Hebrew Roots Movement, Armstrongism, And Their False Assumptions

The Whole Bible? YES! 

The Hebrew Roots Movement? NO! 

Paul's Ethnic Gospel? Yes and No!

Herbert Armstrong and his followers often scolded traditional Christians for their focus on the New Testament and their apparent disregard for the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). He and his followers bragged that they used the WHOLE BIBLE - NOT just a small portion of it. Now, while we should all be willing to acknowledge that traditional Christianity's use and understanding of the "Old" Testament has often been woefully inadequate, other folks (like Armstrong and his followers) have swung to the opposite extreme and have over corrected for the insufficiency of their more traditional brothers and sisters in the faith!

These folks point out that the early Church was entirely Jewish in nature, and that the only Scriptures available to Christ and his apostles were those of the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). Once again, while I would not characterize this observation as inaccurate, I would point out that it doesn't represent the WHOLE story of First Century Christianity! Unfortunately, in their attempt to correct how more traditional Christians have used and understood Scripture, they have often ignored the work and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and his disciples in the New Testament! To put it more bluntly, they have effectively placed themselves under the terms of God's Covenant with Israel! (Armstrong adopted Torah Sabbath and festival observance, clean and unclean meats, tithing, etc.)

In this connection, notice these statements taken from a website of the Hebrew Roots Movement:

The Hebrew Roots Movement is a general term used for an emerging grassroots spiritual awakening taking place worldwide with Christians returning to the original first century faith, beliefs, and understanding of the Scriptures as taught by the Messiah, Early Church and Apostles. Hebrew Roots is not a denomination or church, but rather a mindset seeking to emulate Jesus (Y'shua) as much as possible.

Hebrew Roots Christians are often called "Whole Bible Believers" due to our teaching of and obedience to the Word of God (All of It). We follow the first-century foundation of the faith: that every disciple of Jesus (Y'shua) is to walk (live) just as he did, in obedience to the Old Testament laws and commandments of God.

The 1st Century Church and apostles, in following the example of the Jesus (Y'shua), also obeyed and taught the Torah as the foundation to the walk of every disciple. This included the Apostle Paul as seen in Acts 24:14, Romans 2:13, Romans 2:20, Romans 3:31, and Titus 2:13-14. Hebrew Roots Christians do not obey God's laws to be saved, they obey God's laws because they are saved. They have a deep love and passion for God (1 John 5:3) which produces a deep desire to live their daily lives in a way that is pleasing to God - that is, in a way that attempts to live without sin (without offending God).

See - Hebrew Roots of Christianity (above quotations)

See - The Hebrew Roots Movement: What It Is and What It Isn't

In defense of these teachings, like Armstrong, they employ a number of "proof-texts" (some of the same ones used by Mr. Armstrong and his followers):

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. - I John 3:4, KJV

Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.- I John 3:4, ESV

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. - I John 5:3, KJV

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. - I John 5:3, ESV

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets...Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:17-19, KJV

Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:17-19, ESV

The problems with both the Hebrew Roots Movement and Armstrongism originate in a bunch of false assumptions which are NOT rooted in Scripture or the history of early Christianity:

1. They assume that the provisions of Torah represented the eternal and universal manifestation of God's Law - instead of the terms of God's Covenant with the ancient Israelites.

2. They assume that because Jesus, his apostles, and the Jerusalem Church observed the Sabbath and Holy Days that all Christians are obligated to follow that example.

3. They assume that the New Covenant is really only a slightly modified/enhanced/updated version of the Old Covenant.

4. They assume that their devotion to Torah identifies them as the obedient of God and is proof that they revere ALL of the Bible, not just some Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament (like those poor misguided Traditional Christians).

5. They assume that the original teachings of Christ and the Apostles were corrupted over time, and that most of the visible Church adopted pagan customs and celebrations and strayed from obedience to God's Law.

