PCG: Flurry Was Worried About Too Much Speculation As The Wall Cried Out…

Screenshot of PCG article

Students at Herbert W Armstrong College, on the cult compound of the Philadelphia Church of God, have been given a foretaste of what the PCG imagines the Kingdom of God will be like with a new mural recently painted in the old John Amos Field House. That building was the center of college and church life for many years till Flurry built his mini-me auditorium patterned after the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. 

The JA Field House is still used for basketball, dining, and as a student lounge on the old stage. Sadly the students were subjected to a boring old white wall. But in good COG fashion, someone stepped up to the plate and designed a painting envisioning PCG's imagined world to come.

Evangelist Wayne Turgeon, who oversaw the buildings and grounds department for a number of years before transferring to the United Kingdom-Europe-Africa regional office, said the inspiration for the project came years ago because, with the curtains now open most of the time the stage’s empty white wall seemed to be “crying out for something to fill it up.”

The original concept for the wall was to be a painting of the "New Jerusalem" that the PCG expects soon to descend from on high and plop down at the exact center of the earth. But unfortunately, Gerald Flurry thought that that would involve too much speculation as to what it looked like. 

The original subject of the painting was New Jerusalem, but Pastor General Gerald Flurry said he felt that depicting it would rely too much on speculation.

Imagine that, Gerald Flurry worried about too much speculation! Who would have ever thought that considering the bizarre speculations that come out of his aging mind right now? 

King Flurry then approved a painting of their imagined kingdom to come.

He then approved a scene from the Millennium, the prophesied 1,000-year period of world peace under the government of God.

Gotta get government in there somehow. 

After many discarded ideas had made it into the Kingly dumpster, a design was envisioned and approved.

Artists created several drafts but had a hard time deciding on one. For this and other reasons, the project sat untouched for years. But in early April, Dorning sketched the draft that would become the final version, and the project was underway.

I do appreciate the Temple to Zeus with its Greek phallic columns rising in the background and the father walking the tiger on a leash in the supposedly peaceful kingdom. As one person pointed out on Facebook, "this is a COG where sex and control are always in the background".

Mr. Turgeon expressed his hopes that the mural will “inspire the students, and any other members who see it, to think immediately of the incredible future that lies ahead for all of mankind.”

I also can't help but compare it to the Jehovah's Witness's Kingdom of God paintings that adorn their literature:

 

Simon Magus, The Early Church, and the Church of God

 

Earliest known image of John the Apostle – opponent of Gnostics

The Persistent Mystique of Unorthodoxy

Gnosticism and Christianity at Odds

By NeoDromos

 

One of the great insults to the Christian church is that it came into existence as a subversion of the true church by Simon Magus, a Samaritan Gnostic, and is therefore utterly pagan.  Simon Magus is a topic in the Mystery of the Ages (MOA) written by Herbert W. Armstrong (HWA) where Simon is described as the innovator of what is known in the Christian movement as “cheap grace.”  While Armstrongism devotes little time to the Patristics and other ancient Christian personae, Simon Magus receives much attention in some of the Armstrongist publications.     HWA claims that Satan started his “great false church” through Simon Magus (MOA, p. 51).   This opinion piece reviews the origin of these ideas about the role of Simon Magus and proposes a “learning tool” for evaluating denominational affinities with Gnosticism.  

The Willful Samaritan

In my research on Simon Magus, I have encountered nothing that would make me think that Simon had anything to do with the founding of Christianity as it is now known.   So I went to Armstrongist literature to try to discover why this belief concerning Simon as founder is held.  I discovered that Ernest L. Martin, when he was an Armstrongist, wrote an extensive series in the Good News Magazine about Simon Magus.  I believe this is where HWA got his comments in MOA about Simon.  After some review, I was not impressed with the scholarship shown in Martin’s series.   All historians interpret data but sometimes the interpretation can be gratuitous and forced.  And the forced interpretation is what I found in Martin’s writing.

