The Painful Truth Blog

The Painful Truth Blog

A collection of Facts, Opinions and Comments from survivors of Herbert W. Armstrong – Garner Ted Armstrong – The Worldwide Church of God and its Daughters

  • Create a Gravatar
  • Home
  • Byker Bob
  • Richard Armstrong
  • Betty Brogaard
  • Al Dexter
  • Ralph Haulk
  • James
  • Douglas Becker
  • Santos
  • Mark [Salyer] Manning
  • Keith Ace
  • Nancy Dexter
  • Velvet Delorey
  • Armstrong Plagiarism Research
  • Mary Ellen Humphrey
  • Gun Lap
  • Bob Dixon
  • Adrian

Wrecked Family. Part I

Posted in Keith Ace by PT Editor
May 18 2011

May 17, 2011:

After spending $2,000 on rescuing my niece from the streets after her PCOG parents abandoned her, she no longer talks to us, unless the topic of conversation is about money. I believe PCOG intimated her parents, threatening them with “disfellowship,” unless they stopped their daughter from telling us about PCOG. Perhaps PCOG read her story posted on this website.

As far as I know, my niece is back “dating” the younger, classmate boy referenced in my first story. Side note: According to my niece, her PCOG mother accused this non-cult member boy of statutory rape, confronting him in the hallway of her daughter’s public high school. My niece is actually almost a year older than him.

Instead of accepting our offer to enroll her in a private preparatory school so she could pursue her stated dream of entering medicine, my niece has returned to her home State to waste her life with this bum, boy classmate, who has entered on his Myspace profile for “Occupation” — “never!” ” Under “Books,” he says, “Don’t read much either.” Under “Blurbs,” he writes: “I’m spontaneous, I’m a pacifist, I’m a hippie, I won’t lie, I won’t judge, and I can’t hold a grudge.” We had given my niece several hundred dollars when she left us. She said she needed this money to pay the nice family she was staying with, only to find out she was staying somewhere else, I believe with this bum.

From what I understand, they are planning on marrying. If she marries, she’ll follow in her mother’s footsteps, who, as a WWCOG member, ran away from home at 18 in the 70s and married a cult member, who told my father he was “wielding the sword to cut the family ties”, when announcing my sister was living with him and his loser parents. Years later, he was convicted of fleecing money from the elderly by creating a bogus desalination company in CA. Sound like HWA? He managed to swindle money from a famous actor. It is said he committed suicide by jumping off a cliff near Las Vegas before he had to serve his jail term. Even though they were WWCOG cult members, my sister and this creep divorced. He committed adultery.

The terrible legacy of WWCOG, HWA, PCOG continues to destroy lives and futures unless members, former members, and non-members take an active role in exposing the fraud. It is a moral obligation to judge evil people such as Herbert Armstrong, who committed incest while claiming to be chosen by God to prepare everyone for the “Second Coming” while reaching into the pockets of the vulnerable to take their money so he and his friends could live lavishly and continued to pursue their piggish ways. It is imperative to judge such evil. The risks are too great not to. If Herbert Armstrong, WWCOG splits, PCOG and all their supporters had their way, they’d end civilization.

-Keith Ace.

Much more in a day, or two.

 

Side Note:

When I asked one of the current Luzerne County, PA judicial candidates (who is doing quite well in terms of electorate support and who is a neighbor) for help regarding protecting my minor-aged niece after her parents abandoned her because she no longer wanted to be part of what’s largely considered a dangerous “religious” cult of which her parents are members, he said he would get back to me about finding a family law attorney versed in the subject. I asked him if I could meet him in his office professionally, willing to pay of course for his time to discuss her situation. He said something to the effect that if he sees me around the neighborhood, or if we’re both outside at the same time, he might condescend to talk to me about her case. Not only did he never call me back like he’d promised with the name of a lawyer(s) versed in this situation (he obviously wasn’t knowledgeable despite his stated “broad legal experience”), he has never contacted me about her desperate predicament. He’s been too busy pursuing political opportunism, glad-handing, delivering scripted campaign speeches, attending cocktail parties, and air brushing his campaign posters.

Without having proper legal assistance, my niece had little choice but to leave the state, and return to the abusive situation, her future ruined. We explained to the judicial candidate that she had wanted to finished high school and pursue a career in medicine while she stayed with us, that we were trying to enroll her in a college preparatory school with a pre-med program, and that her parents had abandoned her to the streets in another part of the country because PCOG considers the medical field “evil.” To say that he was absolutely no help whatsoever is a gross understatement. Even more disturbing, I detected a less than sympathetic response to her dangerous crisis on a humanitarian level, as proved by his lack of action and follow-up.

This judicial candidate will probably be elected due to anomalies in the current Luzerne County judicial election cycle, (There are six openings), which allow dangerously incompetent lawyers such as himself to serve as judges to the detriment of minors, in this case.

