Oh joy, another COGlet...LCG and UCG can relax - at least for the moment - this time it's Gerry Flurry, imperious leader of the Philadelphia Church of God, and Robert Ardis, one of PCG's more colorful defectors, who are facing a Borg challenge. Frank Borg, to be specific. Exactly why the new splinter - Faithful Church of God in Laodicea - split off from the collective is hard to say, but it seems to be a fairly recent peeling away, perhaps just a few weeks prior to this year's Feast of Tabernacles. The new sect's two booklets (both by Frank) are dated 2009, and the website still seems to be a work in progress.
There are some who might say that Borg is an apt moniker for sects like PCG and Ardis' CGF, and the image of Gerry as "Borg Queen" does have a certain undeniable attraction. Here's Borg's take on the latest COG hemorrhage:By 1997, it began to transpire that Mr. Flurry’s focus and commission had changed to again deliver the gospel message to the World – a commission that had already been completed by Mr. Armstrong (Matt. 24:14). Around this time God raised up another man, Mr. Robert Ardis, as leader of the Church of God’s Faithful (CGF) to head His Laodicean Work. God used Mr. Ardis to reveal a number of Truths including the deepening in understanding of the meaning of God’s Holy Days, and other vital teachings such as the fact that the Day of the Lord and the Day of the Lord’s Wrath are two separate events. To date, no other group has accepted these Biblical Truths. It became evident that, with Mr. Ardis as leader, the Laodicean candlestick was ignited and blessed with deeper understanding in a number of Biblical areas. However, Mr. Ardis also preached that the Day of the Lord came ‘as a thief in the night’ in October 1997. As time passed, the Laodicean characteristics outlined in Rev. 3:14-22 became increasingly evident in Mr. Ardis’ CGF, including a Laodicean attitude towards the Work of God (vs. 15). Among other things, by mid-August 2009, it became clear that the ‘Day of the Lord’ had not in fact occurred but was erroneously being preached. Biblical evidence proved that this momentous event is now about to occur and that an urgent warning message must go out to God’s people (Joel 1:15; 2:1). This vital information was immediately delivered to Mr. Ardis but was blatantly rejected (Hos. 4:6).
God seems to keep choosing the wrong blokes, regardless of whether their candlesticks are ignited. Maybe he should hire a consultancy firm.
Perhaps it's too much to hope that this group will be more of a thorn in the flesh to Gerry than most other Flurridian split-offs, but it does boast a mailing address in Edmond, OK., right on "that prophet"'s doorstep. Nasty!
Resistance, it seems, may not be futile after all.
47 comments:
"Biblical evidence proved that this momentous event is now about to occur..."
Reminds me of a song...
When will we ever learn?
When will we ever learn?
"Where have all the flowers gone?"
This news is just ripe for jokes.
"Hello! I'm Pastor General of The Luke Warm Church of God!"
It all seems a bit like the Committee for the Advancement of Apathy, which failed to reach a quorum because nobody really cared much about voting.
Borg has a problem. The first of which is his last name. What will his followers be called? Drones from Uni-matrix Zero? He needs to establish an identity that Flurry can't control.
The basic problem Borg faces is he is defining himself by being a rebel. When you do that, the thing you rebel against retains control of your identity.
By every definition of Armstrong theology, Flurry took the high ground by declaring himself "Philadelphian" therefore a continuation of Herbert Armstrong. Like he ever showed ANYONE brotherly love! Armstrong controls Flurry's identity, but that's okay with him because Armstrong is dead and not around to challenge him on that. Flurry wears Armstrong like a flashers raincoat. The only thing under that raincoat is a bottle of Jack Daniels. He buys Armstrong paraphernalia whenever he can, and he even stole the original writings for his own church. The man doesn't have an original thought in his head.
Subconsciously Borg's effectively saying to Flurry's followers, "yes I'm Laodecian, come and join me and die with me". You might call it the Jim Jones marketing plan.
We all know Armstrongism is all about saving your skin from the Great Tribulation and German Storm Troopers than it is about Jesus and what Jesus said. Its the Tribulation that scares the crap out of members and keeps them in the cult.
Its all really sad when you think about it. Borg might actually see Flurry for what he is. But he's so entangled in Armstrongism that he has to frame himself in a very sad way.
