Crackpot Prophet Goes Wackadoodle Over New Pope Who Could Be The One, But Maybe Not, But Maybe...Possibly

Where would the Church of God be without all of its crazy self-appointed and illegitimately ordained weirdos that latch on to every conspiracy theory or legend out there? From Catholic visions of Fatima, Nostradamus, Malaky, Gary North, and every other crackpot weirdo on late-night AM radio stations, they have all found a following in Armstrongism. The weirder it is, the better it spreads through the church.

No one takes this to the extreme more than our illustrious, illegitimately ordained, and self-appointed prophet to the church, the Great Bwana Bob Thiel. The Great Bwana, though a day late, is not letting the new Pope get by his conspiracy-laden mind.

He has already updated his poorly researched book on the new pope, but all he has done is change a few names from previous popes mentioned to update it to Pope Leo. As usual with all of Bwana Bob's books and articles, it is filled with all kinds of crazy conspiracy theories. It is an entire book about "one wonders", "maybes", "could be's," and "possibly," as you would expect from a false prophet who is too big of a coward to really take a stand. Besides, when he talks about all of the "maybes" and "could be's" it is his easy out by never being held accountable for lying to his followers and the public.

Leo XIV will be ecumenical. And, because of the Augustine Order connection, militant in some ways. 

It just frost the Great Bwana's butt that churches might just get along, unlike the Churches of God who refuse to. 

Next, the Great Bwana starts to go whack-a-doodle: 

Because of the timing of his papal election, Pope Leo XIV could possibly fulfill biblical prophecies about a particular False Prophet, the final Antichrist. 

 

But we will need to see if he ends up doing “great signs” and wonders:

11 Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 He performs great signs, so that he even makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. 14 And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. 15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. (Revelation 13:11-17)

The Great Bwana then goes on to quote his favorite crazy dude, Malachy. Any fellow crackpot he can find to support his craziness, the Great Bwana latches on to them, even after admitting that most people also think these nut jobs are crazy (just not COG folk).

If Pope Leo XIV does not perform “great signs” and never calls fire down from heaven, then he could not be the final Antichrist and would not be the last Pontifex Maximus. But if he does those signs, that would point to him being the final Antichrist. 

 

Now, there is a list of pontiffs that an Irish Roman Catholic bishop named Malachy put together in the 12th century. Over a decade ago, I bought a copy of the book shown above related to the Malachy predictions of 112 future popes. 

 

Though various Roman Catholics believe that the list was divinely inspired, and this also seems to have been the position of the Protestant prophetic writer Hal Lindsey, many (including this author) do not believe that the list was from God. Many make light of the list for a variety of reasons. 

 

Even the expression “malarkey” seems to have originated as a derivative of the word Malachy, possibly because of how some viewed Malachy’s writings. Malarkey signifies worthlessness.

Read that again:  Malarkey signifies worthlessness. There can be no better definition of Bobism than this. Worthless!

The Great Bwana then goes on to say that he thinks the Malacy was demonically inspired, yet he quotes him endlessly, as if what he said were fact. 

I have long believed that the list was demonically-inspired–hence I do not rely on it.

He then goes on to quote it and discuss it:

In both Malachy’s list and the Book of Revelation we see:

1. Reference to the city of seven hills/mountains.

2. The destruction of the city of seven hills/mountains.

3. The end of a power in Rome.

4. Persecution.

5. Troubles/tribulations on the earth.

6. A type of judgment.

7. Events for the end time.

And, produced a ridiculously silly video:

Malachy Prophecy, Francis, Doom in 2027?

Do you know who Malachy was? He was an Irish bishop and saint of the Roman Catholic church who put together a list about 900 years ago. This list has been a source of amazement and interest for centuries and at the same time it has also been a source of ridicule. Recently his list has been making headlines; the publication, Euronews has an article citing “Malachy’s List” and doom in 2027. The reason Malachy’s List is once again front-page news is because of what the list contains, as well as because of health concerns related to Pope Francis. It contains a prophecy of the number of popes until Jesus returns as well as a description of the characteristics of each pope. So, why does this matter? How many popes are on the list? What about the reign of the last pope? Are there any similarities between Malachy’s description of the last pope on his list and the prophecies in the Bible? Does the Antichrist fit in to Malachy’s list? Is it possible that Malachy’s list actually predicts the final judgment and the return of Christ in 2027? These questions are fascinating and provocative. Let Dr. Thiel shine the light of Bible prophecy on the answers to these questions. Answers from the verses of the Bible that bring prophecy to life.

