Long time church members will probably already have heard this, but I was equally surprised to read on the Living Armstrongism blog of the passing away of Sydney Hull on March 13th 2011. He had served as Regional Director of South Africa in the Living Church of God run by Roderick C Meredith, a.k.a. Spanky.
Although we strongly disagree with ministers of Armstrongism, it is no doubt a very sad time for his wife, Dot Hull, who lost her husband - and I do send my sincere condolences on her loss.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Harold Camping Now Says October 21st 2011
Harold Camping remains vigilant with new explanations, and now says October 21st 2011 IS the final date. When May 21st came and went, he now invented a new explanation: http://www.familyradio.com/x/whathappened.html...
One will have to wonder what this guy is going to say on October 22nd 2011.
Will be fun to see. This guy hopes to have nine lives, apparently, and makes quite a mockery of religion with his date-setting.
One will have to wonder what this guy is going to say on October 22nd 2011.
Will be fun to see. This guy hopes to have nine lives, apparently, and makes quite a mockery of religion with his date-setting.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Mind-Control From Leadership
Mind-control from leadership in offshoots of the WCG apparently goes far beyond the time when you are a member in such a cult. When you look at the article "Who's Behind the Burkas?", you will find indications about virtual fatwas going out from ministers in an attempt to silence criticism.
Pure presumption about what God would do to critics.
It never occurs to such minion ministers that they may be doing the work of Satan - in confusing people - and that it is actually in everyone's best interest to expose this type of work.
Without ever presuming a Godsent in this - I would like to add.
Nothing sickens me as much as people needing alibis for what they do. Stand up for your opinions, and don't start calling it a "mission" of anything!
It is an after-effect of the mind-control in cults that people NEED some kind of acceptance before they have the guts to expose the bad things they experienced - and that should be shared among ALL offshoot information agents.
The reason for being online should be to share information that can help others come out of CONFUSION. Not just to bring them into another confused mindset.
So if those who expose this type of information want to be succesful it's time to work fully together, sharing links with one another so that ANYONE interested in coming out of Armstrongism has a chance to get the information they need.
As a consequence of this, the month of August is a month where I will be adding links to sites that are ACTIVE, and BENEFICIAL in sharing with one another. Let blooming plants get more fertilizer, and let those who don't focus on these people caught up in any of the cults of Armstrongism wither.
We NEED to cooperate to be more effective.
Pure presumption about what God would do to critics.
It never occurs to such minion ministers that they may be doing the work of Satan - in confusing people - and that it is actually in everyone's best interest to expose this type of work.
Without ever presuming a Godsent in this - I would like to add.
Nothing sickens me as much as people needing alibis for what they do. Stand up for your opinions, and don't start calling it a "mission" of anything!
It is an after-effect of the mind-control in cults that people NEED some kind of acceptance before they have the guts to expose the bad things they experienced - and that should be shared among ALL offshoot information agents.
The reason for being online should be to share information that can help others come out of CONFUSION. Not just to bring them into another confused mindset.
So if those who expose this type of information want to be succesful it's time to work fully together, sharing links with one another so that ANYONE interested in coming out of Armstrongism has a chance to get the information they need.
As a consequence of this, the month of August is a month where I will be adding links to sites that are ACTIVE, and BENEFICIAL in sharing with one another. Let blooming plants get more fertilizer, and let those who don't focus on these people caught up in any of the cults of Armstrongism wither.
We NEED to cooperate to be more effective.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Getting Rid of Armstrongism Mind-Control
Getting rid of Armstrongism mind-control is a long, and for many slow process. The indoctrination of age-old notes is something you need to get rid of, and teaching an old dog new tricks is difficult. Herbie was right about one thing: it's difficult to unlearn what you have already learned - and this was used very effectively in the repetition for emphasis concept that went through the entire organization, and still does in numerous offshoots today.
Getting rid of Armstrongism is instrumental in allowing you to see what is ACTUALLY written in the Bible. You will find that when you read entire chapters in the proper context that many of the scriptures used to say one thing while within Armstrongism, but a whole new thing once you read what God originally intended to be written.
Have you got rid of old traces of Armstrongism mind-control? Please share your thoughts for others to learn also. Thanks beforehand
Getting rid of Armstrongism is instrumental in allowing you to see what is ACTUALLY written in the Bible. You will find that when you read entire chapters in the proper context that many of the scriptures used to say one thing while within Armstrongism, but a whole new thing once you read what God originally intended to be written.
Have you got rid of old traces of Armstrongism mind-control? Please share your thoughts for others to learn also. Thanks beforehand
Friday, July 29, 2011
Spanky Is At It Again...
Spanky is at it again, this time in his june member letter to the faithfuls. He now emphasises a couple that were spared from a hurricane. Normal thinking people would call it pure coincidence, remembering Ecclesiastes 9:11 which says the following:
The strange part, for those unfamiliar with Armstrongism at its core, is that people were for a long time encouraged to trust in the Lord rather than spend any money on insurances. Naturally, the ministry didn't take quite the same chances - as was documented for many years in the Ambassador Report written by John Trechak.
When people who WERE members were hit by disaster, the Ecclesiastes scripture was used to avoid answering why people were not spared. But if they ever dared ask questions about why it was more important to tithe (to the organization, then the WCG) than to show wise stewardship, they were declared "rebellious"...
So even though it is always good to see people being lucky, it can't be proved to be anything but pure coincidence. Even when Roderick Meredith wants to avoid the historic implications of his wonder story.
