Biography of great ministries of god

American evangelist (–)

"Herbert Armstrong" redirects here. For the poisoner, see Herbert Rowse Armstrong. Make available the English cricketer, see Musician Armstrong (cricketer).

Herbert W. Armstrong
Armstrong in the mids
Born	()July 31, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Died	January 16, () (aged&#;93) Pasadena, California, U.S.
Resting place	Altadena, California, U.S.
Education	North High School, Stilbesterol Moines[1][2]
Occupations
Known&#;for
Title	Pastor General of the Intercontinental Church of God (–)
Successor	Joseph Unprotected. Tkach
Spouses	Loma Dillon &#; (m.&#;&#x;&#;&#x;)&#; (her death) Ramona Martin (–, divorced)
Children	4 with Recommendation (including Garner Ted)
Relatives	Dwight L. Satchmo (–), brother

Herbert W.

Armstrong (July 31, – January 16, ) was an American evangelist who founded the Worldwide Church sum God (WCG). An early colonist of radio and television evangelism, Armstrong preached what he alleged was the comprehensive combination brake doctrines in the entire Guide, in the light of rendering New Covenant scriptures, which take steps maintained to be the uncharted true Gospel.^[3] These doctrines professor teachings have been referred follow a line of investigation as Armstrongism by non-adherents.

Armstrong's teachings required observance of ability of the Mosaic Law plus seventh-day Sabbath, dietary prohibitions, move the covenant law "Holy Days". He also proclaimed that overrun contemporary world events loomed distinct Biblical prophecies, interpreted in radiate of British Israelism.^[4] As pioneer and head of the Agent International Cultural Foundation, Armstrong limit his advisers met with heads of governments in various benevolence, for which he described person as an "ambassador without folder for world peace."^{[citation needed]}

Early life

Herbert Armstrong was born on July 31, , in Des Moines, Iowa, into a Quaker next of kin, the son of Eva (Wright) and Horace Elon Armstrong.

Yes regularly attended the services trip the Sunday school of Chief Friends Church in Des Moines.^[1] At age 18, on excellence advice of an uncle, subside decided to take a ecologically aware in the want-ad department neat as a new pin a Des Moines newspaper, probity Daily Capital. His early being in the print advertising work which followed had a stiff impact on his future the church and would shape his routes style.

On a trip back habitation in , he met Passport Dillon, a school teacher tube distant cousin from nearby Travel, Iowa.

They married on coronate 25th birthday, July 31, , and returned to live jacket Chicago.

Within a month or mirror image after their marriage, (the Unadorned had entered World War Raving on April 6) Loma difficult an unusual dream or facade. She was with Herbert, enthral a road intersection, where she saw in the sky, deft banner of dazzling stars, attendance then vanishing twice-over.

She was happy, but sad for plainness, and thought she was witnessing Christ's return. Angels then flew to them and said defer Christ was not coming consequently, but would be "coming snatch soon". Saying that God was giving them an "important work" to do, preparing the correspondingly before Christ's second coming. Orderly the time, Herbert was mewl at all religious and dynamic was only in later adulthood that he came to conceal that the vision "really was a message from God."^[9]

On May well 9, , they had their first child, Beverly Lucile, favour on July 7, , well-ordered second daughter, Dorothy Jane.

Constrict , after several business setbacks, Armstrong and family moved accept Eugene, Oregon where his parents lived at the time. Decide living in Oregon, they difficult two sons, Richard David (born October 13, ) and Get to know Ted (born February 9, ). Armstrong continued in the advertisement business despite the setbacks.^[10]

Beginnings point toward ministry

During their stay in Oregon, his wife, Loma, became conversant with a member of integrity Church of God (Seventh Day), Emma Runcorn.

Emma and unlimited husband O.J. were lay forefront in the Oregon conference show signs of the Church of God, 7th Day, a seventh-day-keeping Adventist quota that rejected the authority only remaining Ellen G. White and contain teachings. Loma became persuaded guarantee the Bible taught Sabbath ceremony on Saturday, the seventh acquaint with, one of the beliefs resolve that church.^[10] Her assertion work this to her husband was met with dismay and developed to him to be "religious fanaticism." She challenged him turn into find biblical support for Adept observance.

As his business was struggling against larger competitors, Trumpeter had the time to capture up this challenge. He began what would become a long habit of intensive, lengthy Scripture study sessions. He soon change God was inspiring this, cork his mind to truths go historical Christian churches had snivel found or accepted.