He ends by promoting his "new" book and dancing around everything he said about the new pope. It is "could be" time to the max, except when it's not, then it's not.

In my previous ‘Last Pope’ book of 2013, I wrote:

Pope Francis I … if he does not perform various signs and wonders, the Bible is clear that he certainly would not be (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:13-16). 

 

The same is true for Leo XIV. 

 

That said, my book about the Malachy prophecies and how Pope Leo XIV could be the one to fulfill the last one...

Crackpot Prophet Wants You To Know Turkey Has Roads!

 

One of Bob Thiel's followers just completed a trip to Turkey to visit the sites of the seven church that COG groups love to talk about. Two things stood out for them,  they discovered how pagan all of these cities were, and that Turkey has modern roads. Who knew!  

Then  Bob's follower makes an observation on how those modern roads will allow a United European Army, i.e. the Germans, to have easy access to invade Jerusalem when Bob Thiel's predicted time of the end arrives.

"Dear Dr Thiel, 

 

In March, Shirley and I travelled to Turkey to visit the seven church sites of Revelation 2 & 3. Not only did we experience the remains of these historic cities of Asia Minor, but we also got a little taste of modern Turkey. 

 

All these historic sites had basically one common theme in their architecture and construction, paganism and idolatry were embedded everywhere. If it wasn’t carved into marble or granite it was painted on walls like wallpaper or laid into the floor with mosaics. Any form of true Christianity seemed far removed."

"Today Turkey has an extensive and very modern network of concrete highways 2 & 3 lanes travelling in opposite directions They cut across valleys and mountain sides, through tunnels and allow for travelling speeds of up to 140 km and run the length and breadth of Turkey. 

 

I kept thinking of how a united European army and its logistical support could quickly travel across Turkey and towards Jerusalem. 

 

Regards

RW"

Why can't COG members just enjoy the world around them without imagining some doom and gloom scenario? Prophecy addiction is a major health issue in Armstrongism.

Then, the always astute, illegitimately ordained, and self-appointed prophet to the church and the world makes two mind-boggling observations:

Yes, Turkey has a lot of modern roads. 

 

Also there are signs of paganism all over the world, and yes, also in the areas that once had the seven churches of Revelation.

I guess that diploma from the "Theological School" in India was worth something after all! He is smart, now! He was quick to scrub any link to that school and his fake degree, though he has kept the title they gave him.

I have studied graduate level Early Church History from Fuller Theological Seminary and other schools in and out of the USA like T of CU, where a Th.D. in Early Christianity was earned). A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree was earned from the Union Institute and University where I studied various biological sciences and research methodologies. I also have other degrees/training, and have studied theology, both formally and informally.

 

 

We have a new Pope and he is American! Crackpot Bob soon to melt down.

Expect copious amounts of useless conspiracy laden crap from Bob Thiel now that the new Pope has been elected. The fact that he is American lends a new monkey wrench to crackpot Bob's malarkey.

The world's foremost prophet sure did not predict this!

Lake of Fire Church of God had this comment:

Odd that the Armstrong Church of God profit (oops, I mean Prophet) didn't prophesy or foresee the election of an AMERICAN pope! 

The marriage of religion by the Pope and the Catholic Church with the political United States of Europe (EU) Beast power played such an important integral part of R/WCG end time prophecy. 

Who foresaw an American Pope united with the Beast power led by the Germans attacking America - the Pope's home country-kicking off the Great tribulation? 

