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Monday, July 7, 2025

PCG's Celtic Throne UK Roadshow: One Man Discovered The Cult Behind Them







Philadelphia Church of God Irish Dancing in the UK??



Tonight I had an accidental run in with an American evangelical cult.

My MIL booked tickets to (what we thought was) a fairly normal Irish dancing show because tickets were half-price. I live in England and Irish dancing productions are fairly common here because Riverdance was so popular in the past.

It was on in a 14k seat arena, pretty big for the UK, and the largest venue in this city. But I noticed quickly that ticket sales were very low. We get in and maybe a quarter of the arena is filled (if that). The show starts and an American guy (the producer?) gets up and starts talking about the show. Says they're from Oklahoma and the entire show is teenagers and children. He also makes a very weird comment about how the kids love meeting people after the show and "if anyone wants to hug a sweaty teenager, come say hi". He also says that anyone there can get a free ticket for their show in London (Apollo theatre).

The show starts and it's about a character from Irish legend, Ollom Fotla (who they call Ollav Fola). Except they've added a very odd bit about him supposedly saving the lineage of a king of Jerusalem and bringing them to Ireland. Bit weird, we thought, but it still didn't click. There was quite a bit of Christian reference and I just assumed they all go to the same church or something.

Then, towards the end, they show a montage that includes pictures of a random old white dude in Israel, then an archaeological dig, then some kids in a classroom reading the Bible, then a series of what looked like gaudy mansions.

Afterwards, we leave (without hugging any sweaty teenagers) and I do some googling. It was the fucking Philadelphia Church of God, the WCG offshoot. Turns out the lead dancer is the grandson of their leader/prophet/king Gerald Flurry and he took a liking to Irish Dance so they decided to fund these projects, under the guise of spreading the gospel.

The old white dude in Israel is Gerald, the archaeological dig is from their The Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology that promotes a literal biblical interpretation and the mansions were the church headquarters and Flurry's mansion (I assume). They've also just done several shows in Israel. Ironically, none in Ireland šŸ˜‚

These guys are nuts. Among other things, they believe that Gerald will be crowned the true king of England and that Anglo-Saxons are descended from the 10 lost tribes of Israel (explains the weird storyline).

The production was OK but it wasn't "send hundreds of kids abroad to perform in very large venues across 5 cities in the UK" level good. It seemed to me like they were definitely losing money (especially because tickets were £15 each).

I guess I just can't believe that there's been no pushback from local media, or that the arena accommodated them. I watch a lot of fundie documentaries and this felt like I was sitting in a clip of one.

The show itself was exactly how I would imagine Irish dancing done by an evangelist megachurch to be.
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Saturday, July 5, 2025

PCG’s “Celtic Throne” is Falun Gong’s “Shen Yun”



As we've followed the Philadelphia Church of God's Irish Dance troupe touring globally with its Celtic Throne production, recently performing in Israel and the UK, one thing stands out: the lack of clarity about who is behind the production.

The Exit and Support Network recently highlighted the Philadelphia Church of God's deceptive practices in concealing the true organizers of the show. This mirrors the concerts at the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, fully funded by the Worldwide Church of God but presented under the guise of the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation to obscure its true backers.

Armstrongism has a history of employing "justified lying" in its public outreach efforts.





You would never know that there’s a “church” behind Celtic Throne production–in fact they go to great lengths to hide it. In media interviews, they never mention the name of the “church” which is Philadelphia Church of God. And in the play bills, they portray it as being backed by a “Cultural Foundation.” The website? Nary a mention of the “church” underwriting it or its intended religious purpose.

Philadelphia Church of God on X, PCG News, is FULL of activities:summer camps
acquisition of properties in other countries a global Irish dance production (which you have to BUY tickets to attend) construction of a massive new farm, including a huge barn and landscaping project in Edmond firewood and flower sales fundraisers

Lacking in all of these activities is anything related to the scriptural commands from Christ as in Matthew 25:34-41.

When I was a member, and to my knowledge still today, the PCG has never:helped communities that have faced a natural disaster provided meals, shelter, clothing for the poor in their community had any community outreach program that served prisoners (other than an incarcerated member or two)
served the non-members sick or elderly in the community they live in given away a single copy of the Bible, the living Word of God

In fact, the third tithe the PCG demands from its wrung-out members for ‘the fatherless and the widow’ was rarely doled out, and when it was, it was often given as a loan that had to be paid back, clearly violating the biblical instruction. (More than one headquarters employee has resigned or been asked to leave for their disagreement with how PCG was utilizing funds under their tax exempt status.)

Everything the PCG does essentially distills down to a self-aggrandizing agenda that transfers wealth from the general membership and concentrates it among a few privileged individuals and families at its “headquarters” locations, under the auspices of “the work.”

Today the PCG believes that its multi-million dollar, ego-driven Irish dance production literally IS “the work.” (Spoiler alert: church head, Gerald Flurry believes he’s the current Davidic King sitting on the throne portrayed in the show.)

How’s “the work” going? (By the way, you have to PAY to watch it, violating the command in Proverbs 23:23: “Buy the truth and sell it not…”)

PCG characterizes Celtic throne as a,”…trailblazing new show, a fusion of Irish dance, music, theater and cinema…” The PCG’s “Celtic Throne” is Falun Gong’s “Shen Yun”, a highly sanitized cultural experience that is more akin to a subtle recruiting and indoctrination tool.