Let’s see if there’s another judicial candidate who might reply to this blog, and offer some assistance. If so, that candidate’s qualifications as a “people’s judge,” but more importantly, as a sympathetic human being, will be apparent, and not need doctoring up with air brushed posters and canned TV political ads.

 

Tagged as: abandoned niece, Barbarism, cults, Flurry, Herbert W. Armstrong, Kingdom of God, missing niece, money, Philadelphia Church of God, Worldwide Church of God

British Israel Propaganda And Deceit. Part II

Posted in James by PT Editor
Apr 24 2011
Forward: In Part One I wrote about spiritual communism and the useful idiots that support the idea of a one world government. This theocratic “New World Order” is represented by the “Churches of God” and are to be ruled by a king that descends from the heavens above.


 

Part Two

Armstrong-ism. A Parasitic Leech.

Mark Armstrong, the grandson of Herbert Armstrong, wrote an article entitled “The Misappropriation of Herbert W. Armstrong’s Name.” In this article he laments the constant misuse of his grandfathers name for the benefit of not so few in the ministry. Mark writes “News came to me this week that is sickening. That is, that one of those claiming to have inherited “the authority of Herbert W. Armstrong” has told his congregation that they should liquidate any holdings and send in their money.”

“How many abuses will be committed in the name of my deceased Grandfather? And how long will some poor abused people remain in a state of deception, or worse, mind control?”

Mark tells it like it is. I have lost count as to how many of the “Churches of God” have proclaimed the authority of Herbert W. Armstrong as if he handed them personally the keys to his “thiefdom.”

(Mark, have your eyes been closed and ears plugged as to the abuses of these self proclaimed apostles and prophets?) These parasites have been using your Granddad’s legacy and family name to impoverish people, and undermining their financial security for decades! They are just following the successful corporate model that Herbert Armstrong implemented.

A Marxist is a Parasitic Leech.

“While the communist is busy beating his people to death and they are dying of hunger…”

“It was communists who a century ago came up with the idea of Income Tax… it was intended to fleece the rich of their wealth and to level everyone to the ground.” Likewise, the “Churches of God” have been successful in using the resources of the “people” in order to build and support their theocratic New World Order. The tax was a tithe, or two, and in some years, three. The squeezing (extorting) money from the membership kept committed and submissive sheeple in line. Like in a communist society, rebelling meant sure death. Now the Armstrong churches might not shoot you in the head, but they claim the authority of God almighty to have you thrown into the lake of fire! It is this alone that kept you and I in line and submissive to their authority. The end game was about money and power. As one article in particular pointed out on the Painful Truth, the organization existed for itself alone. There was no love, mercy or compassion, only contempt!

Earth-bound.

Within the closed totalitarian society of Armstrong-ism lies the seeds of its own destruction. Unable to grow exponentially and unchecked, the information age has decreased the survivability factor a thousand fold. Potential members who never heard of Herbert Armstrong will find umpteen web-sites and articles that offer information on the man and the organization he administrated. Few web-sites are supportive of his efforts and rightfully so.

The unscathed mind will articulate the deception with a click of the mouse! With incredible ease one can decipher this insane notion that America and Britain are the decedents of some lost tribes of ancient Israel. The belief that modern Israel is the result of a promise made to Abraham, and that prophecy cannot be understood without this knowledge, is the Achilles heel that will bring down the movement. It is just unbelievable how many hoops one has to jump through to come to the conclusion that America and the Brits are heir to the promise made to Abraham. The necessary twisting of the scriptures alone is enough to drive the discerning mind far from the grasping hands of the COG gurus!

The “Churches of God” just stunt their growth with all their nutty ideas. They undercut their ability to grow and prosper, to change and move forward. They bash communism, and at the same time express their love for free market capitalism. If they were capitalist they would allow the free expression of the membership in choosing the next generation of leaders. But that is not how they work. Free expression is the enemy of the totalitarian gurus. It is the deathblow to the organization and the power of the upper-class who rule over the regime. If there is to be change it must come from free-thinking individuals who are committed to the free expression of ideas within the confines of their church. The problem is, just how do you open minds in a heavy handed religious regime without being sacrificed on the alter of dissent?

More on the next blog entry.

Inside North Korea. Cultism and the guru.

Tagged as: Armstrong, Communist, cultism, Kingdom of God, Marxist, North Korea, Parasitic Leech, Religion, thiefdom, useful idiots

British Israel Propaganda And Deceit

Posted in James by PT Editor
Mar 22 2011

“The goal of “Communism” is identical to that of British Israel and they emanate from the same source and serve the same masters. Capitalism finances Communism and Russian Communism is state capitalism. Communism promises a perfect society and British Israel promises a paradise on earth. Are they the same?”