Now, as this blog has pointed out in many different posts over the years, ALL of these assumptions are FALSE! The TRUTH is that they are guilty of the very thing which they accuse Traditional Christianity of doing! They cherry-pick the Scriptures and history to support their teachings about Torah observance - instead of reaching conclusions based on an objective evaluation of ALL of the evidence. Consider the following (think of this as an abbreviated summary of a number of the past posts on this blog):

1. Over and over again, the commandments and rituals of Torah were addressed to the Children of Israel! (Exodus 12:3, 47, 50, 19:3-5, 20:1-2, 25:2, Leviticus 4:2, 12:2, 23:2, Numbers 5:6, 6:2, 27:8, Deuteronomy 1:1, 4:1, 5:1, etc.)

2. Jesus, his apostles, and the Jerusalem Church were all practicing Jews (including Paul). Hence, we would EXPECT to find them observing the provisions of Torah! Moreover, as Christ came to this earth to fulfill the Hebrew Scriptures (Torah, Prophets, and Writings), we would EXPECT to find him doing just that!

3. Once the Church finally began to carry Christ's Gospel to the Gentile world, the great Jerusalem Council decided that Gentile Christians would NOT have to become Jews and observe the provisions of Torah! (Acts 15:1-35 and Galatians 2, 3)

4. The Old Testament makes very clear that the Children of Israel repeatedly violated the terms of God's Covenant with them, and that he eventually divorced and disowned them! (Isaiah 50:1, Jeremiah 3:8, 11:10, 31:32, Hosea 8:1, Zechariah 11:10) Likewise, both testaments make plain that God intended to make a NEW Covenant with the people of Israel and the other nations of the earth. (Jeremiah 31:31, Hebrews 8:1-13, 12:24)

5. If we truly accept Jesus as the Messiah/Christ, we must believe that he represented the fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. We must believe that he came to this earth to fulfill them, and that he accomplished that mission. Indeed, this is the basis of the Christian faith: that Jesus of Nazareth fulfilled the symbolism AND requirements of Torah perfectly, and that he offered himself as an innocent - an entirely righteous individual - to pay the penalty for OUR SINS! (Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 1:21, 5:17, Mark 15:28, Luke 4:16-21, 24:44, John 1:29, 45, 13:18, 17:12, 19:24, 28, 36, Acts 5:31, 13:38, 28:23, Romans 3:21, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, 2:17) I have also written a number of posts demonstrating that the Hebrew Scriptures pointed to Christ (especially Torah).

6. Christ identified two of the commandments of Torah as encompassing the whole of the Law: Love for God, and each other. Christ identified these commandments as the ones to be written on the hearts of his followers, and the things that would identify them as his disciples to the world. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 7:12, 22:34-40, Mark 12:28-31, Luke 10:25-28, John 13:31-35, 15:9-17, Romans 13:9-10, I Corinthians 13, James 2:8-13, I John 2:7-11, 3:1-24, 4:7-21) Please note that the Two Great Commandments summarize the Ten Commandments given to Israel, and the Ten summarize all of the 613 individual commandments of Torah which reflected the terms of God's covenant with Israel. In other words, ALL of the other commandments of Torah are elaborations of the TWO! Why did Israel need such a detailed list of commandments? Because they were mostly a carnal people who did NOT have access to the Holy Spirit!

7. ALL of the practices of the early Christian community reflected an emphasis on Jesus of Nazareth and his work (including the celebration of the Eucharist, Resurrection, repentance, baptism, fellowshipping, gift of the Holy Spirit, birth of Christ, his mother, works and writings of his apostles, prayers, songs, healings, exorcisms, etc.). Indeed, history reflects the fact that Christianity was very effective in almost completely eradicating paganism and supplanting it with faith in Jesus as Messiah! In other words, the narrative that paganism eventually swallowed up and supplanted Christianity is the exact OPPOSITE of what history reveals on this subject!