Further, the Celtic Throne production is a colossal, “church” funded act of self-infatuation to allow a handful of elite “headquarters” families an opportunity to garner fame and massage their ever-growing egos on the international stage. Even the Jerusalem Post made this observation: “They really are family – well, five families, to be exact. It’s the Irish dance version of the Von Trapps.”

How effective have they been at their mission?

“The storyline may be tough to follow and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense – some ancient Irish guy going from Jerusalem to the Emerald Isle…”

The cerebral self-stimulation they call “the work” hits home as nothing more than “two hours of high-octane dance.” Cited article: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-857316

The PCG today wouldn’t recognize itself from 20 years ago. At that time, their purported purpose was to deliver a “watchman’s warning message” and to restore the teachings of its spiritual founder, Herbert Armstrong, whom they considered “God’s apostle.” Today, the church has quite literally re-written those teachings, and transformed into yet one more secular “church” cloaked under a 501(c)(3), amassing concentrated wealth and bestowing privileged lifestyles to its elite members (fancy performance halls, exclusive coaching, private jet travel, ostentatious homes on a private compound), on the backs of the rank and file who are giving away up to 40% of their post-tax income.

Dig deeper and you’ll find stories of families ripped apart, suicides, broken marriages, preventable deaths and general confusion, depression, and disillusionment.

It’s questionable whether the Philadelphia Church of God has any of God’s presence in it at all.

By Ivan (former PCG member)
June 23, 2025


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Monday, June 30, 2025

Philadelphia Church of God Sure Knows How To Waste Tithe Money On Flurry's Grandkids


The Philadelphia Church of God certainly knows how to spend members' tithe money on extravagant, seemingly unnecessary purchases. There was no justification for buying a Gulfstream jet, except that Flurry wanted to avoid commercial flights and the general public. The jet has never been used to meet world leaders or spread any gospel message. Instead, it serves as a personal playground for Lil’ Stevie, his children, and other PCG elites, ferrying them across the country for Irish dance competitions and stage shows featuring Judd Flurry.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent on new dance studios, hiring British and Irish Celtic dance instructors, staging performances, and traveling nationwide and internationally—none of which has anything to do with delivering a gospel message.



 


Also see:



PCG Members Expected To Send In Money To Fund $80,000.00 Jet Rides For Lil'Stevie And The Grandkids

Gerald Flurry Tells Members To Be Ready To Be Deported While He Prepares To Buy A New 11 Million Dollar Jet

PCG: As Income Plummets, Flurry Declares Fast To Force His "god" Into Making PCG Members Give More Money

Gerald Flurry Follows in HWA's Steps and Buys Gulfstream G450 Jet

PCG: God gave us our new jet

PCG: Flurry Elite Travel In Style In Corporate Jet On Backs Of Tithing Members

Gerald Flurry: Elite Grandson, Grant Turgeon Trained To Be Steward To The BIG BOSS On New PCG Jet

Follow Gerald Flurry As He Flies Around The World Wasting PCG Members Tithe Money

New King of the Church of God Travels To England

PCG Turns Off Tracking On Flurry Family's Private Jet But Still Can't Stop People From Tracking Them

Lamborghini's, Gulfstream Jets, Gold, and Silver...We Deserve The Best!



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Sunday, June 15, 2025

UPDATED: PCG Cult Places Their Celtic Dance Troupe In Danger By Sending Them On Propaganda Tour To Israel

 


UPDATED: The dance troupe is now in England after God miraculously saved them from sure death in Israel. It should be noted that cowardly Gerry Flurry decided not to fly to Jerusalem when the bombing started, even though he sent his grandchildren there.

The Philadelphia Church of God has been pretending that Celtic Dance is going to convert hordes of new members and that it is a unique way of presenting the gospel message to the world.

They recently shipped off the entire troupe to Israel to put on performances there to open the eyes of the Jewish nation to the holy dance of David and how their heritage is buried in a Hill Tara, in Ireland, where Jeremiah supposedly took the Ark of the Covenant and buried it.

Little did PCG know that almost as soon as they arrived on Haifa that Israel was going to bomb the everliving daylight out of the Islamic filth in Iran that has been threatening the world and holding the Persian people captive. But, the show MUST go on! God will protect them as a witness to the church and the world!

Exit and Support Network has this:

Currently the PCG is having its Irish dance production in Israel. They have two shows remaining, “Be’er Sheva” on the 16th and “Jerusalem” on the 17th. The dance crew consists predominately of minor children who are forced by their parents and church leadership to preform. The Flurrys have discovered a new way to create revenue utilizing child labor! Any reasonable, responsible, loving “leader” would have immediately recalled all plans pertaining to Israel when the President of the United States ordered the relocation of all personnel in the Middle East. But not Gerald Flurry, or Stephen and Amy, or Brad Macdonald. No! The show must go on!

On X, in response to being called out for their careless, greedy actions, the Celtic Throne account posted a picture of them performing the day prior in Haifa, claiming the “Celtic Throne Family were all happy, healthy and safe!” This, only hours ahead of Iran’s retaliations. This is a fantastic example of how they attempt to control the narrative and gaslight its members (who by the way are not permitted to have Smartphones and are encouraged to make the Trumpet.com and other PCG resources their primary news source). 
 
