In the latest Chairman's letter from the UCG home office, Robin Webber talks about the gospel of peace and how UCG should be declaring that to the world.
One of the most comforting titles that define this gospel is that it’s a gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15). Peace? When did we last hear or read that word in the headlines? The literal and living Head of the Church and the Lord of our lives, Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18), is extolled in Isaiah 9:6 as the Prince of Peace. It’s this “gospel of peace” that anchors and restores our soul when personal or global events seem to hem us in when remembering that God’s Word tells us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8, emphasis added throughout).
It is this “gospel of peace” that the world needs to come to know and that we as modern day disciples of Jesus Christ need to practice daily—now! Its message declares that the Son of God is going to literally intervene once and for all in world affairs and bring peace to this world. It is this gospel of the Kingdom that states: “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdom, and it shall stand forever”(Daniel 2:44). It’s the gospel of Jesus Christ that emboldens and comforts us in darkened times knowing “that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39). Those that have surrendered their lives to God the Father through Jesus Christ are granted a gift: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27)
It’s the fruit of God’s Spirit—peace (Galatians 5:22)—in which the Council of Elders will draw together next week to continually seek how to increase our effectiveness in expressing and spreading this good news both to the world and our local congregations. It’s in this fruit of God’s Spirit—peace—in which we turn our attention to evaluating and further improving the Ambassador Bible Center in “discipling” young men and women for future service to their families, congregations and local communities. It’s in this spirit of peace that we review our ministerial training programs, consider ministerial ordinations, discuss how to honorably retire long-time servants from pastoral ministry and strive to develop even more effective General of Conference of Elders meetings, and to be wise stewards in apportioning God’s holy tithes to effectively care for the membership around the world. It’s in this fruit of the spirit—peace—in which we will sit down and discuss doctrinal matters and share our understanding and at times our passions, but nonetheless emerge as brothers in peace.
So where was the "peace" when UCG forced out the COGWA people when Kubik told them he was on their side when they were wanting to split and then dumped them dry and high when they decided to walk away?
Where is the "peace" when the UCG administration covered up for molesters and stalkers even to the point they tried to defend them in court?
Where is the "peace" when ABC students are kicked out because they ask honest penetrating questions?
Where is the "peace" when some of the ministers are lords and tyrants over their members?
UCG's track record of "peace" is almost nonexistent. Its entire history is one of division and disruption as it plotted and schemed while still part of WCG to break off. Peace never has been part of the UCG strategy.
Yes but, they are glorious at making war and divisions.
ReplyDeleteYou just have to go with your core competencies.
When did "United" ever live up it's name? Not ever.
ReplyDeleteSure, Pervert Armstrong used to talk about "character" and defined it as "knowing right from wrong, and choosing to do the right." Of course, little did I know, back when the old Pervert was saying such things, that he had his own private, definition of what he was rightfully entitled to do (which was anything he damn well felt like doing) that made a mockery out of that definition. All the while he pretended to be a man of integrity, and tell others they should be people of integrity "too."
And all these elite minister fellows are the same. They feel entitled to do whatever they want to preserve their own power and paycheck, while pretending to be men of integrity, and telling the members they should be people of integrity "too." In fact, they have no integrity at all. That's why their "unity" is in short supply too. And nobody treats others worse in "United" than the ministers treat each other. They are careful not to let the peon members see their atrocious behavior toward each other. That's why they have their private "elders forum." Because the ministers are going to fight, tooth and nail, and so they know damn well they need some way to keep their ungodly behavior out of view, so that when they get up on Saturday and condemn in front of the members everything they did all week to other ministers, no one in the audience knows what hypocrites they are.
And fortunately for us, when the minister's squabbling turns into all-out war (a split) all that stuff they usually keep well hidden spills out onto the main stage, and you get to see what the ministers think of as "godly" behavior. You get to see what THEY think they're "entitled" to do, and how they're not above stooping to every tactic of "satan" to get and keep what they want for themselves. They'll lie of course, and tell the members they're doing it to "protect the flock" and that this is just "being a good steward." Bull. If they had faith, they would let their god decide, right? Instead, they take matters into their own hands, and resort to every "sin" and dirty underhanded tactic which they tell the members there is "never an excuse to resort to." And that's called being a man of integrity. Character? What character? And these are the people the members guess should be their teachers? What exactly do they expect to learn from such bankrupt souls?
These men are hypocrites who have never, not even for one day, practiced what they preach. They have no idea what they're talking about. Their message and advice are worthless.
Now, now, this is the 'Church Corporate' we're talking about: The church as a corporation -- a legal person with no conscience and no empathy. Assuredly, you must realize that it is the very nature of a corporation to do unethical things while maintaining a "positive image". You would know that if you read "Moral Mazes" by Robert Jackall -- and make no mistake, the Cult of Herbert Armstrong Mafia, Inc is exactly the same as portrayed by the Fortune 200. If you don't know where you are, the only way to tell is by the name on the door. There's no ethics, no morals and especially no conscience. What is good and right is what the guy above you wants from you (or conversely what the guys below you want from you).
ReplyDeleteNo, no, it's a totally impersonal "thing" we're dealing with here. Don't make the mistake that you are dealing with real people here -- the hirelings have long ago given up their humanity to be a part of the on-demand cash machine. It's too bad for the depositors that there are so many branch ATMs these days. After awhile, you tend to forget who you were banking with.
It's all about money, power and ego. If you Proles provide that to the Inner Party, you'll be OK. If not, well... you'll probably face The Ministry of Love for reeducation.
You are nothing but a cog to the cogs.
Anyone who still holds on to Armstrongism is not at peace.
ReplyDeleteArmstrongism is very much shame based.
The fear of condemnation was constantly on my mind when I was a member of the WCG. I was so glad when I learned that I didn't have to earn salvation. I also was even more happy when I left the WCG. I am more at peace then I ever have been knowing that I am not headed for any kind of condemnation.
I don't think that there is much peace in the UCG or any COG simply because of their abusive religion the members are not at peace in their own personal lives.
They do not really follow Christ, only men, this is why no peace.
ReplyDeleteFrom The Wanderer..
ReplyDeleteAnyone who still holds onto Armstrongism is not at prace...
Stood out to me..what's your take on COGWA?