The Church eras idea is Armstrong's Mayan Calendar. It ends at Laodecia and it ends in death. Herbert was shrewd enough to make sure anything that came after him would be suspect and poisoned in the minds of his followers. Herbert Armstrong is the son of a bitch that created that idea. Herbert was so narcissistic he had to steal the thunder from those that would came after him. So to finesse that Flurry HAD TO become Armstrong 2.0. We see shades of that in Rod Meredith, who is very much jowled like HWA these days! Rod does not look well on TV. Even Aaron Dean is not above reminding fellow UCG elders he was personal aid and pooper scooper to the old silver basset hound.
The truth is none of these men have anything much at all to do with God or what God will do with humanity. I mean would you trust any of these guys with your plans if you were God? Its sure a strange dance to watch.
I think the real way to look at these groups is that they are time snapshots of various decades of the Worldwide Church of God.
Flurry is early 60s WCG, Meredith is early 70s WCG, and the UCG is early 80s WCG. The people who gravitate to these groups quite often come from time periods that correspond to their outlooks.
Mr. Ardis also preached that the Day of the Lord came ‘as a thief in the night’ in October 1997. Didn't these people know this when they joined up with his group? This is one of his claims to fame. It is almost common knowledge to many COG members who aren't even in his group. The COG Faithful has a revolving door...Many who escape the wrath of the PCG wind up here. It takes them a little while to see the errors, and then they exit to form another group or join up with somebody else.
You people don't get it -- like talking to dumb cows! The more complete unfolding of the Laodecian Church must occur as part of the end time plan. Mr. Flurry told us this would happen! May God open your eyes.
that reads like a Jack Van Impe transcript...
Gavin wrote:
"God seems to keep choosing the wrong blokes, regardless of whether their candlesticks are ignited. Maybe he should hire a consultancy firm."
Agreed!
Just like the point I made recently to Tom Mahon, why should I believe his Deity's "prophecies" when He couldn't even get the spherical shape of the earth correct as He was said to have inspired the Bible?
This God the COG's rally around is truly nothing more than an imaginary Cosmic Buffoon existing only in the minds of ardent fundamentalist True Believers.
Few things are more painfully obvious than this!
And yet the HWA-intoxicated loonies leading the many WCG splinter groups just keep on barging ahead, learning absolutely NOTHING from their mistakes.
Bamboo-bends wrote:
"I think the real way to look at these groups is that they are time snapshots of various decades of the Worldwide Church of God. Flurry is early 60s WCG, Meredith is early 70s WCG, and the UCG is early 80s WCG. The people who gravitate to these groups quite often come from time periods that correspond to their outlooks."
Yes, I think you're right in your general observation, Bamboo.
Is this whole thing an utter tragedy - a monument to human stupidity at it's worst or what?
It is interesting to observe all those kooks like Gerald and the rest from a safe distance now.
It must be horrible to be one of the followers of one of those nut cases and to have to listen to all the BS they come up with, and to have to support all their lies and nonsense with real money that was earned by honest work.
---
P.S. Anyone who expresses any disagreement whatsoever with this post is free to try to go to those places and check them out for himself. I have no use for mere talkers.
"To date, no other group has accepted these Biblical Truths."
I WONDER WHY
Srsly do all these split ends of the world "reveal new truths" b/c they think it's proof "god's working with me"? Is it a marketing thing? "My new truth(s) will call the scattered church back together!" Do they really drink the kool-aid I wonder?
As for "the Borg collective", Ardis' group is so tiny already! Can they really afford to haemorrhage any members like this?!
I don't know whether to be horrified or fascinated. Or both.
"The basic problem Borg faces is he is defining himself by being a rebel. When you do that, the thing you rebel against retains control of your identity."
WAT
Can you explain this? No really can you explain this? I keep reading this over and over again and I don't get it. Would we all be considered rebels here on AW?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
my head hurts
"The Church eras idea is Armstrong's Mayan Calendar. It ends at Laodecia and it ends in death. Herbert was shrewd enough to make sure anything that came after him would be suspect and poisoned in the minds of his followers. Herbert Armstrong is the son of a bitch that created that idea. Herbert was so narcissistic he had to steal the thunder from those that would came after him."
