Tuesday, December 31, 2024

Football, New Years, and Being Free From Armstrongism


When I am not stroking the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu Thiel's massive over-inflated ego, I am heavily involved with the Tournament of Roses New Year's Celebration, the Rose Parade, and the Rose Bowl.

Today, we hosted over 650 parents of the Ohio and Oregon football teams. It was a giant pep rally of sorts, with the coaches and athletic directors speaking to the parents, thanking them for raising such honorable young men.


I could not help but contrast it to the blithering idiocy of Bob Thiel in his yearly rants over football and New Year's celebrations. I cannot imagine living such a miserable life that he must have by seeing everything around him as satanic, pagan, and heathen. Today's activities make his comments even more imbecilic and out of touch with reality. It is amazing to watch how Armstrongism robs people of rational thought processes.

While he is still stuck in the 1960s version of Armstrongism that he so desperately seeks to create. it is so freeing not to have to adhere to all of that blithering and useless nonsense anymore. As much as Armstrongism sought to suck the beauty and pleasure out of daily life, the world still has beauty and amazing experiences in it that spiritually degenerate men like Thiel, Pack, and Flurry can never take away.

Happy New Year!









The Christmas Experiment: The Tepid Armstrongist Response to the Challenge of Christmas

 

The Artful Dodger (Fair Use)




The Christmas Experiment

The Tepid Armstrongist Response to the Challenge of Christmas

By Scout

 

"Fagin will make something of you, though, or you'll be the first he ever had that turned out unprofitable."  The Artful Dodger, From “Oliver Twist”

 

Armstrongism handles the issue of Christmas paganism poorly.  There have been several posts on this blog recently related to Christmas.  I contributed one of the posts.  And these are the points that concern me:  

Point One: “How do Armstrongists deal with the logical issue of the Genetic Fallacy?”

 In simple terms, why does a pagan history, now renounced, render modern, unimpeachable practice wrong?  Should we then ferret out and abandon everything that is pagan?  My Quaker ancestors renounced the names of the days of the week.  They went to First Day, Second Day and so forth.  So, this issue is not confined to Armstrongists.  But none of the responses to the recent posts from people who seem to be Armstrongist, that I have seen, attempt to answer this question.   If once pagan means always pagan, does that not besmirch God’s Creation forever?

Point Two: “Armstrongists have no consistent methodology for determining what is pagan.”

You would think they follow this kind of methodology: “If it has any historical pagan associations, we will reject it.”   But this would lead them to reject Thanksgiving and wedding rings, for instance.  And they do not.  This inconsistency leads me to believe that they really follow this principle:

Point Three: “If the Armstrongist leadership says it is pagan then it is pagan.  If the Armstrongist leadership says it is not pagan than it is not pagan.  And this is in spite of any empirical evidence or logic.”

I would like Armstrongists to respond to the three points above, at length.  What we have received so far are parroted sound bites from the Armstrongist pulpit.   Does this mean that their pulpit has no answers or does it mean that those people who participate in this conversation have never really understood their denomination’s belief on this?  The data is yet inconclusive because responses have been so off target, it is as if they were written by the Artful Dodger. 

The recent Christmas posts on this blog could be viewed as an experiment.  The line of reasoning probes the phenomenon of why Armstrongists believe what they believe.  And I have a hypothesis.  The Christmas polemic here indicates that the most important source of truth and understanding for Armstrongists is their denominational authority figures.  They lay aside research, science, logic, midrash and exegesis and follow the words of an authority figure.  (This takes exception to James Tabor who, I recall, posited that Biblical rationale was the most important factor in belief among churches that exalted the Old Testament.)  And what they know about Christmas only goes as far as what the authority figures have said. 

I would like to generalize this to all of their beliefs but I think that would be unfounded.  Because my hypothesis here, though simple, lacks good, broad empirical data.  Moreover, getting at the data is a problem because when I was an Armstrongist, and I was one for decades, I thought I had good, tight arguments in my hip pocket for everything.  I was ready to take on a Protestant at a moment’s notice.  But this was because my beliefs inside the Armstrongist community were never challenged only reinforced.  And I always stayed inside the community.  A theologically astute Protestant would have eaten my lunch.  I just didn’t know it. 

 

 


Sunday, December 29, 2024

David C. Pack’s Enemies (Part 2)

 



David C. Pack’s Enemies (Part 2)

When delving into the subject of David C. Pack’s perceived enemies, it is surprisingly more expansive than one would think. The Pastor General of The Restored Church of God has referred to his (our) enemies for decades, mainly in the context of former members and the worst of the bunch: former ministers. The closer you were to Dave at Headquarters, the more profound your betrayal, fellas.

Shame on you guys for no longer supporting his conscience-breaking malarkey and enduring years of mental abuse!