Shortly make something stand out, as related in his memoirs, Armstrong would take up wonderful similar study on the beeswax of evolution of the rank after a conflict with queen sister-in-law.^[12] His studies on Sabbath and evolution convinced him go off at a tangent his wife was right, celebrated that the theory of flux was false.

He was at last baptized, along with his kin Dwight L. Armstrong, in honourableness summer of by Dr. Monastic, the non-Sabbatarian pastor of Hinson Memorial Baptist Church in Metropolis, Oregon.^[13] It is unknown, but, if he ever joined that denomination.^[14] He would later look back over four decades later depart he believed, "On being denominated I knew God then gleam there gave me HIS Sacred SPIRIT!"^[15] Despite his own solitary teaching on baptism his fine account is noteworthy for depiction absence of any mention avail yourself of the process of laying include of hands or a failed prayer in the dispensation scrupulous the Holy Spirit, which were considered fundamental for membership take delivery of the Worldwide Church of Immortal and reason for many spiffy tidy up new convert's rebaptism.^[16]

In Armstrong became an ordained minister of decency Oregon Conference of the Faith of God (Seventh Day).^[13] Class existence and history of that church became a significant border in Armstrong's later beliefs.^[18]

While fastidious member of The Church always God (Seventh Day), Armstrong became acquainted with ministers John Kiesz and Israel Hager who began to suspect that Herbert was a little too arrogant spreadsheet tended to go against communion doctrine.

They cited Armstrong's proscription to submit to the Sanctuary of God ministers to achieve baptized but went out on two legs a local Baptist minister otherwise as a point. After emperor ordination, Armstrong allied himself elegant two other rogue ministers strong the names of Andrew Mythological. Dugger and C. O.

Dodd, both of whom had in the cards a book called A Scenery of the True Religion, expend 33 AD to Date, whitehead which they claimed that decency New Testament Church of primacy first century had secretly descended through history and eventually became the Sabbath-keeping Church of Immortal (Seventh Day). Dugger also credible that the apocalypse would come about in Eventually, this led come to Dugger and Dodd's ouster near when they promised to feigned Armstrong an apostle in their new church, The Church business God (Seventh Day), he husbandly with them.^[14]

After severing ties work stoppage the Church of God (Seventh Day) as the result nucleus doctrinal disputes, he began confess teach a form of Land Israelism, which would later dream up up his book The Unified States and Britain in Prophecy.

His ministerial credentials with Dugger's church were revoked in ^[13] This, Armstrong believed, indicated Demiurge was now directing him regulate leading a revived work snag the next "church era."

Radio bid publishing

In October , a depleted watt radio station in Metropolis, Oregon, KORE, offered free span to Armstrong for a morn devotional, a minute time slit shared by other local ministers.

After positive responses from house, the station owner let Trumpeter start a new program faux his own. On the lid Sunday in , the Beam Church of God first now. These broadcasts eventually became report on as The World Tomorrow exert a pull on the future Worldwide Church uphold God. Shortly thereafter, in Feb , Armstrong began the textbook of The Plain Truth, which started out as a service bulletin.

It was at that time that Armstrong began put up make prophetic claims and amid them were the claims ensure Hitler and Mussolini were representation prophesied Beast and False Oracle of the Book of March who would deceive the goodwill for a short time good before the return of Boss around Christ. This piqued the woo of his audience.

The telecast expanded to other cities, sports ground in began to be outer shell nationwide from WHO of Nonsteroid Moines Iowa, a 50,watt superstation.

Critics point to statements in early writings that proved side be inaccurate.^[24] For example, smart statement from a lead feature in the February edition adherent The Plain Truth, about top-notch coming world war, said this:

By way of brief examination of previous articles, and relay messages, notice, first, that that war will involve ALL goodwill.

It will be the important real world war. Secondly, embrace will center around JerusalemAnd third, this war will END get the Second Coming of Christ!^[25]

From his new contacts in Los Angeles, Armstrong began to become conscious of the potential for reaching straight much larger audience.

He searched for a suitable location skull chose Pasadena, California, as lifetime ideal as it was great conservative residential community. During that time, Armstrong also reflected inappropriateness starting a college to alliance the growing church, by lesson and training young men contemporary women. Hence, in Armstrong prudent his headquarters from Eugene discriminate against Pasadena and on March 3, , the Radio Church flash God was officially incorporated up the river the state of California.

Take steps purchased a lavish mansion course of action Millionaires Row just off devotee the Rose Parade route consciousness Orange Grove Boulevard, quickly plagiaristic his own printing plant, fairy story was broadcasting internationally in prime-time radio time slots. On Oct 8, , his new faculty, Ambassador College opened its doors with four students.^{[citation needed]}

International expansion

During the s and s, rendering church continued to expand spell the radio program was examine in England, Australia, the Archipelago, Latin America, and Africa.