As an example, I looked for Martin’s explanation in particular as to how Simon usurped the First Century church, leading it off into grave error.   I found Martin’s assertions about this genesis in a section titled “Catholic Church Accepts SIMON MAGUS’ Teaching.”  The idea that Martin presents is that the followers of Simon flooded into the church bringing with them a toxic theology.  And their numbers were such that they completely overran the church.  (Note that the term Catholic Church at this time means the broad or whole church and is not the same as the modern Roman Catholic Church denomination.)  Martin wrote:

“We have the record of history which tells us that Simon's teaching spread like wildfire — especially in Rome where he was honoured as a god. In fact, after going there he made that city his headquarters. But let us recall that the followers of Simon called themselves TRUE Christians.

“Nonetheless the Simonians were very much around — this time with the name of "Christian." And we have the exact testimony of Eusebius himself (325 A.D.) that these people were flocking into the Catholic Church.”

First, the “record of history” he refers to has no citation so I could not check it.   Second, the use of the word “flocking” which suggests a large number of people is not supported.  It is just creative rhetoric.  And, third, we will see shortly that “exact testimony” of Eusebius suffers also. Martin states further:

 “Notice what Eusebius says, after stating that Simon Magus in the days of the Apostles received baptism and feigned Christian belief: "And what is more surprising, the same thing IS DONE EVEN TO THIS DAY by those who follow HIS most impure heresy. For they, after the manner of their forefather, SLIPPING INTO THE CHURCH, like a pestilential and leprous disease GREATLY AFFLICT THOSE [a great number of people] into whom they …“

The words “greatly afflict those” in all capitals are construed by Martin to mean a “great number.”   The words in brackets are not in the original text – they were added by Martin.  This “greatly afflict those” phrase does not require his bracketed interpretation.  Interpreting this as a phrase of intensity seems much more plausible.  In fact, Martin quotes earlier “Justin tells us that some were still going by the parent name in his day (152 A.D.). But by the time of Origen (220 A.D.), he states that there were hardly 30 people in the world which went by the parent name.”  This is a problem for Martin whose essential argument pivots on numbers of people.

And what was the reaction of the church?  Martin describes it in this way:

“Eusebius later maintains that the chief troublemakers were being expelled from the Catholic Church. But how could they expel all of them? Almost the whole church by this time was affected.”

The last two sentences are speculative and based on Martin’s foregoing attempt to make the followers of Simon seem very numerous.   What we really have as data, setting aside Martin’s creative interpretation, is the fact that some trouble-making followers of Simon showed up at church and this started a program of expulsion by church authorities.  Eusebius is supposed to have verified that Simon’s followers were persistent and numerous but we have seen that is Martin’s rendering. This does not sound like the inflection point in theology that Martin was looking for.  

My conclusion is that Martin’s series contains many declarations critical to his thesis that are not underpinned by footnoted sources and this leaves the reader wondering where the ideas came from.   On rebuttal, Martin, were he alive, may have a defense for all of this but what this appeal would be is not apparent from what he has written.   

Homework – Fill in the Blank

 Although the idea that Simon Magus founded Christianity is facetious, Gnosticism was a thorn in the side of the early church.  And it is interesting that some of the prominent Gnostic movements were Judaizing movements.  And the necessity for the Epistle to the Galatians becomes clear.  

Perhaps, your denomination has residual Gnostic tendencies.  This exercise involves reflection on that possibility.   Imagine your denomination occupying the far right column of the table below.  You judge how the attributes of your denomination should be defined for each row. A Christian church will be at great variance with the two middle columns.  And the idea is to respond with principle and not detail.   For instance, there is the attribute “Connection with Circumcision Party.”  No Christian or putatively Christian group believes that now circumcision is required.  But there are some that do not recognize the fact that there is a New Covenant and under the New Covenant some laws were rendered spiritual by Jesus.  For instance, circumcision of the flesh is now circumcision of the heart.  In logical principle, this might be called the Circumcision Error.  This exercise may help answer the question, “Where do we really find similarities to the Gnostic ideas of Simon Magus today?”  I have used the Gnosticism of Cerinthus and the semi-Gnosticism of the Ebionites as good representatives of the Gnostic movement.   Gnosticism contains some really bizarre beliefs.  I have used some beliefs where the comparison with modern-day religions is possible. 

