was when a few daring insightful members were able to first detect some change. However, it wasn't until 1990 that possible changes became more evident. As the duplicity and confusion prevailed within the church, the leaders locked hands with Protestant ministries in an effort to reform their doctrinal package and de-cult the look of the Worldwide Church of God. Of course, the membership was told that the doctrines were only being enhanced and modified and nothing was really changing. "Work Smarter, Not Harder" These were the words Joseph Tkach told his membership. "We've got a five year plan in motion," he boasted. This helped the membership to begin realizing that they too might join the rest of humanity and see physical death. Shock permeated the local ministries; the new thought was, "looks as if Christ isn't coming in our lifetime." That was a problem, because the bulk of the membership had no money saved, no insurance, minimal education and nothing to show for their WCG life span but the thought that their money helped build "God's house." With the membership in increasing disarray, they were comforted by their leaders that WCG was God's only true church and that God (more recently changed to Jesus Christ) was leading the way. Members were asked to always pray that Joseph Tkach would carry out God's instructions faithfully. 1994---A Pivotal Year The escalation of cult awareness with the occurrence of WACO expedited the WCG's new strategy development program. The cult watching Christian ministries were being entertained with the words such as, "Trinity" since 1990. Meanwhile, the Trinity introduction to the membership didn't occur until 1993 with the word "Hypostasis." By 1994 all of the membership was aware that changes were occurring within their church. Confusion escalated month after month because of the contradicting messages in the writings and sermons. Those not in denial were aware that JWT was changing course. Past Church beliefs were shelved and replaced with Protestant teachings while previous behavioral traditions were being overshadowed by liberal methods. The WCG was moving in several
directions at the same time throughout 1994. Their new friendship with
Church of God Seventh Day, linkage with Protestant/Evangelical Christian
Ministries, Accreditation, new recruiting strategies with Open Houses,
TV advertising, evangelism programs, registrations in new foreign
markets, Dr. Stavrinide's psycho babble tapes on the Nature of God and
implementation of a form of Protestant Christian theology, seemed to not
only confuse the membership more, but leave them psychologically
paralyzed as well. Could that have been the intention? "Today, we all live and work in uncertain times. Trials may strike at any time. Some trials are unpredictable, and others are easy to predict but seemingly impossible to prevent. On my own horizon, for example, I see some difficult decisions looming, as I referred to in last month's letter. I agonize about these decisions, and I am fully aware that I am unable to solve the problems on my own. I come before God in fear and trembling, asking for his mercy and direction." This August `94 letter prefaces the above statement while it paves the way for the pending Holy Day offerings: "First, I
cannot stress enough how important the fall Holy Day offerings will be
this year. Income seems stable at about 7 percent below last year, which
is what we had projected based on current economic trends and
conditions. However, we had hoped, of course, that the picture would be
brighter than our projections. The Christian cult watchers finally learned to use a little patience before giving WCG a clean bill of health before its due. They have tempered their glowing statements and have taken a "wait and see attitude," while watching the WCG events unfold. The Christian cult watchers main concern is that the leaders of WCG combine forces with their own theology. So, as JWT and team set the pace for their strategic business maneuvers, they apparently will gain support as leaders after God's own heart. In January 1995, Joseph Tkach gave a three-hour video sermon to the membership. All churches were instructed to play this tape. The tape was filled with the expected double messages, contradictions, confused rambling and abusive shouting, but the bottom line indicated the following:
NOTICE: The transcript WCG posted on their website differs from the one on ESN's site, because they have left out major statements of blame made by Tkach Sr. This is just one more incident of their duplicity and history revision. One would have to listen to the three-hour video and the follow-up tape given two weeks after the big message to fully understand and discern that the same old story is being told. The commands to the laws have been done away with; however, the law is spiritual and written on the hearts of the Spirit-filled; therefore, those who have the Spirit and our true followers of Jesus Christ will want to continue to keep the Sabbath and Holy Days and tithe above and beyond 10%. Tkach says it is not a command, but thoroughly conveys to the listener that they better do more then required in the past because the law is on their hearts. The three-hour video and the follow-up tape on Sabbath and Tithing are filled with mixed messages and leave much to be desired. HWA is praised as if he had been teaching these ideas all along, but people misunderstood him. Tkach extols the importance of keeping the Sabbath because one has the Holy Spirit, but assures that one may work at his place of employment if necessary. The Big Sandy video edited out Tkach's comment about playing golf on the Sabbath being perfectly fine. "I don't keep the LAW to get saved, I keep the LAW because I am saved," are the words Tkach uses to explain his position. Tithing may be voluntary; however, Tkach points out that anyone who truly loves Jesus and is thankful for what Jesus has done for him, will want to tithe even more than before. The three-hour