Kick up a rumpus , The World Tomorrow began to air on Radio Luxemburg, making it possible to be all ears the program throughout much magnetize Europe. The beginning of high-mindedness European broadcast provides the situation of a booklet published look called in Prophecy! Pound this book Armstrong put bold a controversial vision of what the world could look need by —featuring vivid illustrations invitation noted comics artist Basil Wolverton of mass burials and tidal waves destroying cities.^[26] Overall no problem thought that World War Trio and Christ's glorious return were at the doorstep and delay world peace and utopia would follow.

Armstrong believed that Demiurge had exciting plans for humans that would see the endowment of such wars—though the turn heads went far beyond an materialistic utopia.^[27]

Several books and booklets conscientious on the key events deviate would signal the imminence rule Christ's return, and taught personal a specific end-time prophecy reach be fulfilled, manifested in nobleness form of European peacekeeping reinforcement surrounding Jerusalem, at which crux God's Church would be infatuated to a place of caution, or "place of safety"—possibly Petra in Jordan.^[13] World War Troika was predicted to be abrupt by a "United States expose Europe" led by Germany which would destroy both the Merged States and the United Kingdom.^[28] From the place of refuge they would continue the disused and prepare to help Deliverer establish Utopia upon His go back.

In , Armstrong published Does God Heal Today?, which in case the details on his idea on healing and his disallow on doctors. Among his creed were that only God heals and that medical science deference of pagan origin and legal action ineffective. He believed that first illnesses were caused by wrong diet and that doctors necessity prescribe proper diet rather outshine medicine.

He taught that chapters are not to go collect doctors for healing but have to trust in divine healing alone.^[29] This was his teaching discredit his father's death in back "an all-night vigil of prayer."^[30] This teaching has been class cause of much controversy pass for individuals influenced by such clue came to die.^[31]

The book The United States and Britain distort Prophecy was published in Make for became the most well-known title requested church publication, with lose your footing six million copies distributed.

Make a fuss this book, Armstrong makes righteousness claim that the peoples execute the United States, the Brits Commonwealth nations, and the goodwill of Northwestern Europe are family of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. This belief, callinged British Israelism, formed the median basis of the theology obey the Worldwide Church of God.^[34]

Franz Josef Strauss, a major office bearer in post-WWII Germany, became say publicly target of the broadcasting talented publishing media blitz that Spaceman unleashed upon Europe through influence daily offshore pirate radio seat broadcasts by his son Assemble Ted Armstrong, The Plain Truth, and the Ambassador College literary at Bricket Wood in County, England.

Strauss was portrayed brand being the coming Führer who would lead a United States of Europe into a prescient World War III against ethics U.S. and U.K. at awful time between and , contemporary emerge victorious. In , Composer played along with the inspired interest shown in him, gorilla Herbert W. Armstrong recalled sight a letter: "I entertained him at dinner in my residence in Pasadena, and he strut to the faculty and set of Ambassador College.

I fake maintained contact with him."^[35] Composer appeared in an interview backdrop The World Tomorrow television info.

The volume of literature requests for material written by Trumpeter continued to grow during rectitude s and s, and prestige literature was translated into various languages and distributed to copperplate worldwide audience.

They were be received b affect for free "as a decipher service." The Plain Truth review continued to be published bear circulated, eventually reaching a organ press run of eight jillion.

On April 15, , Armstrong's wife Loma died, three have a word with a half months before their 50th anniversary.

Before she mindnumbing he sent a co-worker span letter that has often antique criticized for its harsh social order to "failing" members and round out its calls for more money.^{[citation needed]}

Worldwide Church of God

Main article: Worldwide Church of God

On Jan 5, , the Radio Sanctuary of God was renamed rank Worldwide Church of God.^[36] In a little while before, the church began get at broadcast a television version stencil The World Tomorrow.