So accurate, it should be printed up on a poster, and framed, so it is the first thing every one of us sees when we wake up, and the last thing we look at, before we go to sleep.
RIGHT ON THE MONEY Bamboo Bends. Literally!
Church eras exist whether or not your radicals believe in them.
"and the UCG is early 80s WCG"
That is 100% accurate. However, being in the WCG in the early 80s, was akin to living in the 1950s, as we had the same mannerisms, style of dress, and the antiquated ideas, both religious and authoritarian, of that era.
Taking the long view back, it was kind of like the movie Pleasantville. Without the happy ending.
This is SOOOOO confusing.
Gerald Flurry claims he's Philadelphia.
Robert Ardis supposedly is Laodecia.
So what is Frank Borg's group? It's "IN Laodecia" -- but not OF Laodecia?!
Can there be a "post-modern" Church of God?
And are the "Men of Sign" (his group's other web site) that much different from the "Man of Sin?"
Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come.
Anonymous said...
"The basic problem Borg faces is he is defining himself by being a rebel. When you do that, the thing you rebel against retains control of your identity."
WAT
Can you explain this? No really can you explain this? I keep reading this over and over again and I don't get it. Would we all be considered rebels here on AW?? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
my head hurts
Rebels only exist inside of a system they care about. Most of us, aside from the anonymous lurkers, don't care about that system anymore - although we do care about our friends and relatives still in that system.
Once you are outside of the system, you cease to define yourself in terms of the system. You start growing beyond those old boundaries and limitations - often so much so that the old internal rebels have a hard time understanding why you chucked the whole thing in a metaphorical trash can.
For example, when I was a teenager we'd often say to ourselves we weren't like the phony adults we saw at church - and we knew they were phonies. But we still held an identity in terms of the system, we kept the Feasts, we tithed, and we thought one day Germany would occupy America. All those things are Armstrongism ideas. We were rebels within the system. To someone outside the system of belief, we were clearly part of the system. But we carved out an identity of a rebel within the system. We were the 2nd generation Christians ministers often derided as not being zealous enough because we didn't share the intimate details of our failings with ministers because we knew none of the could ever keep a confidence.
It is so refreshing to know that I am now part of the great whore of Babylon that this numbnut says all those who have left the cult of Armstrongism are in. I guess I need to get ready to bow down and worship my Christmas tree and sacrifice my children on the yule log in the fireplace. What a great weekend this is going to turn out to be!
Richard said...
This is SOOOOO confusing.
Gerald Flurry claims he's Philadelphia.
Robert Ardis supposedly is Laodecia.
So what is Frank Borg's group? It's "IN Laodecia" -- but not OF Laodecia?!
Your confusion may be my fault. I may have conflated Ardis in Borg in my original post.
To be honest I am not clear on the relationship between Ardis and Borg even after I re-read the blog.
PhilMessenger said...
Church eras exist whether or not your radicals believe in them.
The concept only exists inside the Armstrong system of belief. Nobody outside of it believes what you do.
So who's right? 4.5 billion humans or the 45,000 still in that system of belief? You can't even claim the 144,000 title anymore.
Did someone say Pleasantville?
Bamboo_bends said...
So who's right? 4.5 billion humans or the 45,000 still in that system of belief? You can't even claim the 144,000 title anymore.
-----------
And fifty million Frenchmen can't be wrong!
"For example, when I was a teenager we'd often say to ourselves we weren't like the phony adults we saw at church - and we knew they were phonies. But we still held an identity in terms of the system, we kept the Feasts, we tithed, and we thought one day Germany would occupy America. All those things are Armstrongism ideas. We were rebels within the system."
Wow. That certainly gives me a new perspective on the others (kids) I used to consider "rebellious" or "unconverted", Bamboo.
Sometimes I think it would be better if I could just go back to the way I used to think in 98/99/Y2K, after I started my life in "the world": I used to tell people I was a member of a cult when asked what religion I had been raised with, but I never meant it seriously.
When things came to a head a couple of years ago, and I started examining my life in order to change it, really change it, I had to start examining my past, and the impact it's had on me in the present. All things considered, I'm doing pretty well. (Even if I do "backslide" from time to time. :-P)
I still visit AW every time I fire up the Internet though. I may try and distract myself with other sites and other ventures, but in the end, this is the first place I visit after I turn on the computer, and usually the last place I visit before I turn it off at night.
