Flying Free: A Journey from Fundamentalism to Freedom


Book Description

Flying Free thoroughly covers the background of the Worldwide Church Of God (WCG) cult â its history, leadership, doctrines, beliefs and its membership. This book contains never previously published research explaining Herbert Armstrongâs Holiness Quaker upbringing. It also includes extensive research on the WCGâs comparison to a cult, and the characteristics that actually define a cult. Flying Free documents the impact of the Armstrong teachings on individual lives, but then goes on to show a priceless freedom â found in life beyond fundamentalism.Flying Free is a valuable, practical resource for ex-WCG members and for relatives or friends attempting to come to terms with the reality of loved ones joining a cult. It should serve as a warning to those contemplating entering a fundamentalist church. The book also includes a balanced assessment of the origins of the Bible, the authority of the Bible, and an appraisal of organised Christianityâs influence on the individual Christian.







A Peculiar Treasure


Book Description

A woman's personal conviction to begin keeping the seventh-day Sabbath in 1926 would challenge her husband to begin an intensive study to prove her wrong. That study would spawn a new religious movement under Herbert W. Armstrong. A fledgling group would form in 1934, and an audacious media operation would make the Radio Church of God (later named the Worldwide Church of God) grow by 30% per year over the next 35 years. Proclaiming a unique understanding of the Bible, traditional Christian orthodoxy would be challenged, making that church most peculiar indeed. Internal and external forces would alter Herbert Armstrong's view of his own mission, and especially after Loma's death, doctrinal and administrative turmoil would stagger the church for the rest of his life. After his death in 1986, the empire would implode, and successors would dismantle everything that the Armstrong's had built. Was it all just a fantastic, fraudulent escapade-conceived by a lucky and opportunistic salesman-or might it have been a divine Work-God's own peculiar treasure?If it did begin with God's inspiration, why and how did it all go so wrong? Is there anything left of it today that has any redeeming value? These are the questions that will be answered, with evidence to suggest that there is yet an enduring legacy of Herbert and Loma Armstrong.




Raising the Ruins


Book Description

Herbert W. Armstrong was the world's leading televangelist and one of the most prominent religious leaders of the 20th century, watched, read and followed by millions worldwide. But his legacy of Bible-based humanitarianism came under attack after he died. The cabal of leaders who took control of the church he founded, after pledging to "follow in his footsteps," methodically destroyed all he had built. Those who would stop them were silenced or excommunicated. Had it happened in the corporate world, the CEOs and executives responsible for hijacking a corporation and robbing its investors would have been fired, if not prosecuted in a court of law. Never before has this shocking story been told in such riveting detail. Drawing upon official reports, internal memos, court depositions and personal interviews, Stephen Flurry exposes the depth of corruption and deceit that was "Tkachism" - the administration of Joseph Tkach, who succeeded Mr. Armstrong as pastor general of the Worldwide Church of God. In this book you will learn: *How Tkach's men altered doctrines under Mr. Armstrong's nose even before he died. *How the Tkach transformation was driven from the start by an agenda that even shocked most of the top ministers. *How early on, Tkachism brazenly denied its radical changes before the church members. *How Tkachism slashed media operations under the pretense of "wise stewardship"--while income soared at a record $1 billion in five years. *How Tkachism shamefully forced out the very members whose contributions had built the multi-million dollar empire. *How Tkach's men told church members the message of Mr. Armstrong's magnum opus, Mystery of the Ages, was still official, while they secretly trashed 120,000 copies of the book. *How Tkach Jr. considered it his "Christian duty" to stamp out Mr. Armstrong's writings. *How Tkach Jr. nearly achieved that goal in a six-year legal battle, but then, for fear of being exposed, surrendered. *How the marvelous wonder of Mr. Armstrong's work is being raised from the ruins. Worldwide Church of God leaders today present themselves to the mainstream evangelical world as a band of courageous truth-lovers who sacrificed everything to follow Jesus Christ. The stubborn facts of what they did, however, tell a far more sinister story - a story they have done their utmost to keep buried. This book exhumes those facts and exposes them to the furious light of day, as they should have been all along, for your scrutiny. This ebook is offered completely free of charge by the Philadelphia Church of God. However, please not that Google Play will need a verified Google Wallet account which requires your credit card information. In a small number of countries, a temporary authorization of $1 will be charged to your account but will be refunded. This refund can take up to 1 month to process.







Faith: Its Value and Power Within the Unseen Dimension


Book Description

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” These powerful words from Hebrews 11:6 set the stage for a meaningful, inspiring, and life-changing exploration of faith and the faith-filled life. Grounded in scripture, Faith: Its Value and Power within the Unseen Dimension delves deep into the Bible to uncover the role of faith in the life, and ultimate salvation, of humanity. With a background of involvement in the Worldwide Church of God, author Nino Boezio takes readers on a journey of discovery, where they investigate the role of faith in overcoming difficulties, prayer, God’s promises, healing and miracles, human potential, and the relationship God desires to have with His creation. As a parent loves and trains a child, so too does God provide us with opportunities to build our faith and draw closer to Him. Readers will be challenged to reflect on their own belief in God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, to satisfy the purpose for which humans were created, to receive help and encouragement in times of adversity, and to fulfill our ultimate destiny of becoming part of the God family. An honest and well-researched offering, Faith: Its Value and Power within the Unseen Dimension will appeal to readers from all—or no—faith traditions. A powerful resource for group and individual study, this encounter with biblical faith promises to be life-changing.







America's Alternative Religions


Book Description

This is a source of reliable information on the most important new and alternative religions covering history, theology, impact on the culture, and current status. It includes a chapter on the Branch Davidians.