Analyze Your Own Denomination
Attributes	Cerinthian Gnosticism (Jewish sect)	Ebionism (Jewish sect; Strong affinity with Gnosticism)	Put the name of your church here and fill in the blocks below
Characteristics of Creator.  Anthropomorphic?  Immanent and Transcendent?	The Cosmos were created by a Demi-urge who had the characteristics of a created being; Creator was not transcendent. The implication of this is that they believed literally the anthropomorphic language describing God in the Old Testament.	Equated Yahweh of the OT to a Demi-urge. The implication of this is that they believed literally the anthropomorphic language describing God in the Old Testament.
Law of Moses; Salvation by Works	“…strict adherence to both Written and Oral Torah Mosaic Law for the attainment of salvation”	“… the Ebionites insisted on the necessity of following the written Law of Moses alone (without the Oral Law)”
Grace	Misunderstood doctrine of Grace; salvation not by grace but by gnosis or knowledge of God	Misunderstood doctrine of grace; Church Fathers claimed they had an improper fixation on the Law of Moses
Status of Jesus	Jesus categorically subordinate to God. Denied Jesus was co-equal with God.	Jesus categorically subordinate to God. Denied Jesus was co-equal with God.
The Sabbath	Observed the seventh day	Observed the seventh day
Eschatology	Believed in a form of Millenarianism	Believed in the coming Kingdom of God
The Trinity	Rejected the Trinity	Rejected the Trinity
Connection with Circumcision Party	In principle, Cerinthians advocated a literal Torah and rejected the enactment of the New Covenant with the transformations Jesus made; originated in the First Century Judaizing movement; either derived from or related to the Circumcision Party; required that converts be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses	In principle, Ebionites advocated a literal Torah and rejected the enactment of the New Covenant with the transformations Jesus made; required that converts be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses; Ebionites may have originated as dissidents in opposition to the decisions of the Jerusalem Council
Opposition to established Christian authority	Strong opposition to the Apostle John; Some think John wrote his Gospel to counter Cerinthus	Regarded the Apostle Paul to be an apostate
Focus on a human leader	Cerinthus, likely a Jew born in Egypt	Epiphanius recounts that there was an Ebion. Others say there was not.
Elevation of non-canonical literature; Use of parochial writings	Used the Gospel of Cerinthus	Used an unorthodox version of the Gospel of Matthew; it was identical to the Gospel of Cerinthus

 

Conclusion

The idea that modern Christianity is enslaved to the ancient ideas of Simon Magus is ill-conceived.  The study of scripture in modern times has been extensive and involves ancient languages, archaeology, customs, culture, archaeogenetics, hermeneutics, the accumulated wisdom of the Christian movement, and many other disciplines and resources.  Dogma is developed from scripture, not from the arcane writings of a First Century Samaritan Gnostic.  What Simon Magus actually believed can be found in Irenaeus and if you scan through this you will find that it bears no relationship to Christian dogma.   (https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103123.htm)  So if Simon Magus did try to derail Christianity, he was profoundly unsuccessful.  On the other hand, Gnosticism broadly was a plague on the early church and it yet survives in spirit if not direct historical connection.  With a little homework, as proposed above, you can be the judge of this yourself. 

Sources:

Armstrong, Herbert W.  Mystery of the Ages, pp. 52-53. 

Catholic Encyclopedia, New Advent, online, article on Simon Magus.

Erickson, Millard.  Systematic Theology, p. 765.

Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History, chapter titled Against Heresies (Book I, Chapter 23)

Martin, Ernest L.  Series of articles in Good News Magazine titled “Simon Magus Series,” 1964.

Wikipedia articles on Cerinthus, Ebionites and Gnosticism

Restored Church of God: Former Member/Employee Interviewed by Dawn Blue

 

Are the rumors true?  Join host Dawn Blue as she interviews a former member/employee of The Restored Church of God, headed up by David Pack who calls himself Christ's apostle. With its origins stemming from Herbert Armstrong’s controversial Worldwide Church of God. 