Now, having said all of that, more traditional Christianity has tended to neglect the Hebrew Scriptures. Indeed, many of them seem to have forgotten that those writings ALL pointed to Jesus Christ, and that the apostles and early Church employed them to teach about him! Nevertheless, they have generally understood that Christ has fulfilled the requirements and meaning of Torah for them. Likewise, they have generally understood that they will NOT be justified or rewarded by/for obeying the commandments of Torah! (Romans 3:20, Galatians 3:11, 24)

Now we come to the question of Paul's Ethnic Gospel (a post by James Wood about a book by Jason Staples for First Things. Wood writes:

According to Staples, Paul’s gospel represents not an abandonment of Israel’s ethnic identity but its restoration—accomplished paradoxically through the incorporation of Gentiles. The inclusion of Gentiles is not a detour from Israel’s story but a key to its fulfillment. Paul proclaims not salvation from ethnicity, but rather an ethnic salvation. His gospel is steeped in the “restorationist” hopes of Second Temple Judaism. In this historical-theological framework, a distinction emerges: “Jews” designates the descendants of the southern kingdom of Judah, whereas “Israel” refers to the full twelve tribes, especially the lost northern tribes who were exiled and assimilated by Assyria. The northern tribes’ exile constituted an “ethnic death,” as these Israelites were scattered among and absorbed by the Gentiles—a process Staples calls “gentilization.” Their recovery required not merely return but resurrection. And this resurrection, Paul proclaims, occurs through the in- gathering of Gentiles—its partial accomplishment during Paul’s lifeand its future complete fulfillment. Since Israel has been scattered among and assimilated by the nations, her salvation depends on salvation’s coming to Gentiles (Rom. 11:11–26). God, in his providence, uses this dilemma to accomplish his original promise for his chosen people: that the blessing of Abraham should come to all nations (Gal. 3:14; cf. Rom. 11:12). As Staples provocatively puts it, “Where Israel had become gentilized, now Gentiles were effectively being Israelitized, transformed from one ethnicity to another and integrated into the ethnic people of Israel.”

Yes, Paul certainly did teach that Gentiles had been transformed into Abraham's descendants and coheirs of the promises made to him (Romans 2:28-29 and Galatians 3:5-9). He also taught that There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:28-29, ESV) And, in that same epistle to the saints at Rome, he wrote: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:14-17, ESV) In other words, whether we are Israelites or Gentiles, our faith in Christ (and what he has done for us) makes us God's children and co-heirs with Christ of the promises made to Abraham.

We must never forget that both Abraham and his physical descendant(s) were chosen to bring the blessings of God to all of humankind, NOT because they were special, or the sole object of his attention and affection! In a sense, Paul's teaching is that God has used the Israelites to bless humankind, and humankind will be employed to bless the Israelites - and BOTH are SAVED through Jesus Christ! What do you think?

 Miller Jones/Lonnie C Hendrix

Glynn Washington: Why was he in an end of days white supremacist doomsday cult?

 

See full story here: The birth of Snap Judgment: How the end of the world became the beginning of Glynn Washington’s story

Glynn Washington, the voice behind Snap Judgment, grew up in a white supremacist doomsday cult.

In this episode, Glynn opens up about what that did to his worldview, and how walking away from it all led him to understand the extraordinary power of storytelling. 

It’s a conversation about survival, identity, and the magic of stories that refuse to offer any easy endings.

Crackpot Prophet On Praying To The East

God's most favorite self-proclaimed prophet, the Great Bwana Bob Thiel, steeped in Mithraic and pseudo-Catholic beliefs, is once again railing against churches that pray facing east. As usual, his annual tirade is filled with Armstrongist myths and proof-texting, decrying the practice as rooted in Mithraism. He conveniently ignores that early Christians prayed facing east in anticipation of Jesus Christ’s Second Coming, based on biblical passages like Matthew 24:27, which likens the Son of Man’s return to lightning from the east. This eastward orientation symbolized hope in Christ’s return. Furthermore, early Christian churches were often aligned toward Jerusalem—where Jesus lived, died, and resurrected—which, in many regions, was roughly eastward, reinforcing the tradition of praying toward the holy city.