video does not follow the script written in the Worldwide News article. The Dec. WWN neglects to allude to the membership as dummies and ignorant as he did in the video. If one were to read the WWN as their only information source and not read the Pastor General Reports, nor listen to the video, one would think the message was polished and professional. But that is not the case. Tkach's words on the video mimicked the same authoritarian mannerism riddled with abuse tactics and blame on the membership. While Tkach strives to look like a Christian hero willing to go the way of Jesus, the membership is repeatedly blamed for the destructive thinking patterns of the past and for their stupidity in misunderstanding good old Mr. Armstrong. [For those who are interested in the total message along with a study in manipulation and mind control we suggest you obtain a copy of the tapes from the ESN. Or go to Video Sermon by Tkach Sr. and Transformed by Truth or Transformed by Lies??] Opinions are wide and varied regarding the message behind the video. To sum it up best, it could be said, "Have it your way." Basically, anyone tuning in will hear what he or she wants to hear. Do you want the LAW? You've got it! Do you want grace? You've got it! Do you want more freedom on your wallet? You've got it! Do you want emotionalism? You've got it! Do you want to know that the WCG is Jesus` church and Jesus put YOU in it? You've got it. The list is endless, but let's not forget the most important thing. Do you want everything to stay the way it was and have legalism to boot? You've got it! Just pick up your body and shuffle over to Rod Meredith's Global Church of God. He'll give you Armstrongism on a silver platter, no strings attached! Tkach goes as far as to hold up one of Global's magazines, The World Ahead, and invites members to join. As the membership tries to incorporate the Tkach message regarding their personal misunderstandings for past beliefs and behaviors, they seem to find themselves baffled over how they could have been so wrong. Several members we have spoken to are particularly annoyed over the presentation of Herbert W. Armstrong. On one hand, it is stated that the church was wrong on past teachings; on the other hand, HWA is constantly esteemed as a beloved man of God who brought great truth to God's Church. The image of HWA is reshaped with constant reminders that HWA would have been a true supporter of all the Tkach maneuvers had he been alive. [Read: Transformed by Christ: A Review of Worldwide Church of God's Book to see the WCG's whitewashing of Herbert Armstrong and Has WCG Whitewashed Herbert W. Armstrong? (several examples)] The Jan. 7th, WWN offers a lengthy article about HWA's Baptist baptism. Columns of twisted misinformation attempt to shape HWA into a righteous silhouette. The point of the article is to convince the reader that HWA never believed that salvation had anything to do with Sabbath keeping. The article states that HWA wrote the following: "If you do not honestly feel sure in your own mind that God wants you to rest and keep holy the time between Friday and Saturday sunsets, it is not disobedience not to do it...I now realize it has nothing to do with salvation...Until you had taken that step [of baptism] I have felt you should not be bothered with the Sabbath question." One current member told us he was shocked over the overt lies being told and couldn't understand why more people were not reacting to such heresy. It appears that the leaders are fairly secure with their Mind Control tactics and feel cocky enough to get away with anything. Maybe the members are petrified to say anything for fear of losing their life. In Tkach's latest tape he forcefully shouts that anyone who dares to cause discord by disagreeing with him verbally will be sorry and God help him! Phew! [Read the transcript of the Video Sermon by Tkach Sr. 1995] The Truth Proof Where is the WCG going with all this? The Christian Media hopes it's going "their way," but is it really? One would think true repentance would accompany an honest change in behavior, especially dealing with matters of Jesus Christ. But has it? The Tkach by-line states that the ministers will not honor the changes and the membership on the whole refuses to accept change. Blame for non-conformance has been positioned on the lower ministry from the beginning. All the while Tkach is set up as a Godly man of change exhibiting much integrity. This propaganda certainly delights the self-appointed Christian cult watchers who DO NOT know the whole story. Tkach stands as the man of faith, willing to put the whole church in jeopardy for the sake of the "truth". However, if the Tkach regime had an honest agenda, it would be highly unlikely that such secrecy, duplicity, contradictions, blame, denial, guilt, manipulations, deception and massive confusion, would be part of the change format--unless, of course, there was a hidden agenda to the change strategy. One exiting member wrote us, stating her frustrations with the Tkach double message and new psychological twist. She says that if these changes represent an honest statement of repentance then obviously we'd see some different fruit in Mr. Tkach: 1. Tkach would admit to the
financial corruption of the past. This recent member makes valid points, but for us to better understand why cult leaders do what they do we must understand their personalities. In the book Captive Hearts, Captive Minds, Janja Lalich and Madeleine Tobias address this issue under Chapter Five, Characteristics of a Cult Leader. A thorough explanation may be found under the following subheadings: The Authoritarian Power Dynamic
