Another book to add to my collection by a former COG member. Bonnet left a comment under the blog entry on Greg Sargent
I continue to be fascinated by the many different routes people have taken when they escape from Armstrongism. I am particularly fascinated by people who's faith was not destroyed by the lies and filth that masqueraded as Christan.
So goes the never ending collapse of the Pope Herbert empire. As to Mr Sargent, I consider him to be a sincere man with integrity, but he must have blinders on to fail to understand the ramifications of Herbert's massive indiscretions. If you read this Greg, I got out in 1995 and got born again. You can read my expose of WCG and its offshoots in my book "Coming out of Hell - A Journey from Chaos to redemption
Coming Out of Hell A Journey from Chaos to RedemptionCan we be saved and broken at the same time? Can a Christian still need inner healing?
Every person on Earth experiences sin and brokenness. But even embracing a new life in Christ does not automatically resolve the pain and bitterness of past struggles and abuse. In this remarkably candid and uplifting book, psychologist David Bonnet bares his soul, using his long battle with depression and even longer involvement with a powerful cult to show how victory in Christ can transform a shattered life.
Coming Out of Hell is a gripping story of deliverance from the deception, manipulation, and shame of cultic involvement. It takes an inside look at how individuals and families in the grips of spiritual, emotional, and financial chaos can find healing by submitting these wounds to Jesus Christ and finding peace by living in His presence.
Join David and discover that no life is too broken for Christ to heal---not even yours.
While I haven't read David's book,
ReplyDeleteI believe that a common thread would probably run through his and my experiences.
Most people have no idea to what extent the personal opinions and pet theories of HWA have shaded and contaminated the meanings of what ACOG members believe they are reading directly from the pages of their Bibles. If ever there were a classic example of the need for a second opinion, Armstrongism is certainly it!
The problem is, the stalwarts hold what they feel is the ultimate trump card. When facts and logic totally obliterate their beliefs, they always fall back on, "But, God's Apostle said......" If they did not believe in the total inspiration of HWA, virtually everything they believe falls apart.
BB
I recently read Carla Powers book, "Matches in the Gas Tank". Unfortunately I had several days of depression thereafter because I saw some of my own family dynamics in it as well.
ReplyDeleteMy father wasn't abusive like hers, but I saw my parents marriage eviscerated by the church. My mom idolized the ministry which made my dad second rate as a non believer.
You can imagine the type of mutual contempt that set up.
For my own peace of mind, I'll have to probably pass on anymore books like this for a while. I'll put it on my books to read though just not now:)
I can certainly identify with Bob and Mickey. My mother in law is still addicted to the Armstrong stuff at the age of 83. She will not entertain any possibility that it is (was) a hoax. I know and still maintain with children of people we used to know in WCG who have disowned their children much as the Amish often do.
ReplyDeleteDavid J Bonnet
May 20, 2013 at 8:54 PM
Delete