Sometimes it seems like I've resolved everything that's ever going to be resolved (and I have begun to accept that there is a lot that I will never have closure for), but then threads like this come up, and I realize that I still have "miles to go before I sleep".
Oh, and for everyone jumping on Leo for his glass half-full comment on the earlier post, I know, I know, it smacked of get-over-it-itis, but I think it was just the wrong wording, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, that hit a nerve. I said much the same thing on an old ISA post, to wit:
"I’m not confused anymore. And, looking back over the many and varied years of my life, I’ve got to say, it wasn’t all that bad. Sure, my life would have been different, if my family had not been involved in a toxic religion. But they were, and I was a true believer moreso than they even were, but there’s nothing I can do about that now. No amount of wailing and gnashing of teeth is going to change the past.
And really, why would I want to change the past? For better or worse, my past has made me everything that I am, or strive to be: Compassionate towards others, passionate about seeking justice for those who have been and are still being wronged, easily adaptable to change, ambitious, strong, and resilient, with a high level of perseverance, even in the face of adversities that would reduce others to quivering heaps of Jell-O.
I might have had those character traits regardless of whether or not I was born and raised in the church (the old nature versus nurture debate), but they might not have been expressed quite as strongly as they have been, if I had not lived exactly the life I have lived, up to this very moment.
And you know what? I AM free. I may not have had any lightning bolt epiphanies, I may not have created a personal god for myself, I may not have had that thunderstruck “moment of joy” others speak of — but I HAVE changed, in the twelve-plus years since I’ve exited the church. Not all at once, not in one fell swoop, but in tiny measures. A step at a time.
I am trying, and succeeding slowly, to not have unreasonable expectations. Things no longer have to be perfect, before they are just “OK”. And even if things are not OK, then it’s time to hunker down and practice those survival skills I’ve honed so well."
Not quite what Leo was saying, but along the same lines. Yeah, my life in the church sucked, but it wasn't all bad. There will always be moments that I will remember in a bittersweet way, because I have a longer perspective. At least now there's "sweet" mixed in with the "bitter"!
That has to be a good thing right? Right?
"You can't even claim the 144,000 title anymore."
Could we even claim it before? ISTR reading in one of the old Ambassador Reports that membership at its peak was closer to 80 or 90K, than the "magic number" of 150K the church liked to tell us we had. (144K plus a few lukewarm "backups" don'chaknow heh heh heh.)
Anonymous said...
You people don't get it -- like talking to dumb cows! The more complete unfolding of the Laodecian Church must occur as part of the end time plan. Mr. Flurry told us this would happen! May God open your eyes.
God did open my eyes. Jesus warned about lying, false, unprofitable types like Gerald. I believe Him and not "That Profitless" little drunk.
Also, be careful to keep your posting here anonymous. You are breaking the rules of your all-puny cult leader by going on the Internet and coming to blogs like this and posting here. If Gerald finds out what you have done, you will be expelled from the PCG, you rebel. PCG members are strictly forbidden to learn the truth.
Another Coglet hits the street.
I suppose two Coglets can exist in the same location,symbiotically,
sycophantically or sympathetically,whatever you like.
Mr Flurry's Xmas homily will be all the more urgent on the matter of tithes and offerings.Mr Borg will have taken some of Herr Flurry's income.
I am about to engage in the writing of a work entitled the "Book of Malarkey",and Mr Flurry will be sent a copy,along with a Message,of course.
Cheers,
Jorgheinz
Anonymous said...
"You people don't get it -- like talking to dumb cows! The more complete unfolding of the Laodecian Church must occur as part of the end time plan. Mr. Flurry told us this would happen! May God open your eyes."
LOL! That's exactly what a PCG minister would say to explain it away.
Bamboo-bends: Clearly you spent time in the WCG, that's why we are all here. But I am curious, you hit the nail on the head on your posts in this thread, so accurately, that I suspect you spent some time in the belly of the beast (PCG.) Did you migrate through at one time?
PhilMessenger said...
Church eras exist whether or not your radicals believe in them.
