COGers Worried Over Butterball Turkeys That Have Been Killed According to Muslim Halal Standards

Leave it to Prophet Thiel to have such an absurd posting on his blog today.  I still never cease to be amazed at the stupid things that occupy Armstrognite believers minds.  Imagine a turkey taking precedence over the words of Jesus.  Oh wait, this is Armstrongism, after all......

One of his readers, most likely another LCGer, sent him an article that claims Butterball turkeys are killed according to halal specifications. But then you have to take the source of this news story.  For some reason COGers love to read World Net Daily as a news source.

Anyway, here is the blurb this reader sent to Thiel:

America’s favorite meal may be secretly dedicated to Allah…

Customer service representatives from Butterball, one of America’s most popular Turkey brands, confirmed to WND that the company’s whole turkeys are – without being labeled as such – slaughtered according to Islamic “halal” standards…Multiple phone representatives at Butterball confirmed the turkeys are slaughtered according to halal standards, and one named Tracy (she declined to give her last name) further confirmed the words of Islamic dedication are spoken over the birds.  Has your Thanksgiving turkey been sacrificed to idols? http://www.wnd.com/?pageId=370177#ixzz1eRWF91z4

Then the Prophet asks the questions if Christians should eat such meat.

Presuming that WND is correct, this does seem to be a bit unusual.  Perhaps I should add that the above article also states that Butterball is not the only company that allows Islamic prayers over turkeys (there also may be Islamic prayers over other slaughtered animals as well).

Some people find such practices offensive.  And it does show that there is increased Islamic influence in the USA.

But should Christians be willing to eat such meat?

The Prophet responds that it is OK to eat the turkey as long as you do not offend your guests if you tell them that a Muslim prayed over the turkey.  He uses Paul as his defense:

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:4-13)
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” (1 Corinthians 10:27-28)

I am glad that is all settled!  Now I don't have to throw out my Butterball turkey!.  As if I would anyway!

Love Your Enemies or Pray That They Die?

While I find 95% of what Apostle Malm posts to be total nonsense, I had to laugh today when a reader on his blog said that they are praying that his time be cut short for his attacks against the UCG.  Such loving qualities that Armstrongism has breed into it's mindset!

If UCG and the rest of the COG's truly followed the teachings of Jesus then they would be turning the other cheek and praying that God would love and bless their "enemies."  Instead they cling to their old covenant idolatry and revel in the blood, guts and gore of vengeance being poured out on enemies.

The COG has had numerous people who had said that they pray that God kills critics, gives them cancer, cuts their life short, etc.  Weinland prays that his accusers be struck dead. Neville Stevens cult prays that God will strike down their oppressors and if God doesn't do it then they will do it. 

Your time spewing this filth is short! Prayers will be going up to the Father to shut down such falshood and lies, …distortions of the facts, …totally immoral approach to situations, …not to mention unChristian-like behavior and slander. I am a member of the body of Christ and I, like many others, have Spiritual discernment. You are NOT the owner of all of God’s thoughts on these matters. As a matter of fact, …you have no idea how God looks at these matters. If you did, you would have a different approach. You slander, accuse, slant, spin and even change your tactics as the previous ones show fruitless towards your cause.

You are of your father, and you do his will. But my Father will not continue to sit idly by while you stir the pot of strife, …6 things the Lord hates – YES seven are an abomination, …let the reader understand!! You, James, are guilty of the #7. I fear for you. I pray for you, …and at the same time I pray that God shuts down your ability to attack the members of His body with lies and defamation!! I call on all those who read this message and are ‘of the body of Christ’ that they will join in prayer with me. For the prayers of the righteous avails much!! Please, children of God, look at the lies this man is publishing and ask God to deny him the power any longer.

NO COG is perfect. They were not in the 1st century. All men do need to repent!! Even this man, James!! I pray for repentance for him!! He is guilty of much that displeases God, as we all are!

James- – - Pick another battle!! Pick another leader!! You are following the father of lies!! I do pray for you, as I pray against the work of your hands and the evil desires of your heart!!

In the name of Jesus Christ, I ask you to step aside from such an evil cause. I understand you think your are doing a noble thing. I’m sure Judas thought he was correct as well when he sold out Christ for a few pieces of silver. He later realized his MASSIVE mistake. I pray that you see yours, …before it is too late!! REPENT!! Stand on truth and NOT SPIN!! Get rid of the rotten agenda!! …whatever it is, it is NOT of God!!

I am going to pray ,,,,…..Please, all others join me!!

"This use of logic when it suits Vik Kubik and the COE is appalling."

A reader on Malm's blog commented on the Zambia cattle situation and compared it to UCG taking a building from the Houston members for their own use when COGWA split. 

UCG would do well to stop all of it's silliness in this stupid cattle fiasco and move on.  Instead they are digging the hole deeper and making total asses of themselves.