Have a nice weekend everyone. :-)
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
The strange part, for those unfamiliar with Armstrongism at its core, is that people were for a long time encouraged to trust in the Lord rather than spend any money on insurances. Naturally, the ministry didn't take quite the same chances - as was documented for many years in the Ambassador Report written by John Trechak.
When people who WERE members were hit by disaster, the Ecclesiastes scripture was used to avoid answering why people were not spared. But if they ever dared ask questions about why it was more important to tithe (to the organization, then the WCG) than to show wise stewardship, they were declared "rebellious"...
So even though it is always good to see people being lucky, it can't be proved to be anything but pure coincidence. Even when Roderick Meredith wants to avoid the historic implications of his wonder story.
Have a nice weekend everyone. :-)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
The Various Perspectives on Bible Translations
When it comes to Bible translations there are various perspectives. Some treat it almost as doctrine that you should use either the King James Version from the 16th century, or the New King James version published in 1982 by Nelson Publishers. In the WCG there was a translation calling for the Moffatt translation. It was used by founder, Herbert Armstrong, and therefore considered almost anathema to call it just a paraphrase.
Nonetheless, and this will come as a shock to some Armstrongites, the Moffatt translation WAS a paraphrase - just as is the New International Version or the Good News Bible traditionally distributed by bible companies all over the globe.
What translation should you use today?
Use the one you feel is easiest to read, and use a concordance for deeper studies along with reference works, a Bible dictionary etc. Don't let others decide what you like best. Studying the Word of God should be pleasurable and easy to read - not a question of what level of reader you are.
So start thinking for yourself, and make your own choices. Choosing YOUR preferred translation is the first step in that positive direction. :-)
Nonetheless, and this will come as a shock to some Armstrongites, the Moffatt translation WAS a paraphrase - just as is the New International Version or the Good News Bible traditionally distributed by bible companies all over the globe.
What translation should you use today?
Use the one you feel is easiest to read, and use a concordance for deeper studies along with reference works, a Bible dictionary etc. Don't let others decide what you like best. Studying the Word of God should be pleasurable and easy to read - not a question of what level of reader you are.
So start thinking for yourself, and make your own choices. Choosing YOUR preferred translation is the first step in that positive direction. :-)
Saturday, June 25, 2011
How to Understand the Original Text of the Bible
How to Understand the Original Text of the Bible
By Henrik V Blunck
There is no doubt about the fact that a good understanding of the original text of the Bible would be enhanced if you could read the original text. But even in situations where you can't read Hebrew or Greek, you can still get a fair understanding of the original with two very important tools.
What Is an Interlinear Bible?
An interlinear Bible provides the Bible text in many translations brought into one Bible. One such title could be "The Word: The Bible from 26 Translations" which provides a fair indication of how the original should be understood.
You will still need a good concordance to understand areas where different translations disagree in the way the text is laid out, but you get a fair perspective relating to nuances.
Finding a Good Concordance
One of the most widely used concordances is definitely Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. This tool has a unique numbering system that can help you greatly in finding words when you can't read the original signs in either hebrew or greek.
Furthermore, many software tools are also keyed to the Strong numbering system, so you will find that investing in the Strong's concordance will be very useful for your Bible study.
Further Tools for Effective Bible Study
There are numerous free Bible study programs, and you will find that many of these are just as good as paid software tools. In fact, the Online Bible has been around ever since the DOS operating system which existed prior to the Windows we know today.
Many people have offered error corrections and these freeware tools have therefore achieved a level of correctness that is certainly praiseworthy - and thus increased the relevance for your own Bible study, and understanding of the text.
In Conclusion
More than books, you should also rely upon the Bible itself. Scriptures relate to one another, and once you mix in context with commentaries from people you trust you will see the Scriptures in a whole new perspective.
In past generations it was believed that the literal understanding was the best, but most scholars will agree that things change. Just as the internet has changed the way we share information with one another, so the text of the Bible should be adapted to the world of today. Such a topic as tax evasion is covered in the words of "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's", but the act of breaking copyright should be seen in light of stealing. Copyright didn't exist, as such, when the Bible was written, but the principles relating to the topic can always be seen in some way in the context of the commandments from God.
I thank you for reading this article, and hope you were helped by the article. Many find it difficult to believe the Bible, but I hope my article can help you restore faith in God. If you wish, you may follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/henrikblunck
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrik_V_Blunck
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Understand-the-Original-Text-of-the-Bible&id=5377575
By Henrik V Blunck
There is no doubt about the fact that a good understanding of the original text of the Bible would be enhanced if you could read the original text. But even in situations where you can't read Hebrew or Greek, you can still get a fair understanding of the original with two very important tools.
- An interlinear Bible
- A good concordance
What Is an Interlinear Bible?
An interlinear Bible provides the Bible text in many translations brought into one Bible. One such title could be "The Word: The Bible from 26 Translations" which provides a fair indication of how the original should be understood.
You will still need a good concordance to understand areas where different translations disagree in the way the text is laid out, but you get a fair perspective relating to nuances.
Finding a Good Concordance
One of the most widely used concordances is definitely Strong's Exhaustive Concordance. This tool has a unique numbering system that can help you greatly in finding words when you can't read the original signs in either hebrew or greek.
Furthermore, many software tools are also keyed to the Strong numbering system, so you will find that investing in the Strong's concordance will be very useful for your Bible study.
Further Tools for Effective Bible Study
There are numerous free Bible study programs, and you will find that many of these are just as good as paid software tools. In fact, the Online Bible has been around ever since the DOS operating system which existed prior to the Windows we know today.
Many people have offered error corrections and these freeware tools have therefore achieved a level of correctness that is certainly praiseworthy - and thus increased the relevance for your own Bible study, and understanding of the text.