Moving right along... The Hidden Agenda Armstrongism was not about doctrine. It was a way of life instituted by HWA and highlighted by buzzwords and science fiction. It is well documented that he did not author any specific teachings through Godly inspiration, but instead incorporated a neat little package from several other religious denominations and often modified them to tailor his specific needs and personal beliefs. He was careful to combine and plagiarize just the right statements that would serve the groupthink. Contrary to what many believe, Herbert W. Armstrong was not academically intelligent. He did, however, possess exceptional expertise on how to control the crowds. His pre-religion history gave him vast understanding about "human nature" most intellects never arrive at. That, combined with his worldly experience, his close association with his mentor, Frank Armstrong and heeded advice from Elbert Hubbard, rewarded him great riches. Timing was great for HWA's methodology, but all good things do end. So did the HWA era. The Tkach handlers stepped into the multi-million dollar operation following HWA's death. Sure, Tkach tried to fill the HWA shoes for at least two years, but to no avail. The product (Armstrongism) was already in great decline. The church structure, which is set up like a "Mary Kay Cosmetic" organization, (or any multi-level marketing Co. for that matter) needed a new product to sell. After careful study of religious trends and surveys, the WCG leaders did what had to be done. Business is Business Getting Politically,
Religiously Correct and ready for the Putting this perspective into the WCG we can easily piece together the incremental steps to their strategy. If the product doesn't sell, there is no use advertising it [read: pull all the publications from printing]. If the company's sales are declining, the work force must be downsized [read: no ordinations of new Pastors and combining of local churches to reduce overhead]. By applying the business understanding to WCG, we gain insight into why local ministries and affiliated businesses like Ambassador International Cultural Foundation (AICF) will continue to be shut down. Why carry the employee expense and costs of running local areas if they are not generating profit, let alone new business? In the case of the WCG, the situation is a bit sticky because the organization (deceptively) took millions of dollars from well-meaning people under a specific pretense (product). Careful considerations must be applied to every move lest the WCG creates a massive rebellion from its followers. When a market dries up, the business must look for new markets. That is exactly what the Tkach regime has done. It abandoned the exhausted product and replaced it with a more durable, easier to relate to package. Something for mass appeal. But who will buy into this product? Not likely the old customers [read: members]. So, a whole new market must be penetrated. What better way to dump the original customers than to catch them completely off guard with a major diversion. Only a few short years ago no one would have believed that the WCG would have attempted to take every "satanic belief" and incorporate it into the current mind set; yet, that's exactly what they are doing and have been doing for awhile. In business, if you want to get rid of an employee, you hope that he leaves on his own. It saves you the pain of dumping him and having to deal with repercussions upon his exiting. What better way to dump the current WCG membership than by making a 180° turn in their investment. In other words, pull the rug out from under their feet. In plain English, the product
wasn't working anymore. The money allocated to the local ministries was
eating up revenue to no avail. Why open up new offices 1. Gains acceptance in the mainstream Christian Community. Those jumping from their inherited denominations and those new to WCG, should
feel much more at home with the "New Covenant Church of Christ"
(the
future name which might replace the WCG name) than with the old and tired
legalistic, totalitarian.... Worldwide Church of God. The unfolding of events seems to indicate that WCG will continue to down-size
its local money eating churches, despite its "priority" to obey the
instructions in Eph. 4:11-16. (Aug. `94 PG letter) They have been preparing the
local areas to act independent of HQ for some time now. So where is the Tkach team going with all this? If the local ministries are just money eaters, it would behoove the leaders
to do away with all the ministries that are not income producing. Apparently,
that is just what is happening. In the past two weeks HQ has started the money
panic woes again. Listed here are a few of the current events pointing to
abolishing the local ministries. Now on the surface, it looks as if the hero, Joseph Tkach has forsaken the church for the position of truth. But instead of taking such a superficial naïve glimpse at the picture, we should dissect the rest of the strategies being played out simultaneously to the axing of local churches. One must wonder why the legal department continues to negotiate registrations in other countries such as Singapore and Uruguay. The WWN claims 117 thousand people attend services, with over 7000 new members signed in from successful Open Houses. This contradiction doesn't make sense! Is The Cookie Crumbling???? Such diabolic contrasts of events permeate the Church correspondence and announcements. The WWN remains upbeat about the church's growth and Open House successes. Articles regarding Ambassador University's glowing triumphs seem to be appearing more often these past two months. The leaders even entertained King Hussein while cheering over basketball games at AU. Is all the hype real, or is it diversionary propaganda? What is real, however, is that the 180° turn in doctrine and behavior is sweeping the membership off their feet and on to their... bottoms, while they claw at their heads with desperation. This strategic flip of marketing strategy has recently caused a few more dominos in the long line to fall. Here listed are some additional events that have been reported to us: · The WCG airplane is up for sale, or may have been sold. [UPDATE: Gerald
Waterhouse later left WCG and joined United
Church of God-AIA, in 1995.