You are right, Gary. Little Bobby Thiel, the ACOG prophet who was asleep at the wheel, 

is soon to have a meltdown. Richard

Breaking news:

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Robert Prevost, a missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

Prevost, a 69 member of the Augustinian religious order, took the name Leo XIV. He appeared on the loggia of St. Peter’s Square wearing the traditional red cape of the papacy — a cape that Pope Francis had eschewed on his election in 2013.

Prevost had been a leading candidate except for his nationality. There had long been a taboo against a U.S. pope, given the geopolitical power already wielded by the United States in the secular sphere. But Prevost, a Chicago native, was seemingly eligible also because he’s a Peruvian citizen and lived for years in Peru, first as a missionary and then as an archbishop.

White Paper: Proposals for Educating Young People in the United Church of God About Herbert W. Armstrong’s Importance to Church Beliefs and Practices

I will just leave this here in its entirety, without commentary, though I am highlighting some things. 

Crap, after highlighting things, I could find NO WHERE in this upcoming propaganda campaign any reference to teaching UCG youth about Jesus Christ and what it means to be a follower of him. Jesus gets the back burner once again.

What do you have to say about this?

White Paper: Proposals for Educating Young People in the United Church of God About Herbert W. Armstrong’s Importance to Church Beliefs and Practices

Posted on April 28, 2025 by nathanalbright

Authored by: Nathan Albright, Submitted for Consideration to Aaron Dean, Candidate for President of the United Church of God

Date: April 28, 2025

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Executive Summary

Herbert W. Armstrong, as the founder of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and a pivotal figure in the Church of God movement, played a transformative role in shaping the doctrines, practices, and global outreach of the church. His teachings, including the identity of the Twelve Tribes of Israel in the modern world, seventh-day Sabbath observance, and the emphasis on biblical prophecy, remain foundational to the United Church of God (UCG), an offshoot of the WCG established in 1995 to preserve Armstrong’s core doctrines. To prevent the emergence of “a generation that did not know” Armstrong’s contributions, as warned in the cyclical forgetting described in Judges 2:10, it is critical to educate young members of the UCG about his legacy. This white paper proposes actionable strategies for Aaron Dean, a candidate for UCG President who worked closely with Armstrong, to engage younger generations. These proposals leverage Dean’s personal experiences, modern educational tools, and community-based initiatives to ensure Armstrong’s significance is understood and appreciated.

Introduction

Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986) founded the Radio Church of God (later the Worldwide Church of God) in 1934, growing it into a global ministry through his radio and television program The World Tomorrow, the magazine The Plain Truth, and the establishment of Ambassador College. His teachings emphasized the restoration of biblical truths, including the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, Old Testament Holy Days, and the belief that Western European nations, particularly the United States and Britain, are descendants of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. These doctrines, collectively referred to by critics as “Armstrongism,” form the theological backbone of the UCG, which was founded to maintain Armstrong’s teachings after the WCG’s doctrinal shifts in the 1990s.

Aaron Dean, having worked closely with Armstrong during his youth, is uniquely positioned to convey the historical and spiritual significance of Armstrong’s work. The biblical warning in Judges 2:10–11, where a new generation “did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel” and “did what was evil,” underscores the urgency of educating young UCG members. This white paper outlines five key proposals to integrate Armstrong’s legacy into the education and spiritual development of UCG youth, ensuring his contributions remain a living part of the church’s identity.