In Conclusion
More than books, you should also rely upon the Bible itself. Scriptures relate to one another, and once you mix in context with commentaries from people you trust you will see the Scriptures in a whole new perspective.
In past generations it was believed that the literal understanding was the best, but most scholars will agree that things change. Just as the internet has changed the way we share information with one another, so the text of the Bible should be adapted to the world of today. Such a topic as tax evasion is covered in the words of "Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasar's", but the act of breaking copyright should be seen in light of stealing. Copyright didn't exist, as such, when the Bible was written, but the principles relating to the topic can always be seen in some way in the context of the commandments from God.
I thank you for reading this article, and hope you were helped by the article. Many find it difficult to believe the Bible, but I hope my article can help you restore faith in God. If you wish, you may follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/henrikblunck
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrik_V_Blunck
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Understand-the-Original-Text-of-the-Bible&id=5377575
Friday, June 24, 2011
God Is Not Mocked!
God is not mocked. False prediction forecaster, Harold Camping, apparently suffered a stroke on June 9th 2011. Here's the announcement from their website:
Interesting indeed, and we should be careful in ever presuming what we think, feel or believe IS inspired. If Harold Camping had followed that principle he wouldn't have declared May 21st 2011 as the beginning of the end. It wasn't, as everyone outside the group could see...
Harold Camping, the president and general manager of Family Radio, suffered a mild stroke on the evening of June 9, 2011. Mr. Camping is receiving excellent care, and the doctors treating him are encouraged with the progress that he is making. Mr. Camping's family appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers. Any additional information will be updated on this site [...]
Interesting indeed, and we should be careful in ever presuming what we think, feel or believe IS inspired. If Harold Camping had followed that principle he wouldn't have declared May 21st 2011 as the beginning of the end. It wasn't, as everyone outside the group could see...
Monday, June 13, 2011
United Church of God - Hoping for Christ
The United Church of God has created an article entitled "Seven Prophecies That Must Be Fulfilled Before Jesus Christ's Return".
Notice the cautious way in which they answer the question of whether that return draws near:
This is the type of double-speak you will find in Armstrongism and its offshoots. Careful examination of each of the offshoots will show that this is the type of article released for the public to APPEAR balanced, but that date-setting is still a part in individual speculation. They just won't say it aloud. Stay tuned for more on this subject.
Notice the cautious way in which they answer the question of whether that return draws near:
Will this generation see God's Kingdom established on earth?
We have seen how seven biblically prophesied circumstances could not have come to pass until recent times. In fact, the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 was clearly a major turning point in the fulfillment of Bible prophecy, as was the acquisition of the hydrogen bomb by the two superpowers of the 1950s that led to the period of mutually assured destruction.
All has now become possible. This, in turn, makes it much more likely that our generation will live to see Jesus Christ return and establish the Kingdom of God on earth. After all, Jesus Himself said that once these things begin, the generation alive at that time "will by no means pass away till all these things take place" (Matthew:24:34).
It's both sobering and encouraging to think that we appear to be living in the generation that will ultimately witness the most important event in the history of mankind. As Jesus Christ tells His followers in Luke:21:28, "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
This is the type of double-speak you will find in Armstrongism and its offshoots. Careful examination of each of the offshoots will show that this is the type of article released for the public to APPEAR balanced, but that date-setting is still a part in individual speculation. They just won't say it aloud. Stay tuned for more on this subject.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Mind Control - Don't Get Caught
When it comes to mind control my best warning is to shout: "Don't get caught!" Religion is about one of the worst places where lots of charlatans have created religions based upon the weirdest of theological standpoints.
Over a year ago I wrote the article "How to Start Your Own Religion" because I wanted to focus on the important aspect of religion that it should unite people. The article was also supposed to provoke people into remembering that it is possible to create anything. Religious speculators have indeed done that very thing, and for those who couldn't care less about the well-being of others, it is indeed possible to sift in lots of dollars from gullible people...
A sad state of affairs.
Don't get caught up in being controlled by others. Think for yourself, and stay alert whenever someone makes crazy suggestions. That is the best defence against religious charlatans.
Have a nice weekend everyone. :-)
Over a year ago I wrote the article "How to Start Your Own Religion" because I wanted to focus on the important aspect of religion that it should unite people. The article was also supposed to provoke people into remembering that it is possible to create anything. Religious speculators have indeed done that very thing, and for those who couldn't care less about the well-being of others, it is indeed possible to sift in lots of dollars from gullible people...
A sad state of affairs.
Don't get caught up in being controlled by others. Think for yourself, and stay alert whenever someone makes crazy suggestions. That is the best defence against religious charlatans.
Have a nice weekend everyone. :-)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Harold Camping - Redesigned
Can you spot the difference between these two screenshots:
Cache taken on May 22nd 2011:
This is how the Family Radio site looks today:
Gone is the counter supposed to end up in the rapture on May 21st 2011. Gone are the predictions of this being as sure as [fill in the blank]. Gone is prophetic interpretations - very probably trying to ride off the storm since the fake prediction turned Harold Camping into a real fool when compared with the words of the Bible about false predictions...
Next in line for a false prediction label is apparently, Ron Weinland who on February 25th 2011 wrote the following:
This puts his prediction at about May 2012. Just so you know it. ;-)
All kidding aside. False predictions cause people to lose faith in God, and you should never let that happen to you. It should awaken you to error, but not cause you to lose faith in our Creator.