Answering questions posed by the locals & around the globe. 

Part 1 of this interview explores topics from The Restored Church of God's religious beliefs, finances, & history. Get an inside view of the “mysterious church across from Giant Eagle” that locals have been talking about for years. Who've referred to it as cult-like & pilfering members assets for extra tithing collections. 

LCG: Members Too Busy Pursuing Their Own Pleasures Instead of Focusing Upon Church Goals

 

Friday Night Smack Down is back. 

When will LCG members ever do what LCG leaders think is right for them? Always remember Boy's and Girl's, it is always more blessed to give than to receive!

A Transcendent Purpose: God revealed a vital Truth through the Apostle Paul when he wrote, “In the last days... men will be lovers of themselves....lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1–5). Today, many people have full schedules and empty lives. Focusing on my body, my life, my job, and what makes me happy, eventually fails to be fulfilling. The real key to a meaningful life is to focus on a goal that is bigger than ourselves—which is the message of the Gospel. Jesus taught we should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus told His disciples to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). If we focus on these big goals and prepare to serve others—now and in the coming Kingdom of God—we will focus on a transcendent purpose that will be eternally fulfilling. 

 

Have a profitable Sabbath, Douglas S. Winnail

LCG includes all the missing Mister's on the Council of Elder's names list

 

What's with all of this "Mr." stuff?

Complete Listing of Council of Elders Members 

 

The Council of Elders meetings concluded this week, as Mr. Weston noted in his introductory comments. Our apologies that last week’s listing of the Council of Elders did not include Council members Mr. Dan Hall and Mr. Adam West. Also, two new members, Mr. Stephen Elliott and Mr. Paul Shumway, will fill two rotating seats on the Council. We are running the full list of Council members for your information. Thank you for your prayers for these men and all those who serve in God’s ministry: 

 

THE MISSION
“My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work.” -- John 4:34 Greetings from Charlotte, 

 

Mr. Gerald Weston 

Mr. Richard Ames 

Mr. Mario Hernandez 

Mr. Stuart Wachowicz 

Dr. Douglas Winnail 

Mr. Steve Elliott

Dr. Jeffrey Fall

Mr. Lambert Greer 

Mr. Daniel Hall

Mr. Jonathan McNair 

Mr. Rod McNair

Mr. Rand Millich 

Mr. Peter Nathan

Mr. Paul Shumway

Mr. Wallace Smith 

Mr. Rick Stafford 

Mr. John Strain 

Mr. Rob Tyler

Mr. Dexter Wakefield 

Mr. Adam West

LCG: Due To Baby Boom In Church It Is Trying To Figure Out How To Manage Its Burgeoning Young Population!

 

Burgeoning? I can see the issue with their aging population, but burgeoning? Notice they do not define what burgeoning is in regards to their youth. In a typical LCG church one or two kids may add 10-20% to their count. But burgeoning?

This week we held online Council of Elders meetings. Several Council members had recently contracted the COVID virus, but all the men (and their wives) had either recovered or were well on their way to full recovery, and the men were able to participate in the two days of meetings. Mr. Rob Tyler attended all the meetings even though it was late night/early morning in Australia. Mr. Ames missed the last meeting due to some surgery needed on his left hand. 

 

One interesting dichotomy that came up during our meetings was how to meet the needs of both an aging population and a burgeoning young population in the Church. Some congregations are experiencing a baby boom as the result of a good number of marriages over the last several years. The Church and ministry need to meet the challenges of serving both young and old. 

 

Mr. Peter Nathan was in town this week and did some recording for this year’s Feast of Tabernacles Behind the Work video. A list of Tomorrow’s World presentations can be found on TomorrowsWorld.org. Your prayers for their success will be appreciated.—Gerald Weston

David C Pack: Gaslighting the Brethren

 

The following is combined from two Restored Church of God sources:

"At the start of his own splinter group called the Restored Church, David Pack talked about restoring all of Herbert W. Armstrong's old teachings from the time of HWA's death in 1986. David Pack talked about bringing responsible understanding rather than reckless speculation. David Pack said that he wanted his RCG members to be the most informed people on the planet. This sounded so good.