Proposals for Educating Young People

1. Develop an Interactive Digital Curriculum: “Herbert W. Armstrong’s Legacy”
   • Objective: Create an engaging, age-appropriate online course to teach UCG youth (ages 10–25) about Armstrong’s life, teachings, and impact.
   • Implementation:
     • Partner with UCG’s Media and Communications Services to design a modular curriculum hosted on the UCG website or a dedicated app.
     • Include short videos featuring Aaron Dean sharing personal anecdotes about Armstrong’s dedication, work ethic, and vision for the church.
     • Cover key topics such as:
       • Armstrong’s early life and calling (e.g., his transition from advertising to ministry after intensive Bible study).
       • The growth of The World Tomorrow and The Plain Truth, which reached millions globally.
       • Core doctrines (Sabbath, Holy Days, identity of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, and prophecy) and their biblical basis.
     • Use interactive elements like quizzes, virtual tours of Ambassador College’s history, and discussion prompts for youth groups.
     • Offer a certificate of completion to encourage participation, tied to youth camp or festival credits.
   • Rationale: Digital platforms are effective for engaging tech-savvy youth. Dean’s personal stories add authenticity, while interactive features foster retention. A 2023 Pew Research study noted that 80% of teens prefer multimedia learning, supporting this approach.
   • Timeline: Develop and launch within 12 months, with pilot testing at UCG youth camps in 2026.
   • Budget: $50,000 for content creation, platform development, and promotion.
2. Establish an Annual “Herbert W. Armstrong Heritage Day”
   • Objective: Create a church-wide event to celebrate Armstrong’s contributions, fostering community engagement and historical awareness.
   • Implementation:
     • Designate January 16 (the anniversary of Armstrong’s death in 1986) as Heritage Day, held during Sabbath services.
     • Organize activities such as:
       • A keynote sermon by Aaron Dean or other elders who knew Armstrong, highlighting his role in restoring biblical truths.
       • Youth-led skits or presentations reenacting key moments, like Armstrong’s first radio broadcast in 1934.
       • A “Legacy Fair” where youth explore exhibits on Armstrong’s writings, media, and global outreach (e.g., his meetings with world leaders).
     • Encourage congregations to host essay or video contests for teens, with themes like “How Armstrong’s Teachings Shape My Faith.”
     • Distribute a commemorative booklet summarizing Armstrong’s life and UCG’s commitment to his doctrines.
   • Rationale: Annual events create lasting traditions, and youth participation fosters ownership. The Philadelphia Church of God’s similar efforts to honor Armstrong have strengthened member loyalty.
   • Timeline: Plan for January 16, 2026, with preparatory materials distributed by Fall 2025.
   • Budget: $20,000 for materials, contest prizes, and congregational support.
3. Incorporate Armstrong’s Teachings into UCG Youth Camps and Bible Study Programs
   • Objective: Embed Armstrong’s legacy into existing youth programs to ensure consistent exposure.
   • Implementation:
     • Revise UCG youth camp curricula to include daily 15-minute sessions on Armstrong’s contributions, led by camp counselors trained by Aaron Dean.
     • Use Armstrong’s writings, such as The United States and Britain in Prophecy or Mystery of the Ages, as discussion starters, focusing on their relevance to modern prophecy.
     • Integrate Armstrong’s emphasis on biblical obedience (e.g., Sabbath-keeping, tithing) into practical workshops, showing how these practices stem from his teachings.
     • Develop a teen Bible study guide, “Following in Armstrong’s Footsteps,” with weekly lessons linking his doctrines to scripture.
   • Rationale: Youth camps and Bible studies are formative for UCG teens, with over 500 participants annually. Embedding Armstrong’s legacy here ensures broad reach and spiritual connection.
   • Timeline: Implement at 2026 summer camps and roll out study guides by Spring 2026.
   • Budget: $15,000 for curriculum development and counselor training.
4. Launch a Mentorship Program: “Ambassadors for Armstrong’s Vision”
   • Objective: Pair young members with elders who knew Armstrong to share firsthand insights and foster intergenerational bonds.
   • Implementation:
     • Create a voluntary program where teens (ages 14–18) are mentored by elders, including Aaron Dean and others who worked with Armstrong.
     • Mentors share personal stories, such as Armstrong’s commitment to preaching the gospel globally, and guide mentees in studying his key booklets.
     • Host quarterly virtual or in-person “Legacy Talks” where mentors and mentees discuss Armstrong’s impact on their faith.
     • Encourage mentees to lead a congregational project (e.g., a sermonette or community outreach) inspired by Armstrong’s example of service.
   • Rationale: Personal mentorship builds trust and makes history relatable. A 2024 study by Barna Group found that 65% of Gen Z values one-on-one spiritual guidance.
   • Timeline: Pilot in select congregations by Fall 2025, with full rollout by 2027.
   • Budget: $10,000 for program coordination and virtual platform costs.
5. Create a Multimedia Archive and Podcast Series: “Armstrong’s Enduring Voice”
   • Objective: Make Armstrong’s sermons, broadcasts, and writings accessible to youth through modern media.
   • Implementation:
     • Digitize and curate a UCG online archive of Armstrong’s The World Tomorrowepisodes, Plain Truth articles, and books, with youth-friendly summaries.
     • Launch a monthly podcast hosted by Aaron Dean, featuring discussions on Armstrong’s teachings, their biblical roots, and their relevance today (e.g., prophecy in 2025 geopolitics).
     • Include youth voices in the podcast, such as interviews with teens who apply Armstrong’s principles (e.g., Sabbath-keeping in school).
     • Promote the archive and podcast via UCG’s social media, targeting platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where 70% of teens are active (Pew Research, 2024).
   • Rationale: Multimedia archives preserve Armstrong’s voice, while podcasts engage youth in a popular format. The Restored Church of God’s similar efforts have boosted engagement among younger members.
   • Timeline: Launch archive by Summer 2026 and podcast by Fall 2026.
   • Budget: $30,000 for digitization, podcast production, and marketing.