Cache taken on May 22nd 2011:
This is how the Family Radio site looks today:
Gone is the counter supposed to end up in the rapture on May 21st 2011. Gone are the predictions of this being as sure as [fill in the blank]. Gone is prophetic interpretations - very probably trying to ride off the storm since the fake prediction turned Harold Camping into a real fool when compared with the words of the Bible about false predictions...
Next in line for a false prediction label is apparently, Ron Weinland who on February 25th 2011 wrote the following:
Seven months have now passed since my last posting. It has been a little over two years since the Seventh Seal of Revelation was opened. More incredible yet is the reality that in about 15 months from now, Jesus Christ is going to return to this earth.
This puts his prediction at about May 2012. Just so you know it. ;-)
All kidding aside. False predictions cause people to lose faith in God, and you should never let that happen to you. It should awaken you to error, but not cause you to lose faith in our Creator.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Harold Camping's Failed Predictions
Harold Camping's Family Radio is losing hope by the minute. They created an ad that is going to be pretty useless after today ends. It is now 1:20 PM in the afternoon, the sun is shining - but apparently we only have 4 hours and 40 minutes left, if one could trust the predictions of Harold Camping.
I thought I would share the video just so you can see this 1 minute farce:
Harold Camping has a poor track record. Just like his mentor, the late Herbie, who predicted numerous dated including 1975 (in the booklet 1972 in Prophecy), and probably thought the California investigation was also a precursor to the "end of the world", so Harold predicted 1994, now today, and the very end on October 21st 2011.
I think he is spending the day trying to find some way to explain away this very definite prediction to predict some special scenario that fits the biblically corrupted minds of those who still listen to Harold...
Happy search, Harold. :-)
I thought I would share the video just so you can see this 1 minute farce:
May 21, 2011 from Family Radio on Vimeo.
Harold Camping has a poor track record. Just like his mentor, the late Herbie, who predicted numerous dated including 1975 (in the booklet 1972 in Prophecy), and probably thought the California investigation was also a precursor to the "end of the world", so Harold predicted 1994, now today, and the very end on October 21st 2011.
I think he is spending the day trying to find some way to explain away this very definite prediction to predict some special scenario that fits the biblically corrupted minds of those who still listen to Harold...
Happy search, Harold. :-)
Monday, May 2, 2011
Now Available in Danish Also
This blog will be available in Danish also. The name of the blog is "Armstrongismen - Den ultimative guide" which will service Danes, Norwegians and Swedes leaving Armstrongism.
If you know anyone in Scandinavia who could benefit from this information, please feel welcome to direct them towards that blog.
I am translating all relevant articles that are still relevant time-wise so they will be released in the month ahead on that blog.
If you know anyone in Scandinavia who could benefit from this information, please feel welcome to direct them towards that blog.
I am translating all relevant articles that are still relevant time-wise so they will be released in the month ahead on that blog.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Cults ARE Winning...
In the quest for information about cults, there is very sadly an aspect that is working to the advantage of cults. Cults have no conscience so getting people to pay the increased expenses is disguised as tithes. Tithes that are paid by faithful people who just follow what they believe is a Scriptural command.
What is much less recognized is the fact that information about these cults takes time AND energy, research AND enthusiasm. In recent years numerous anti-cult groups have closed shop. People were willing to spend thousands of dollars in their cult experience, but couldn't be bothered with supporting an information agency that inspired their exit. They couldn't even imagine even just saying thanks to the people who gave them the information noone else provided.
Some people need to be remembered in that regard. John Trechak fought for many years, trying to get every single Ambassador Report published. If the internet had been a daily element back when he started his publication, you can be certain he would never have set any copyright rules. Just as I never forbid anyone in republishing my articles - provided you tell people where you got the information. A full reprint IS allowed as long as you provide a link to the original source.
Noone should ever let their egos hinder the free promulgation of information, and the cultic behavior should never be continued by freedom seekers who are motivated to share their knowledge about Armstrongism.
Therefore, feel free to share, and help MORE people come out of the darkness of Armstrongism and into the light of the Bible. Your help may inspire someone who otherwise ends up having mental scars that could take years to recover from. Helping involves sharing, and paying due credit to whom credit is due by linking to each other.
What is much less recognized is the fact that information about these cults takes time AND energy, research AND enthusiasm. In recent years numerous anti-cult groups have closed shop. People were willing to spend thousands of dollars in their cult experience, but couldn't be bothered with supporting an information agency that inspired their exit. They couldn't even imagine even just saying thanks to the people who gave them the information noone else provided.
Some people need to be remembered in that regard. John Trechak fought for many years, trying to get every single Ambassador Report published. If the internet had been a daily element back when he started his publication, you can be certain he would never have set any copyright rules. Just as I never forbid anyone in republishing my articles - provided you tell people where you got the information. A full reprint IS allowed as long as you provide a link to the original source.
Noone should ever let their egos hinder the free promulgation of information, and the cultic behavior should never be continued by freedom seekers who are motivated to share their knowledge about Armstrongism.
Therefore, feel free to share, and help MORE people come out of the darkness of Armstrongism and into the light of the Bible. Your help may inspire someone who otherwise ends up having mental scars that could take years to recover from. Helping involves sharing, and paying due credit to whom credit is due by linking to each other.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Running a Blog Without Comments
When you look at the blog at the Church of God - a Worldwide Association, Inc you will find they apparently subscribe to Armstrongism full-speed. Their blog isn't open for any comments.
"Who needs feedback?" seems to be their reasoning.
In their latest article on the blog, entitled "With All These Taxes, Why Is the U.S. Getting Deeper in Debt?" the answer is obvious: the US is requiring too little taxes from their people.