“The Union Jack”
-Published ca. 1970


 

Today a friend sent me a link to an article entitled “British Israel Propaganda And Deceit.” In this article we read the following:

“Americans who believe that Christ’s kingdom is of this world are ushering in world government. They have a sickness called Communism of the heart or spiritual Communism. Spiritual Communism is a political religion. It is a religion dedicated to a world government kingdom in which national states vanish under the central authority of the political theocracy.”

Although the Painful Truth does not necessarily endorse the conspiratorial views of the above article, there are a few points I would like to make.

British Israelism.

In mind control, cults teach that you are powerless, and can never achieve enlightened without their group and that torment and destruction awaits you if you leave the group. The power of sin is not death, it is control over your mind. Why do people need a minister to come between them and God? The answer is that the ministry exploits a basic human need. A need for understanding about life after death. A need of purpose. A need for a thousand philosophical answers.  Needless to say, tens of thousands have left the Armstrong religion after figuring the scam out.

British Israelism is used as a form of mind control along with other cult doctrines and rituals for the expressed purpose of having the group stand out from mainstream groups.  The purpose of this chosen method is to coax the true believer into believing that the cult and the members are special. Words spoken from the pulpit enforce this view onto the true believer. “You are Gods chosen people.” “We are the true church.” “We have the correct doctrines revealed by God.”

Is British Israelism a biblical re-educational process that is leading people away from their national identity and merging them into a world government through religion? The Armstrong sects teach that a Kingdom of God is coming soon, but is it? Or are they just “useful idiots” that are propelling their followers to support unknowingly a one world government?

The term “useful idiot” comes from the cold war era in which the Russian KGB used teachers, preachers, social workers, students,  environmentalists and others to unwittingly support a malign cause through their ‘naive’ attempts to be a force for good, furthering the cause of expansive Soviet communism. When the goal is reached, the useful idiots are executed. This is the understanding of control through subversion. If you can get someone to believe a certain way, half the battle is over.

To understand why British Israelism is expounded endlessly, you must first understand those who put forth the heresy.

Part One

The Armstrong Religion.

The Armstrong religion is nothing less than Phariseeism, in that it observes a strict and hypocritical interpretation of the  ”letter of the law.” The aspect of true piety, the spiritual experience, is subverted through useless doctrines such as British Israelism.

The promised Golden Age in which there is no war or poverty, human misery is alleviated under this Christian world government. Herbert Armstrong at his pseudo bible college, preached that all nations will be destroyed at the time of the “Great Tribulation” so all things can be made new and that perfect peace can begin. That day has yet to arrive after the endless setting of dates.

His followers deny biblical grace by centering their attention and hope on a future religious political system which promises a material, glorified earthly paradise. A paradise which will never materialize anymore than it did when the Pharisees thought Christ was to be a political king ruling the world from Jerusalem.

The promotion of a material earthly kingdom is taught not just by the Armstrong cults but also by some mainstream religions. Without this kingdom we are told, there shall never be peace on earth. But Christ is quoted as saying that his kingdom is not of this world. So I ask you, just what do you mean by the Kingdom of God? Is it the new world order?

The Armstrong religion builds a society within a society. They don’t vote or participate in mainstream society and often quote the bible passage “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
2 Corinthians 6:17. You see, they claim not to be of this world but are up to their necks in it. All of life is in vain because they are sure that Christ is coming back to set up His world government and to “rule with a rod of iron.”

However, the true believers participation in basic Christian tenets are lacking. We have yet to see the corporate Armstrong churches set up charities that feed the poor, cloth the needy or contribute to the general welfare of society. Once upon a time, people lived their religion. It was a way of life. Families spent their time in service to others regardless of religion or race. They served the more unfortunate ones in society. They contributed a useful purpose that edified the country, promoted good values both at work and at home. They set the example for their children as to what good works are. In the churches of God, few go out of their way to make a difference, the whole movement lacks the motivation and willingness to contribute something positive.

If you need proof dear true believer, go look at any of the Armstrong church websites. Do any of them have a link to assist those in Japan who have been slammed by earthquakes, then a tsunami and now a near reactor meltdown? If the churches of God are not contributing to society, just what is the purpose of their existence? What is their real motivation for preaching Christ crucified? It makes you wondering about who is really behind that religious info-commercial you may have seen Sunday morning and why they want me to send for that glossy magazine.

 


The horrifying fruits of Armstrong-ism can be seen in this video.
Former Armstrong student and AC attendee, Lyn Benedetto.


More on the next blog.

