Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God, The

Rating:
Summary: Much to consider here
Review: A more pointed exploration and analysis of the flawed theology Herbert Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God was founded upon than was "Transformed by Truth", also authored by present day WCG leadership.

In this sense "TLWCG" breaks new ground in that one of the WCG's present day leaders goes on record in acknowledging that Armstrong's claims he was "the Elijah to come", who as God's one and only true end time apostle had sole authority to interpret and even challenge canonized scripture, were the false teachings of a heretic.

TLWCG accomplishes this without unnecessarily judging Armstrong, or delving into any of the scandals associated with his name that are now publicly available in this information age, which is the best approach given the fact that the person of Armstrong admittedly remains a sensitive one personally for the author, as well as in the WCG overall.

Seems to defend holding onto the totalitarian structure Armstrong established and taught as "God's only true form of government", by reasoning that without it doctrinal correction could not have occurred which, while true, overlooks the fact that without it such drastic corrections would not have been necessary. Unorthodox doctrine (that surely both lay members and some in ministry must have questioned over the years) was corrected, but one is left to wonder how much accountability and affirmation may remain a respecter of persons within the church at large, or how well officials whom have sole discretion to decide such matters might be able to adapt to any real change in the hierarchal paradigm.

Mr. Feazell offers an exceptional insider's assessment of the journey of the Worldwide Church of God from its start to the present.

Rating:
Summary: Let Freedom Ring
Review: A sound theological base is vital to the spiritual health of any church organization. In this book, J. Michael Feazell lays out the errant theological history of the old Worldwide Church of God and engages the reader in a fascinating personal and corporate journey ending in that church's embracing of Christian orthodoxy. In this accurate and painfully honest account from an insider's perspective, Feazell is unflinching in his examination of Herbert Armstrong's church under the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He wisely chooses not to vilify or judge Armstrong, however, revealing him for what he was in reality, simply a fallible human. He describes how easy it is to fall into error when a charismatic leader offers believable solutions to Christian nominalism and the sense of "unravelling" that occurs when people are confronted by a world they believe to be on a downward moral and behavioral spiral. Feazell shows how appealing religious legalism and transactionalism can be to those inclined to "law and order" and how readily some with a need to be "right" can accept an "only true church" mentality. The good news he presents is that it doesn't have to be this way. Through an honest appeciation for sound biblical scholarship and a willingness to "listen" to the word, he shows where peace and healing are available and that one really can be free to rest solely in Christ.

Besides being an interesting and informative read, I found this book important in two other ways. First, it can help people in the new Worldwide Church of God who struggle with a lingering false identity rooted in tradition and who continue to carry various forms of residual baggage. Feazell's clear annunciation of the New Testament message, especially in the areas of the New Covenant and our freedom in Christ, would serve to help those whose cultural identities remain partially obscured from the effects of years in legalism, to complete trust in Christ alone. Secondly, for those outside the church's fellowship, the book sends a powerful message warning against the dangers inherent in lack of education and disdain for Christian theology, history and doctrine. Any church or movement can benefit from Mr. Feazell's analysis and prevent or correct the evils that flow from exclusivist teaching and legalism. While exposing the heartache resulting from the bad fruits of an aberrant theology, this book is really one of hope and encouragement. It offers liberation through the power of the gospel to any individual or church that find themselves boxed in through fear and guilt, a negative worldview or the need to feel important. Mr. Feazell's book, like the title of the first chapter, may well prove to be a "crack in the dam" against the psychological and religious forces that seek to keep people in bondage. It deserves a wide reading.

Rating:
Summary: A church takes courage to make needed changes
Review: I came in contact with Herbert W. Armstrong and what was then called the "Radio Church of God" in another time, in 1956. Then, in 1958 I came to "God's own college" - the church's Ambassador College - answering Armstrong's call to young people to share in the telling of a Christian message that he claimed had not been preached for 1900 years.

I have worked most of my adult life for the Worldwide Church of God, and many of those years were lived under the shadow of this charismatic leader. Then came the turbulent years of doctrinal changes, which drastically altered my life and turned it right side up.

When I heard that Mike Feazell's "inside story" of the Worldwide Church of God was being published, I was quite anxious to read his personal experiences. We had lived through a miraculous liberation of the Worldwide Church of God from false religious teaching. I wanted to hear the full story from someone who was "in at the creation," so to speak.