Ironically, the Great Bwana Bob overlooks that Herbert W. Armstrong, a key figure in his mythology, had the Ambassador Auditorium built facing east. Church members prayed and worshiped facing eastward, while Herbert himself turned his back to the east—and, symbolically, to the risen Lord—while emphasizing legalism and adherence to the law.

The Ambassador Auditorium, often called the "House of God," is also rife with Masonic symbolism. A man who helped construct the building, during a tour I gave him after the church’s collapse when the auditorium stood empty, pointed out its symbolic features. He noted the building’s cubic shape (excluding the lobby), which aligns with Masonic and Qabalistic symbolism, where the cube represents the universe’s ordered structure and the pursuit of divine wisdom. 

The auditorium’s use of purple, a color Herbert W. Armstrong favored for its association with royalty (reflecting the belief that believers would become kings in the future), aligns with Masonic symbolism, where purple represents divine wisdom. Likewise, the extensive use of gold in the auditorium’s design echoes Masonry’s view of gold as a symbol of the perfected soul, illuminated by divine truth, complementing the cube-shaped building’s polished surfaces. Notably, gold leaf adorned the underside of the stairs from the lower level (symbolizing hell) and extended to the upper level, representing light and enlightenment. Additional features, such as the specific number of columns and a hidden room in the auditorium’s ceiling, further suggest intentional Masonic influences in the design.

The auditorium incidentally has 26 columns. 

In Masonry, it is a connection to YHWH. In Qabalistic tradition, which influences some Masonic symbolism, the number 26 is significant because it is the numerical value of the Tetragrammaton (YHWH, the Hebrew name of God) in Gematria: Y (Yod) = 10, H (Heh) = 5, W (Vav) = 6, H (Heh) = 5, totaling 10 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 26. This name represents divine essence, creation, and the ineffable nature of God, which aligns with Freemasonry’s focus on the Great Architect of the Universe (G.A.O.T.U.).

The Tetragrammaton is referenced in certain Masonic degrees, particularly in the Royal Arch (York Rite), where the "Lost Word" and the divine name are central themes. The number 26, while not explicitly highlighted in rituals, could symbolize the divine presence or the sacred knowledge Masons seek, connecting to the spiritual perfection represented by the cube (Perfect Ashlar) as a symbol of the completed self aligned with divine order.

The cube, as the Perfect Ashlar, symbolizes the perfected universe or the Mason’s spiritual temple. In Qabalistic thought, the cube represents the "Cube of Space," a model of creation encompassing all directions and aspects of existence. The number 26, tied to YHWH, could be seen as underpinning the cube’s divine structure, reflecting the divine blueprint of creation within the lodge.

In numerology, 26 reduces to 8 (2 + 6 = 8). The number 8 is not as prominent in Freemasonry as numbers like 3, 5, or 7, but it can symbolize infinity, regeneration, or cosmic balance (due to the shape of the infinity symbol, ∞). In some esoteric traditions, 8 represents a new beginning or spiritual rebirth, which aligns with the Masonic journey of self-improvement and enlightenment.

Masonic Context: This interpretation could connect to the Mason’s transformation from the Rough Ashlar to the Perfect Ashlar, a process of spiritual renewal akin to the cube’s perfected form. While 26 itself is not ritualistically emphasized, its reduction to 8 supports themes of eternal growth and moral perfection. 

In biblical numerology, 26 is less prominent than numbers like 7 or 12, but its connection to the Tetragrammaton makes it significant in Judeo-Christian contexts. For example, the 26th chapter of Leviticus discusses covenant blessings and curses, emphasizing obedience to divine law, which resonates with Freemasonry’s moral teachings.

The number 26 in Freemasonry likely holds symbolic significance through its Qabalistic association with the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), representing divine presence, creation, and spiritual wisdom. It connects to the cube (Perfect Ashlar) as a symbol of the perfected self and the lodge as a divine temple, and to Masonic colors like blue and gold, which evoke divine truth and illumination. While not a primary number in Masonic ritual, 26’s esoteric ties to the divine name align with the lodge’s spiritual goals, paralleling the eastward orientation of churches seeking divine light.