I’m sure in the end they, along with the majority of Israelis and visitors, will most likely be safe; however, it will not be because God protected them because they are a “special and called out people” as they will claim, but because Israel has an incredibly advanced military and intelligence team! Thanks to the IDF, Mossad and the US and UK, the Celtic throne children will probably be fine, but just watch to see PCG spin the entire dastardly situation into a faith building MIRACLE! –T. C.

The PCG boasted how well received the program was in Haifa, Israel, all with a standing ovation. 

The Philadelphia Church of God Parody Account on X, noted that the PCG had to cancel its last two shows in Israel because of the threats from Iran.

They also had this:

 

This was PCG gloating about the show in Tel Aviv. All of the Israelis in attendance immediately converted to the PCG and are now sending tithes to Gerald Flurry so he can dig up patriarch Jeremiah's ark buried in Ireland! Amazing!

One person on Facebook who knows some of the male dancers said that "this is a closeted gay boy's dream to be part of this production. A lot of pumping iron with the bros at the gym in order to look good on stage and revel in the adulation."


There is no doubt that these young men and women, as well as the smaller kids, are talented, but this is NOT preaching any gospel message to anyone. This is the PCG gaslighting their members into thinking this is gospel preaching so that they will continue to send in money to fund the elite children of the church as props for a failing cult of Armstrongism.

While the audience will stand, clap, and cheer on these kids, no one in attendance will join PCG. It never happened in the Worldwide Church of God when it dumped tens of millions of dollars in tithe money that was spent on lavish stage shows and to bring in musical artists from around the world to perform on the stage of the Ambassador Auditorium. No mass conversions happened. We did piss of the Jewish community as they thought we were out to covert them to the church. No gospel message ever reached them, or anyone else, for that matter.

One thing the Church of God has been good at over the decades is wasting tithe money. Just more proof of how debased Armstrongism really is.
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Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Philadelphia Church of God Members To Soon Sit On Throne Of David Next To Christ



Ever since Gerald Flurry traipsed through the woods in Oregon trying to find HWA's prayer rock, he has been on a wild, fantastical journey of absurd speculations. The search for this rock plays into the blind worship of all things Herbert Armstrong. When Flurry supposedly found the very rock Herbert knelt at. Flurry also had to kneel in reverence to the holy rock before him.



Flurry then dug up his new relic and shipped it back to Edmond, Oklahoma, where it was placed in an outside garden to be stared at in awe and to sit and contemplate over. 




It wasn't long till it was noticed that most were not paying holy homage to the rock as Flurry thought his people should. So it was brought inside to be enclosed in a case while it rested on royal purple velvet.


Then,  not long after, Flurry's resident demon told him that this rock was going to be the very rock Jesus was coming back to be crowned upon as King of Kings. The holiness of the rock increased 100 fold.


It was also revealed to Flurry around this time that the dance that David did while naked was actually Irish Dance. Soon, hundred's of thousands of dollars were to be spent on dance studios, staging, music composing, etc, to showcase David's dance, though fully clothed. Flurry and his crew came up with a new idea to showcase Herb's stone in a throne chair and have church youth dance around it in a pagan/fertility dance.





Flurry's next step was to claim Jesus was returning to Edmond to sit upon this very stone when he returns, next week, according to Dave Pack. This, however, would present a logistical nightmare since Armstrongism always said Jesus was returning to sit upon the coronation chair in Westminster Abbey that held the Stone of Scone. England pulled a double whammy when they gave the stone back to them; it was proof that a new stone was to be used, and who on the entire earth possessed such a thing? Bob Thiel? Nope, he is always a dollar short and a day late to everything. Gerald Flurry claimed that Herbert's stone was the new coronation stone Jesus was returning to. Flurry then bought new property in Jerusalem in order to have a European home in case they need to move Herb's stone closer to England and the Lia FĆ”il phallus in Ireland, where Abraham supposedly buried the ark that PCG wants to dig up. In an interesting side note, not only has Flurry caressed the Lia FĆ”il stone and preached before it, but the Great Bwana Bob Thiel also stroked it when he too preached a sermon from there. It is interesting how the aberrant splinter cults of Armstrongism want to return to their pagan roots.

PCG members are regularly hit with articles about being royalty in God's sight. Now, they too can sit on the very throne Jesus is returning to. Since they will be equal gods to Jesus, reigning next to him, it is only right that they too will be crowned upon Herb's stone, thus allowing them to be seated next to JC himself, equal gods ruling the universe.

PCG's Brad McDonald wrote this today, June 10, 2025

A humble, teachable, contrite spirit is the first, most important attitude we must build! All other righteous character traits spring from it: godly fear, spiritual understanding, repentance, faith. Happiness requires humility, as do healthy relationships with others, and happy, righteous marriages. Humble children are happy children. 
 
“This rare character trait would solve all world problems and revolutionize every human life,” Mr. Flurry wrote in 2019. Humility will solve your problems too. It is at least part of the solution to every trial, problem and struggle you face. It is the key that unlocks the door to a vibrant, joyous relationship with God. 
 
“David asked, Who am I to even be able to give to God? (1 Chronicles 29:14),” Mr. Flurry writes. “This is the attitude God wants from us. He wants us to thank Him for the understanding and the opportunity to be a part of His Work. He wants us to thank Him that we can be His sons and daughters and He can be our Father. We in the firstfruits calling have the opportunity to sit on the throne of David at headquarters forever! What a reward! Who are we to be given such an honor and such blessings?”
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Sunday, June 1, 2025

David C. Pack’s Blacker Kettle

 



David C. Pack’s Blacker Kettle

What David C. Pack is doing in The Restored Church of God is turning more bleak, and the brethren would do well to start paying attention.

