Progressive Revelation
more commonly used in COG groups: "new revelation," "new understanding,"
or "God is revealing more truth",
is a key doctrinal mechanism in Armstrongism that lets members reinterpret failed prophecies as "incomplete earlier understanding" rather than outright lies or false prophecy.
It keeps many loyal because it turns potential disillusionment
into renewed hope and commitment.
What "Progressive Revelation" Means in Armstrongism
Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA) taught that God reveals His truth gradually—first the basics, then deeper insights as the end times near. He didn't always call it "progressive revelation" exactly, but he practiced it: adjusting doctrines over decades (e.g., on divorce/remarriage, healing, or prophecy timing) and presenting them as God opening new understanding through him as God's apostle.
Post-1986 splinter groups kept this idea but supercharged it. Current leaders claim God is now giving them fresh revelation or clearer insight into prophecy, end-time events, church government, or specific details HWA "didn't fully understand." This is not the standard Christian idea of progressive revelation (where later truth builds on earlier without contradicting it). In COG splinters, it often means revising or spiritualizing past predictions when they fail.
Examples tied to the leaders you asked about earlier:
- Gerald Flurry (PCG): Heavily pushes "new revelation." Malachi's Message was called a "new vision from God." He has introduced things like the "new stone of destiny" (HWA's prayer rock) as a major divine update that "clarifies" prophecy and moves the throne of David to PCG. Failed timelines (e.g., Obama/Trump predictions) get reframed as God giving "sharper focus" or additional revelation.
- David Pack (RCG): Constantly announces "new truth," "new doctrines," or "growth in understanding" revealed directly to him. Dozens of specific return dates or reunification prophecies that failed are explained as partial earlier understanding—God is progressively revealing the full picture through Pack.
- Ronald Weinland (COG-PKG): Adjusted his 2008/2012 timelines and Two Witnesses claims by saying God revealed more as events unfolded.
- Crackpot Bob: While Crackpot Bob often criticizes "progressive revelation through tradition" in other Christian churches, he still uses the functional equivalent: special dreams, the "double portion" mantle, and his unique prophetic role give "new understanding" of current events as prophecy fulfillment. Failures or unfulfilled expectations get folded into "God is revealing more through the Philadelphia remnant" narrative.
Why do members stay in spite of failed prophecies?
It solves the cognitive dissonance problem perfectly for those who want to stay:
- It absolves the leader (and God) of error: Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says a true prophet's words must come to pass. "Progressive revelation" dodges this: "It wasn't a false prophecy—it was based on incomplete revelation at the time. God has now given us more light." Members aren't forced to call their leader a false prophet; instead, they see him as the humble channel for ongoing divine updates.
- It turns failure into excitement and urgency: Every missed date becomes proof that "we're getting closer—the revelation is accelerating!" It creates a cycle: prediction → failure → "new understanding" → new prediction → renewed zeal and tithing. Members feel privileged to be part of the "cutting-edge" group receiving God's latest instructions.
- It reinforces loyalty to the current leader: Leaving would mean rejecting God's current channel of revelation. You're not just leaving a church—you're becoming "Laodicean," blind to what God is doing now. Staying shows you're submissive to the "mantle" and willing to grow in understanding.
- It fits the sunk-cost and fear psychology: Many have decades invested (family, friends, identity, tithes). Progressive revelation lets them salvage all that: "We weren't wrong; we just didn't have the full picture yet." Plus, the fear of the Tribulation and "place of safety" only for the faithful remnant makes questioning risky.
In short, "progressive revelation" (in its Armstrongist form) is the escape hatch that lets members stay psychologically and spiritually comfortable despite the track record of unmet prophecies. It keeps the system going by promising that this time—with the latest revelation—the end really is near and the leader really is God's man. That's why, even with all the documented failures across PCG, RCG, COG-PKG, CCOG, and others, some dedicated members double down rather than walk away.
Look at Proverbs 4:18: "But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." From a COG perspective, God does not dump the entirety of His master plan onto a human mind all at once. Even the Apostles in the New Testament didn't fully understand the timing of Christ’s return or the inclusion of the Gentiles initially. If the early Church had to grow in understanding, it is only logical—and scripturally consistent—that the "End Time" Church would undergo a similar process of refining its vision as the "Day" approaches.
ReplyDeleteIf a leader were a true "con artist," they might stick to a failed narrative to save face.
ReplyDeleteBy announcing a "New Understanding," the leader admits that the previous view was incomplete. This requires humility. It shows the group is more committed to seeking the actual truth than to maintaining a false sense of infallibility.
A watchman’s job is to warn of approaching danger based on what he sees at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAs world events (the "horizon") change, the watchman’s perspective must shift.
If a leader sees a geopolitical alignment that looks like the "King of the North" and warns the flock, he is fulfilling his duty. If that alignment shifts, providing a "New Revelation" isn't a failure of prophecy; it’s a real-time update to a warning system.
God intentionally allows for "incomplete understanding" to test the patience and loyalty of the "elect."
ReplyDeleteMuch like the Parable of the Ten Virgins, where the bridegroom "tarried," the delay reveals who is truly converted and who is merely following for the sake of a date.
"Progressive Revelation" keeps the membership in a state of constant spiritual urgency, preventing the "Laodicean" lukewarmness that comes from thinking one has all the answers.
Just so glad the god they worship is not the real one! Their "god" is clearly on 'ludes.
ReplyDeleteGod intentionally leads his people through confusing or shifting prophetic timelines to test their loyalty, perseverance, and willingness to follow a leader who is "learning" in real-time.
DeleteBob Thiel's so-called double blessing being used as an excuse to start a new group is a complete lie. He knows it is a lie, but has told it so many times that he now believes that is what Gaylyn Bonjours' intent really was. His dreams are also a lie. Because he has told so many lies, his subconscious now tells him he is specially sent by God to start a new church. It's not true at all. Deep down, he knows he is deceptive and manipulative, but cannot see any way out of the rabbit hole he has dug for himself.
ReplyDeleteWhile others may interpret the 'double blessing' differently, Bob Thiel’s actions are consistent with someone who sincerely believes they have been given a specific commission. In the history of faith, many leaders have had to step out on their own based on personal revelation and events that others didn't fully understand at the time. To call it a 'lie' ignores the possibility of a deeply held religious conviction that guides his life and work
DeleteI appreciate the insight of this essay. Millerites in the 19th century did something similar to "progressive revelation." They combined it with something very much like "bait and switch." Prophecy never failed - it was just something that had not been expected.
ReplyDeleteIf people want to believe for a variety of self-serving reasons, these methods provide them with the rationale. The grave aspect of this is that these methods are deceptions. And Jesus said that the Elect could not be deceived. I do not know how Armstrongists rationalize this.
-- Scout