Apostate Sisters: Wine & Spectacles - The Life and Influences of Herbert W. Armstrong, Part 3

 

In this compelling third installment of our exploration into Herbert W. Armstrong and the Worldwide Church of God, Nancy and Patti jump into the tumultuous 1970s, a decade marked by internal power struggles and profound shifts within the church. This episode not only uncovers the behind-the-scenes battles between Armstrong, his son Garner Ted, and his treasurer Stanley Rader, but also reflects on the broader implications these conflicts had on the church and its followers. 

Join us as we also give a sneak peek into our exciting new series, "UnPack-It," where we take a critical and humorous look at the literature from our former cult. Expect to hear our thoughts on some of these outrageous texts and what they really represent. 

We'll share other great content creator by former cult members, as well as shout out some of our favorite content creators who inspire us to continue uncovering truths and promoting a message of care and compassion—emulating the promise of "The World Tomorrow," but on our own terms, free from the shadow of fear. 

Tune in to discover the real stories behind the public façade of the Worldwide Church of God in the 1970s and how these historical insights inform our journey towards healing and understanding today. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and join us as we share stories of our upbringing and our healing journey into freedom from doctrine, and seek to create spaces for others to integrate the experiences of their childhoods.

Crackpot Prophet On Loving His Enemies

 The Church of God way...

The Great Bwana to Africa shares with his 100 Caucasians and African followers how to love their (his) 'enemies'. After all, since he is God's greatest Church of God prophet and teacher to ever exist, he must set the example.

Mercy: Loving your enemies

On the ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies. Can you do that? Why should you? How can you do that? Should you pray for your enemies and do good to them? Can you forgive someone who is not sorry? How can you show mercy to those who hate you? Is God really fair? Why did God allow Adolf Hitler? Will all reap what we sow according to the Apostle Paul? Can your physical and spiritual health be affected by the root of bitterness? Can a little leaven of bitterness hurt you a lot? Are Christians really supposed to control their thoughts? What are some health problems associated with being unwilling to forgive others? Could any of your enemies actually be above you in the Kingdom of God? Could your enemies actually be blinded by Satan and his demons? Did God call you because you were better than others? Have we all be enemies to God? Did Herbert W. Armstrong teach it was difficult to forgive those who intentionally want to cause us harm? What are some passages in the Bible about love, mercy, judgment, faith, and forgiveness? Are Christians actually supposed to strive to be perfect? Could your enemies, after the age to come, actually help make your eternity better? Dr. Thiel addresses those matters and more in this sermon.

Stepping Away From The Church - Going to Hell Together

 

David Archuleta says this song based off what my mom told me a few days after I said I was stepping away from our church. She said she was going to step away too and then said, “If you’re going to hell, we’re all going to hell with you.” While we didn’t look at hell as many people do as Latter-day Saints at the time, and even now my transition out of religion has shifted the idea as a whole for me, I understood the sentiment she meant in what she said, and it meant a lot to me. Thank you for always loving and supporting me mom. ❤️ This song is dedicated to those who show unconditional love in a world where it’s so easy to judge things we don’t fully understand, the way my mom showed that love to me.

This is how many in Armstrongism feel when they first decide to step away from the system they were abused under or have come to realize how way off-base it was theologically. It takes courage to make that first tremendous leap to freedom. Oh, how awesome it is!

ht: Kevn Denee