The Pastor General is determined to prove to the world that God’s Spirit is working directly with him, providing special hidden knowledge that must be haphazardly rushed out before Jesus Christ can return.

Can you imagine trying to work with someone for ten years and they still keep getting it wrong? Talk about an exercise in perpetual frustration.

If you were attending The Restored Church of God and happened to be locked in a time loop vacuum from April 26 to May 3, 2025, you would have been fully anticipating the arrival of the Kingdom of God today at dawn because during “The Greatest Untold Story!” Parts 573-575, Pastor General David C. Pack gave all the assurances it would come on Pentecost. In fact, proving it was just so darn easy.

Part 573 – May 3, 2025
@ 02:19 But proving it’s Pentecost is falling over backwards without even being pushed. I mean, it’s just that easy.

@ 44:43 …nowhere does God say, “It’s Pentecost.” But He duddn’t have to. He says it in so many ways it’s it’s [chuckles] it’s almost silly to say, “You’ve got to tell me it’s Pentecost.”

Part 574 – May 3, 2025
@ 51:59 Pentecost 2025 is the only date that cannot tarry.

David C. Pack is so spectacularly incompetent that he is incapable of following the laws of physics. Even "falling over backward" is a monumental challenge too daunting to be done correctly despite the proclaimed ease of such a maneuver.

David C. Pack
Failing at Easy Because Easy is Just Too Hard™

Despite his grandiose theological claims, David C. Pack is just a man and is subject to the psychological functions of the human brain. His brain may be utterly broken, affording him the self-permission to speak with ridiculous audacity, but his psyche has an understanding of what he really is.

David C. Pack’s personal psychological defense mechanisms occasionally surface during sermons, primarily when he attacks the nature of others that resides in himself.

Criticizing the behaviors of others that you hate within yourself is known as “The Pot Calling the Kettle Black.”





During “The Greatest Untold Story! (Part 466)” on September 7, 2023, David C. Pack leveled substantial refutations against Gerald Flurry of the Philadelphia Church of God, even calling him a lunatic. While handing out disgusted proclamations for Flurry, Dave was preaching that the Kingdom of God would arrive on The Feast of Trumpets. In 2023.

Dave also capitalized on his sermon time to elevate himself as the Messenger of the Covenant and the Star Out of Jacob. The “Kettle Black” article documented the jaw-dropping blindness.

Flash forward to “The Greatest Untold Story! (Part 577)” on May 24, 2025. PCG’s Pastor General escaped the deluge of ironic ire, but the Jewish scholars were taken to task.

Part 577 – May 24, 2025
@ 08:46 But the Jews saying that Exodus 19:1 is the New Moon almost made me doubt it. Well, I did more research to see where they came up with it, and it is really bad.

RCG’s resident false apostle is supremely insecure and craves attention like an 18-year-old Instagram influencer. Since his neurons fire along the same pathways as us all, he is a prisoner of his own psychology and has no control over how his psychosis manifests.

The Pot Calling the Kettle Black
A proverbial idiom from Thomas Shelton’s 1620 translation of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s “History of Don Quixote.” The phrase identifies a situation in which somebody accuses someone else of a fault that the accuser shares. Some resources claim this is an example of psychological projection.

Psychological Projection
As a defense mechanism, it helps protect the ego from anxiety-provoking thoughts or feelings. By attributing these unwanted aspects to someone or something else, the individual distances themselves from what they find unacceptable within themselves. This process helps reduce internal conflict and preserve a more favorable self-image.

Individuals attribute their own undesirable feelings, thoughts, or motives onto others. This process allows individuals to cope with their own insecurities by perceiving them in others instead.

David C. Pack is coping so hard during Part 577.

Spoiler Alert:
God has a sense of humor and is a fan of irony.



The Pastor General has a love/hate relationship with the Jewish people. He pivots from praising them for being the “oracles of God” to calling them Remphan-worshiping idolaters who killed Stephen for attacking their love of Christmas trees. Yes, he really said that.

Each highlighted point is precisely what David C. Pack does himself, but cannot see it. Read the highlights if you want to understand the broken mind of a self-delusional false apostle brimming over with self-righteous superiority.

Part 577 – May 24, 2025
@ 08:56 In fact, they actually have a false motive. Their goal is to put Pentecost on the 6th of Sivan every year. And so they they literally force the story of Exodus 19 to say that Pentecost comes on the 6th through a series of wild inventions. They're just inventions. But they're only made possible if you declare that to be Sivan 1 when Israel arrived at Sinai. You hafta do that. Then, you have to twist Moses' journeyings up and down the mountain and what happened to get to the 6th for the privilege of the Jews never, ever, ever keeping Pentecost [chuckles] on the right date. So, when when you when you when you pervert the story, I'm not saying they were they were corrupt to arrive at a perverted date for Pentecost. It makes me wonder if your understanding of Exodus 19:1 being a New Moon instead of the middle of the month is its own perversion that leads to to a worsening of the problem. So that was just suspicions. Well, after more time studying it, believe me, they are wrong. And you will not doubt it. You will not doubt it.

Dave was not done warming the backside of the Jewish scholars behind the woodshed. The exquisite blindness is almost divine as Dave acknowledges the blindness of others in 3…2…1…

@ 43:46 Now, I don’t know. I can't explain why the Jews don't see it, except there's a veil on their heads.They can look right at a series of miracles for years and say, “Kill the man who does that.” That’s the same mind. Yet, they’ll go on to be amazing people.