It is interesting that the Houston Church Building which was paid for by the brethren in Houston had to be relinquished to UCG because of the “law.” That building was an outcome of the Houston brethren’s, donations and labor contributions (there are many that are involved in the construction field). The building was turned over to UCG (100% paid). The brethren there thought that the documents prepared by UCG’s attorney would protect them. Alas, they did not. With about 95% of the Houston members leaving UCG, they would have the same claim as Vik is making here in this case. The members that contributed the majority of the funds left with COGWA. It came down to the Houston COGwa congregation taking the high road and not wanting to take UCG to court.

This use of logic when it suits Vik Kubik and the COE is appalling. This letter also demonstrates what has been the continual problem with this management team. Half truths and in some cases flat out lies.

As far as the name changes, one would have to be familiar with the laws in these countries as to the ease of changing names. It might not be a simple matter as it would be in the US.

Verdict: "GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY."

Prophet Thiel has made up a list of "charges" against Ron Weinland that "prove" he is a false prophet:

Some of these "charges" can be taken and inserted with Rod Meredith's name and thus would equally apply to him!  Shall we make our own list of failed false prophecies of Rod Meredith?

Charge 1: He falsely claimed that he was given power on April 17, 2008 as that was the start of the Great Tribulation, according to him, and that the real others could not see this is that the Great Tribulation at that time was supposed spiritual.  His own testimony convicted him as he later claimed that the Great Tribulation began on December 14, 2008.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 2: He claimed that his wife Laura was the second of God’s two witnesses effective on April 17, 2008, the supposed start of the 3 1/2 years of the two witnesses gaining power (cf. Revelation 11).  Neither Ronald Weinland nor his wife Laura have displayed any of the miraculous powers of God’s two witnesses.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 3: He wrote in his 2008 God’s Final Witness book that various leaders in the Living Church of God, United Church of God, and Philadelphia Church of God would die towards the beginning of his Great Tribulation.  None have, and since according to his own statements, the Great Tribulation is mostly over.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND CLAIMING TO BE ONE OF THE TWO WITNESSES AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 4: He falsely claimed that a little after April 2008, the US dollar would be worthless.  The US dollar is still valuable.  And apparently according to the IRS, so valuable to Ronald Weinland that he allegedly “did willfully attempt to evade and defeat the payment of a large part of the income tax due and owing by him to the United States of America for the calendar year 2008″ on “or about October 15, 2009″ according to federal documents.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 5: Ronald Weinland claimed that if the USA was not nuked by June 2008, he would resign, admit he was false, and never preach again.  The USA was not nuked, he did not resign, he continues to preach, and has not publicly admitted that he was false.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 6: He falsely claimed that the USA would not get a new president to take office in January 2009.  Yet, on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama became USA’s 44th president.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE PROPHET AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 7: He claims to be part of the Church of God, yet instead has repeatedly denied the deity of Jesus.  The Bible teaches that Jesus is God.  Verdict: GUILTY OF HERESY AND APOSTASY.

Charge 8: On August 8, 2009 he falsely declared that 2008 was God’s final witness.  That is false.  By definition the two witnesses are supposed to give a witness.  His own words again convict him.  Furthermore, he and his wife Laura have not been effective witnesses.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 9:  On December 19, 2009 he falsely declared himself to be the final Elijah.  Yet that 1) contracts his own writing {Weinland R.  The Prophesied END-TIME. 2004, pp. 73, 75, 85, 89, 106, 108} and 2) that simply is not true.  Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

Charge 10: Ronald Weinland continues to preach and teach false information about the Great Tribulation and the return of Jesus Christ–which he now claims will be May 27, 2012.  This is not possible as certain biblically-required events have not occurred (see, for example, Matthew 24).   Verdict: GUILTY OF BEING A FALSE WITNESS AND SPEAKING PRESUMPTUOUSLY.

"The Culling of the Flock"

Check out a well researched article by Jason about the demise of Armstrongism on A Cult In Decline – Armstrongism In The 21st Century

The Culling of the Flock 

Recruiting however, was only one side of the coin. Once the recruit was in place, great effort was made to keep them attending and to keep them loyal. The WCG was undeniably a very successful church in its day. If the numerous co-worker letters are to be believed, the WCG grew at a steady rate of 30% a year. It would be fantastic if these claims were verifiable, (especially turnover figures) sadly however, they are not.

What we do know is that during the entire course of Herbert Armstrong’s reign, there was never a shortage of members who became unhappy and left the cult. Whether it was because they took issue with doctrines like D&R and makeup, or because they became disillusioned with HWA’s heavy-handed leadership and his constant requests for money, people were always leaving. The never-ending battle waged by those in power was one of damage-control: a constant search for the disaffected, a race to find these “rotten apples” and stop the spread of their discontent before it could affect others.

In the end, the tactics of selective recruiting & culling the herd left the deck stacked highly in Armstrong’s favor. As the years progressed, the group grew to become something other than just a religion. Eventually, it became – at least to the vast majority – a Cult of Personality.