In Part 1 of this article, David C. Pack characterized his (our) enemies as wicked, mocking attackers full of hatred with unrelenting murderous intent. You know, just your run-of-the-mill satanic liars, really.

Facing those kinds of conditions for years has caused a permanent tender boo-boo on his tushy.

While further analyzing other comments about the assaults by perceived enemies, David C. Pack has a surprising perspective on his role in causing such persecution.

Hold onto your hats.

David C. Pack is the victim.




Most people do not know that David C. Pack has been a victim for decades.

Part 426 – March 4, 2023
@ 35:17 Is it a coincidence that I I believe I became the Seventh Messenger [of Revelation] on the 13th day? I believe. I literally believe that. On the 13th day of Adar, exactly 30 years ago. I was certainly smitten by the fist of wickedness.

The fist of wickedness continues unto this day.

Part 520 – June 22, 2024
@ 1:44:00 But I'll just tell ya, you know when when you when you when you settle on a date, you are settling on an eternal date. You don’t want that pressure on you. I promise you. You have no idea how many of our enemies are sitting out there mocking what I took on that nobody else even saw. You have no idea.

What Dave took on that nobody else even saw has been nine years of prophetic failure, mind-numbing doctrinal repetition, and fleeting understanding of "knowledge" that fades faster than vapor.

Does pointing that out and goofing on him make anyone his enemy? Because he does this of his own accord, does that make him a victim tormented for religious righteousness?

Part 525 – July 20, 2024
@ 1:36:46 Now, again, as I said, it could be argued that you just accept this, and we should. And we have. All except for those who just blew their crown and left and couldn’t leave quietly. Many of ‘em had to attack us. Makes me sad every time I think about that.

When RCG members resign and post their exit letters online, it makes Dave a sad panda. He considers publicly disclosing the reasons for a departure to be an attack.

Read the heartbreaking stories from Adelle Ambrose and Elizabeth O’Leary-Noble and see if you can find any kind of “attack” or vitriolic tone in those exit letters. David C. Pack perverts their bravery by smearing it as wicked intent.

 


David C. Pack is the victim for doing good.

The former "bodybuilder" and "competitive swimmer" who once stood at 6'7" is really the victim, attacked by ungrateful people for just trying to be a kind shepherd. If you find that hard to swallow, let David C. Pack mansplain it to you.

Part 501 – March 30, 2024
@ 24:04 But, I’m so glad that they did search diligently because, again, it has been of of of a comfort greater than I could imagine to me when under ferocious attack because one man alone couldn’t put this all together in eight and a half years.

One man who has been working alone for eight and half years is under ferocious attack for his efforts. Not the biblical fraud and prophetic lunacy he teaches but because of his efforts.

Part 499 – March 21, 2024
@ 1:49:14 I used to say, "Don't make me a villain. I'm not a hero, but don't make me a villain, either." I’m just holding on to the things we all said we’d never leave. Now, you’re attacking me for leaving what, you know, a year ago before Joe Tkach began to change things, the five of you said, "I'll never leave. I'll die for this." And now you’re putting up a Christmas tree and attacking me.

Dave’s perceived enemies attack him because he will not give up Christmas. Good grief, Charlie Brown.

Part 510 – April 27, 2024
@ 50:26 I would I it I would marvel. Father, I’m providing doing everything in my power to provide beautiful literature, the best telecasts, the most beautiful environment, a college… You know, community gardens, camps, Feast sites all over the world. You know, ev–time off. And they wanted to murder us.

Dave’s former employees now possess a murderous attitude for ungratefully attacking him after he provided such beautiful whatever. Victim much, Dave?

David C. Pack did not provide those whited sepulchres. Brethren paying Common did.

He mentions literature that does not contain the most current doctrinal understanding, telecasts that ceased in December 2017, a beautiful environment with horses the Headquarters congregation gets to enjoy, a laughable, empty-husk “college” that has zero value, camps for the dwindling teen population, and shrinking Feast sites.

Framing that list accurately defuses the shimmer of its illustrious glory.

One small note about his “time off” addition to the list of things HE provides: David C. Pack has repeated to the staff during and after my tenure as a Headquarters employee that he would make everyone work for six days if it were not for the labor laws. He would also remove their vacation days, and if they get sick, that is due to their irresponsibility. In reality, the Pastor General “provides” time off because the government compels him. Now, try to frame him as the magnanimous victim of selfless generosity.

Part 526 – July 27, 2024
@ 2:06:02 It’s just I'm gonna give this message and and the enemies will attack me. And they'll say, “You know what he said?” 'cause there are people listening to this, “You know what he said? He he flattered him and told him they were all prophets. What a wicked man.”

His own lips have said it.

@ 2:06:13 You can't even believe the stuff that's said about me.