No. They don't. That's a made up concept with no basis whatsoever in scripture.
Actually, Jesus was predicted to return before any of those seven churches passed away. It just simply didn't happen.
Like all Christians of the pre-millennial persuasion, you do not believe what was said in Rev. 1:1-3 and you certainly don't believe Matt. 24:34.
However, you're not alone, no other Christian believes what Jesus said either.
Personal to Bear Track:
My email contact address is on the side bar, just under the "COG sites" link.
I try to weed out inappropriate comments, as per the policy, but sometimes one gets through - usually when I've only had time to skim the content. Mea culpa: there are only so many hours in a day, and I spend too many of them in front of the computer screen as it is...
Anonymous said... Also, be careful to keep your posting here anonymous. You are breaking the rules of your all-puny cult leader by going on the Internet and coming to blogs like this and posting here. If Gerald finds out what you have done, you will be expelled from the PCG, you rebel. PCG members are strictly forbidden to learn the truth.
---------------
Look at whose calling the kettle black. You are posting anonymously, while chiding someone else who for doing so. And you underestimate those associated with the Philadelphia Church. We are taught to "prove all things" and are not afraid to confront skeptics. Never have been, never will be! Kindly do not perpetuate myths about the Church.
PhilMessenger said: "...We are taught to "prove all things" and are not afraid to confront skeptics. Never have been, never will be! Kindly do not perpetuate myths about the Church.
Maybe, but I dare you to post your real name here if you are indeed a member in good standing of the PCG. If you do, you risk "correction." While you may not be afraid of us, nor should you be, you have real reason to fear your fellow PCGers tattling on you.
Vaughn said Maybe, but I dare you to post your real name here if you are indeed a member in good standing of the PCG. If you do, you risk "correction." While you may not be afraid of us, nor should you be, you have real reason to fear your fellow PCGers tattling on you.
But wouldn't the tattler have to admit reading Gavin's blog? Then he'd find himself df'ed out the back door too.
Vaugh Woodfield said...Maybe, but I dare you to post your real name here if you are indeed a member in good standing of the PCG. If you do, you risk "correction." While you may not be afraid of us, nor should you be, you have real reason to fear your fellow PCGers tattling on you.
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You ask me to post with my real/full name, yet I find it curious that you are the only one on this thread who has done so. I would comply if all others were held to the same standard of disclosure.
Gavin: Perhaps I have a real low standard for things inappropriate I, even now can’t find anything offensive here.
Could be I am viewing the world through my dyslexic eyes. Just lucky after all. (:(
Wess
I did not ask you to post your real name, PhilMessenger, I dared you to. The difference cuts to my point. And I posted my real name because it was I who made the dare and I try not to be hypocritical. Please do not post your real name as I do not wish for the ramifications of doing so to split your family and friends, seriously.
I was in the PCG for ten years and I have seen too many families ripped apart by one members slight mistake and the ensuing ministerial anvil that was subsequently dropped on their heads.
I withdraw my dare to PhilMessenger and hope he continues to be a part of this forum. My apologies.
Mike asked: "But wouldn't the tattler have to admit reading Gavin's blog?"
No, that is not the way it works.
PhilMessenger,
How did you get hooked up with the pcg? Did your first contact come over TV or the Internet?
According to Mr Borg, all the Cog splinters comprise the sleeping virgins of Matthew 25. So clearly we're not done with Cogs yet - while all the ones so far are trying to awaken the virgins, there must yet be the Wise Virgins Cog; the Foolish Virgins Cog; the We Have No Oil Cog; the Time to Trim the Lamps Cog; the Gimme Some of Your Oil Cog; the Keep Yer Hands Orf my Oil Cog; the Bridegroom is Here! Cog followed lastly by the Wrong Side of the Door Cog.
Do not mock, brethren, time is short :-p
PhilMessenger said...
We are taught to "prove all things" and are not afraid to confront skeptics. Never have been, never will be! Kindly do not perpetuate myths about the Church.
PhilMouse,
Just reminding you (for your own safety) to remain anonymous. That was the Bible, not Gerald, that said to "prove all things."
If you continue to disobey and rebel against Gerald by searching for the truth online (which PCG members are strictly forbidden to do) you will find yourself in serious trouble with That Profitless one.
