tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post3694984092419766597..comments2024-03-28T05:59:44.118-07:00Comments on Banned by HWA! News and Observations About Armstrongism and the Church of God Movement: Life at Herbert W. Armstrong College by Kieren UnderwoodNO2HWAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02018654662518613623noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-14944526715321943542022-07-18T05:06:58.155-07:002022-07-18T05:06:58.155-07:00Former PCG member here...
I've read recently ...Former PCG member here...<br /><br />I've read recently about young people leaving the PCG. No doubt many would like to be married and experience family life, but between the restrictions, rules and simple lack of potential mates, that future seems unlikely for them in the church.<br /><br />That got me to thinking... when I was in the church I was in my late 20s. The church had a rule that you must be baptized before getting married.<br /><br />Nowhere in the Bible can I find any indication that this is a qualification for marriage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-35171180519088376342022-02-05T17:47:27.506-08:002022-02-05T17:47:27.506-08:00All these rules are a duplication of Ambassador Co...All these rules are a duplication of Ambassador College in the late 60's which is about the time Flurry was in attendance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-44780155385375084912019-08-29T07:05:18.140-07:002019-08-29T07:05:18.140-07:00Good for you Keiren. I meet you a few years ago at...Good for you Keiren. I meet you a few years ago at a feast site and was impressed with how bright you were. I am happy that you are putting yo ur intelligence to use. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-78687744575489434112018-08-10T19:55:55.205-07:002018-08-10T19:55:55.205-07:00Other Christians don't read the Bible? Same t...Other Christians don't read the Bible? Same thinking in Old WCG. The reality is there is a difference in understanding. Other Christians don't believe Malachi was only intended for COG movements in the 20th century. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-45865814359178689512018-07-28T14:17:34.066-07:002018-07-28T14:17:34.066-07:00Too bad nobody in the ACOgs ever did anything abou...Too bad nobody in the ACOgs ever did anything about the beans.<br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-83532138495067515832018-07-27T17:24:03.024-07:002018-07-27T17:24:03.024-07:00The emphasis on church booklets instead of the Bib...The emphasis on church booklets instead of the Bible is quite amazing.<br />Plus AC - Big Sandy was a fun place in the 70s. The miniskirt rules were long gone and women would wear shorts in hot weather - which was most of the time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-29964602572167635032018-07-26T20:26:38.917-07:002018-07-26T20:26:38.917-07:005:35 -
The PCG people are NOT nutritionists. The...5:35 - <br /><br />The PCG people are NOT nutritionists. They have not been registered, nor have they been licensed to begin to tell people about soda or fruit juice. The truth is, every metabolism is different. <br /><br />It is true that soda can pack on the calories. But orange juice and many fruit juices can also pack on the calories as well. So can Gatorade and Chocolate Milk. And not even to get into the sodium contents and how that can impact those with high blood pressure or heart problems. Also, many sparkling waters have aspartame in it too, which can cause it's own breed of health problems if drank to excess. <br /><br />Another thing that can pack on the pounds is an excess of carbohydrates. I'm glad they didn't get on THAT tangent. Then, they'd cut the pizza, the potatoes... you could go on and on and on with that one. <br /><br />All of this "Well, soda made me pack on the pounds so now no one can have soda" is ridiculous and stupid. And yes, fruit juice has just as much - if not more - sugar than soda. <br /><br />This was just another excuse for the PCG controllers to exercise their power trip and lay down another command of something they're not supposed to do. In WCG, though, we went through those health phases too - but not to the point I don't think where there were edicts. We had enough food rules to last a lifetime. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-69578146679149187912018-07-26T18:57:47.487-07:002018-07-26T18:57:47.487-07:00Brian Davis I remember was so condescending of any...Brian Davis I remember was so condescending of anyone who was not PCG. I remember when his sister left the church to follow her husband to another one he went on a lot about that. And when he would brag about being the head of his castle and no woman could rule over him. I use to dread each time it was one of his sermons. And he always had this like itchy throat throughout his sermons. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-38425664754331397312018-07-26T17:35:47.336-07:002018-07-26T17:35:47.336-07:00I remember the no soda came out after Andrew Loche...I remember the no soda came out after Andrew Locher gave a sermon how he had put on all this weight for drinking too much soda and how it was unhealthy and soon after we could no longer bring soda for potluck or with finger food after services. They said to bring pure fruit juices however I guess they did not take into account that fruit juices pure or not have just as much sugar in 1 glass. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-49224173226536411572018-07-26T09:52:00.550-07:002018-07-26T09:52:00.550-07:00What a well-written critique of an obscure offshoo...What a well-written critique of an obscure offshoot "College" in Oklahoma. My hats off to you Kieren Underwood. I read every word, and your experience needs to be re-published periodically so potential new recruits might see it before being sucked into the cult and the cult's college.<br /><br />I could relate to some of the rules you published from my days in the Worldwide Church of God. I left WCG in 1976. I am an Ambassador College reject, and I can tell you it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I encourage you to continue getting an accredited education. It will be the best investment you can make in an investment in yourself. Chalk up your Herbert W. Armstrong College experience as a life learning lesson experience and cutting your losses. (Isn't the use of the name "Herbert W. Armstrong" along with the word "College" an oxymoron?) <br /><br />Your losses could have been much greater if you ever read of Dennis Diehl's experiences. <br /><br />A truth in advertising statement in the "College" catalog would be: "Herbert W. Armstrong College is a private unaccredited institution dedicated to the study of Herbert W. Armstrong, his religious followers, and their beliefs".<br /><br />Like other comments on this thread, I have questions also. Besides the ones already asked, what was the rationale behind the rule "No dating college alumni?" <br /><br />Thanks again for sharing your experiences into what is a little-known cult College. No doubt you have broken new ground into the written literature about Armstrongism. <br /> <br />Richard<br /><br /><br /> Lake of Fire Church of Godnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-31196589956448667572018-07-26T07:54:27.897-07:002018-07-26T07:54:27.897-07:00One thing that HWAC has in common with the old Amb...One thing that HWAC has in common with the old Ambassador College is that students looking for the traditional education process in which second and third opinions and critical thinking are involved are automatically prescreened out. The students know the curriculum in advance, have embraced it, and willingly go there to learn it. Generally, unless something “goes wrong”, or wakes them from the process, students won’t ask derailing questions, they will just bask in the sunlight of their Armstrongism pretty much for life. It’s why most accept all of the rules, and commit to the culture that many of us recognize as being harsh, unnecessarily restrictive, and worshipful of their leaders.<br /><br />I was an accident when I went to AC in ‘66. I was using the system against itself, going there only to make the earliest possible escape from an absolutely horrid WCG family situation and childhood. From the beginning, I had no intention of graduating, and certainly didn’t want to be part of the authority structure that went to the field and taught it to others. Most of those of us who left had a similar door of approachability open. For the others, eventual disillusionment and awakening are the only hope or path out.<br /><br />BBByker Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15602697337552385535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-43647887600414259342018-07-26T07:06:26.734-07:002018-07-26T07:06:26.734-07:00I will sum up Flurry College rules in one sentence...I will sum up Flurry College rules in one sentence...<br /><br />NO THINKING ALLOWED! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14910856904624749641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-36773828686438419012018-07-26T07:02:25.933-07:002018-07-26T07:02:25.933-07:00This makes me queasy. The account is like a descr...This makes me queasy. The account is like a description of the Flat Earth Society or a bunch of ardent believers in the Illuminati. But these poor people have a right to believe what they want. It is when they step over the line into criminality that public policy and law enforcement become involved. Warren Jeffs would still be free if he had not crossed that line. <br /><br />I am mostly queasy because I used to believe stuff like this and now find it totally incredible and demonstrably false. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08487906691943831671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-76428070029040749732018-07-26T06:37:11.411-07:002018-07-26T06:37:11.411-07:00Who does someone of a mixed race date? I was a mem...Who does someone of a mixed race date? I was a member of the WCG for 4 years, attended AC 71-73, left the church at age 26. The best part of my experience was meeting my future wife at AC. She is worth having been in the cult for four years. Kieren, you haven't lost much. You got a valuable education, though not the one you expected. Your experiences will serve you a lifetime.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-11878853741685455802018-07-25T23:51:11.180-07:002018-07-25T23:51:11.180-07:00Good on you, Kieran Underwood. Thank you so much f...Good on you, Kieran Underwood. Thank you so much for choosing to share your story. I hope things go well in your new college. Redfox712https://www.blogger.com/profile/17734930967002040931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-36208199256337522712018-07-25T23:51:02.207-07:002018-07-25T23:51:02.207-07:00I remember HWA's stupid rule of reading the Bi...I remember HWA's stupid rule of reading the Bible for an hour, meditating for an hour and praying for an hour -- every damn day. Never could do that, but felt guilty about it. Guilty people are easier to control. Glad I wised up. I soon realized that not even he could hold to such a schedule. Alllen Dexternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-86024942097416273982018-07-25T23:26:17.635-07:002018-07-25T23:26:17.635-07:00"The earliest Jew in history, Abraham, if he ..."The earliest Jew in history, Abraham, if he existed, dates to around 1800 BC."