People SHOULD believe what is said about him. Statements backed up with facts are the backbone of exrcg.org. Quoting David C. Pack verbatim should be enough for any discerning person to judge who and what he is.

@ 2:06:17 It's funny. I've learned to just laugh about it.

Dave does not just laugh about it. When he keeps mentioning it, the tone and context reveal whether it bothers him or if he lets it roll off his back. Former Headquarters ministers have told me stories about David C. Pack and how incensed he gets when anyone presents the most minor disagreement or perceived criticism. He gets ferociously defensive.

Boy, if you contradict him in front of others, you soon regret it. He does not "just laugh about it," and the men who sit with him behind closed doors know it.

I experienced the opposite of Dave's "just laugh about it" attitude when I wrote Church Administration to clarify what he taught about Revelation. Instead of answering the logic puzzle I pointed out that he placed himself in, I received a cordial dressing down by Bradford Schleifer and Jeffrey Ambrose because the “attitude” of my question “could have been worded better.”

I never submitted another query to CAD after that. Folks, David C. Pack does not just laugh it off.

@ 2:03:09 The ancient Elijah was res–despised. He was not accepted. That's what it says. I've been despised at a level you cannot imagine. Don't try. I brought the most wonderful message one could bring, and I've been hated for it. It's almost a proof in itself.

If anyone truly despised David C. Pack, it is not for him bringing “the most wonderful message.” It would be because he is a blaspheming, hypocritical liar and false prophet coercing money from people with his unbiblical Common doctrine.

I know a lot of former RCG members and ministers… I do not know of anyone who “hates” him. Are some angry? Oh, yes. But I have never heard one utterance that made me think anyone “hates” him or wants him dead. Do they want him to shut the heckfire up? Fo shizzle my nizzle.

David C. Pack manufactures the “hate” directed toward him. It is a figment of his distorted imagination due to an overinflated perception of his own significance. It is as if the “attacks” legitimize him as a servant of God despite all those pesky failed dates for the return of Jesus Christ.

The most insulting thing someone can do to a narcissist is simply ignore them. Recall The Greatest Hissy Fit when Dave was incensed after discovering members in RCG stopped listening to him.

David C. Pack's crying victim is a lame attempt to illicit attention and sympathy. By throwing in the "us" pronoun, he hopes the brethren will share in his imaginary defensiveness. If willfully blind followers believe they have enemies, it substantiates the existence of those enemies even when no tangible evidence supports it.

@ 2:02:06 I am despised in my house and my kin and my country. It's actually proof of being a prophet.

Being acknowledged as a jerk is not proof of prophetic significance, Dave. It just means you are a jerk. People, including family members, discerning you are a false prophet, false apostle, and false teacher does not make you a victim. It makes you a disqualified teacher and religious leader of any kind.

David C. Pack sees himself as the humble target of fiery darts because of his good deeds and steadfast righteousness. Or does he attract unwelcome attention because he created it himself?



While searching the transcripts, I found one instance of David C. Pack explaining the “lies” spread about him and RCG. There must be more, but my recordkeeping is incomplete, and I cannot find them.

Part 450 – Part 1 – June 13, 2023
@ 27:33 I, hopefully, brethren, I put I put the the Series in its in its in its proper perspective. What it was and and what it contained, and what it was not. "Which is 450 sermons on prophecy." That’s what our enemies say 'cause that's the best way to depict it. That they’re the they’re the same people who say, “Pack wants your money.” When I don’t get your money. And I gave up two of my inheritances. And I don’t get a raise when people pay Common. The real truth is the liars saying that. They want your money. Stay with them. And depict us as false, just like they depict us as saying, "Oh, he talking about prophecy for seven-and-a-half years." Come on. You know, but I I can understand if some who were sitting here depict it that way, then what are our enemies gonna say? Particularly when they’re likely most likely to hear from those who leave us that that’s the way to see the Series.

Dave fluffs the “Greatest Untold Story” with other non-prophecy teachings but revises it so regularly that no RCG brethren can speak with confidence if they even believe that particular doctrine today. Current members cannot absorb, retain, and understand the rapid-fire malarkey coming out of his mouth, even when it is not prophetic in nature.

If he has already been proven to be a false prophet, whether the 551-Part Series is all about prophecy, mostly prophecy, or only kinda about prophecy makes no difference. Considering the source informs the accuracy of the information. Even David C. Pack does not believe the teachings of David C. Pack the next week, so why should anyone?

Dave is also disingenuous in his statement about where the Common money goes. The coerced funds do not go into his personal account, but he directly benefits from them. The debt relief on the Campus and their home properties ensure that the religious fraud machine will keep providing his salary and maintain the cieled houses in which Dave and his enablers can live.