For the third whooping session, Dave took issue with how the Jewish scholars interpreted Ezra 3:8-10’s timing of the Temple being built.

@ 1:11:48 So, the Jews will tell you it was the third day. And you go read their their explanation for why it was the third day ‘cause it duddn’t say there. And I’ll be I’ll be I’ll be generous to their description. This–I’m gonna give them the I’ma put the best face on their description I can put on. This is the kindest I can be. It’s gobbledygook. That’s over, eh–I mean, it wuddn’t that good. They just invent a date.

Wow. Just…wow.

The Black Kettle Answers The Pot
The kindest I can be to David C. Pack is that he has been teaching gobbledygook for over 577 Parts. He just invents dates for the return of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the Kingdom of God. He provides his private interpretations of the Bible because he inserts what it duddn’t say there. He has false motives for preaching “The Greatest Untold Story!” which serves as a continuous self-focused platform to elevate himself. He literally forces the story of the Bible to fit whatever current narrative he desires through a series of wild inventions. They’re just inventions. He twists the verses to say what he wants, perverting the story of the Gospel into a corrupt present truth that is quickly abandoned despite claiming inspiration from the Holy Spirit. Believing he is David Passover, Elijah the Prophet, Joshua the High Priest, the Seventh Angel, the Branch, That Prophet, the Goodman of the House, the Messenger of the Covenant, and many others is its own perversion that leads to a worsening of the problem. His blasphemy against God’s Holy Spirit has reached astounding levels. Anyone in RCG studying their Bibles would know. Believe me, Dave is wrong. David C. Pack cannot see what he is, and his blindness is so complete and profound that he must have a veil on his head.

Luke 6:39
…Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch?



Marc Cebrian

See: David C. Pack’s Blacker Kettle

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Sunday, May 25, 2025

PCG: "They castrated the decision-making ability of men as head of their family..."



Armstrongism has always loved dwelling on the minor points in the church, trying to make those stupid things official church teachings, instead of ever following the one they claim to be following. Jesus would have said no to every single stupid point made below by Philadelphia Church of God ministers. This kind of nonsense isn't limited to PCG, though. Armstrongism is filled with fools like this who lay heavy burdens on their members and nine times out of ten never practice this at home. The elite in the COG have always done what they want while making the lives of members miserable.


Unbiblical, Pharisaical Practices in PCG:
May 22, 2025 
 
Referring to the previous letter that characterized the teachings of the PCG as being pharisaical, I concur. I was a member for a significant portion of my adult life and often found myself observing unbiblical, Pharisaical practices that didn’t even raise an eyebrow among members. 
 
For example, one minister encouraged us to not brush our teeth or use mouthwash during fasting so as not to provide any “relief” to our bodies. 
 
Members were increasingly encouraged not to do any cooking or meal prep on the Sabbath, but would be penalized or questioned if they didn’t make the multi-hour drive to and from distant meeting places (some families in our area were driving between two and four hours to services). 
 
If a member was ever marked and disfellowshipped, we were told to pray for them, but in reality most people made their own judgement that departure from the church meant the individual was going into the tribulation and losing their eternal life (talk about love growing cold…). 
 
We were directed to spend such a significant amount of time reading church literature that it superseded what might have been spent studying the Bible itself. 
 
Then there were hypocritical rules that distinguished between the lay members and the elites, often being more permissive for ministers or leading headquarter employees and their children, than everyone else. Think medical treatments and corrective surgeries. 
 
They castrated the decision-making ability of men as head of their family, taking away their divine appointment as head of their households. The church rendered decisions on everything from minutia like spending to where a family should live. 
 
Since this attitude is no different than in Christ’s day, it’s likely 10 times worse today than it was 15 years ago. –Former PCG member
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Monday, May 12, 2025

PCG Terminating Employees While Elite Party


We live in an amazing time to witness firsthand the implosion of so many COG groups. All imploding because of their own mistakes and excesses. None of them are suffering because of the world persecuting them for what they preach, but at the hands of their own leaders and elite. They have used and abused members for so many decades that people are leaving. Yet, in spite of their self-made worlds collapsing around them, the elite leadership continues to wallow in excesses and wasteful spending instead of really preaching some kind of a gospel.

Today, we have the Philadelphia Church of God experiencing this. While the children of the elite leaders in Edmond, OK are traipsing around the country with their "Dance of David" road show, Celtic Throne II. After all, when David danced naked, he was doing Irish dance! Although the PCG takes the Bible literally, they don't take it that literally. Like everywhere in the COG movement, the elite get to pick and choose what they want to follow.