He died September 4, 2002
at age 76 after a long
illness (swollen prostate, collapsed
bladder and extreme toxemia).]. Herman
Hoeh died November 21, 2004 at age 75. Dean Wilson later became a UCG-AIA
minister, and died with Parkinson's disease on January 11, 2005.] God Abandons God's House This quote was positioned in the middle of the LA Times front page. The extensive article continues to discuss the magnificent auditorium and its attributes to the service of the Pasadena society. Nowhere in the article does it discuss that the real reason the auditorium was built was to represent God's House here on planet earth. Nor does it attribute thanks to the thousands of men and women who were coerced out of their last dime and manipulated by guilt and shame into obtaining bank loans to contribute to the multi-millions of dollars it took to construct this awesome building, which brought such joy to the Pasadena community. This sudden closing startles many, especially the "worldly" entertainers who were paid the highest financial rewards issued from any cultural foundation in the country. We have also learned that several "fund-matching" companies investigated the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation (AICF) and became aware of its church/cult attachments. If deception was used by the WCG in efforts to gain "free money," it is no wonder why many companies pulled out of the program. This too would mean a significant financial loss for its owners. The following was stated by David Hulme in the LA Times Jan. 28,
1995: One can't help but wonder what the leaders have up their sleeves now. Rest
assured it is part of the overall strategy. Sadly, the USA Today and Pasadena
Star News reported to the public that they were told these cutbacks followed the
command for tithing being lifted by leader Joseph Tkach.
All these financial woes come in the wake of Tkach "going public" with the New Covenant Freedom Act, [if you will.] It is most ironic, that the Pasadena Star News and USA Today report that the Worldwide is exhibiting its worst financial disaster in history because the members have stopped tithing. Supposedly, the income is down 30 to 40 percent. This drastic drop is attributed to the fault of the membership withholding tithes since the leader, Joseph Tkach, withdrew the command from the people. Once again, the fault is placed on the members' shoulders. The long-abused membership struggles to build the structure and then they get blamed for dismantling it. It is very interesting how these radical cutbacks come immediately following Tkach's "Going Public" message. The Reasons Behind the Events The thinkers have been working overtime observing these unfolding events.
Although some differ in their conclusions, none feel that the Tkach regime is
truly repented and turning this long held corrupt organization into an outright
HONEST church, where people are free to come and go and rejoice in their
Christian belief.
The "new truth" change was cuddled by consoling Armstrong verbosity. Those who follow the strategy were educated on the keen application of propaganda and manipulation while the Tkach regime carefully constructed the new image of Herbert W. Armstrong. Tkach has gone so far as to indicate that HWA secretly told him to make these changes. We at the ESN especially enjoy the comment made on the current video that, "HWA was unaware of the wrong teachings being implemented by the upper-level ministries. " HWA's words are repeatedly twisted in efforts to make him look... righteous??? The Armstrong statements that have speckled the pages of the WWN these past few years have been outright false flattery and attempt to provide historical cleansing. There is plenty of documented material that proves this! Among other double-minded tactics worth mentioning at this time are the repeated comments made by the leaders to the outside cult watchers placing blame on the Directors, ministers, and membership for fighting the supposed doctrinal statements. Words like: resistance, refusal to change, lacking God's Spirit, fighting and rebellious, are the descriptive adjectives used to clarify that the leader is the "good guy," and the rest of the church is the "bad guy." This constant shift of blame onto the victims continues to cripple them
spiritually and emotionally, as if the people haven't had enough already. They
have been constantly reminded that their interpretation was wrong, or they
carried things too far. As the leaders work diligently to gain acceptance from
the outside Christians, they neglect to incorporate Christian love. These
abusive guilt/blame tactics continue to foster an already psychologically
distraught membership. In the psychiatric field this is termed, projection.
Projecting is a defense technique used to shift the blame from the responsible
party to the innocent bystander.
