Van Robison on "Biblical" Archaeology

"Biblical" Archaeology

I am not sure that it is humanly possible to not have bias.  Archaeology is a field in which there are obvious highly emotional and intense feelings about the past.  I know that at one time Ambassador College was involved in a Archaeology dig in the Middle East.  Ambassador College or perhaps the Worldwide Church of God spent a considerable amount of money to shovel dirt according to "The Painful Truth, Ambassador Report,  Ambassador College's Participation in Jerusalem Dig Ends."

I seriously doubt that "evidence" unearthed really validates much of the "Old" Testament as many proclaim.  Naturally there is a vested interest in archaeology and it not only applies to the Middle East, but other areas around the world as well.  Everyone with a vested interest is naturally going to "validate" their cherished beliefs through ancient writings, archaeology or by whatever means.  On the other hand there is always that other point of view, such as that of Thomas L. Thompson and his book "The Mythic Past: Biblical Archaeology and the Myth of Israel."  In "World Ages Archive.com",  Daniel Lazare (Harper's Magazine, March 2002) penned "False Testament: Archaeology Refutes the Bible's Claim to History."

Those who write articles or books and make claims such as Thomas L. Thompson and Daniel Lazare (and there are many more), are always ripped to shreds.  Voices on both sides of an issue have their reasons for
what they believe is "truth."  On the other side of the coin are people like William F. Albright who is supposedly an "expert" on Biblical archaeology.  William F. Albright is also taken to task by those who oppose his conclusions found in dirt and his methods by which he comes to his conclusions.  I have the personal sense that some people find "evidence" for "Old" (cobwebs and all) Testament validation in every shovel full of dirt they turn over.

It is said that FAKE "Biblical" relics have been produced and have found their way into museums around the world and of course at great $expense to the "history" museums.  So a court says the relics are "valid", but does that make them really valid?  What if the court also has a vested interest?  Then what?  Should we believe just because someone says something is "true?"  I think those of us who have learned the hard way that voices who say something is "true" according to what they say is "true", have learned from experience, that there is valid reason to doubt and to question and never assume something is "true" just because someone says it is.

When we read that "archaeology proves Old Testament history is true", does that then make it so?  In regard to the flood of Noah, there are voices that make the assertion that the worldwide flood is "true" and on the other hand there are voices, which to my thinking are much more believable, that say the worldwide flood never happened and the "ark" of Noah is pure myth.  In our modern world there are innumerable authors who write FICTION and their books are found in book stores the world over.  There are also movie producers who manufacture fictional moves such as "Star Wars" and so what makes ancient writers all authors of "true history" as opposed to fictional stories?

Are we really to believe that a young man with a sling and a stone, killed a giant called "Goliath", while all the highly trained military men cowered in fear?  Who would really believe that in the modern world, a non-military man could possibly come to the forefront of the military and be a champion?  It would not be possible.  Who would believe that because a man called Sampson had long hair, that was the source of his strength and when he was seduced by a woman who cut his hair, his supernatural strength vanished?  Of course the "Old" Testament is overrun with such stories, that are more like "Little Red Riding Hood" and "The Three Little Pigs" that we all know are fairy tales.  Why do millions believe these stories as if God was the author?  Is the reality that men have created God in their own fictional stories?

Some people never learn.  Even in the courts of "law" there have many who were innocent and yet suffered, because the courts said they were "guilty."  We all lean toward what we want to believe and we may or may not be right.  Yet still, it is better to question and never take for granted that something is true, just because someone or voices say something is true.  All ex-Worldwide Church of God people know beyond doubt that they were deceived and so from that experience. why should anyone believe that "archaeology proves the O.T. is true?"  Anyone with a vested interest will always make assertions that may have fatal flaws.  Personally I doubt that anyone knows where the tomb of Jesus was or is.  I doubt that anyone really knows the absolute truth about the many questions regarding the pyramids.  Tourism brings a great deal of $money into the pockets of those who promote "sacred" places.


Van Robison

Van Robison: "Fear Is A Tool"

FEAR IS A TOOL

The Bible is chalk full of FEAR.  The Bible even says to "fear God" and at the same time it says that "there is no fear in love."  Contradiction?  Yes, to those of us who think, but not to Bible apologists, who move heaven and earth to defend the indefensible.  If God is LOVE, then why would He expect His human creation to live in FEAR of Him?  Perhaps a better alternative is to respect God, because He is really about LOVE, although the Bible in many parts portrays Him abysmally otherwise.