I found the book so compelling that I essentially read it at "one sitting" over a recent weekend. I believe most people will be astounded at the story as well. If you want to understand - both intellectually and emotionally - what it was like to be a member of and actually live and work at the pulsating hub of what Ruth Tucker has called "an unorthodox fringe church," then you will find this book a fascinating, instructive and sobering read. Most exciting and exhilarating is Feazell's recounting of the period when the actual spiritual liberation of the church occurred during the last dozen or so years. Reading his book immersed me into those years once again -- the time when we were confronted with the real truth about belief after belief that we had once accepted as "gospel truth."

We all know what it's like to live through revolutionary times, as our age has been one of change upon change. To be immersed in the world of religious change - and to experience it even vicariously - is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Mike Feazell's book provides all of us - whether we were a part of the old Worldwide Church of God or had never heard of it - with the chance to understand what it means to face the truth and finally to be able to let go of beliefs on which we had once staked our lives, but had come to find out were simply wrong and unbiblical.

Rating:
Summary: Never Fear The Truth
Review: I felt the book was candid and honest. Having been married to a long time member of the WCG I'm very familiar with HWA's theology. Many long time members, like my wife, weren't able to study the Bible without seeing everything through the eye's of Herbert Armstrong. Amazingly enough, if the Bible said one thing they would believe the opposite because that's what HWA taught them and individuals in his church just couldn't see that it was Him (HWA) they believed in not the Bible. They replace their hunger to get closer to God with a hunger to follow "God's end time man". The book was honest and insightful. To reach the highest levels in the organization and then admit that you've spent four life following a lie, must of been difficult to do. Then to make the changes they did is remarkable. The new church leadership could of left everything as it was and lived a very comfortable lifestyle: cars, lavish homes, private jet. The Holy spirit was truly at work in their hearts. God is good. I also feel their was a lot more Mr. Feazell could of said about Herbert Armstrong and the goings on in the church that would of been helpful to people still attending some of the offshoot church's that still preach Armstrongism. Overall it's a must read for those that still haven't faced the fact that HWA was not an Apostle just a man who was able to convince a lot of people to believe in him.

Rating:
Summary: I agree with Wisdom's Child
Review: No, I've yet to read this book (though I'm sure I'd find it quite interesting!)

However, I grew up in the Church. I had a parent who worked at Headquarters, and got to see some of the evils of this church first hand- and if you ask me, the evils got worse with the take-over by Joseph Tkach Sr. When Sr. died, and his son (the current Pastor General) took over, I had enough. I was only 16, but knew in my heart and head that I would be a hypocrite to stay in that kind of
organization.

Mr. Armstrong obviously was full of himself. He wanted things HIS way. But you didn't start to see utter chaos until after his death. It's a crying shame. I'd love to have someone write the REAL story of this church from start to finish.

Rating:
Summary: "Liberated, or Hijacked!"
Review: The title of this book is very misleading! The Worldwide Church of God did not need to be liberated from anything. Those who were its members at the time of the death of Herbert Armstrong were content with its basic doctrines. It was a growing and thriving church, with its mission of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world as a witness. It was not a cult; it did not twist anyone's arm to join it. In fact, it was content to remain relatively small in overall numbers. Members were free to come and go as they pleased, and if they did not agree with its doctrines that differed from "mainstream Christianity," (such as keeping the 7th day Sabbath, and observing "Jewish" Holy days such as Passover, the Day of Atomement, etc. instead of Easter, Christmas, etc.) then the WCG would recommend that they not attend its services!
But with the death of Armstrong in 1986, the leadership of the WCG fell into the hands of Joseph Tkach, his son, and others like Mike Feazell. At first they deceived the membership by pretending to remain loyal to the original doctrines of the Church. Then, near the end of his life, Joseph Tkach began to make wholesale changes. These changes escalated under the pastorship of his son, Joe Tkach, Jr., who succeeded him. The Destruction, not the Liberation of the WCG was now in full gear. The membership of the WCG saw the sad mismanagement of Tkach and Feazell, and began to leave in droves. The WCG owned two beautiful and first rate college campuses, one in east Texas, and the other in Pasadena, CA. These campuses, along with many other assets the WCG owned, have now been sold off and the proceeds pocketed by the elite group (ie Tkach and Feazell, et al) who now control the remanant of the WCG. Herbert Armstrong was a man of vision who was instrumental in building a worldwide Work. The current church leadership is merely a bunch of little, greedy men who have built nothing! They did not liberate the WCG, but hijacked it and plundered its wealth for their own personal gain. I wonder Who will liberate it from them!!!