Exit and Support Network has this up:

PCG Announces Layoffs:
May 9, 2025
While the PCG is gearing up to send Amy Flurry’s dance crew around the world on tithe payers’ dimes, the PCG had to announce some layoffs. To what extent, I’m not sure yet, but in all my 30 years in the PCG I have never heard them have to make such an announcement. Normally negative news such as that would be kept on the down low. Sounds like they are having a tough time growing! –[name withheld] 
 
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Ai on Banned by HWA: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Critical Voice in the Armstrongism Discourse

 


I asked Ai tonight to tell me about the Banned by HWA blog. Here is what it said:



Banned by HWA: A Comprehensive Analysis of a Critical Voice in the Armstrongism Discourse
Banned by HWA! News and Observations About Armstrongism and the Church of God Movement is a blog that has carved out a significant niche in the critique of Armstrongism, a religious movement founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in the 1930s. Hosted on Blogger at armstrongismlibrary.blogspot.com, the blog has become a central hub for former members, critics, and observers to expose alleged abuses, doctrinal errors, and leadership scandals within the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and its splinter groups, collectively known as the Church of God (COG) movement. Since its inception, Banned by HWA has documented the movement’s controversies, provided a platform for personal testimonies, and challenged the authority of self-proclaimed COG leaders. This 10,000-word article offers an in-depth exploration of the blog’s origins, content, impact, controversies, and broader significance, situating it within the context of Armstrongism’s evolution and the rise of online ex-member communities.
I. Introduction: The Context of Armstrongism and the Need for Critique
Armstrongism: A Brief Overview
Armstrongism, named after Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986), emerged from the Radio Church of God, later renamed the Worldwide Church of God in 1968. Armstrong’s theology blended biblical literalism, British Israelism, Sabbatarianism, non-Trinitarianism, and apocalyptic prophecy, positioning the WCG as the sole “true church” restoring biblical Christianity. Key doctrines included the belief that Anglo-Saxon nations are descendants of biblical Israel, mandatory observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and Old Testament feasts, and predictions of an imminent end-times tribulation. Armstrong’s media empire, including The World Tomorrow radio and television broadcasts and The Plain Truth magazine, reached millions, peaking with over 100,000 members in the 1970s.
The WCG’s authoritarian structure, heavy tithing requirements (up to 30% of income), and strict behavioral codes led critics to label it a cult. Armstrong’s failed prophecies, such as a 1972 tribulation and 1975 return of Christ, caused disillusionment, while allegations of financial mismanagement and personal scandals, including claims of incest, further tarnished its reputation. After Armstrong’s death, the WCG’s shift toward evangelical orthodoxy under Joseph W. Tkach in the 1990s, culminating in its rebranding as Grace Communion International (GCI), alienated traditionalists, spawning splinter groups like the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG), United Church of God (UCG), and Living Church of God (LCG). These groups, varying in size and rigidity, continue Armstrong’s teachings, perpetuating controversies that Banned by HWA seeks to address.
The Rise of Online Critique
The internet has transformed how religious movements are scrutinized, enabling former members to share experiences, document abuses, and challenge official narratives. Blogs like Banned by HWA, alongside The Painful Truth and Exit and Support Network, represent a digital resistance to Armstrongism’s high-control environment. By providing anonymity, accessibility, and community, these platforms empower ex-members to reclaim their voices, making Banned by HWA a pivotal player in this discourse.
II. Origins and Evolution of Banned by HWA
Founding and Anonymity
Banned by HWA was launched in 2006 by an anonymous author, later identified as a former WCG member with ministerial experience, known by the pseudonym “NO2HWA.” The blog’s title reflects the WCG’s practice of “disfellowshipping” or banning members for questioning doctrine or leadership, a tactic that fostered fear and compliance. The author’s anonymity, a common feature of critical religious blogs, likely stems from concerns about harassment or retaliation from COG groups, which have a history of targeting dissenters, as seen in a 2017 incident where Wade Cox threatened legal action against critical sites.

