Here Today, and Gone Tomorrow - Idolatry in the Churches of God

Today, I want to focus on an aspect of the Church of God splinters - particularly one splinter - that is so evident, so blatant, so strong - but one they seem to completely ignore, explain away - or simply do not care. 

That subject is idolatry. 

Here's the definition for idolatry as is in the dictionary: (source: Google) 

"nounnoun: idolatry; plural noun: idolatriesworship of idols.
synonyms:

idolization, fetishization, fetishism, idol worship, adulation, adoration, reverence, veneration, glorification, lionization, hero-worshiping“the prophets railed against idolatry”

extreme admiration, love, or reverence for something or someone."

Over the past few years, we've seen many of the leaders of the Splinter groups of the Armstrong Churches of God go practically nuts over created objects or people. Consider the following objects that have turned into or have been idols in the Armstrong Churches of God over the years.

• Ambassador Auditorium
• The Ambassador Campus
• Objects in the Ambassador Auditorium
• Objects that have been a part of the Ambassador Campus
• Church-owned fountains
• Church-owned sculptures 
• Herbert-owned items of any type
• The College Seal (or variations thereof)
• Items that have been associated with Herbert Armstrong
• Items that have been rumored to have been associated with Herbert Armstrong
• Church literature (Plain Truth, Good News, Youth, Envoys, Booklets, Bulletins, Etc.)

Prophecies, doctrines, and dogmas of Herbert Armstrong that have overwhelmingly and conclusively been proved wrong.

What is the evidence that these have become idols?

• Obsessive desires to own such materials, and pay exorbitant prices to obtain such materials
• Extreme emotional attachment and expression on seeing, using, or owning such items or materials
• Excessive desire to emulate as closely as possible either items or individuals
• The belief that such materials are closely related or somehow linked to God's blessings
• The idea that even though false they somehow have to be true, because they came from the mouth of the idol.

What has happened to the members because of this idolatry?

• The complete absorption of delusions and falsehoods believed in the name of Jesus
• The complete extortion of finances in the name of God for the purchase of items, or the dissemination of falsehoods. 
• The detachment of emotions and personal responsibility while funding the idolatrous behavior of their ministers.
• The absolute obedience of the ministry, dismissing common sense, rationality, and reason for the belief that their commands come from God, even though the evidence refutes the supposition. 
• The loss of friends, family, relatives for thinking such associations are false, worldly, and contaminating. 
• The ongoing belief that a short study by their founding leader started a wholly Godly and truthful ministry. 

What is it that allows them to continue to enable an idolatrous and wicked religion?

It is their belief that the core elements of their religion - Armstrongism - are what defines the True Church. Namely, Sabbath keeping, Holy Day keeping, and the name of the Church. Since they are hard pressed to find other groups that practice these doctrines, believe mainstream Christianity is a false Babylonian and pagan religion, and are very hesitant to go elsewhere - and because their entire social and family life is wrapped up there - any movement could crumble their whole life's house of cards. To them, for many, leaving is not an option. It is better to continue in the support of an idolatrous and oppressive religion, then to step out into the great unknown - where they have been convinced the demon world is ready to pounce on them once out of the boundaries of HerbertLand.

What's intriguing about this is that it is INSIDE Armstrongism that is actually a den of wickedness and evil, in so many areas. Abuse is enabled. Cover-ups have happened for generations. Fear is rampant. Immorality, Vanity, Conceit, Pride, love of material wealth and possessions, lies, deception, and intrigue have been constant and continual just as much within Armstrongism as it has been outside of Armstrongism. The truth is, it is no different on the inside then on the outside. In fact, wherever, and whenever, the main focus of anything is physically oriented and physically-minded - you will find the same wickedness wherever you go. In the church, out of the church, wherever. This is a fact of human minded behavior.

You will find the same things happening in other mainstream churches, too. Idolatry is rampant in other religions - in many forms, styles, and manners. Cover-ups, as well. Fear? Happens all the time. Immorality? Surely you can remember a few high-profile stories about this. Church splits? Even with the big ones. Charles Stanley, Robert Schuller - and many others have had their share of issues. In fact, the reality is, sometimes if you step into a mainstream church, you will find it in some areas no different than Armstrongism!