Rating:
Summary: "Liberated, or Hijacked!"
Review: The title of this book is very misleading! The Worldwide Church of God did not need to be liberated from anything. Those who were its members at the time of the death of Herbert Armstrong were content with its basic doctrines. It was a growing and thriving church, with its mission of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world as a witness. It was not a cult; it did not twist anyone's arm to joint it. In fact, it was content to remain relatively small in overall numbers. Members were free to come and go as they pleased, and if you did not agree with its doctrines that differed from "mainstream Christianity," (such as keeping the 7th day sabbath, and observing "Jewish" holy days such as Passover, the Day of Atomement, etc. instead of Easter, Christmas, etc.) then the WCG would recommend that you not attend its services!
But with the death of HWA in 1986, the leadership of the WCG fell into the hands of Joseph Tkach, his son, and others like Mike Feazell. At first they deceived the membership by pretending to remain loyal to the original doctrines of the Church. Then, near the end of his life, Joseph Tkach began to make wholesale changes. These changes escalated under the pastorship of his son, Joe Tkach, Jr., who succeeded him. The Destruction, not the Liberation of the WCG was now in full gear. The membership of the WCG saw the sad mismanagement of Tkach and Feazell, and began to leave in droves. The WCG owned two beautiful and first rate college campuses, one in east Texas, and the other in Pasadena, CA. These campuses, along with many other assets the WCG owned, have now been sold off and the proceeds pocketed by the elite group (ie Tkach and Feazell, et al)who now control the remanant of the WCG. Herbert Armstrong was a man of vision who was instrumental in building a worldwide Work. The current church leadership is merely a bunch of little, greedy men who have built nothing! They did not liberate the WCG, but hijacked it and plundered its wealth for their own personal gain. I wonder Who will liberate it from them!!!

Rating:
Summary: Destruction of a Church
Review: The very first thing I would like to say about this book is that I will not fault Mr. Feazell his opinion. On the other hand, it's just that -- an opinion. At certain points in the book, his opinion is much closer to reality than at other points.

To give two opposing examples, Mr. Feazell states on page 98, "I will go so far as to say that Sabbatarianism prevents anyone who believes in it from coming fully to the freedom of the gospel." His reasoning for this is that, based on his experience, everyone who keeps the seventh-day Sabbath believes that Sabbath-keeping is a salvation issue. Fortunately, there ARE Sabbatarians who do not believe that way. One of the largest of such groups is called "Messianic Judaism," which believes that God has called Israelites and Gentiles to different roles. (See Acts 21:17-25, Rom. 3:1-2, 1 Cor. 7:18 and Col. 2:16-17 in particular.) It's true that most if not all of the membership of the WCG felt that way however, and in that, I agree with Mr. Feazell.

On the other hand, Feazell states that Armstrong's understanding of biblical healing came from an experience he had in his early years. He then proceeded to base his entire doctrine on healing on that one experience. Just from my own reading of the bible, there were three examples of Jesus healing blindness in the bible, and He did it in three DIFFERENT ways. If each of the people who had been healed by Jesus had gone and started their own denominations based on their one experience, we might have seen something similar to what happened with Herbert Armstrong and the WCG. Yes, the understanding of biblical healing was a legitimate problem that the WCG had.