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Addressing Potential Challenges

• Skepticism About Armstrong’s Legacy: Some youth may view Armstrong’s teachings, like British Israelism, as outdated or controversial due to modern genetic research debunking it. Emphasize the spiritual intent of his teachings (e.g., understanding prophecy) and Dean’s personal testimony to bridge generational gaps.
• Overemphasis on Armstrong: Critics within UCG argue that focusing on Armstrong risks venerating a man over scripture. Ensure all materials frame Armstrong as a servant of God, not the source of truth, with clear scriptural grounding.
• Resource Constraints: Limited budgets and volunteer time may hinder implementation. Prioritize low-cost initiatives like the mentorship program and leverage existing platforms like UCG’s website to minimize expenses.
• Engaging Diverse Youth: Urban and international youth may feel disconnected from Armstrong’s Western-focused teachings. Tailor content to highlight universal principles (e.g., Sabbath rest, God’s plan for humanity) and include diverse voices in podcasts and events.

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Expected Outcomes

• Increased Awareness: Within three years, 80% of UCG youth (ages 10–25) will demonstrate basic knowledge of Armstrong’s contributions, measured via surveys at youth camps.
• Stronger Identity: Youth will articulate how Armstrong’s teachings shape UCG’s distinct identity, fostering commitment to the church’s mission.
• Intergenerational Unity: Programs like mentorship and Heritage Day will bridge gaps between older members who knew Armstrong and younger ones, strengthening church cohesion.
• Preservation of Doctrine: By embedding Armstrong’s legacy in education, UCG ensures its core beliefs endure, countering the doctrinal drift seen in the WCG post-1986.

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Conclusion

Herbert W. Armstrong’s role in restoring biblical truths and building the Worldwide Church of God is central to the United Church of God’s identity. Aaron Dean, with his firsthand experience, can lead efforts to educate young members, ensuring Armstrong’s legacy inspires future generations. The proposed digital curriculum, Heritage Day, youth camp integration, mentorship program, and multimedia archive offer a comprehensive approach to engage youth meaningfully. By implementing these initiatives, UCG can avoid the cycle of forgetting described in Judges, raising a generation that knows and values Armstrong’s contributions to its faith and practices.

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Recommendations for Immediate Action

1. Form a task force by June 2025, including Aaron Dean, youth leaders, and media experts, to prioritize and pilot the digital curriculum and Heritage Day.
2. Allocate $125,000 in the 2026 UCG budget for these initiatives, with phased implementation to manage costs.
3. Engage youth feedback via focus groups at the 2025 Feast of Tabernacles to refine content and ensure relevance.

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References

• United Church of God. (2025). Official website and doctrinal statements.
• Pew Research Center. (2023). Teens and Technology.
• Barna Group. (2024). Gen Z and Faith.

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This white paper provides a roadmap for Aaron Dean to educate UCG youth about Herbert W. Armstrong, ensuring his legacy endures in a way that resonates with the next generation.