The fact is the duplicity and confusion is not an accident. It's another strategic maneuver, which causes great distraction from the reason behind the event. "Gone are the days when young cult members of many nationalities stood at street corners selling magazines to passersby and inviting them to their meetings.... On the whole the cults have changed to much more subtle methods in order to achieve a better press. Many have "dialogue" with churches, address schools and play the role of persecuted minorities. Some of the official presentation of aims (manifesto style) is formulated in such a way that they contain little that could not be readily endorsed. Points of real importance, however, are likely to be left out or to be cleverly concealed. To anybody who gets the chance to study internal cult documents (writings for members only) it will become apparent that despite changes in policy, the main aims are still pretty much the same, and in many cases they are still connected with striving for power and wealth." (The Cult Observer, Vol. 11 Nos. 9&10 1994, AFF, P.O. Box 2265, Bonita Springs, FL 33959) [Note: AFF is now known as International Cultic Studies Association] Growth, Growth, Growth, you've heard the words for years. HWA's favorite remark was that the church was growing 30% per year. But was that a true statement? Big growth did occur in the 1960's and some did occur throughout the 1970's, although we're unsure how with all the negative media exposure that existed in that era. We find some discrepancies with the growth picture starting around 1978. As we mentioned previously, Mike Hollman, Head of Data Processing, indicated on his testimony tape ["Armstrongism: An Insider's View" available from Watchman Fellowship] that there were only about 45,000 baptized members listed on the computer. Mr. Hollman offers a reputable comment because he was the Dept. head who set up the computer program for the Worldwide Church of God. The new member recruiting was significantly low from 1986 to 1994 (lean years for the Great Tribulation message). Somehow, the WCG leaders feel that the church expanded from 40,000 to 100,000 between 1978 and 1988. Given the high rate of attrition during these same years, that inflated sum is highly unlikely. Another disturbing observation is in the Financial Statement of that same era. It was widely reported that the Church's income in 1978 was about 70 million dollars, by 1988 that figure grew to 201 million dollars, to 214 million by 1989 and then increased to 222 million dollars by 1990. How could that have happened? It has been established that recruiting remained low for over a decade and certainly didn't pass the church attrition rate, but somehow the income increased by 152 million dollars in twelve short years. Also, we must consider the fact that the years 1979-82 were recession years--only to be followed by more difficult financial times starting in late 1986 and continuing to this day. These difficult economic times affected the WCG brethren greatly--not only due to the economic pinch, but because the household salaries were on the low end of average income. Today, the average American income is approximately $25,000 per year; in the late 1970's and early `80's, the average salary was far less than that. This point is crucial to bear in mind while we scrutinize the current WCG agenda. Simple math will indicate there are grave questions regarding the multi-million dollar increase in income of the Worldwide Church of God. Where did all the money come from during that ten-year period? It is so uncanny how the "till" could grow so significantly while recruiting did not. Interestingly, prior to the multi-million dollar increase in income, Herbert W. Armstrong and Stan Rader were traveling up to 300 days a year on their highly publicized dignitary visits supposedly orchestrated by the mysterious Japanese, Osamo Gotah, throughout Japan, Middle East, Israel, Philippines, Egypt and many other highly controversial areas. (We've recently heard Osamo Gotah is in jail in Japan, but have no further details at this time.) With a careful study of historical facts, combined with analytical scrupulous observations of the last 10 years, it is easily concluded that the WCG had no foundation to support organizational growth. It was built on money and ruled by power. It now becomes obvious to many that the WCG's agenda had much to do with deceptive dealings and little to do with true undefiled religion. Religion is abused as the drug to divert attention. Theology was not the mainstay of the WCG; control, under an abusive totalitarian government is what held it together until the public grew smarter. There will always be successful spin-off groups, but they will not grow into empires like the WCG. If the WCG money/power base is to continue in this "new age," it has no choice but to align with Protestantism and Catholicism. The WCG would have folded without a product switch. The organization hid under the wide umbrella of religion for the past 60 years. It incorporated under the seal of religion as a guise for its strategic business operation. [Note: Read "Myth 1 and Myth 2" in OIU 6, Pt. 1 about how Joe Tkach Jr. and Greg Albrecht found it necessary to enhance the exaggeration of inflated church membership numbers making the latest account higher than all other false statistical statements.] The inner workings have been well plotted and time-released. Many probably forget how:
As growth hype prevailed, the membership was sheltered and uninformed about the inner agenda. Meanwhile, the college extracted financial energy and priority manpower, while it turned its objective from being an educational institution to train ministers and to further the gospel into a college business capable of earning great sums of money. Accreditation means much more than a new facade for the past graduates, it means it can now squeeze more money out of the government through many types of grants and loans. The WWN, Nov. 29th issue listed approximately 1000 companies participating in gift matching to universities. It asks the membership to contact the personnel or human resources department at WCG. There is more than one way to skin a cat and many feel here goes another tool to use toward the game plan of power and money. Although the tithe paying membership paid millions of dollars into the WCG college business over the years, they were kept secluded from the plans and direction of the leadership. As ministers were sent to study Protestant Theology and secular professors were hired to teach new curriculums, the WWN barely mentioned any college news with the exception of eliciting money to build new buildings. Recently the WWN reports upbeat trivial news about the University's successes. In summary, the modus operandi under Armstrongism fell apart, causing a rapid state of decline in finances and membership. It left the leaders with no choice but to radically switch operations. After careful research of the religion polls and surveys, embracing the Protestant/Evangelical Christian paradigm became the new religious product to merchandise. It is this religious system that offers mass appeal. [Update: "The word paradigm describes the New Age idea of transition between two world views. ... Do not ask questions, for questions and Biblical reasoning is a solid block against this change." ~ Joseph Chambers, 1997] The first priority for the leaders was to establish a rapport with the Christian Media and cult watching organizations. The WCG employed Public Relation companies and pursued keen marketing psychology in an effort to gain respect from a Christian public who detested the WCG's teachings. The writers and cult watchers, who did not fall in line with WCG's new truth propaganda, were contacted by the Tkach team and on occasion legal threats were applied. Secondly, the membership was slowly stroked with a slight lifting of intense
authoritarianism while it was being prepped for the "new truth"
manipulation, known better as re-duping the duped. The newly instituted
mind-direction intensified following the WACO disaster. Increased membership
fall-out started escalating with the exit of
Gerald Flurry and
William Dankenbring.
Soon following, Rod Meredith was noted as disfellowshipped from the WCG and the
Global Church of God was born, almost the same day. When one carefully examines the stacks of documented history and analyzes the maneuvers and diversionary tactics employed by the WCG over the past 60 years, this type of scheme comes to be expected. The panic from those dependent on and hooked into Armstrongism and its government would cause them to be the likely candidates to jump from the "Laodicean church" into the "Philadelphia branch" of the Church of God conglomerate. It is unlikely that these true diehards would miss a day of tithing. This concept might seem quite far-fetched and conspiratorial to many, especially the ones who jumped from WCG into Global before their Armstrongism awakening. On the other hand, not considering the strong possibility would be naïve and play right in the WCG's leaders' hands! For those who are sparked to investigate this possibility before making the conclusion that "it could never happen," we suggest you: 1. Study the in-depth background of Rod Meredith and his involvement in the
WCG over the past four decades. Some find the timing of Global's start to be most fascinating, leading to more questions about the upper level WCG ministers who have joined it. When Larry Salyer left WCG, it was stated in the WWN that he retired; shortly after that, the PGR, May 25, `94 stated that he was disfellowshipped, but not to tell the members. Evangelist Larry Salyer has recently been added to the Global Board of Directors. Minister Tom Turk from Denver, Colorado is one of the latest recruits only to be followed Evangelist Colin Adair, Caribbean Island's Regional Coordinator [see Colin Adair letter, pg.18]. Apparently, many others are currently deciding whether to switch, or "stay where God placed them originally." The Global News (Jan. Feb. issue) states it has grown to over 62 churches and is served by 64 ministers, including four evangelists. Of the 62 churches, 43 are served by pastors, while 19 churches are served by "Hosts." The 62 churches also include nearly 100 deacons and over 30 deaconesses. In addition to the 62 churches, nearly 100 Video groups regularly hear sermons from Headquarters, while 1300 households receive the sermons by audiotapes. All told, about 7000 brethren now hear the sermons being preached by ministers of the Global Church of God. This very revealing issue seems to coincide with the WCG's full throttle thrust toward change. Rod Meredith writes in the January 25th letter to the Brethren: "My wife, Sheryl, and I recently returned form a most encouraging and
inspiring visit to the Pacific Northwest. We had been repeatedly urged by many
of our brethren and supporters to pay a visit up there--as many of God's
"sheep" were in a state of confusion after all the recent upheavals in
our former association. So we flew up there last Friday. We were able to have
dinner with our dedicated elder and his wife in the immediate area, Mr. and Mrs.