In the story about Ananias and Sapphira in the book of Acts, we read that God supposedly struck these two people down dead at the feet of Peter, over $money matters and lying.  This story is pure fiction!  If it really did happen, then God could not possibly be responsible.  Why is that so?  Simply because it so contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ, that it makes no sense.  In another account in the Gospels, we read that two of the disciples of Jesus wanted to call down fire out of heaven and consume some folks that they had issues with, to which Jesus rebuked them saying that He (Jesus Christ) came NOT to destroy the lives of men, but to SAVE.  How is it possible that Jesus could teach "do unto others as you would have them do unto you", "love your neighbor as you love yourself", "blessed are the peacemakers", "blessed are the meek", "love your enemies", "turn the other cheek" and so forth and at the same time, strike down Ananias and Sapphira at the feet of Peter???  It is absurd!

I have an answer.  The answer is God did NOT do it, but someone wrote that He did.  Men have always placed words in the mouth of God that He never spoke, and attributed events to God that God is not responsible for.  The flood of Noah and the ark for example (another fairy tale).  We all know that the Roman Catholic Church traces (falsely) its origin to Peter, and does anyone sense that there must be suspicion surrounding the fable of Ananias and Sapphira as attributed to God?  Perhaps religious leaders and rulers have always wanted common people to live in FEAR of their false authority, and fear that they might just contract leprosy or cancer or something if they do not obey the rulers.  Perhaps "Pope Peter" was NOT the fisherman that Jesus hand picked to be a witness about Him, but is a fictional character.

A very similar fable is found in the Old Testament where we read that Korah and those with him, including the women, innocent children and babies were swallowed up by the earth opening up under their feet, because Korah and certain men with him voiced opinions contrary to Moses.  It is attributed to God, as are many other myths and legends of lying scribes.  If Jesus Christ is indeed the same yesterday, today and forever, then there is no possible way that Jesus Christ was also God of the Old Testament as so many proclaim.  The contradictions on display in the writings called "the Bible" are so glaring that even a cave man can see them.  Even a dinosaur must know that there are issues with the so called "Bible" that make no sense.  Apparently cave men are more discerning than modern day Bible apologists, who come unglued when challenged over Bible foolishness.

In Romans 13 the reader is led to believe that rulers of men are "not a terror to good works, but to the evil" and of course consequently "obey the rulers, because they are so concerned about your welfare, that they keep a close watch for your protection and security."  HOGWASH!  History is awash with the horrors of rulers who have slaughtered the innocents of life by the countless millions.  In fact, if indeed rulers were not a terror to good works, but to the evil only, then Jesus Christ would never have been crucified, because He was nothing but GOOD.  Anyone who has read a little history knows how insane many rulers of nations have been and how they have been responsible for the horrible deaths of their own family members, as well as millions of others that they considered their "enemies."  How then can anyone believe that God "inspired" words such as "obey those who have the rule over you?"  Do we obey terrorists in power?

Naturally the Worldwide Church of God and its disfigured offspring teach that it is God who expects the common people to "obey" their false authority.  The same is true of all human governments who proclaim "its the law", which of course are "laws" of those who control.  The churches and governments are twins, because they both demand obedience upon threat that "its the law."  Natural laws of physics such as gravity are in place and we all know they are real.  However the "laws" of men and of religions of men are penned in INK on PAPER and are about as useful as newspapers for starting a fire.  Humans are forever making "laws", which gives them the excuse to control and snatch your money from your pocketbook.  Of course as with most things in life, the rulers exclaim that it is for your "good", your "protection", "your security" and "your well being."  Hee haw!!!


Van Robison

Larry McElroy: "SUCH GARBAGE WAS DUMPED ON THE MINISTRY!"

The latest Restored Church of God minister that has had a "mind washing" is Larry McElroy.  He has his own version of  his escape from being blinded by subtle demonic doctrines and teachings in WCG and UCG.