How Americans can be "burdened" by needing "to work more than three months just to pay the federal, state and local taxes for the year" is somewhat of a paradox when Danes have a 40% tax on income - effectively around 30% when you calculate amounts that are tax exempt. But also a VAT of 25%...
The answer to political questions is often unpopular, and the US has a lot to learn about the mental attitude of workers. Too much hassle causes companies to outsource to cheaper nations with less labor union involvement. That is both good and evil, but it's a challenge for all employees, regardless of one's political opinions.
Such nuances are not welcome on the COGWA blog, because that would hinder their Armstrongite preaching of shut up, pay and pray being the "way of the faithful" in full trust that whatever the minister says is best.
People caught up in Armstrongism truly need the freedom of democracy and thinking for themselves instead of relying on biased rephrasing of antiquated "living beyond your means" attempt at clouding the FACT that the economic crisis was one factor, helping the world at a place in history where dangerous threats are coming from new geographical "epi-centres" etc. All those nuances can't just be put into "plain truth" because they are complicated, and the solution isn't just relying upon getting down on your knees sending good karma towards the skies...
Our personal morality is what we control. National deficits are what national politicians control, and as long as special interest groups have their say in everyday policies, nothing is going to change.
If you want to know more about politics, I recommend you read my article entitled "Politics - Why Politicians Disagree Too Much on Too Many Things" published on EzineArticles.
"Who needs feedback?" seems to be their reasoning.
In their latest article on the blog, entitled "With All These Taxes, Why Is the U.S. Getting Deeper in Debt?" the answer is obvious: the US is requiring too little taxes from their people.
How Americans can be "burdened" by needing "to work more than three months just to pay the federal, state and local taxes for the year" is somewhat of a paradox when Danes have a 40% tax on income - effectively around 30% when you calculate amounts that are tax exempt. But also a VAT of 25%...
The answer to political questions is often unpopular, and the US has a lot to learn about the mental attitude of workers. Too much hassle causes companies to outsource to cheaper nations with less labor union involvement. That is both good and evil, but it's a challenge for all employees, regardless of one's political opinions.
Such nuances are not welcome on the COGWA blog, because that would hinder their Armstrongite preaching of shut up, pay and pray being the "way of the faithful" in full trust that whatever the minister says is best.
People caught up in Armstrongism truly need the freedom of democracy and thinking for themselves instead of relying on biased rephrasing of antiquated "living beyond your means" attempt at clouding the FACT that the economic crisis was one factor, helping the world at a place in history where dangerous threats are coming from new geographical "epi-centres" etc. All those nuances can't just be put into "plain truth" because they are complicated, and the solution isn't just relying upon getting down on your knees sending good karma towards the skies...
Our personal morality is what we control. National deficits are what national politicians control, and as long as special interest groups have their say in everyday policies, nothing is going to change.
If you want to know more about politics, I recommend you read my article entitled "Politics - Why Politicians Disagree Too Much on Too Many Things" published on EzineArticles.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Positive People - Why Surrounding Yourself With Positive People Will Inspire You
Positive People - Why Surrounding Yourself With Positive People Will Inspire You
By Henrik V Blunck
There is no doubt in my mind that surrounding yourself with positive people will impact your results in life. I have wasted so much time trying to change the perspective of negative people without any success that I took a review of my strategy.
The renewal showed me three important rules happy people usually live by:
Let's go through these points so you can also get the full potential from living by these rules. These were essential identifying signs in who is worth your attention when you want to build up mutually beneficial relationships, and when you want to identify what works - and what does not work.
Appreciating What You Have
Happy people appreciate the gifts they have received. Whether talent for helping others, or a talent for instruction, writing or speaking, they will always be focused on helping others. Their entire perspective is centered around building up rather than tearing down.
When you see people who don't appreciate their talents, you need to get the focused correctly again. You can't work with them until they are ready to build on a solid foundation. People who can't identify their foundation will be building on quicksand, and can never really get motivated to stick with the assignment at hand.
Appreciating Potential In Yourself and People Around You
Rather than being envious, you should be glad when you are around people who grow even faster than yourself. It just proves your methods work. Learning curves are different for all people, and growth comes in periodic steps. Sometimes we stand still, yet suddenly a border is passed, and then growth speeds up for some time. When you see that development people are in a mode of operation when you can bring in more change and instruction. When growth slows down people need restructuring, and perhaps even a changed focus to help keep them ready for more growth in the future.
Looking Ahead Rather Than Living In the Past
You should never focus on failure. Errors happen, and you fail from time to time, but you have to be ready to step up again, and move ahead rather than losing everything just because you were torn down by a bit of bad luck. Occasional mishaps happen to all of us. The difference is in what you learn from your mistakes, and that will determine how you live your life today and in a future oriented mode.
In Conclusion
Growth inspires everyone for even more growth. When you surround yourself with good karma, you have a far better chance at being inspired and motivated by your surroundings. Seize the day, and stay motivated for even more growth. That is the only way that works - and it will keep all negative karma away from your projects.
I thank you for reading this article. Being positive can also inspire in marriages, and if you know anyone that hasn't realized this, you may want to check out the e-book Preventing a Divorce which is available from http://www.blunck.dk/recommends/prevent_divorce/.
If you wish to know more about my blogs please check out http://sites.google.com/site/blunckmeister/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrik_V_Blunck
http://EzineArticles.com/?Positive-People---Why-Surrounding-Yourself-With-Positive-People-Will-Inspire-You&id=5093342
By Henrik V Blunck
There is no doubt in my mind that surrounding yourself with positive people will impact your results in life. I have wasted so much time trying to change the perspective of negative people without any success that I took a review of my strategy.