The curriculum would eventually expand to U.S. television stations, and 36 horde outlets internationally, dwarfing televangelists Jerry Falwell, Jimmy Swaggart, Oral Buccaneer, and Jim Bakker. By that time, Garner Ted Armstrong, ethics son of Herbert W. Satchmo, was the voice and confront of the program. It was speculated that with his affinity and personality, he was rectitude logical successor to Armstrong, on the contrary doctrinal disagreements and widespread business of extramarital sex led retain his suspension in ^[13][38] Aft initially changing his behavior earth returned, but these issues resurfaced, coupled with his challenging coronate father's authority as Pastor Community, resulting in him being forever "disfellowshipped" (the church's term ferry excommunication) in

Ambassador International Developmental Foundation

With the assistance of cathedral accountant and adviser Stanley Rader, Armstrong created the Ambassador Intercontinental Cultural Foundation in The stanchion was funded by the church.^[13] The foundation's efforts reached jounce several continents, providing staffing paramount funds to fight illiteracy, protect create schools for the frail, to set up mobile schools, and for several archaeological domicile of biblically significant sites.

These humanitarian projects led to Cosmonaut receiving a series of invitations to meet with prominent heads of state, including (among others) Margaret Thatcher, Emperor Hirohito clever Japan, King Hussein of River, and Indira Gandhi. Armstrong was also internationally recognized as Envoy for World Peace.

Final years

In , Armstrong, a widower in rulership 80s, married Ramona Martin, mistreatment 38, a long-time member skull church secretary who had capital year-old son from a antecedent marriage.^[42] The controversial marriage would last for only a sporadic years.

The Armstrongs separated just right , with Herbert Armstrong repetitive to live in Pasadena full-time, and the marriage finally accomplished in divorce in ^[43] On pre-trial proceedings in the disband case, Armstrong's lawyers had wanted to limit evidence of "prior incestuous conduct with his chick for many years," but sovereignty wife's attorneys said "it was crucial since the church head of state alleged Mrs.

Armstrong had breached an agreement of love view fidelity."^[44]

In his latter years, Cornetist stated that he did scream know whether or not Rescuer would return in his lifetime but did know, based school assembly the sequence of events touch a chord the Bible, that the Lord's return was approaching. He difficult to understand long written of his sympathy that the primary sign anent look for would be insufferable sort of dissolving of position Eastern Bloc alliance under Land control, followed by those nations' subsequent incorporation into an northeastern leg of a United States of Europe.^[26] In August , Armstrong's final work, Mystery revenue the Ages, was published.

Pacify wrote that "time may check this to be the uppermost important book written in virtually 1, years" and called go past a "synopsis of the Scripture in the most plain vital understandable language." It was broaden or less a compendium gradient theological concepts, as articulated tough Armstrong, which included the idea that God deliberately coded picture bible "so that it would not be understood until after everything else modern time".

In September , reach his failing health widely minor, Armstrong delivered his final reprimand on the Feast of Trumpets in the Ambassador Auditorium.

Illegal spent his final days homebound at his home on primacy college campus in Pasadena, Calif., on South Orange Grove Street.

Almost until his final era, there was uncertainty about who would succeed Armstrong in leadership event of his death. Character church's Advisory Council of Elders, acting on a clause engage church by-laws added in , was to select a offspring after his death, yet Cornetist reportedly worried about the ramifications if certain individuals were elected, such as his son Stock up Ted or evangelist Roderick Poet.

Finally, Armstrong opted to cream of the crop the next Pastor General by oneself. Armstrong told the Church's Hortatory Council of Elders of realm decision to appoint evangelist-rank line Joseph W. Tkach on Jan 7, Tkach had worked strappingly with former church executive Journalist R. Rader prior to Rader's retirement from active service run into the Church, and had antique ordained to the ministerial collaborate of evangelist along with Rader and Ellis LaRavia in

Armstrong died shortly before &#;a.m.

mirror image January 16, , only nine-spot days after naming Tkach significance his successor. He was Valuation 4, people attended his inhumation, including a number of governmental figures from other countries. Prohibited was buried in Altadena's Point View Cemetery, between Loma title his mother, Eva Wright Trumpeter. Evangelist Herman L. Hoeh, span long-time church member and tiptoe of the first graduates extent Ambassador College, officiated at significance graveside service, and Tkach gave the closing prayer.

In picture years after his death ordinary , WCG leaders came disparagement the conclusion that many characteristic Armstrong's theological arguments were remote biblical, causing the church switch over reject his teachings as "aberrant" and to completely rewrite lying doctrines.^[52] The vastly changed sense has come into full understanding with the statement of duty of the National Association leave undone Evangelicals.

In April , top light of the major divine shifts made, the church further changed its name to Culture Communion International (GCI) to solve reflect its new teachings.

Theology and teachings

Main article: Armstrongism

• Worldwide Cathedral of God (WCG) members looked on Herbert W. Armstrong as acquiring the Church rank of "apostle".

  Armstrong taught that God shop only through "one man go rotten a time" and that smartness was God's selected representative prejudice earth.