Over the years, things changed for the worse.

Now, Dave Pack is busy making unbelievably huge changes to HWA's teachings. Dave Pack brings nothing but reckless speculation on a weekly basis, and no responsible understanding at all. The RCG cult members now look like some of the biggest suckers around. This has gone so badly.

People who went to the RCG cult ended up getting mentally, physically, spiritually, financially, financially, and financially brutalized.

One of the problems with these characters like Dave Pack who come in God's name is that one never really knows for sure how crazy they will become after one has worse-than-wasted so much time, effort, money, money, and money on supporting them that it becomes psychologically very difficult to admit that it was all simply a really, really, really, BIG mistake to trust a religious con-artist." From Anonymous  

======================================================================

Understanding David C Pack's teaching style:

• Kicking the can down the road
• Moving the goal post
• Carrot on a stick
• Lucy and the football
• The emperor is naked
• Chicken Little: The sky is falling
• Riding the prophetic merry-go-round
• Biblical Groundhog Day
• Cracked the DaVinci Code
• Sees himself all throughout the scriptures
• Delaying the inevitable
• Finds a way to be right about something that was wrong
• Gaslighting the brethren
• Biblical sleight of hand
• Playing a shell game with the scriptures
• Bait and switch
• Present Truth excuses falsehood
• Change the meaning of words to fit the current understanding
• Rewriting the Bible as he reads it to you
• The man cannot stop talking
• Arrogance has never been so insecure (Needs accolades from his acolytes immediately after the message. They stand in a semi-circle and parrot, "powerful, powerful" "so very clear")
• "The man of sin has been revealed" (Again and again)
• "Now I understand"
• "What else could it mean?" "Impossible. No other way to read it." (If you don't have another theory, then there cannot be one. Except when there is later)
• "It fits perfectly" (Until it doesn't)
• "Daniel is finally unsealed"
• "Revelation is finally unsealed"
• "The series is over"
• "Did you think the series could be over before we learned THIS?"
• "The Mystery of God is ended"
• "Would God let me get this wrong?"
• "I tell you on God's authority..."
• "God didn't want XYZ"
• "God gave us more time"
• "I knew it wasn't going to happen..." (Regarding his own teaching just before the deadline)
• "I discovered" but "we got it wrong"
• "Some people left right before the very end. They answered the matter before they heard it" (Part 366 was yesterday)
• "If you don't believe this prophecy, then you don't believe your Bible"
• Reads a passage of scripture that supports his theory, but stops before the next verse that counters it
• XYZ number of "proofs" that are rock solid until they fail
• The antecedent is so very important in understanding a verse...but only when he says so
• Calling any point of logic or opinion a "proof" that actually proves nothing
• A calculator and calendar proves his theories (Harold Camping would agree)
• Obsession with "something" in the moment (ie eagles, rainbows, fog, wind, Elul, Adar, Abib, almond trees, fig trees, oak trees, land sabbath, Seven Days of Passover, nighttime, winter, Ester's fast...)
• "All the ministers agree" (Except they do not. Especially the ones that leave soon after. Some former ministers told me that for YEARS they knew DCP was full of baloney.)
• "None of the other ministers saw it"
• "I've never heard of XYZ" means nobody on the face of the earth ever saw, noticed, or understood a passage and its meaning before
• "If you think I'm arrogant, pray for me"
• None of the brethren can explain what they just heard
• None of the ministers can explain what they just heard
• Don't bother to "prove all things" since this teaching will change in hours/days/weeks anyhow
• "We're right on track. Everything is fine"

The brilliance of God will prove DCP to be a fraud to the core. Whenever Jesus Christ returns, be assured DCP will be completely wrong about the how/when/where. (Marc Cebrian)