What shocked him the most about WCG was that Tkach Sr. made this comment:

“The sign of true Christians is faith in Christ, not keeping the annual festivals. So, like the Sabbath, we keep the festivals to celebrate salvation in Christ”

McElroy writes:

SUCH GARBAGE WAS DUMPED ON THE MINISTRY! Where was the outrage? I pounded my fist on my desk when I read this!

What's really outrageous that a man who claims to be a "christian" is outraged that some one tells him that the sign of a true Christian is that they have faith in Christ.  McElroy would rather be doing something, law keeping, sabbath keeping, not wearing earrings, not having his wife wear make up, etc, rather than just having faith in Christ.  Anyone religious or not knows that the sign of a Christian is that they have faith in Christ.  Yet the idiots in far right-field Armstrongism are too dumb to see that.

Later the behavior of numerous ministers’ children was like a kick in the stomach, with some marrying outside the Church. How could this be (ll Cor. 6:14-18)? The results were inevitable—several went back to the world, keeping Christmas and other pagan holidays, and never returned to the WCG. Next, the dress code went into a nose dive—long hair and earrings for men and revealing outfits and make-up for girls—all done to accommodate the world!

McElroy then like all rats on sinking ships, jumps  to United Church of God, where he is looking to be disgusted again.  Of course they immediately find all kinds of things wrong:

My first meeting with UCG pastors and elders was in 1995. An evangelist, now leader of UCG, came to Phoenix. A meeting was held with the pastors, local church elders and a few deacons—a large group, as Phoenix had three UCG congregations. The evangelist asked for questions. The first came quickly from a pastor: “When do we get a raise?” I couldn’t believe my ears—after all that had happened, this was crude! But it was also very telling—the word “hireling” comes to mind. Where was the love for the brethren? Where was the desire to lead God’s people to safety? Later in the meeting, finances were discussed. After some discussion, I raised my hand and commented, “Mr. Armstrong said we should prepare to lower our standard of living.” That comment was the “lead balloon” of the day!

Later my wife and I attended the 2nd and 3rd conferences of UCG, held in Cincinnati, OH, and Louisville, KY, respectively. Our first conference had to some degree a Feast-like atmosphere, but it featured wrong government, voting, politicking and coveting for power. Several major questions were asked: “How soon before we get insurance? How soon do we have retirement?”

What an outrage!

He goes on:

At the 1996/7 UCG conferences, we witnessed several things that were mind-boggling, but they seemed to faze no one:

• Those nominated to be on the Council of Elders posted resumes including their titles and accomplishments, and why they would be good for the position.

• After the 1996 elections, one newly elected council member came by us and said in a loud voice and with raised arms, “hey, we won—let’s go out and celebrate!” I couldn’t believe my ears. I Iooked at my wife; she looked at me—how could anyone treat such a responsibility so superficially, so flamboyantly?

• Voting to change church doctrine became an option

• The designation of a “Home Office,” not a “Headquarters.”

Isn't it outrageous that that called their HQ a Home Office instead of a Headquarters?  How STUPID can these COG people get!  So I guess that because Pack calls his church HQ a Headquarters then that's what makes them a true church?  How stupid!

He ends with:

We got it! The adventure of a lifetime began—the journey to find the true Church of God. We were yet to wander in a toxic spiritual wilderness for some time. There were many lessons for us to learn—even unlearn. But eventually we arrived “back home.”

Today, an increasing number are returning to the full Truth they once loved. They see the dramatic difference between The Restored Church of God and the splinter groups. They see the unity of purpose and doctrinal purity found nowhere else. They see God’s hand in His one, undivided unified Church.

"Everything is glorious in Restored Church of God.  We have the worlds largest and fastest growing Church of God.  We have the ONLY end time Apostle as leader, we call our headquarters a HEADQUARTERS instead of the wimpy, effeminate Home Office, we talk about law all the time, we anoint our eyes, WE ARE THE BEST!"

Like all the other moronic letters written on Pack's corny blog for defecting Church of God ministers, there is no mention of Jesus. Jesus is irrelevant to the law.  Not wearing make-up, not voting, not marrying outside the church, and law keeping carry far more weight than Jesus does.

You can read this rather boring and sad letter that truly says nothing worthwhile here:

A Group Started on the Wrong Foundation—Another Voice Speaks Out