Exposing the underbelly of Armstrongism in all of its wacky glory! Nothing you read here is made up. What you read here is the up to date face of Herbert W Armstrong's legacy. It's the gritty and dirty behind the scenes look at Armstrongism as you have never seen it before!
With all the new crazy self-appointed Chief Overseers, Apostles, Prophets, Pharisees, legalists, and outright liars leading various Churches of God today, it is important to hold these agents of deception accountable.
Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web of Corrupt Leaders
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Wednesday, October 8, 2025
In Church We Trust: The Hidden Cult: Secrets of the Worldwide Church of God
Had the same thought too but I also thought of the evils created by some with oratorial skills. Herbert persuaded many with his skills but let's be honest it was pure drive and outright lies. Leading many down a bad path.
Most of what comes before the Mike Wallace clip sounds like a template for describing any cult. Almost no specific details, and the “self-proclaimed prophet” line is technically false. The Israelite Identity segment is specific, but the part about the Swift boy (is this a true story?) includes ridiculous clips that look like they’re from a 1970s “Exorcist” knock off.
These failings kill credibility. They remind me of some thing for late liberal Democrat actor Ron Silver said about liberal Democrat, Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 911” and its depiction of Bush-43: (paraphrased) “Give me a camera crew and six months, and I’ll make Michael Moore look like an anorexic Right-winger.”
From Mike Wallace on, it’s a bit sensationalist, and begs the “two sides to every story” response. But at least it has some facts in there. That’s why I give it a technically passing grade.
I’m too charitable. Changing the grade to F. It almost makes me sympathetic toward WCG, as bad as it is. It’s amazing how few comments there don’t call it out like that.
I saw that the Swift boy’s name was James. I do remember that story now. Didn’t place the last name. They should’ve used, “Ms. Fifi Frost.” It’s a shame the video deprecates it with those crazy images.
I’ve looked before, but couldn’t find out just what year it happened. I’m curious about when WCG would send a youth to a non-cemetery Baptist outfit. I’m not denying it happened. I simply want to know the WCG culture at the time.
I know of one case where a WCG family sent their supposedly troubled child to one of those Baptist bootcamps that were popular in the 90s. However, that was after I left and during the Tkach era, so I do not know if the local ministurd had anything to do with it or it was just something the parents opted for (I had known the family previously but had no contact with them after I left.).
Similar case: One sent to juvenile home/private school: Heartland Academy in Northeast Missouri. It was just before 1995, but I was out of the area when the family did it, so I don’t know the ministerial attitude. I do know that the kid needed something. But I also know that the parents left a bit to be desired as well.
Disregard earlier request for information. He claims he was 13 years old in the late 1970s. Sorry about that, folks.
Question for people who know his story: Did his experience drive him into LGBTQ…, or did the ministers simply call it right? I don’t endorse his treatment, but I would like to know what the story is.
What a contrast! First we hear Hyperbolic Herb, then some dour, artificially subdued Eastern European vegetarian. Enough to drive you up the wall!
ReplyDeleteHad the same thought too but I also thought of the evils created by some with oratorial skills. Herbert persuaded many with his skills but let's be honest it was pure drive and outright lies. Leading many down a bad path.
DeleteGrade: D-
ReplyDeleteMost of what comes before the Mike Wallace clip sounds like a template for describing any cult. Almost no specific details, and the “self-proclaimed prophet” line is technically false. The Israelite Identity segment is specific, but the part about the Swift boy (is this a true story?) includes ridiculous clips that look like they’re from a 1970s “Exorcist” knock off.
These failings kill credibility. They remind me of some thing for late liberal Democrat actor Ron Silver said about liberal Democrat, Michael Moore’s “Fahrenheit 911” and its depiction of Bush-43: (paraphrased) “Give me a camera crew and six months, and I’ll make Michael Moore look like an anorexic Right-winger.”
From Mike Wallace on, it’s a bit sensationalist, and begs the “two sides to every story” response. But at least it has some facts in there. That’s why I give it a technically passing grade.
" the part about the Swift boy (is this a true story?) includes ridiculous clips that look like they’re from a 1970s “Exorcist” knock off."
DeleteThat came from a network tv show... I forget the name now.
But yes, the imagery they used bore little resemblance to WCG. The producer apparently wanted a more ritualized look.
DeleteFound it. That section aired as part of an episode of "Haunted".
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI’m too charitable. Changing the grade to F. It almost makes me sympathetic toward WCG, as bad as it is. It’s amazing how few comments there don’t call it out like that.
ReplyDeleteWell fortunatley, the world does not revolve around your opinion. I know James Swift and what he went through, so your opinion is irrelvant.
Delete
ReplyDeleteI saw that the Swift boy’s name was James. I do remember that story now. Didn’t place the last name. They should’ve used, “Ms. Fifi Frost.” It’s a shame the video deprecates it with those crazy images.
I’ve looked before, but couldn’t find out just what year it happened. I’m curious about when WCG would send a youth to a non-cemetery Baptist outfit. I’m not denying it happened. I simply want to know the WCG culture at the time.
I know of one case where a WCG family sent their supposedly troubled child to one of those Baptist bootcamps that were popular in the 90s. However, that was after I left and during the Tkach era, so I do not know if the local ministurd had anything to do with it or it was just something the parents opted for (I had known the family previously but had no contact with them after I left.).
DeleteSimilar case: One sent to juvenile home/private school: Heartland Academy in Northeast Missouri. It was just before 1995, but I was out of the area when the family did it, so I don’t know the ministerial attitude. I do know that the kid needed something. But I also know that the parents left a bit to be desired as well.
DeleteDisregard earlier request for information. He claims he was 13 years old in the late 1970s. Sorry about that, folks.
ReplyDeleteQuestion for people who know his story: Did his experience drive him into LGBTQ…, or did the ministers simply call it right? I don’t endorse his treatment, but I would like to know what the story is.
What happened? Were they trying to change his sexual orientation?
ReplyDelete