Once you are out of the PCG, which WILL happen if you continue to search for the truth, remember to come back here and post the truth about your experience in the PCG. This could help others.
Remember, the PCG knows where you live and where you work, but not yet where you post, so be careful.
Vaughn said...
Bamboo-bends: Clearly you spent time in the WCG, that's why we are all here. But I am curious, you hit the nail on the head on your posts in this thread, so accurately, that I suspect you spent some time in the belly of the beast (PCG.) Did you migrate through at one time?
No I never did step foot in that organization. I grew up in the WCG during a time period that matched that organization, the 1960s.
These men started out on a spiritual quest and got frozen in time. They're living breathing anachronisms.
I'm not sure I believe in a devil per se, but there sure seems to be some force, colusion of interests, or whaterver that tends to keep people in pockets of organizations that prevent them from using their God given minds. I wish I could elaborate on that more, but its just a budding thought of mine. In another 5 years I might be able to explain it. Sometimes I have to think on things a long time to figure something out. I am only of average intelligence, so it takes me a while.
Mike (Don't Drink the Flavor Aid) said...
But wouldn't the tattler have to admit reading Gavin's blog? Then he'd find himself df'ed out the back door too.
LOL!!!
There seems to be a fair amount of confusion within the COG movement, and God is not the author of confusion. Therefore, to correct this situation I am announcing today the formation of the Single Church of God. I will be the only one in it, I will determine all doctrine, and I will tithe to myself. I will be the only one to know the truth, I will be the one true church, and the rest of you can all go to hell.
hmmm...another COG. And in Flurry's den as well. Maybe he can do a better job at exposing the destructive influence of that man and his organization than the silent local media as Gavin has exposed previously on this blog.
Jethro said, " Therefore, to correct this situation I am announcing today the formation of the Single Church of God. I will be the only one in it, I will determine all doctrine, and I will tithe to myself. I will be the only one to know the truth, I will be the one true church, and the rest of you can all go to hell."
MY COMMENT - Well that makes you the Apostle of God!
Are you going to tell people your mailing address so they can start sending you their tithes, offerings and lets not forget contributions to the all important building fund even though time is short?
Richard
Anonymous said... "PhilMouse, ... If you continue to disobey and rebel against Gerald by searching for the truth online (which PCG members are strictly forbidden to do) you will find yourself in serious trouble with That Profitless one."
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I seek truth wherever it may lie, not ridicule and sarcasm. I thought that perhaps this forum engaged in heartfelt dialog and discussion, not derision. I was mistaken. Farewell.
Jethro said...
"There seems to be a fair amount of confusion within the COG movement, and God is not the author of confusion. Therefore, to correct this situation I am announcing today the formation of the Single Church of God. I will be the only one in it, I will determine all doctrine, and I will tithe to myself. I will be the only one to know the truth, I will be the one true church, and the rest of you can all go to hell."
I am sorry... but Tom Mahon has already beaten you to that claim!!!
Jethro said: "Therefore, to correct this situation I am announcing today the formation of the Single Church of God. I will be the only one in it, I will determine all doctrine, and I will tithe to myself. I will be the only one to know the truth,"
Sorry Jethro, but you are a bit late. Some years ago my family started the "Jaded Church of God". The rules are pretty simple: Anyone can join except the mythsters. We accept donations in multiples of $19.95, and for each one you get a free set of ginzu knives. Needless to say, we are a flourishing group, our knives cut through the BS like a two-edged sword, and our members get to ride on the very point of the Work.
PhilMessenger said...
I seek truth wherever it may lie, not ridicule and sarcasm. I thought that perhaps this forum engaged in heartfelt dialog and discussion, not derision. I was mistaken. Farewell.
Dear PhillyMessedUp,
The warnings about Gerald and the PCG are TRUE and HEARTFELT.
You WILL be kicked out of the PCG if Gerald finds out that you have come to this Blog and posted.
Then, your "friends" and your own family members in the PCG will be ordered to avoid you and to have no contact with you.
Continue to search for the truth--anonymously. Do not be like those "dumb cows" that won't listen, that someone mentioned earlier on this thread.
I do hope you have some sense. Otherwise, it will be back to the pasture for you--and the slaughter!
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