The Sunk Cost Fallacy and the Church of God

 

Too Much Invested in This

Over the 38 years plus since Herbert Armstrong’s death, many of us have written a number of posts analyzing why folks continue to associate themselves with one of the successors of the now defunct Worldwide Church of God. Why? Because of all of the numerous books, articles, and now podcasts that have been written/produced which have definitively refuted so much of Armstrong’s theology, many of us continue to wonder how anyone could still be supportive of it! Our bewilderment is also augmented by the fact that the history of the movement since Herbert’s death has forced almost universal recognition of the fact that horrendous mistakes were made in the administration of the “church” (even among the membership of ALL of the splinters). Hence, it is reasonable for us to wonder: “What could possibly motivate a person to ignore so much evidence of failure and continue in it?”

I have a friend who joined the Worldwide Church of God as a young man and remained a part of it until the Tkach regime started making their changes. Then he joined one of the splinters and has been faithful to it ever since. Throughout those years, this person had a good job and tithed on his gross income. He faithfully attended weekly Sabbath services, the festivals, and many of the other gatherings and activities organized by the church.

Now, my friend is very intelligent, and he readily acknowledges many of the abuses that existed in the parent organization. He knows that people were hurt and bullied. He acknowledges that the Worldwide Church was poorly governed, and that the organization’s resources were often squandered and used to benefit and enrich folks who did not contribute very much to the church’s teachings or mission. Even so, this intelligent, kind, and sincere individual continues to attend with the splinter he joined and still contributes a significant portion of his income to their “work.”

Yet, when I ask him about his continuing loyalty in the face of what he has witnessed and experienced, he answers that he “still believes in the core teachings” of the church. Now, I know that many of the folks who will read this post have heard that same phrase from their friends and family who remain within the ranks of one of the many splinters who claim to have inherited Armstrong’s mantle. Nevertheless, if we actually got into the weeds of those teachings, I’m sure that just about all of these folks would have a different answer about what constitutes those “core doctrines.” At any rate, however they choose to define the “core doctrines” of Armstrongism, this appears to be one of the most common justifications given for a person’s continued association with one of the Armstrong Churches of God.

Now, I know that what I’m about to say will provoke denials from many quarters, but I really believe that what is really motivating these folks has more to do with protecting their own investment in a choice that most of them made many years ago! In other words, they simply have too much time, energy, resources, self-denial, and familiarity invested in Armstrongism to turn their backs on it now! Think about it. After spending 30, 40, 50, 60, or even 70 years, sacrificing jobs, relationships, various opportunities, and thousands upon thousands of dollars to maintain their association with like-minded folks, to admit failure now would mean acknowledging that they have wasted a good part of their lives. More importantly, it would mean admitting that their original decision to embrace Herbert Armstrong’s teachings and church had been wrong! In short, for many of these folks, acknowledging the failure of Armstrongism would be tantamount to acknowledging their own failure! It is such a part of their story and identity now, that the thought of chucking it poses an existential threat to them. Who would they be without this?

Of course, for many of us who have left Armstrongism behind, we rejoice in whatever time, resources and effort have been saved. For many of us, we feel like we have escaped a sinking ship and have saved ourselves from drowning and certain death. For many of us, we have removed the knife and staunched the bleeding. We have started thinking for ourselves again and employing our time and resources in more promising ventures. Yes, we have had to admit that we were wrong – that we made mistakes – that we made a big error in judgment and have paid a huge price for it. Even so, some of us have also experienced the joy of rediscovering Jesus and having our own personal relationship with the Divine. Moreover, a few of us have even discovered that we wouldn’t be in the good place that we are now without having experienced the delusions, disappointments, and hardships of Armstrongism! So, I would remind those of you who are still a part of that system of the old axiom that it is never too late, and that letting go of your ego and admitting failure doesn’t have to be a dead end!

Lonnie Hendrix/Miller Jones