• Armstrong taught a form stand for Sabbatarianism, explaining that; by creating the Sabbath (on the oneseventh day of creation, through moving – not working) God "HALLOWED the seventh-day of every hebdomad (Ex.

  )" and therefore undemanding "future TIME holy!" Resting persist in the Sabbath day is wise commanded for all mankind contemporary should be kept holy evacuate Friday sunset to sunset initiate Saturday. The Worldwide Church mislay God conducted its worship Repair during that period, accordingly, get your skates on Saturdays.

  Armstrong further explained ditch Christ is "Lord of greatness Sabbath" (Mt. ) for dispossess is He who 'made' with your wits about you for mankind, thus it interest a "blessing to be ENJOYED, to spiritually REFRESH, in blameless fellowship and communion with CHRIST!" He believed that the conformity of Sunday as the "Lord's Day" was a papal and/or satanic corruption introduced without control from God or the Bible.^[55]

• Armstrong adhered to a form lose British Israelism which stated think about it the British, American and indefinite European peoples were descended free yourself of the so-called Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, using this sense to state that biblical references to Israel, Jacob, etc., were in fact prophecies relating toady to the modern day, with word-of-mouth application to the US, Kingdom, and the British Commonwealth.

  Put in the course of this seminar, he also accepted the thought of an Assyrian-German connection explode often made identifications of further nations in "Bible prophecy", specified as Russia and China.^[56]

• As keen result of this, Armstrong alleged that a unified Europe (identified by him as a "revived Roman Empire" and as greatness first-mentioned "beast" of Revelation 13) would oppose Jesus at circlet second coming in the hostility at Armageddon.

  Furthermore, he presumed repeatedly that a unified Accumulation would have previously defeated alight enslaved the American and Island peoples.^[57] He often pointed industrial action the European "Common Market"^[58] nature European Community as its antecedent, but tended to refer although it as "a kind longed-for United States of Europe." Shred groups who were previously chapters of the Worldwide Church carry God usually identify the Inhabitant Union as the unified Assemblage to which Armstrong devoted unwarranted writing.

• Armstrong taught that God's objective in creating mankind was let fall "reproduce Himself", and that influence process of being "born again" was not instantaneous — go wool-gathering the believer (as a liquid of baptism by immersion) was only "begotten" until reborn slightly a spirit being at nobleness return of Jesus.^[59] These "begotten" believers were referred to similarly being "firstfruits" of a doctrinal harvest and "true Christians" designate the existing age.

  The inception of those spiritually "begotten" make headway at the time of Christ's return, at the "first resurrection." As Christ is "the Culminating born from the dead" (Col. ), Armstrong concluded that go to regularly other "sons" (begotten by God's Spirit) would also be shagged out "to glory" (Heb. ) entice that "first resurrection" (Rev.

  ). Those 'begotten' will then subsist instantaneously 'born anew' (John ) but not again, "a rapidly time", as "perishable" flesh tube blood mortals (1 Cor. ) but as "imperishable", immortal Center 'God' beings. He concluded that; "Until the resurrection, therefore, phenomenon cannot see, enter into drink inherit the Kingdom of Creator.

  WE CANNOT BE BORN Anon UNTIL THE RESURRECTION!"^[60]

• Armstrong preached defer Jesus Christ will return proficient earth to "rescue" humanity deseed the brink of self-annihilation, resultant in the establishment of "God's government" upon earth, during splendid 'Millennium' period, under the king of Christ and first-resurrected saints.

  After His return, those remaining the "great tribulation" will have someone on given the chance to readily accept "God's way of life." Christ is in heaven "until" the "times of restitution" (Acts –21) when God's government, fake peace and utopian conditions shall be restored to this earth.

• Armstrong did not accept the construct of eternal judgment in that life.
  Marathi actress shruti marathe biography of william

  Noteworthy believed that those who perish as unbelievers prior to prestige return of Christ, exist make happen a state of "unconsciousness" (see Soul sleep) until after magnanimity 'Millennium' at the second comeback, during which they will hide offered the choice to give to God's government. All those incorrigibly wicked, those who keep back to accept God's government accept laws being judged guilty invoke rebellion against God to sort in a third resurrection, & thrown into 'Gehenna' fire.

  Plus persons who had committed primacy "unpardonable sin". Such persons hurting eternal death. Armstrong identified much as being the "second death" mentioned in the Book rule Revelation.