<br /><br /><br />huh? Abraham was jewish????<br /><br /><br />but it's no secret that most people put way too much faith in HWA, even to the point of worshiping him over God, and they don't see it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-34711919611399774332018-07-25T19:59:15.656-07:002018-07-25T19:59:15.656-07:00"Can't date outside your race. Can't ..."Can't date outside your race. Can't steady date. What a bummer! If you are a man of a race in which there is only one woman of your race on campus I guess you can't date!"<br /><br />I am white. If I was into dating, which I am not, and I found a caring and loving white,olive, asian, black, brown, or Latino woman, or any other shade you can imagine, you bet I'd date her. It's about looking at the heart and the mind, not how much pigment or lack thereof. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-73310044275081829662018-07-25T19:55:15.318-07:002018-07-25T19:55:15.318-07:00"but at almost 41 I can use what I have left ..."but at almost 41 I can use what I have left to make a life just have to lose some baggage that world wide, global & living left me with :)"<br /><br />Ah! So you went through the last part of the Armstrong Legacy, the transition to Tkach Sr, attended all of the BIG Feast of Tabernacles WCG style, went through the BIG CHANGE, went to Global, then somehow went to Living.... <br /><br />one thing about us Ex-COG'ers - you never could ever have anything constant. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-81177866859133258032018-07-25T19:27:09.379-07:002018-07-25T19:27:09.379-07:00Thanks for taking the time to write this. Glad u s...Thanks for taking the time to write this. Glad u saw pcg for what they r and saw it & had the will power to leave while u could make a life for yourself. I can't say the same sadly but at almost 41 I can use what I have left to make a life just have to lose some baggage that world wide, global & living left me with :)Stephen Schleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01369663871929439310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-51553188733393359202018-07-25T19:10:48.357-07:002018-07-25T19:10:48.357-07:00Rules, rules, rules. There should be a rule that n...Rules, rules, rules. There should be a rule that no one should attend a university named after a pervert, and that was founded by a nut case.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-4907157018623077382018-07-25T19:03:38.922-07:002018-07-25T19:03:38.922-07:00Can't date outside your race. Can't steady...Can't date outside your race. Can't steady date. What a bummer! If you are a man of a race in which there is only one woman of your race on campus I guess you can't date!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-87300537610816524092018-07-25T18:55:18.124-07:002018-07-25T18:55:18.124-07:00No taking a date out stargazing perhaps?
I was gi...No taking a date out stargazing perhaps?<br /><br />I was given a talking to about not wearing a white dress shirt when being called upon to give an opening prayer. I had what the church would call a “bad attitude” after that. I always felt like the church was trying to make us ancient Israelites by following all those archaic Old Testament rules. A Morleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12837350642647516674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-56815399594645348192018-07-25T18:29:22.097-07:002018-07-25T18:29:22.097-07:00So you can drink alcohol but you cannot have soda?...So you can drink alcohol but you cannot have soda? <br /><br />What in the world? <br /><br />What'd they have against 7-up? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226103369043606765.post-89391199294083638352018-07-25T17:37:05.744-07:002018-07-25T17:37:05.744-07:00" If you’re not praying the recommended 30-..." If you’re not praying the recommended 30-60 minutes a day, the upperclassmen will be thinking bad thoughts behind your back."<br /><br />Life Cycle of a 60 Minute COG-Type Prayer. <br /><br />First 5 Minutes: <br /><br />Pray for work, pray for church, pray for leader, pray for family....<br /><br />Next 55 Minutes:<br /><br />Pray for understanding on whats for dinner pray for help on do i need to mow the grass pray for man im hungry whats to eat pray for no no i have to stay awake cmon now thank God for the ow my knees are really taking a beating and pray for my back! my back! pray for ok how do i check my watch now without being irreverent- cue guilt for thinking other thoughts while praying, apologize for thinking other thoughts while praying, ask forgiveness for thinking other thoughts while praying, pray for cleansing of thoughts, check watch oh man 20 more minutes! start over...... pray for understanding on whats for dinner pray for help on do i need to mow the grass............. OH I WENT 40 MINUTES thats 10 more than 30 ok Im done. Whew. <br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com