What's the common denominator in all of this? Two words.

Corporate Christianity.

Whenever one begins to believe the Church is a physical organization - you've already submitted yourself to the world. Business is entrenched in the methods of the world from top to bottom. Money at the top, to pay for insurance, buildings, salaries, executive expenses, and so on and so forth. Yes, in corporate Christianity, the proper use can be beneficial - pooled money used the right way can go far for the right reasons. But this isn't the Church. The Church as Jesus defines it.

The Church has always been from it's inception spiritual. Because it was the Holy Spirit that founded the Church. The Church is comprised of people who have the indwelling of God's Spirit. And though this may cause shackles to rise throughout many people when I say this - God's Spirit can be in anyone. Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Anglican, and the non-churchgoers. You can not limit the Spirit of God within physical walls and physical limitations. Actually, you can not limit the Spirit of God - period.

Yet, many in the splinters continually quench God's Spirit by focusing on the physical far and away above anything spiritual.

What is important is what is in your heart and your soul - loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind - and loving your neighbor as yourself. Doing everything you can to help others in the spirit of Matthew 25. Being a light shining to the world. Being in the world - but not subjecting yourself to the sins of the world like debauchery, idolatry, immorality, hatefulness, lying, deception, or greed - but showing the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, longsuffering, self-control, gentleness, kindness, and mercy - not just to those who subscribe to Armstrongism - but to everyone and anyone you encounter in all walks and situations of life. Armstrongism stifled and shackled their members against so many opportunities to do just that under the excuse of "paganism".

Have not they read that against the fruits of God in love there is no law? That love is the fulfilment of the Law? That nothing you do in love - regardless of time, date, or season - with full regard to your neighbor - will be held against you no matter what time, day, or season?

It's time for the splinters to begin to focus on the Spiritual and see how steeped in wickedness it is when one focuses so greatly on the physical. Once that happens, they will then see Jesus for all He is and can be in their lives. There is more to Christianity then Armstrongism, Protestantism, Catholicism, or any other physical organization you can name.

Because God is Spirit. And His worshippers must worship in Spirit - And in TRUTH. And Jesus said HE is the way, and the Truth, and the Life.

Not the idolatry of the things of the past and of the physical, or of any man.. "Here today, and gone tomorrow." It is all about who He is, and what He has done, And who we are - in Him.

This post is an Opinion Editorial. The Views expressed are solely and exclusively that of the author...SHT

UCG's Winter Family Weekend Draws More People Together Than A Feast Does

It is that time of year as various Churches of God start taking reservations for their annual Christmas celebrations at various locations around the country.  It is striking to see UCG admit that their annual Christmas celebration draws more people than any of their Feast sites do.  After all, it is held in a resort all decked out for Christmas with Santa, holiday foods, Christmas music and glorious Christmas decorations.  The amazing thing is that not one single UCG member or teenager ever sees, eats, or hears anything related to Christmas while at the resort.  God certainly performs miracles!

“The Winter Family Weekend in Lexington, Kentucky has helped change the culture of the Church of God. Twenty years ago God blessed us with an event without borders. People quickly learned that it is what you believe — not the name on the church door that makes the difference. It’s an environment where friends can meet as equals to worship together and celebrate the Faith that is common to us all.” 

The United Church of God will be having a Northwest Family Weekend in Portland, Oregon, but its main WFW will be at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. Viktor Kubik has commented that, “It is the largest gathering of United Church of God members in one place – larger than any Feast site.” COG News

"...most people here leave the church for one tiny supposed error on the part of the Church "

It is sad how many people here sit behind their computers and spew lies. What is even sadder is that most people here leave the church for one tiny supposed error on the part of the Church and before you know it, they're no longer attending any church.

This was a comment made on the following story:  The Living Church of God Needs 377 Page Manual To Tell Ministers How To Behave from April 7, 2015.

For most people who have left the church, it is certainly more than some tiny "supposed" error on the part of the church.   Errors do not necessarily drive people away from church, but spiritual, sexual and mental abuse certainly does.