The renewal showed me three important rules happy people usually live by:
- They appreciate what they have
- They appreciate potential
- They always look ahead instead of living in the past
Let's go through these points so you can also get the full potential from living by these rules. These were essential identifying signs in who is worth your attention when you want to build up mutually beneficial relationships, and when you want to identify what works - and what does not work.
Appreciating What You Have
Happy people appreciate the gifts they have received. Whether talent for helping others, or a talent for instruction, writing or speaking, they will always be focused on helping others. Their entire perspective is centered around building up rather than tearing down.
When you see people who don't appreciate their talents, you need to get the focused correctly again. You can't work with them until they are ready to build on a solid foundation. People who can't identify their foundation will be building on quicksand, and can never really get motivated to stick with the assignment at hand.
Appreciating Potential In Yourself and People Around You
Rather than being envious, you should be glad when you are around people who grow even faster than yourself. It just proves your methods work. Learning curves are different for all people, and growth comes in periodic steps. Sometimes we stand still, yet suddenly a border is passed, and then growth speeds up for some time. When you see that development people are in a mode of operation when you can bring in more change and instruction. When growth slows down people need restructuring, and perhaps even a changed focus to help keep them ready for more growth in the future.
Looking Ahead Rather Than Living In the Past
You should never focus on failure. Errors happen, and you fail from time to time, but you have to be ready to step up again, and move ahead rather than losing everything just because you were torn down by a bit of bad luck. Occasional mishaps happen to all of us. The difference is in what you learn from your mistakes, and that will determine how you live your life today and in a future oriented mode.
In Conclusion
Growth inspires everyone for even more growth. When you surround yourself with good karma, you have a far better chance at being inspired and motivated by your surroundings. Seize the day, and stay motivated for even more growth. That is the only way that works - and it will keep all negative karma away from your projects.
I thank you for reading this article. Being positive can also inspire in marriages, and if you know anyone that hasn't realized this, you may want to check out the e-book Preventing a Divorce which is available from http://www.blunck.dk/recommends/prevent_divorce/.
If you wish to know more about my blogs please check out http://sites.google.com/site/blunckmeister/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Henrik_V_Blunck
http://EzineArticles.com/?Positive-People---Why-Surrounding-Yourself-With-Positive-People-Will-Inspire-You&id=5093342
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The "Restored" Perspective on Criticism
For those interested in seeing the Restored COG perspective on criticism, they can read the november/december article that appeared in Pillar "Are YOU a Critic?". In that article James Turck talks of criticism as though it was by definition something negative - of the devil.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Anyone that has studied a bit about personal development and good business ethics knows that there is a HUGE difference between negative criticism and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
When criticism is constructive it is possible to get ahead of competitors who might not be as focused on their own work methods. In other words: it's not only a question of working harder to get ahead. Sometimes working smarter works much better.
That is worth remembering when ministers try to garner lots of scriptures into trying to say something false. That is, as you regular readers know, one of the main methods used by ministers of Armstrongism.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Anyone that has studied a bit about personal development and good business ethics knows that there is a HUGE difference between negative criticism and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.
When criticism is constructive it is possible to get ahead of competitors who might not be as focused on their own work methods. In other words: it's not only a question of working harder to get ahead. Sometimes working smarter works much better.
That is worth remembering when ministers try to garner lots of scriptures into trying to say something false. That is, as you regular readers know, one of the main methods used by ministers of Armstrongism.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Positive Beginnings
It is often claimed, by ministers with Armstrongism at the core of their doctrinal expositions, that anti-Armstrongism sites are governed by negative mindsets. Nothing could be further from the truth, and in this article you will learn why this is not so.
When you have left the straight-jacket that Armstrongism IS, you will experience real freedom. God is not condemning people for THINKING for themselves. In fact, the ability to think outside the box was a tradition of the learned. Ask any Jew what the Bible is all about, and he will tell you that the oral law is filled with discussions where various doctrinal positions are freely debated. Noone condemns one another for asking questions. Au contraire, it is actually ENCOURAGED that you DO ask questions.
Thinking you have all the answers IS part of a self-satisfied mindset. Daring to consider even the unthinkable helps us understand what we are reading much better than just digesting things simply because a ministry claims THEY are inspired.
Who is it that CLAIMS inspiration? Is it not the ministers, indeed, who claim that anyone who disagrees is either "confused" or "negative" when in fact focus should have been on actually ANSWERING the subject at hand?
I think you will all agree that thinking for ourselves is the BIGGEST and BEST sign of positive development - especially once you have recovered from a mindset that DIVIDES people as cults always do. The "us" versus "them" mentality is in no way what God intended. He CREATED us. Not for war and disagreements, but for inspiration and mutual helping of one another. This should be the focus of any believer - regardless of whether we always disagree on everything.
When you have left the straight-jacket that Armstrongism IS, you will experience real freedom. God is not condemning people for THINKING for themselves. In fact, the ability to think outside the box was a tradition of the learned. Ask any Jew what the Bible is all about, and he will tell you that the oral law is filled with discussions where various doctrinal positions are freely debated. Noone condemns one another for asking questions. Au contraire, it is actually ENCOURAGED that you DO ask questions.
Thinking you have all the answers IS part of a self-satisfied mindset. Daring to consider even the unthinkable helps us understand what we are reading much better than just digesting things simply because a ministry claims THEY are inspired.
Who is it that CLAIMS inspiration? Is it not the ministers, indeed, who claim that anyone who disagrees is either "confused" or "negative" when in fact focus should have been on actually ANSWERING the subject at hand?