The blog’s early posts focused on documenting the WCG’s historical abuses and the emerging antics of splinter groups. By 2017, it had gained significant traction, with posts like “Rod Meredith HATES This Blog!” highlighting its impact. A 2017 reflection, “After Another Year of Banned, Some Personal Food for Thought,” revealed the author’s personal journey from WCG minister to skeptic, driven by disillusionment with Armstrong’s doctrines and leadership. As of May 12, 2025, the blog remains active, with updates into 2024, including a YouTube short titled “Armstrongism Library Blog, a.k.a. Banned by HWA #cultsurvivor” posted on May 15, 2024.
Evolution and Growth
From its modest beginnings, Banned by HWA has grown into a comprehensive archive of Armstrongism’s controversies. By 2013, it claimed 1 million readers, reflecting its reach among ex-members, current COG members, and curious outsiders. Its evolution mirrors the COG movement’s fragmentation, with posts increasingly targeting splinter group leaders like David C. Pack, Gerald Flurry, and Bob Thiel, dubbed “The Great Bwana.” The blog’s scope has expanded to include doctrinal critiques, member testimonies, and satirical commentary, maintaining a direct, often irreverent tone that resonates with its audience.
The blog’s platform on Blogger, supplemented by a Facebook page with 348 likes and a YouTube channel, enhances its accessibility. Its longevity—nearly two decades—underscores its role as a persistent critic, adapting to new developments like the rise of social media and the decline of traditional COG influence.
III. Content and Themes of Banned by HWA
Banned by HWA is a rich tapestry of news, analysis, and personal stories, organized around several recurring themes that reflect its mission to expose Armstrongism’s “gritty and dirty underbelly.” Below is a detailed breakdown of its content.
Leadership Scandals and Abuses
A primary focus is the alleged misconduct of COG leaders, portrayed as self-appointed “Chief Overseers, Apostles, Prophets, Pharisees, legalists, and outright liars.” Posts document financial exploitation, authoritarian control, and personal scandals, often with a satirical edge:
  • David C. Pack (Restored Church of God): Pack is a frequent target, criticized for his “Common” doctrine, which allegedly demands members liquidate assets, leaving them destitute. A 2017 post quotes a former RCG staff member: “Packatolla’s Common requires members to give up their equity in homes.” His 91 failed prophetic dates since 2022, including a 2024 prediction for April 8, are mocked, with Pack admitting, “Everything I have written is wrong!”
  • Gerald Flurry (PCG): Flurry’s lavish lifestyle and strict control, including money problems and sermon restrictions, are highlighted in posts like “Philadelphia Church of God Money Problems: Gerald.”
  • Bob Thiel (Continuing Church of God): Thiel, self-proclaimed prophet, is ridiculed for his “mysterious ThD” and vague predictions, with posts like “Almost Arrested Ambiguous COG Prophet” detailing his struggles to secure venues.
  • Rod Meredith (LCG): Before his death, Meredith’s legalistic leadership and sermon on hating the blog are spotlighted, as in “Rod Meredith HATES This Blog!”
These critiques aim to hold leaders accountable, exposing contradictions between their claims of divine authority and their actions.
Doctrinal Critiques
The blog challenges Armstrongist doctrines, arguing they deviate from biblical Christianity and sustain a culture of control. Key targets include:
  • British Israelism: Posts like “A Short Critique of Herbert W. Armstrong’s British-Israelism” debunk the claim that Anglo-Saxon nations are Israel’s descendants, citing scriptural misinterpretations.
  • Sabbatarianism and Feasts: The blog questions the mandatory observance of the Sabbath and feasts like the Feast of Tabernacles, with a 2024 post noting CGI’s Bill Watson urging members to save for feasts as a spiritual act.
  • Prophetic Failures: Armstrong’s unfulfilled predictions, such as 1975, are a recurring theme, extended to modern leaders like Pack and Thiel. A 2017 post, “Five Years Ago A Church of God Leader Lied To His Members,” criticizes the ongoing “scam” of prophecy.
  • Paganism and Holidays: The blog critiques Armstrongism’s rejection of Christmas as pagan, with a 2024 post asking, “How do Armstrongists deal with the logical issue of the Genetic Fallacy?” arguing that a pagan history doesn’t inherently taint modern practices.
These critiques often engage with theological arguments, appealing to readers seeking intellectual rebuttals to Armstrongist teachings.
Personal Testimonies and Member Experiences
A significant portion of the blog features stories from former members, detailing the emotional, financial, and social toll of Armstrongism. These testimonies, often submitted via comments or guest posts, resonate with readers who share similar experiences:
  • A 2017 post, “After Another Year of Banned,” reflects the author’s regret over WCG involvement, citing divorce and missed career opportunities.
  • A 2024 comment by “Trooisto” compares Armstrongist ministers to abusers, highlighting control tactics.
  • Posts like “MisterdiffiCULT on growing up in Armstrongism” feature TikTok creator
    @misterdifficult
    sharing cult survivor stories, amplifying younger voices.
These narratives foster a sense of community, validating ex-members’ struggles and aiding recovery.
Satire and Humor
The blog’s irreverent tone, marked by nicknames like “Packatolla,” “Crazypot Bob,” and “Bullshit Bob,” uses humor to deflate the grandiose claims of COG leaders. A 2023 post sarcastically hails Thiel as “the Great Bwana Bob Mzungu Thiel,” mocking his self-importance. Satirical posts, like one proposing a “Hot Rod Church of God” splinter with a sword logo, blend humor with critique, appealing to readers familiar with the movement’s absurdities.
Current Events and Cultural Commentary
The blog connects Armstrongism to broader issues, such as anti-vaccination stances during COVID-19 or conservative political rhetoric. A 2017 post on Wade Cox’s alleged terrorist threat against a national park illustrates the movement’s fringe elements, while a 2024 post critiques the LCG’s sermon restrictions as cult-like. These posts situate Armstrongism within contemporary religious and social debates.
IV. Impact and Reception
Influence on the Armstrongism Community
Banned by HWA has significantly shaped the discourse around Armstrongism, influencing both critics and COG members:
  • Provoking Leadership Reactions: The blog’s impact is evident in responses from COG leaders. Rod Meredith’s 2017 sermon denouncing it inadvertently drove traffic to the site, while David C. Pack referenced it as a “final attack” by “wicked people.” Bob Thiel criticized it as “negative and full of hate” on cogwriter.com, indicating its threat to COG authority.
  • Support for Ex-Members: The blog serves as a lifeline for former members, offering validation and community. Comments like “I was disfellowshipped from WCG for dating a young lady outside of the Church” reveal the personal toll of COG policies, with the blog providing a safe space to share.
