News came to me this week that is sickening. That is, that one of those claiming to have inherited “the authority of Herbert W. Armstrong” has told his congregation that they should liquidate any holdings and send in their money.
How many abuses will be committed in the name of my deceased Grandfather? And how long will some poor abused people remain in a state of deception, or worse, mind control?
I realize that there is a lot of legitimate respect among the churches of God for Herbert W. Armstrong. But honestly! He was not a deity, and no one should be blindly obeying any men, ministers, or otherwise, who falsely claim his authority. Yes, it’s a touchy subject, and I realize that our reach is limited and that hundreds or thousands of people are going to be bilked out their family’s financial security because they don’t have access to any source of truth on the subject. And that’s a crime.
My Dad spent the last thirty some odd years of his life trying to warn against following abusive, demanding, bogus religious leaders. But it’s still going on. Do people think God will reward them, or at least hold them guiltless if they accept the bizarre demands and edicts of a religious authoritarian? Garner Ted Armstrong was against it! I’m sure neither my Grandfather nor my Dad ever expected the family name would be used by brazen unknown individuals to issue edicts and make abusive demands over people’s personal lives.
No, I can’t sum it all up here. But under the circumstances, my mind is working overtime wondering how to discharge a responsibility to warn the unsuspecting “members” of the dangers they face from the abusers of the Armstrong name. I’m not asking anyone to leave one organization and join another. But I’m miserable knowing that my Granddad’s legacy and my family name are being used to impoverish people. What’s next? Coolaid!?!
Some of you may or may not even be interested in this subject. Unfortunately, I have to go on the record, and this is only the beginning. But it’s way past time people have access to the knowledge they need to see through the misuse of Herbert W. Armstrong’s name. Unfortunately, it’s reached a stage that can’t be ignored.
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