I think you will all agree that thinking for ourselves is the BIGGEST and BEST sign of positive development - especially once you have recovered from a mindset that DIVIDES people as cults always do. The "us" versus "them" mentality is in no way what God intended. He CREATED us. Not for war and disagreements, but for inspiration and mutual helping of one another. This should be the focus of any believer - regardless of whether we always disagree on everything.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Spanky Again Dreams of Petra
Roderick C Meredith, a.k.a. Spanky, is once again running his wild scenario creation about how the Arab world is going into the great "awful" alliance - and how the ultimate outcome is fleeing into the Armstrongite dream utopia of Petra awaiting the return of big papa-idol...
Revelation 12:12-17 is growing quite worn by all the speculation. :-D
In his February 15th letter he even prepares his followers by using the following words - obviously, with an offering envelope included for the "big work":
Gone are the days when christians were supposed to be willing to die rather than compromise. Matthew 16:25 clearly says: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 16:26 continues: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
But when Spanky, the big Dr. of theology from non-accredited Ambassador College tells you that when he writes, even God is talking... Can you really SEE just how mind-controlling, weird and off-base this man really is?
I hope so, because Spanky really has gone over the bend - and many would say he did so long ago. :-)
Revelation 12:12-17 is growing quite worn by all the speculation. :-D
In his February 15th letter he even prepares his followers by using the following words - obviously, with an offering envelope included for the "big work":
For your sake, for your very survival - I pray that many thousands of you dear co-workers will open your mind to study and prove what God is telling you right now and that some will be willing to act on the Truth of God while you have the opportunity. For the more you sincerely "seek God," the more you pray for and get involved in this very end-time Work which Jesus Christ is now accomplishing, the more you will be able to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" (Matthew 6:19-21).
Gone are the days when christians were supposed to be willing to die rather than compromise. Matthew 16:25 clearly says: "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it."
Matthew 16:26 continues: "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
But when Spanky, the big Dr. of theology from non-accredited Ambassador College tells you that when he writes, even God is talking... Can you really SEE just how mind-controlling, weird and off-base this man really is?
I hope so, because Spanky really has gone over the bend - and many would say he did so long ago. :-)
Saturday, March 5, 2011
HubPage About Armstrongism
Please feel free to pay my hubpage about Armstrongism a visit. I welcome your feedback on this hubpage sinde I believe it is highly important that a lot of people get this type of information.
Feel free to tweet about this hubpage and commenting so others may be helped by this information.
Feel free to tweet about this hubpage and commenting so others may be helped by this information.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Surviving Armstrongism
Surviving Armstrongism takes time - for some a short time, for others a long time. Needless to say, lots of friendships may be broken when you leave Armstrongism, but you need to count the cost.
The psychological impact of Armstrongism is very big in the sense of people consecrating their entire lives (both timewise and moneywise) to "preaching their gospel" - but always to a limit. In numerous offshoots there is a clear distinction between ministry and lay-members. People are asked, before joining, to "prove all things", using 1. Thess 5:21. What they forget to mention is the rest of that verse.
In other words, discard all that is NOT good.
When people have then joined the "faithful flock" the attitude is "pay & pray" - leaving out the final "and by the way, shut up if and when you disagree."
Disagreement after you have joined the faithful flock is considered rebellion, instead of realizing that there might be something that was overlooked by the all-knowing and inspired ministry.
That is the very reason why some ministers still speak out against the internet. The information available contradicts THEIR claims, and therefore the easiest way to contradict what is being said is to write articles about how evil the internet is. Such has been the exhortation of both Gerald Flurry and David C Pack - one saying it in the Philadelphia Trumpet a few years ago, and the other writing it in one of his booklets.
The difficult way for such a minister would be to ANSWER the claims made. History proves them wrong, and their actions prove themselves wrong, so they need the easy strategy.
In fact, it's Mind Control 101.
Once you have people obeying the way the tail moves, you are losing faithfulness to Scripture because then man begins to follow MINISTRY over SCRIPTURE. That is a very dangerous path.
Dangerous because everyone knows the very ministry that speaks out against the internet have websites with THEIR version to attract even more people through this media...
But the best news ever is that you can truly see through these arguments once you have survived Armstrongism. That is the reason why this blog, and numerous others, will be kept alive with even more information to help those willing to open their eyes and ears. People caught up in Armstrongism NEED this type of information to help them in their process of surviving Armstrongism.
The psychological impact of Armstrongism is very big in the sense of people consecrating their entire lives (both timewise and moneywise) to "preaching their gospel" - but always to a limit. In numerous offshoots there is a clear distinction between ministry and lay-members. People are asked, before joining, to "prove all things", using 1. Thess 5:21. What they forget to mention is the rest of that verse.
"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
In other words, discard all that is NOT good.
When people have then joined the "faithful flock" the attitude is "pay & pray" - leaving out the final "and by the way, shut up if and when you disagree."
Disagreement after you have joined the faithful flock is considered rebellion, instead of realizing that there might be something that was overlooked by the all-knowing and inspired ministry.
That is the very reason why some ministers still speak out against the internet. The information available contradicts THEIR claims, and therefore the easiest way to contradict what is being said is to write articles about how evil the internet is. Such has been the exhortation of both Gerald Flurry and David C Pack - one saying it in the Philadelphia Trumpet a few years ago, and the other writing it in one of his booklets.
The difficult way for such a minister would be to ANSWER the claims made. History proves them wrong, and their actions prove themselves wrong, so they need the easy strategy.
In fact, it's Mind Control 101.