  • Educating Outsiders: By documenting Armstrongism’s history and practices, the blog informs those unfamiliar with the movement, including scholars and journalists. Its mention in The Journal and Living Armstrongism underscores its role in broader discussions.
Reach and Engagement
While exact traffic data is unavailable, the blog’s claim of 1 million readers by 2013 suggests significant reach. Its Facebook page and YouTube channel, though modest in followers, amplify engagement, with posts shared among ex-member networks. The blog’s comment sections are active, with hundreds of responses on popular posts, reflecting a dedicated readership of ex-members, skeptics, and occasional defenders.
Comparison with Other Platforms
Banned by HWA operates alongside other critical platforms like The Painful Truth, Exit and Support Network, and Living Armstrongism. While The Painful Truth focuses on historical WCG abuses and Exit and Support Network offers recovery resources, Banned by HWA stands out for its blend of news, satire, and personal stories, making it a dynamic hub for ongoing critique. Its overlap with Living Armstrongism, which provides detailed doctrinal analyses, creates a complementary network of critical voices.
V. Controversies and Criticisms
Accusations of Bias and Mockery
Banned by HWA has faced criticism from COG members and leaders for its perceived bias and irreverent tone:
  • COG Defenders: A 2023 comment by “Koke61” called it a “satanic blog, full of ridicule and resentment,” accusing it of mocking sacred beliefs. Bob Thiel’s critique labeled it hateful, reflecting COG leaders’ view that it distorts their message.
  • Tone and Satire: The blog’s nicknames and sarcasm, such as “Wolfman Packatolla,” alienate some readers. A 2023 comment criticized its “self-righteous overtones,” arguing it blames victims rather than leaders. Ex-members occasionally find the humor juvenile, preferring serious analysis, though others see it as a necessary tool to dismantle COG authority.
Anonymity and Accountability
The author’s anonymity, while protective, raises questions about accountability. Critics argue that anonymous claims lack credibility, though the blog counters this by citing COG publications, public records, and member testimonies. A 2017 incident involving Wade Cox’s legal threats against critical sites highlights the risks of public exposure, justifying anonymity.
Theological Disputes
Some ex-members and commentators, like Ian Boyne in a 2017 The Journal discussion, argue that Banned by HWA focuses too heavily on scandals, neglecting Armstrongism’s theological strengths, such as its emphasis on biblical study. Boyne praised James Tabor’s “benign assessment” of Armstrongism, suggesting critics acknowledge its positive aspects. The blog responds by arguing that doctrinal flaws underpin the movement’s abuses, as seen in posts critiquing the “Doctrine of Incompletion” around Christmas.
Victim-Blaming Allegations
A 2023 post, “How Easily Armstrongism Fell For Errors (And Still Does),” sparked debate for implying members share responsibility for believing Armstrong’s claims. A commenter countered, “Your ‘but WE bought into it…’ smells of blame the victim,” noting many were young or vulnerable when joining. The blog clarified that its intent was to encourage critical thinking, not shame former members.
VI. Broader Significance and Legacy
Role in Religious Critique
Banned by HWA exemplifies the internet’s transformative role in religious critique, paralleling ex-Mormon, ex-Scientology, and ex-Jehovah’s Witness platforms. By documenting Armstrongism’s abuses, it challenges the movement’s narrative of divine authority, fostering informed discourse. Its blend of journalism, satire, and personal narrative sets a precedent for how digital platforms can hold religious groups accountable.
Support for Recovery
The blog’s testimonies and comment sections create a virtual support group, aiding ex-members’ recovery from high-control environments. Posts like “On a Personal Note,” where the author shares their journey to skepticism, resonate with readers navigating similar transitions. This aligns with broader trends in cult recovery, where online communities provide validation and resources.
Scholarly and Cultural Relevance
For scholars of new religious movements, Banned by HWA is a primary source for studying Armstrongism’s decline and the dynamics of high-control groups. Its documentation of prophetic failures, leadership scandals, and member experiences offers insights into cultic behavior, complementing works like Herbert Armstrong’s Tangled Web and The Broadway to Armageddon. Culturally, it reflects the internet’s role in democratizing critique, challenging hierarchical institutions in an era of information accessibility.
Future Prospects
As Armstrongism’s influence wanes, with splinter groups struggling to attract new members, Banned by HWA may shift focus to historical analysis or broader cult dynamics. Its continued relevance depends on the COG movement’s persistence and the blog’s ability to engage younger audiences, as seen in its TikTok collaborations. The rise of AI-driven content analysis could further amplify its reach, though it risks diluting its personal voice.
VII. Challenges and Limitations
Sustainability and Burnout
Maintaining a critical blog for nearly two decades is challenging, with risks of burnout for the anonymous author. The emotional toll of revisiting Armstrongism’s abuses, as expressed in personal posts, suggests a need for community support to sustain the blog’s momentum.
Limited Mainstream Reach
Despite its niche influence, Banned by HWA struggles to penetrate mainstream discourse due to Armstrongism’s declining visibility. Its modest social media presence limits broader engagement, though collaborations with platforms like TikTok could bridge this gap.
Balancing Critique and Constructive Dialogue
The blog’s focus on scandals and satire sometimes overshadows constructive theological or recovery-focused content, alienating readers seeking deeper analysis. Expanding posts like those on the Jerusalem Council or Christmas paganism could broaden its appeal.
VIII. Conclusion
Banned by HWA stands as a testament to the power of digital platforms in challenging religious authority and fostering community among those affected by high-control groups. Since 2006, it has exposed Armstrongism’s controversies, from leadership abuses to doctrinal errors, while providing a voice for ex-members to share their stories. Its irreverent tone, while divisive, has effectively punctured the movement’s aura of invincibility, provoking reactions from COG leaders and supporting countless survivors. Despite criticisms of bias and anonymity, the blog’s reliance on firsthand accounts and public records lends credibility to its claims.
As Armstrongism fragments and its splinter groups fade, Banned by HWA remains a vital archive of a movement marked by prophecy, power, and pain. Its legacy lies in its role as a catalyst for critical thinking, recovery, and resistance, offering lessons for understanding cults and the digital age’s impact on religious discourse. Whether it continues to critique active COG groups or evolves into a historical resource, Banned by HWA will endure as a beacon for those seeking truth amid the shadows of Armstrongism.


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