Mr. Feazell was unfortunately not smart enough to understand what the WCG was all about. I do not mean to criticize him -- I'm simply stating it as a fact. Most people, whether within our outside the WCG, never understood it. I'll give one simple example to illustrate my point. There was a great amount of criticism, by both members and non-members, of the "opulent lifestyle" of Mr. Armstrong. Unfortunately, what they didn't grasp is that he believed the Kingdom of God to be an earthly kingdom that would be established at some point in the future, in which all of the riches of this world could not compare. If one could not learn to appreciate physical blessings and learn to be responsible with wealth here and now, it would be all the more difficult in the Kingdom. Whether Armstrong was correct in his understanding of the Kingdom or not (and I happen to agree with him), HARDLY ANYONE UNDERSTOOD THIS PREMISE. Although the finances of WCG weren't "squeaky clean" and the wealth WAS abused by some in the ministry, the accumulation of wealth by the WCG wasn't entirely wrong. In the exact same way, if one goes to some of the towns of western Europe where the houses are plain and simple, the town church is often highly extravagant and ornate. The townspeople contributed, over generations, to creating a beautiful place to worship which they felt glorified God.

The final problem with Mr. Feazell's analysis -- and, frankly, most of Christianity -- is that they have a great deal of trouble grasping the principle that there can be more than one right way to interpret the bible. To give a simple example, the Worldwide Church of God was well-known for preaching that we are NOT "born again now," but that this spiritual birth takes place when Jesus Christ returns and our bodies are changed from flesh to spirit. A proper reading of John 3:8 supports this interpretation. However, 1 Peter 1:3 and other, similar verses make it clear that being "born again" is something that happens during this lifetime. BOTH INTERPRETATIONS ARE CORRECT. (By the way, the doctrine that the Kingdom of God exists now and the doctrine that it is yet in the future is another example of two correct interpretations.) If Christianity -- including the WCG splits that still believe and practice a majority of the old WCG doctrines -- would realize that a lot of their doctrinal differences are the result of having different but equally correct interpretations, there would be a lot more peace and unity within the body of Christ.

In the final analysis, the WCG's migration from cult to "mainstream" status could have been handled much more effectively than it was. On pages 115-117, Mr. Feazell explains the reasoning as to why the church leadership tried its best to hide the process of change from the laity, citing the cult mentality of the laity as THE barrier to effective change. To that, I say two things: first, no lie is of the Truth -- and they LIED to the laity in telling them that nothing was being changed -- and secondly, if the cult mentality is the problem, then change the cult mentality BEFORE changing any doctrines!

In my opinion, the changes that took place in the WCG constitute the biggest religious disaster in years. There are still hundreds of splits from the WCG that hold nearly the same doctrines as before the changes. They have not been healed or bound up, so to speak (quoting Isaiah 61:1-2). Everyone seems to be focusing instead on the "miracle" of the mainstreaming of the "stump" of the eviscerated tree.

The leadership of the WCG did not have the tools to make effective change, either. Because the entire organization was infected with an attitude of negativity and judgmentalism, THAT needed to be cured first, and the leadership just didn't know how to do that. Trust should have been won first, rather than changing doctrines. Secondly, the same goes for the WCG leadership as what I said concerning Mr. Feazell. They just weren't smart enough to discern between what WAS true and correct -- even though it was almost unique to the WCG -- what teachings had to be modified, and what had to go. Again, I'm not criticizing them, I'm just stating the facts.

There are lessons to be learned from what happened with the WCG -- both in what went right and what went wrong. This is where I feel that this book has its greatest strength, although the reader must beware that the author himself makes mistakes in determining what went right or wrong. If one were to approach another "cult" organization with a similar agenda, then one had better beware of making the same mistakes and ultimately leaving the walking wounded in the wake of the "miracle" of doctrinal healing.

Rating:
Summary: Never Fear The Truth
Review: What a load of codswallop this all is.... The books bad enough, the reviews are even worse (most of them).... The church was ruined, thousands hurt, and nothing worthwhile achieved, and they have fourth rate nobodies bungling whatz left....

Oh well, the falling away was prophesised, we'll see shortly who was right and who was wrong.... You might have to come up with some better material than this to justify your actions Mr Feazell....

Cheerio... :o)

Rating:
Summary: Beware of the Reviews
Review: You will undoubtedly find many extremely negative reviews here. When you are talking about this church, which was once a cult, it is easy to understand that many of the cult members will viciously attack any book that shows their history in an unflattering light.

For the most part, the entire orthodox Christian community has stated exactly what this book states, but it is unique to hear it from an insiders perspective.

So, those one star reviews actually give credence to the author's tome that the Worldwide Church of God needed to be liberated from a religion that created such unloving words and actions like you see in the reviews from those associated with the church before it was Christ-centered.