Once the debt on the Campus is reduced, they can plant more trees and gardens and fulfill Dave's "whatever we'd do" plan, as documented in the “If More Time” YouTube Playlist.

Part 410 – December 17, 2022
@ 11:20 But, for now, if I released it [8-page Revelation document], some of the relatives of our members around the world study the internet to attack the relatives who are in The Restored Church of God. They give them no end of grief, and I would literally be fueling some of the family members because of what enemies post, and the trouble would mount for some of you out there… your relatives cannot throw things up in your face that look crazy to them because they just don’t understand it.

Dave’s consideration for RCG members was expressed by his desire to spare them unnecessary persecution, so he opted not to release his quickly irrelevant and proven-inaccurate document that is not worth the kilobytes it takes up on a computer.

 


Remember…David C. Pack is the victim.

According to Dave, sometimes attacks from his (our) enemies are actually his god’s fault.

Part 272 – October 10, 2020
@ 02:22 The mockers and scoffers who were saying, “Where’s parousia?” would sort of be right. And then, of course, there is the fact that our enemies would’ve heard that we thought Christ was coming this year [2020], and it doesn’t happen, and unnecessary reproach would’ve been brought on the Church. You could say by God showing us this too early or for me saying it too early…

The perceived enemies plaguing Dave lie to and lie about them and have been for a while.

Part 286 – February 20, 2021
@ 1:10:08 And there was one era of God’s Church that had to work in this murderous, wicked environment where people among us would attack us, lie to us, lie about us, steal from us. We’ve had criminals, heretics, every vile person, every kind of axe grinder, heretic, opportunists, rebel you could ever imagine have been in this Work over the last twenty-two years.

Part 499 – March 21, 2024
@ 1:14:57 We’ve had to wait twenty-five years. No wonder. Attacked, lied to, lied about, lied to, attacked. And people just, “Yeah, I’ll leave the church,” like they snapped their fingers.

Part 511 – May 4, 2024
@ 1:21:11 You just can’t let them sail into the Kingdom. Blew off all the truth that we have. And attack us. Lie to us and lie about us.

Dave’s perceived enemies from within RCG are unauthorized to leak his gospel.

Part 419 – February 14, 2023
@ 1:56:52 I know enough. I know we have even outright enemies among us.

Part 395 – October 1, 2022
@ 1:43:57 And if it doesn’t happen [Jesus Christ returns on Atonement 2022], there’s not a chance, none, zero, and I’ve got more evidence, there’s not any chance it’s this year… I’m telling you it’s it’s locked. And there’s libel to be because we have evil people among us, one or two is all you need, this’ll get out, there gonna be some persecution. Might be a little tough.

Part 450 – Part 2 – June 13, 2023
@ 1:23:18 But, Christ is coming as a thief. I don’t know how many people outside, our enemies, are getting these tapes and so forth. But, if Christ comes as a thief, in a way, we can't know. Or or certain enemies are gonna know, and maybe God doesn't want that.

Part 510 – April 27, 2024
@ 1:20:54 We've lived through the day of small things. And, as a result, attacked and attacked and attacked from inside and out.

Part 414 – January 14, 2023
@ 1:25:10 Why would God show us Abib 1 in a definitive way? Absolutely inarguable. I don’t care what any enemy knows. I hope the whole world hears it. They won’t. They won’t believe it.

Dave did not hope the whole world would hear it because RCG would release their messages publicly if he wanted that. Who is fibbing now, Dave?

Part 389 – August 24, 2022
@ 34:31 We’ve endured for almost two dozen years beatings by evil people who’ve done everything in their power to destroy this work.

Part 468 – September 9, 2023
@ 1:17:03 This a powerful statement. “You were made a gazing stock.” We’re mocked you like you wouldn’t believe right now. You just wouldn’t believe it.

The mocking of David C. Pack is justified.

David C. Pack may position himself as the noble victim, but he is actually a perpetrator of biblical fraud. Proven, documented facts support the conclusion that David C. Pack is a hypocritical, blaspheming liar and false prophet. He is a false apostle and false teacher, taking the Lord's name in vain and stealing titles and roles belonging to Jesus Christ while spineless, complicit coconspirators at The Restored Church of God enable his theological madness.

David C. Pack reaps what he sows and brings any angst coming his way upon his own head.

David C. Pack is no victim. His perceived enemies are designated such because they accurately record what he said, analyze what he said, publish what he said, and remind everyone what he previously said.

If I am counted as an enemy, I am perfectly fine with that. God will judge between him and me.

ATTENTION: If anyone knows who is lying and spreading mistruths about David C. Pack and The Restored Church of God, please write exrcgwebsite@gmail.com so I may investigate. No one needs to make up things to make them look bad. David C. Pack does that so well, all on his own.


Marc Cebrian