Terry Graves. He had told us earlier in the week that they were expecting about
60-80 brethren there for the Sabbath. That evening, at dinner, he said a lot of
people had been calling and that the attendance might even get up to 100." So, while Rod Meredith grins from ear to ear and poses with open arms to catch the "lost sheep," the Tkach regime seems to be subtly directing his sheep that are unable to accept change and longing for the "good old days," into the open arms of Global. Before one hastily dismisses the possibility that Global was strategically set up for the purpose of catching the Armstrong junkies (while WCG incorporated its new mainstream religion sales package) the entire Worldwide picture must be considered! As Rod Meredith grows comfortable in his new mansion in San Diego, he gives
this message to those who find comfort in following him: One final note on this topic; the reruns of the World Tomorrow telecast are terminating just as Rod Meredith steps into the blinding lights of television to launch a Global telecast. Is it just coincidental that the Global Gospel will pick up where the Worldwide left off? You decide! [Update: Rod Meredith was later fired from Global and founded Living Church of God in 1998. Read: What Happens if I Join Roderick Meredith's Living Church of God?]
Bury Herbert W. Armstrong. Gain support and trust by:
Mend relationship with Church of God Seventh Day. Use them to help the
de-culting campaign. Start Outreach and Evangelism programs
as diversionary agenda. History Cleanse HWA. Start recreating his entire identity. As Operation WAT unfolds as planned, the non-tithe payers and WCG fence
sitters get pushed again, this time it's... out. As the leaders attempt to portray two different scenarios, the reality is that there are many smoke screens set up to divert everyone's attention to what is truly happening with the leaders of the WCG, as they continue to pursue their hidden agenda. Yes, "The true hand is unseen." Cults are about power and money. They survive by control and enslaving a people. Religion serves as the perfect vehicle to entrapment. Armstrongism is dead, but the leaders of the past are still live. They have tasted power! They have abused power! Thousands have suffered greatly under the strong-arm of the Armstrong regime that continues to rule. Power corrupts--Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
At this time it looks as if the New Age WCG plans the following: If you can't beat them, join them. Divert Funds. This would serve as a no lose situation for the leaders of the Worldwide Church of God. Even if in the long run their new strategy fails, the leaders will benefit as they walk off with multi-millions of dollars (as if they don't have enough stashed away already). Most all the past membership will be history except for the truly committed members of the abusive dysfunctional group. How ingenious of the leaders to have figured out a plan that would allow the evil, corrupt thieves to walk away with all the money and all the support from the cult watching Christians. Joseph Tkach and son have been quoted several times saying comments such as these: "I don't care if there are only 10,000 members left in the church, at
least it will be a good church." The reality is it appears they have implemented a plan to rid the non-income producing members so they can carry on with their "hidden agenda." It certainly appears that the Tkach regime has purposely implemented the opposite action that Tkach points out in the Aug. `94 PG Letter (pg. 5): "The first priority is to provide our congregations around the world with pastors so the Body of Christ has the local spiritual leadership vital for spiritual health and growth in Christ?" Is that why all the International work has been cut off financially? Is that why the paid ministry is being let go? Is that why the non-profitable church areas are closing down? Is that why the ministry is getting pushed out before the billion-dollar Real Estate is sold? "Our second priority is the Plain Truth magazine, which is our fundamental evangelistic tool. The Plain Truth is our primary media vehicle for Christian instruction, encouragement, admonition and proclamation of the gospel." Is that why the PT has been canceled from all International countries? Is that why the PT distribution has been slowly decreased from 10,000,000 to 2,000,000 circulation over the past five years with some areas receiving black and white issues? Is that why the PT circulation has been cut again by 50%, now down to 1,000,000? Is that why 1/2 of editorial staff is being laid off? Is that why all advertising has been discontinued? "After these, several aspects of the Church's work are vital: Ambassador University and our Christian booklets, brochures and study aids." Is that why most of the booklets were pulled from distribution? Is that why the new Bible Study was never written or published to replace the "outdated" one? Is that why the church hasn't released any learning tools carefully explaining their newly incorporated traditions? Is that why there is rumbling that the University will shut down in July or merge with another college? There are many more questions on peoples' minds! Such as, where have all the millions of dollars gone? Whose name is sitting on the Corporation papers as sole owner of the empire? Where have all the evangelists gone? Have they joined Dr. Stavrinides in Greece? (We understand he is quite wealthy these days as a recipient of a very fat bonus.) As the "leader regime" diabolically preaches a new direction to its congregations, it moves with thrusting power with its own secret agenda. There is a destiny--they will ride on the image of Jesus Christ to get there. Over the decades the WAT leaders have fooled many, but those who have dared to peer through the propaganda, distortions, distractions, diversions, and manipulations, clearly see that the great change of the New Covenant Church of Christ (read: WCG) is another preposterous deception and exploitation under the name of religion and for the purpose of....…………… POWER AND MONEY! The WCG is a very complicated and sad story. When looking objectively at the
whole situation and not getting caught up emotionally in the massive doctrinal
distraction, we can clearly see how the Protestant Christian beliefs could be
abused to push the old blind sheep to slaughter in efforts to clean out the cage
for a different animal. What could have proven to be more clever than to
manipulate the people in such a way that they could never fight back. There they
are, thousands of them, drifting aimlessly with denial and confusion, many
psychologically ill, all financially impaired and most in spiritual paralysis.