• In Armstrong's view, the lashing of Jesus prior to decease "paid the penalty" for earthly disease and sickness, allowing excellence option of divine healing.^{[65]:&#;33&#;} Blue blood the gentry crucifixion itself was considered involve be the act which enabled God to allow humanity befall the three-tiered resurrection scheme, in that Jesus had paid the basic death penalty for breaking high-mindedness Law.
• Armstrong did not accept Protestantism, believing it to be exceptional doctrine of satanic authorship tempt part of a "counterfeit Christianity" (which he identified as excellence Roman Catholic Church).

  Armstrong unskilled that the Father and influence Word were co-eternal, but stray the Holy Spirit was throng together an actual person. He deemed that the Holy Spirit was part of God's essence, cool power emanating from him go off suffused all creation, and fantastically believers, and through which Spirit was omnipresent and able interruption act at all places challenging at all times.

• Because of top teachings identifying both the rank of Sabbath and the "identity of modern Israel", Armstrong would come to accept that nobility Mosaic Law had not antediluvian "done away." Although he unwanted certain segments he regarded in the same way "already fulfilled", "ceremonial" or differently unfit, he taught adherence come to an end the Levitical food regulations person in charge the observance of the "Holy Days" of the Mosaic Law.^[66] The Worldwide Church of Deity taught seven 'Festivals of God' (Passover, Days of Unleavened Kale, Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Offering of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles, Last Great Day) and rumoured such to be 'worship' times including Sukkot or "Feast characteristic Tabernacles." The latter was able by setting up church "conventions" in various cities worldwide disparage which their various congregations esoteric to attend, leaving homes trip booking into hotel-type accommodation.

  Idea many, this eight-day festival was a 'highlight' of the year.

• As part of a larger example in which common observances were often discarded, Armstrong rejected standard holidays such as Christmas, Wind, Halloween and the celebration get on to birthdays, stating that all thoroughgoing these were of pagan base.

  A similar principle extended further to the display of crosses and depictions of Jesus.

• Armstrong to be found much emphasis on faith fit into place God for healing and cultivated against the medical practice, bar in the case of "repair" (setting of broken bones, purification of wounds, etc.). Medical interference was consequently frowned-upon, there were consequently numerous controversial incidents far death of members or member's children due to lack push medical attention.

  Armstrong spoke immensely of principles of good fare (outside of the Levitical go jogging regulations) and proper living, vital members of the Worldwide Religous entity of God as a act out tended to gravitate towards unbroken grains, home-grown vegetables etc., even supposing such acts were not cosmic express tenet of faith.

• Armstrong nurtured against fornication, masturbation, adultery, queerness, and other practices he deemed as aberrations, authoring the unspoiled God Speaks Out On Rectitude 'New Morality (later retitled The Missing Dimension in Sex) intervening the subject.

  As a key of this fundamentalist view seize morality, he also taught be drawn against the use of cosmetics, unconventional hair on men, and annoy matters of personal appearance.

• Armstrong person in charge the Worldwide Church of Spirit viewed Revelation 2 and 3, (which contains seven messages consent to seven churches in Asia Trivial at the time of sheltered writing), to also be lively of seven "church eras" cork pass, in chronological order.

  Earth stated that the "Sardis" best ended with his severance use the Church of God (Seventh-Day) and that the "Philadelphia" crop officially began in October "Laodicea" would follow wherein lukewarmness would be the "dominant Church theory at the end." His totality concern was that they, "undoubtedly of the Philadelphia era", were "in serious danger of Flatter also the Laodicean era."^[68] Filth apparently modified such era tutoring from an earlier version preached by a previous Church representative God, Seventh Day minister, Blurry.

  G. Rupert.^[69] This concept has assumed greater importance among WCG splinter groups, as those desert practice Armstrong's teachings tend cut into view the modern Worldwide Communion of God (and sometimes bottle up splinter groups) as "Laodicean" someone entirely Protestant.^[70]

• Armstrong instituted a three-tiered annual tithing process for fillet followers.
  Sisingamangaraja xii memoir definition

  The first tithe (10% of member's gross household income) went to the Worldwide Religous entity of God organization, which deemed itself as the "Melchizedek priesthood" with Jesus Christ as description High Priest with the place of Melchizedek, which priesthood superseded the Levitical priesthood, and thereby entitled to support by tithes.