Once you have people obeying the way the tail moves, you are losing faithfulness to Scripture because then man begins to follow MINISTRY over SCRIPTURE. That is a very dangerous path.
Dangerous because everyone knows the very ministry that speaks out against the internet have websites with THEIR version to attract even more people through this media...
But the best news ever is that you can truly see through these arguments once you have survived Armstrongism. That is the reason why this blog, and numerous others, will be kept alive with even more information to help those willing to open their eyes and ears. People caught up in Armstrongism NEED this type of information to help them in their process of surviving Armstrongism.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
David C Pack - Few Followers Indeed
It is somewhat ironic to watch David C Pack on Twitter. This minister believes himself to be a godsend to mankind, yet only 73 people are willing to read his tweets. People who have read this blog regularly will no doubt have checked up on his attitude towards the internet.
He deeply hates freedom of speech - especially when anyone dares challenge his veteran opinions. It is highly offensive, according to "Should Accusers Be Answered", that anyone would question him. He really feels inspired to a level that anything which contradicts him must be rebellion towards God.
When heading a group he claims is growing, the numbers speak clearly about how inflated his ego must be. I warmly recommend checking up on him before you ever get involved with his group, the Restored Church of God.
He deeply hates freedom of speech - especially when anyone dares challenge his veteran opinions. It is highly offensive, according to "Should Accusers Be Answered", that anyone would question him. He really feels inspired to a level that anything which contradicts him must be rebellion towards God.
When heading a group he claims is growing, the numbers speak clearly about how inflated his ego must be. I warmly recommend checking up on him before you ever get involved with his group, the Restored Church of God.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Prophecy Speculations - 101
When Ronald D Kelly gave the sermon "Fun With Prophecy" it caused quite a stir in WCG circles. Even in splinters this sermon was mentioned, and in many ways the irony of its withdrawal is even more hard-hitting for thus still caught up in the mind-control of Armstrongism. The founder, Herbert W Armstrong, died EXACTLY a quarter of a century ago - and his writings are srill considered with the same reverence as we see among Seventh Day Adventists towards Ellen G White.
When Ron focused on airports named Dillon, 19 year time cycles, the number 666 (which should have been 616) and many other theoretic coincidences, he hit one important nail of Armstrongism spot on. It was indeed all pure speculation based in part, as any fallacy must to ensure it is at least a small bit credible, on some well-known elements of scripture. The dangerous part of Armstrongism is the cultic element of isolating people in a "us vs them" mindset, coupled with the idea that whatever others write is just a deceived viewpoint supposed to somehow trick people away from "revealed truth"
Once that type of reasoning is accepted you can convince people of anything - as we have seen ever since the Radio Church of God was established.
The even more dangerous part is when you still see people so taken in about the doctrines of Armstrongism that they will abandon all reasonable thought processes just to be in the group of "wise faithfuls"
It has been some turbulent events taking place through the years, but I am sure we will see as many strange events taking place during the next decades as new speculations come about wuth each their own cobspiracy twist about how evil so and so us. What a strange mindset indeed...
When Ron focused on airports named Dillon, 19 year time cycles, the number 666 (which should have been 616) and many other theoretic coincidences, he hit one important nail of Armstrongism spot on. It was indeed all pure speculation based in part, as any fallacy must to ensure it is at least a small bit credible, on some well-known elements of scripture. The dangerous part of Armstrongism is the cultic element of isolating people in a "us vs them" mindset, coupled with the idea that whatever others write is just a deceived viewpoint supposed to somehow trick people away from "revealed truth"
Once that type of reasoning is accepted you can convince people of anything - as we have seen ever since the Radio Church of God was established.
The even more dangerous part is when you still see people so taken in about the doctrines of Armstrongism that they will abandon all reasonable thought processes just to be in the group of "wise faithfuls"
It has been some turbulent events taking place through the years, but I am sure we will see as many strange events taking place during the next decades as new speculations come about wuth each their own cobspiracy twist about how evil so and so us. What a strange mindset indeed...
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Yet Another "End-Time" Expert
The year 2011 has hardly begun, but already Harold Camping, a former minisrer in the WCG, has announced the end to arrive on May 21st 2011. He has determined this after careful Bible study...
May will come, and so will June.
You can read about it here: http://bit.ly/dN1Ott.
It is important to understand the Bible in its right context, and that element in Bible study has been sorely missing in the world of Armstrongism.
May will come, and so will June.
You can read about it here: http://bit.ly/dN1Ott.
It is important to understand the Bible in its right context, and that element in Bible study has been sorely missing in the world of Armstrongism.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Herbie's Death Almost a Quarter of a Century Ago
The title of this article "Herbie's Death Almost a Quarter of a Century Ago" may be surprising to those unfamiliar with Herbert W Armstrong dying on January 16th 1986. A quarter of a century has passed, and even infamous sexual addict, a.k.a. Garner Ted, also is gone.
The famous baton, with almost apostolic succession ideas, can't be claimed through heredity, but is being claimed in each offshoot as a result of some special doctrine or idea making a certain leader claim divine reason for starting his own "faithful" empire.
In the world of internet marketing they say the money is in the list. In cults the money is in mind control, and the world of Armstrongism has sure had its share of strange events in recent years...
Happy New Year everyone. :-)
The famous baton, with almost apostolic succession ideas, can't be claimed through heredity, but is being claimed in each offshoot as a result of some special doctrine or idea making a certain leader claim divine reason for starting his own "faithful" empire.
In the world of internet marketing they say the money is in the list. In cults the money is in mind control, and the world of Armstrongism has sure had its share of strange events in recent years...
Happy New Year everyone. :-)
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