While Joseph Tkach poses as the beleaguered leader fighting for Christ, he and
his handlers build their platform for heroism. The damaged used goods (members)
are thrown to the garbage pile to join the thousands of others who preceded
them. All under the name of religion and Jesus Christ. What a scam!!!!!
[Update 2005: For those who are interested, see: "Questioning HWA's Doctrines."] Resources used for miscellaneous reports include: Worldwide Newses The ESN extends a hardy thank you to all who communicate with the ESN and
have sent information, tapes and other misc. materials. Works of darkness and
evil must be exposed. The ESN is working, because many are making it work!
1. Ambassador International Cultural
Foundation (AICF) canceled. 1. Pastors in Canada that are near retirement age have been offered a
retirement package. To be accepted by Feb. 24, 1995. Following, are excerpts from a current letter sent by Evangelist Colin Adair, Coordinator of the Caribbean Region, to recent ex-members. Following the first two paragraphs of scolding and reprimand for reading literature about the WCG, Colin accuses and assumes the ex-members have "turned their back on God." As he strives to defend the LAWS, it is apparent that he's recruiting for Global. "But let me ask you a question. Is, or was your faith based on Mr.
Armstrong or any other human leader? Do you throw out everything you once proved
to be right in God's word simply because you may lose respect for a man? My
faith is not in any person and doesn't depend on whether or not that person does
right or wrong. I have proved the truth from the scriptures and know that God is
who He is and that He requires obedience from us as a condition to granting us
the gift of eternal life. He has clearly laid out that his commandments are to
be kept (including the Sabbath and holy days). That cannot be denied by anyone
who studies the scriptures and the teachings and practices of the early church. With Christian Love, Comment: Colin Adair has functioned as the Regional Coordinator for the
Caribbean Islands for several years following his duty as top man in Canada. Has
anyone told Colin that guilt-threats--and abuse tactics--are out of vogue these
days with the WCG, supposedly? Maybe he should send a copy to his boss. One of
Colin's main duties as coordinator is to take frequent flight-island hopping
for the soul purpose of collecting cold cash tithes and offerings. Several
island ex-members have told us they have never received receipts. One family
tried confirming their totals with Pasadena, to no avail. We must question what
Colin did with all that money!!!! As individuals stumble out of the limping Worldwide Church of God, they find it takes time to clear their thinking from the anger and confusion to critical and controlled thinking. The search for will and identity is part of the healing process. Most, unknowingly, continue to abide by the "programs" set up in their thinking by the ministers' dogma. Education and recognition of these set programs is the only way of releasing them. For example, some live in a state of panic and become overwhelmed with anxiety attacks that something dreadful will happen to them for leaving "God's Church." Phobias develop. One 24 year old exiter who contacted the ESN explained that he hardly ever left his home because he had a compulsion to watch unfolding events in the news. He had several televisions running simultaneously to enable him to catch all the news stations. He was obsessed with watching the "end time" events unfold, just the way he was programmed to do by the WAT leaders his entire life. Sadly to say, this type of post-WCG behavior is not uncommon. The leaders expect it. Throughout the decades exiters were labeled mentally deranged with satanic spirits |
Many lose out on opportunities
that would have added to, and expedited their recovery process. The
years of tunneled thinking, and us vs. them programming, inhibits our
ability to think objectively or expand our knowledge. This problem
can
prevent the exiter from benefiting from many available resources that
aid in
cult recovery. And that's a shame!
Exiters seem to develop
prejudices against certain recovery tools available to them. Due to the
sophisticated programming techniques that were used to control the WCG
member, the exiter carries the cult inspired negative and inhibiting
behavior with him through life. Unless, of course, he has confronted
that programmed thinking and worked it out of his system. An example of
this would be the intense use of psychology by the WCG ministry. For
decades members have been drilled with negativism regarding satanic
psychologists, man's way, the Satan inspired medical field, etc., all
the while members were being conditioned to react on command like
Pavlov's dogs.