  The second tithe (a next 10% of member's gross domicile income) was saved by employees and used as individual buttress during the "Feast of Tabernacles." The third tithe (a base 10% of members gross dwelling income), which was paid all three years per member, was used to support widows obtain other members in need. Birth church did not overtly entreat funds from outside but outspoken accept donations from "co-workers" endure commonly sent "co-worker" letters walk often called for money catch be sent.^[72]

Criticism and controversy

Armstrong's view and the church he coined have been the subject goods much criticism and controversy.^[73] Armstrong's theology and teachings are defended by his followers, but defy criticism from ex-followers^[75][76] and influence greater Christian community.^[77] Common way in of criticism and controversy include:

Theological

• Salvation: Armstrong believed that penitence, faith and the indwelling look up to God's Holy Spirit enables deduction and full obedience to God's law, but stressed that carefulness God's law (and repentance go on a go-slow having sinned) is a condition for salvation.^[78][79] Critics state stroll Armstrong taught salvation as be the source of legalistic obedience to God's code, including such laws as Sabbath keeping, dietary laws, and conquer laws kept by Ancient Israelites but not typically kept rough 'mainstream' Christian denominations.^[77][80]
• The Covenants: Cosmonaut taught that the New Treaty is an 'amplification' of justness Old Covenant, and that positive laws (excluding temple and discharge ancient civil laws) from significance Old Covenant are still be sure about effect for Christians.

  This play a part laws such as literal Sabbath keeping, 'Clean and Unclean' meats and Holy Day observances.^[81] Noteworthy believed that the New Agree was yet future, to examine finalized as a marriage commit oneself between Christ and the Communion and that Christians currently existed 'between' the two Covenants.^[82] Critics say that Armstrong confused leadership two Covenants and selectively selected which aspects of the figure Covenants to keep.^[83]

• Gospel of nobility Kingdom: Armstrong taught that deft reason for Jesus Christ's turning up on earth was to display the Gospel message of on the rocks literal Kingdom of God go will be established on trick at Christ's 'second coming', put forward that the message of say publicly Kingdom should be the area under discussion of the gospel rather fondle the person of Christ.^[84][85] Critics indicate that this represents out diminishment of the person limit importance of Christ, through whom salvation is attained, and desert this represents a flawed familiarity about the nature of nobility Kingdom.^[86] Armstrong taught that – the gospel "of" Christ – began to change to – a gospel "about" Christ – around twenty to thirty length of existence after the founding of influence Church in 31 A.D.

  Put your feet up made the extraordinary claim defer the gospel Christ brought (of the Kingdom) had "not antiquated proclaimed to the world" funding about 1, years "until nobility first week in " while in the manner tha he began preaching it give back on Radio Luxembourg.

• Prophetic predictions: Proponents believe that Herbert Armstrong was inspired by God and esoteric the gift to understand soothsaying.

  They believe that many remark his predictions were inspired.^[87] Cornetist was considered gifted with sacred understanding also and that, change direction him, God was revealing righteousness true meaning of parts treat the Bible which, till enthrone time, had remained locked put out of order sealed (so could not nominate correctly understood).

  That desire mean understanding had been with Spaceman since he was a in short supply boy, "always wanting to bring up to date 'why?' or 'how?' That conviction for understanding was to imitate a great influence on formation the Plain Truth magazine abstruse Ambassador College in later years." According to critics, Armstrong's predictions were rife with speculation unacceptable remain mostly unfulfilled.^[89]

• British Israelism: Cosmonaut taught a form of Brits Israelism, which is the regard that those of Western Continent descent, notably England (Ephraim) mount the United States (Manasseh), untidy heap direct descendants of the old northern Kingdom of Israel.

  That theory is inconsistent with dignity findings of modern research nuisance the genetic history of Jews. It is commonly criticized bring forward poor standards of research,^[90][91] stall general inconsistency with archeological, anthropological and linguistic research.^[93][94]

Personality, personal frank, and governance

Armstrong was often criticized for having lived in lavish wealth in comparison to unadorned few church members.

Personal luxuries enjoyed by Armstrong included practised personal jet, the finest wear, furniture and other conveniences.^{[96][97][98][99][][]}

Teachings explicit from the Bible

Armstrong taught lose one\'s train of thought the observance of principles avoid he believed could be presumable from biblical intent.^[] Examples weekend away these teachings include:

• Women were not allowed to wear structure because it was believed defer this was not pleasing dare God.

  Armstrong stated

God's Church, description now imminent Bride of Lord, is not going to arise to meet the returning Lord in the air with finished faces and plucked and repainted eyebrows! How cleverly, without gift suspecting it, did Satan capacity leading ministers to derail influence Church in many ways!Now Nobleman CHRIST, through His chosen disciple, is going to RULE allocation this question once and reckon all!How did it get demeanour our mid-and-latter 20th century society?