Tagged as: Armstrongism, British Israelism, Christian Communism, Kingdom of God, useful idiots

Blogroll

  • Create a Gravatar Create a Gravatar

Google AdWords

Click for more information

 

May 2012
S M T W T F S
« Apr    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  

Archives

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries RSS
  • Comments RSS
  • WordPress.org

Categories

  • Search the PT
  • Search the AR
  • Search to Site
  • About

RSS Manning The Neutral Zone

  • King George and Same Sex Marriage May 16, 2012
    One of many recent editions of the national news dedicated to the hot topic of the day included yet another congressman being asked questions about his views on marriage equality and whether he lines up with the views the President stated on the matter.  He was also asked how he felt this was received by citizens of his state and the churches of his state.In […]
    markman

RSS False Prophet Ronald Weinland

  • Motions in Limine May 22, 2012
    False Prophet Ronald Weinland made yet another public appearance today following his last public appearance in front of adoring church members in the UK prior to Christ’s returns this coming Saturday at sundown in Jerusalem.  Today’s appearance was before a less friendly audience in US Federal Court.  Accompanying Ronnie was his attorney, Robert C. Webb [... […]
    Mike (DDTFA)
  • The Last Week:168 Hours to The End May 19, 2012
    False Prophet Ronald Weinland delivered the last sabbath sermon to be delivered before Christ doesn’t return, unless he decides to assemble his Cincinnati-area acolytes next Friday night for a special sermon.  His senior elder in UK, William Milne, gave the opening prayer.  He read an email from a fence sitter in that region, maybe even […]
    Mike (DDTFA)

RSS Al Dexter’s “The Age of Reason”

  • BUSIER THAN EVER May 22, 2012
    I haven't been blogging lately, but I manage to keep up with and comment on some other blogs. The reason. My new career just takes up too much time.It's showing results though. Some presentations are already set up which will be conducted in conjunction with my district manager. I'm in intensive learning and training and had to take a little b […]
    Allen C. Dexter

RSS Armstrong Delusion

  • Herbert W Armstrong: Right All Along? April 1, 2012
    April 01, 2012 My friends, it is with a heavy and contrite heart that I come before you today. I beg of you to not dismiss my words out of hand, for I know them to be anything but what you have come to expect from a member of the Delusion team. What I am […]
    Jace Liebold

RSS Banned by HWA!

  • New Book: The Fragmentation of a Sect: Schism in the Worldwide Church of God by David V Barrett May 22, 2012
    Click image to enlarge to see COG organizational splitsNot from Barrett's book.David Barrett is coming out with a new book this December about the fragmentation of the Worldwide Church of God in the late 1990's into the numerous splinter groups that exist today.  Barrett's earlier book, The New Believers is an extraordinary look at the growth […]
  • Are You "SAD" Because You Don't Believe In A Literal Adam and Eve? May 22, 2012
    E. W. King thinks so! You are such a sad lot of people!  You believe in UFO's and all kinds of beasties, but not in Adam and Eve.  So sad! Sad, Sad, Sad!  So really, really sad!Those sad people….what will they think of next?There are many who have decided that God is not powerful enough to create a literal Adam & Eve. They doubt every story in the B […]

RSS Living Armstrongism

  • Bashar al Assad Must Go April 4, 2012
    Over the months I have watched the situation in Syria in despair at the humanitarian catastrophe that is being caused because Bashar al Assad refuses to give up power and has decided that he must kill, murder, torture as many people as it takes just to stay in power.At first the protesters were peaceful but the ceaseless and merciless violence of the Assad r […]
    Redfox712

RSS My Own Generous Orthodoxy

  • Intelligent Quote of The Day May 7, 2012
    Christian dudes: Aim for “kind man” rather than “nice guy.” Nice guys get hosed in basically all areas of life. Kind men are valued, though. —-Evangelical Anglican and blogger of site Musings of A Hardline Moderate telling Christian men in … Continue reading → […]
    ftloveblog70

RSS Ron Weinland. The Prophet Who Failed.

  • The Beginning of the Beginning of The End From the Beginning of The End. May 22, 2012
    So what Ronald Weinland? So what?A Prophet’s Log (Flush)The Way of Peace Pt. 2 (Summary)Countdown: 662 DaysRemaining Sabbaths: 88Fulfilled Prophecies: 0Ron’s Death Toll: 0False prophet Ronald Weinland spoke from Orlando, FL this Sabbath. Summary: Mr. Armstrong… Blah, blah, blah, blah…. Mr. Armstrong… Blah, blah, blah, blah…. Healing in the mind… Blah, blah, […]
    Dill Weed

RSS Mikey For President

  • Comment on the Very Short Attention Span of Generation Whine May 19, 2012
    Ten words max, and even that’s pushing it. […]

Recent Comments

  • Ralph on War!
  • Douglas Becker on War!
  • Ralph on War!
  • Douglas Becker on War!
  • Ralph on War!
  • Douglas Becker on War!
  • Douglas Becker on War!
  • Ralph on War!
Powered by WordPress | “Blend” from Spectacu.la WP Themes Club