The cube is a significant symbol in Masonic lodges due to its deep symbolic meanings, which connect to both philosophical and spiritual concepts central to Freemasonry. Here are the key reasons for its importance, based on its use as the "Perfect Ashlar" and other symbolic interpretations:

Symbol of Perfection and Completion: The cube, often referred to as the Perfect Ashlar in Freemasonry, represents a stone that has been shaped and polished to perfection, symbolizing the ideal state of a Mason’s moral and spiritual development. The Rough Ashlar, in contrast, represents the unrefined, natural state of a person before Masonic teachings. The transformation from Rough to Perfect Ashlar signifies the Mason’s journey toward self-improvement, virtue, and enlightenment through discipline and education.

Representation of Stability and Order: The cube’s geometric properties—equal sides and perfect symmetry—symbolize stability, balance, and order. In Masonic teachings, these qualities reflect the ideal character of a Mason, who strives to live a balanced, upright life. The cube’s ability to "fill space perfectly" mirrors the stability of the earth, as noted in Plato’s association of the cube with the element of earth in his Timaeus (c. 360 BCE).

Connection to Sacred Architecture: The cube is linked to sacred spaces in various traditions, such as the Holy of Holies in Solomon’s Temple, which was a perfect cube, and the Kaaba in Islam, meaning "cube" in Arabic. In Freemasonry, the cube symbolizes the ideal temple—a spiritual edifice that Masons aim to build within themselves. The lodge itself, sometimes described as a double cube (with length twice its breadth and height), represents the universe or a perfected space for Masonic work.

Qabalistic and Esoteric Meanings: The cube is significant in Qabalistic thought, which influenced early Masonic rituals. It represents the physical world, with its six faces corresponding to the cardinal directions (North, South, East, West, Zenith, Nadir), symbolizing the totality of space and creation. The "Cube of Space" in Qabalah models the processes of creation, aligning with Freemasonry’s focus on building a moral and spiritual life.

Transformation into the Cross: In some Masonic interpretations, particularly in the York Rite, the cube is seen as transforming into a cross when unfolded, symbolizing a spiritual progression from the physical (cube) to the divine (cross). This reflects the Mason’s journey from earthly concerns to spiritual enlightenment, especially in Christian-oriented Masonic degrees.

Historical and Ritualistic Context: The cube appears in Masonic rituals and symbols, such as the Perfect Ashlar on the Junior and Senior Warden’s pedestals, representing the Mason’s progress. In some traditions, a pointed cubic stone (a cube with a pyramidal top) is used, symbolizing the "Opera Maestra" or masterpiece a Mason must achieve. The cube’s presence in lodge furnishings and rituals reinforces its role as a teaching tool for moral and intellectual development.

Connection to Churches Facing East: While the cube’s significance in Freemasonry is distinct, it shares symbolic parallels with the Christian tradition of churches facing east. Both draw on the idea of orientation toward divine light or truth—churches face east to symbolize Christ’s return, while the cube’s six faces, including the eastward direction, represent universal harmony and connection to the divine. Additionally, the cube’s association with Solomon’s Temple aligns with the eastward orientation of sacred spaces in both traditions, as the Temple’s Holy of Holies was a cubic space oriented toward spiritual significance.

The Great Bwana Bob needs to stop casting his hypocritical stones at everyone around him and look at his own mess he is entrenched in.

Historical Revisionism in Armstrongism

 

Historical Revisionism in Armstrongism 

One of the most significant criticisms leveled against Armstrongism is its reliance on historical revisionism, particularly through the doctrine of British-Israelism, which forms a cornerstone of Herbert W. Armstrong’s teachings. British-Israelism posits that the Anglo-Saxon peoples of Britain and the United States are the direct descendants of the “lost ten tribes” of Israel, a claim Armstrong used to assert that these nations held a special role in biblical prophecy. This doctrine, while appealing to national pride and a sense of divine election, has been thoroughly debunked by historians, archaeologists, and biblical scholars, revealing it as a deceptive fabrication that misled followers and shaped the Worldwide Church of God’s (WCG) identity.