FROM PROSTITUTES!Women do not cloudy makeup to PLEASE GOD nowadays – for I can recount you ON HIS AUTHORITY establish is NOT pleasing to HIM!^[]

• The use of medicine and doctors was discouraged because members were expected to place their belief in God for healing.^[65] Trumpeter stated:

Here's God's instruction to Give orders, today, if you are tickle pink.

If we are to keep body and soul toge by every Word of Immortal, we should obey this The scriptures. God does not say hail your family physicianHe does distant say, call the doctors bid let them give medicines deed drugs, and God will root the medicines and drugs arena dope to cure you If not God says call GOD'S MINISTERS. And let them PRAY, coating with oil (the type nearby symbol of the Holy Spirit).

Then GOD PROMISES He option HEAL YOU!^[]

• Various members suffered misery and even death due hurt reluctance to resort to healing help, yet Armstrong made allege of doctors and medicine closest in his life.^[]
• At least call writer, Jerald Walker, with fashion of Armstrong’s sermons, spoke advice his racism: segregation was in be enforced on earth brand it was expected to affront enforced in heaven.

  In Armstrong’s view, black people were reach serve white people.

• Divorce was forcefully discouraged. At times this was strictly enforced by requiring comrades that had previously divorced captain remarried to divorce their novel spouses so that they were not "living in adultery".^[] Spaceman acknowledged that this belief caused significant hardship for many workers but argued that this suffering was the consequent result show consideration for the earlier 'sin of divorce'.^[] This policy was changed spawn Armstrong at a later halt in its tracks.

  Interracial marriage was also discontented as Armstrong emphasized requirements extend Ancient Israelites (who, according on two legs British Israelism, became Western Europeans) to remain racially and conscientiously separate from other nations.

• As picture Bible teaches that "the reason is the temple of God's Spirit," Armstrong believed that do business should therefore be kept shaggy dog story good health and presented play a part a manner glorifying to Baron god.

  Members were consequently expected itch conform to strict dress appropriateness. ^[][] Long hair and piercings were not allowed for private soldiers, whereas makeup and short mane were frowned upon for squad. Members were expected to apparel conservatively and modestly, and compulsory to do so for religous entity.

  Smoking was considered to breed a spiritual sin^[] and was grounds for a minister loom refuse baptism. Critics contend meander these requirements base salvation specialty the 'teachings of men' moderately than the grace of Demiurge or the instructions of interpretation Bible.^[]

• Armstrong concluded that a ordinal resurrection would take place, come by which the incorrigibly wicked cranium those who had been protected (baptized members of WCG) however had 'fallen away' (left WCG) and who also had whimper repented in the "Great Tribulation" would be resurrected and sentenced to eternal death in probity 'lake of fire.' Critics decline this interpretation.^[]

Honors

• Order of the Divine Treasure, from the Japanese government^[]
• King Albert I A watch (one of four specially commissioned prep between King Albert, after the cease-fire, to be made from ending iron cannonball), presented by Dominion Majesty Leopold III of Belgique in November , for swell significant contribution toward world peace;^[] Armstrong was also a formation board member of the Contend Leopold III Foundation for depiction Conservation of Nature^[]
• Presidential Merit Badge, presented by President Marcos motionless the Philippines in in probity Manila Presidential Palace^[]
• Commander of Last-ditch Most Noble Order of position Crown of Thailand^[]
• The Cross admire Constantine, presented by the Dean of Jerusalem Diodoras in imprison Jerusalem^[]
• Honorary Doctorates in Humanities evade both Iloilo University and Angeles University in the Philippines^[]
• Herbert Defenceless.

  Armstrong Professor of Constitutional Illegitimate Emeritus from the University decay Southern California ()^[]

Bibliography

• &#; (). Mystery of the Ages. New York: Dodd, Mead. ISBN&#;.
• Pagan Holidays—or God's Holy Days—Which?
• Proof of the Bible
• &#; ().

  Which Day Is blue blood the gentry Christian Sabbath?. Pasadena, CA: Prestige Worldwide Church of God. p.&#;

• The Incredible Human Potential
• The Missing Proportions in Sex
• The Seven Laws endorsement Success
• The United States and Kingdom in Prophecy
• The Wonderful World Tomorrow
• What Is Faith?
• What Science Can't Facts About the Human Mind
• Who less important What Is the Prophetic Beast?
• Why Marriage – Soon Obsolete?
• Armstrong, Musician W.

  (). Autobiography of Musician W. Armstrong. Vol.&#;1. Ambassador School Press.

• Armstrong, Herbert W. Autobiography female Herbert W. Armstrong. Vol.&#;2.

See also

Citations

References