British-Israelism traces its roots to 19th-century pseudo-historical theories, notably those of John Wilson and Edward Hine, who speculated that the British were descended from the tribe of Ephraim and Americans from Manasseh. Armstrong adopted and popularized this idea, claiming it was divinely revealed to him during his study of the Bible. In his book The United States and Britain in Prophecy, Armstrong argued that biblical promises to Abraham’s descendants were fulfilled in the modern Anglo-Saxon nations, positioning them as God’s chosen people. This narrative was bolstered by selective historical claims, such as alleged connections between British royalty and the Davidic line, drawn from discredited sources like J.H. Allen’s Judah’s Sceptre and Joseph’s Birthright.

Critics, such as Roger R. Chambers in Plain Truth About Armstrongism, have demonstrated that British-Israelism lacks any credible historical or archaeological evidence. Modern scholarship confirms that the ten tribes of Israel, dispersed after the Assyrian conquest in 722 BCE, were likely assimilated into other cultures, with no traceable lineage to modern Western nations. Genetic studies further refute claims of a unique Israelite heritage among Anglo-Saxon peoples. Armstrong’s reliance on outdated and speculative works, such as those by Herman Hoeh, a WCG scholar who accessed rare books to craft elaborate but unverifiable histories, compounded the deception. Hoeh’s narratives, often presented as scholarly, were inaccessible to the average member, who lacked the resources or permission to question them. This created a closed system where fabricated histories were accepted as truth, exploiting the low-information environment of the mid-20th century.

The appeal of British-Israelism lay in its ability to give followers a sense of exclusivity and purpose, positioning them as God’s chosen remnant in a world facing apocalyptic judgment. This resonated particularly in the post-World War II era, when national pride and fears of global instability were high. However, the doctrine’s deceptive nature became apparent as information became more accessible. The internet, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, exposed the historical inaccuracies of British-Israelism, with websites like herbertwarmstrong.com providing detailed refutations. Former members, such as those contributing to Escaping Armstrongism, describe the disillusionment of discovering that the doctrine they had accepted as divine truth was based on fabrication.

Armstrong’s historical revisionism extended beyond British-Israelism to his broader narrative of church history. He claimed that the WCG was the sole inheritor of “true Christianity,” preserved through a hidden lineage of Sabbath-keeping groups, while mainstream Christianity had been corrupted by paganism. This narrative dismissed centuries of Christian scholarship and relied on selective proof-texting, ignoring the complexity of early church history. For example, Armstrong’s rejection of the Trinity and traditional holidays like Christmas as “pagan” oversimplified the syncretic development of Christian practices, presenting a black-and-white view that demonized other denominations. Critics argue that this approach not only distorted history but also fostered an “us vs. them” mentality, isolating members from broader Christian dialogue and reinforcing the WCG’s cult-like control.

The deceptive nature of Armstrong’s historical claims was exacerbated by the WCG’s strict control over information. Members were discouraged from reading outside sources or questioning leadership, under threat of disfellowshipping. This ensured that fabricated histories, such as those supporting British-Israelism, went unchallenged within the church. The reliance on pseudo-scholarship and the suppression of dissent created a system where deception thrived, as members were taught to trust Armstrong’s “divinely revealed” interpretations over verifiable evidence.

The historical revisionism of Armstrongism, particularly through British-Israelism and its narrative of church history, represents a core deception that misled followers by presenting fabricated claims as divine truth. The lack of empirical support, combined with the WCG’s authoritarian structure, prevented members from critically evaluating these teachings, perpetuating a cycle of misinformation that has since been exposed by modern scholarship and former members.

David D.