tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post2240881250348922149..comments2023-11-05T20:19:44.812+13:00Comments on Ambassador Watch: Growing Up WCGGavinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03060097218905523899noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-77489064148357895352008-05-21T09:13:00.000+12:002008-05-21T09:13:00.000+12:00"....the only remotely realistic hope would have t...<EM>"....the only remotely realistic hope would have to rest with United."</EM><BR/><BR/>That answers my question thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-32319210486208593342008-05-21T08:04:00.000+12:002008-05-21T08:04:00.000+12:00This comment has been removed by the author.Content Former Memberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483196261657783472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-18044952441450274172008-05-21T05:37:00.000+12:002008-05-21T05:37:00.000+12:00"The foundation was OK"And which splinter are you ...<EM>"The foundation was OK"</EM><BR/><BR/>And which splinter are you pushing pray tell?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-38382555087684927772008-05-20T13:26:00.000+12:002008-05-20T13:26:00.000+12:00I too have trouble with fruitless condemnations of...I too have trouble with fruitless condemnations of the HWA cult. Of course it was a cult, but all belief systems are cults, at least in the formal sense, and a few confused kids develop in them all. If anyone finds Armstrongism a little too bizarre, check into some of the more respected cults, like for example, Roman Catholicism. It’s no less a cult than any other belief system. One could spend a lifetime blubbering in his beer over their teachings. Down through the years they have committed horrendous crimes – but that was then and this is now. They too are human and have made terrible mistakes. Today they produce some remarkably fine people (and a few scumbags). And many non-Catholics take severe umbrage with their core teachings and practices. Such is life.<BR/><BR/>Armstrong made a big deal of the pagan origins of Christmas, Easter, the Roman Catholic substitution of Sunday for Sabbath, the Trinity and other accoutrements of mainstream Christianity most of which can be corroborated in popular encyclopedias. One must consult scholarly works for Trinitarian analysis. In other words, the Christian backbone of Anglo-Saxon civilization is permeated with paganism, and in the King James translation pagan ways are sternly proscribed. Most folks with a serious Judeo-Christian background want to avoid paganism. So on the surface it would seem that many of the most cherished parts of our culture have pagan roots, and there is no way to avoid these celebrations without partially retreating from the world we live in. Jews face a similar dilemma, no less bewildering.<BR/><BR/>The Protestant King James Bible, illuminated by Moffat's translation, formed HWA's Biblical foundation, and that combination became the early WCG foundation. The foundation was OK, but it crashed in the leadership's inability or refusal to keep growing intellectually.<BR/><BR/>Due to the research slowdown, intellectual savvy stopped developing. About this time Armstrong allowed himself to be elevated to a papal throne of his own, becoming a personal impasse as imposing as he had earlier been an open door to discovery. Some of his more trusted lieutenants had inadvertently cooked up his spiritual demise by concocting a witch’s brew called “church government.” To the neophyte it looked Biblical – but it created a rigid caste system contrary to the true Biblical paradigm. A little knowledge, particularly in the hands of those who aspire to power, can be devastating. It was precisely that in the Worldwide Church of God.<BR/><BR/>Paradoxically, Armstrong, who had always decried Catholicism, had been persuaded to adopt its governmental form. He began to discourage higher education while relying on church government as a substitute for truth. Nothing could be openly discussed unless Armstrong had already passed judgment on its acceptability. He had become truth’s final arbiter, and after the death of his wife, who might have ameliorated his thinking, the possibility for continued intellectual growth was all but gone. Income could grow, and men could ascend the hierarchy, kissing, slashing and burning their way ever upward. But the lid on greater Biblical knowledge had been slammed shut. “Don’t you dare think, and if you must, learn to keep your mouth shut!” The old game had been truth; the new game was church politics, for shame!<BR/><BR/>But what's bothering me most is seeing former members of the WCG staying locked on dead center, seemingly unable to advance while complaining about bad WCG teachings and nasty skeletons in HWA's closet. The disgusting parts of his private life need not touch anyone who avoids them. Leaving any cult will require substituting better or alternative beliefs for the ones left behind. It’s a matter of working things through – or better, finding people within the churches with courage and commensurate smarts to fix what is wrong without fear of inertia in the power structure. By no means was everything Armstrong taught wrong; we do live in a corrupt and deceived world, for which the Bible has answers – but the answers require more study than Armstrong & Co. were prepared to undertake.<BR/><BR/>The wretchedness of Armstrong’s D&R catastrophe, and the many cruel misapplications of James 5:14, still have serious need of revision in the WCG spinoffs. The importance of Sabbath and annual Holy Days needs honest re-investigation in terms of non-Jewish participation. The autonomy, dare I say SOVEREIGNTY, of the membership needs serious and courageous attention. The concept of dogma itself needs expulsion -- and the soul, the spiritual component of all human life, desperately needs nourishing. Yes, the soul most certainly does exist, and the old Armstrong nephesh argument is utterly insufficient.<BR/><BR/>Isn't it time to redeem the good, dump the bad, and advance the promise that got us interested in the first place? Victimhood is no answer. One might need help, but there is a way up and out for anyone willing to face both the rights and the wrongs of Armstrongism. In this free country, one is still free to mend a broken heart and decide his or her new path. It will take time though.<BR/><BR/>Isn't it a pity that American boys died to preserve the freedom of people who still voluntarily submit themselves to the opinions of an ill-informed ministry! Without a real voice, these too-trusting brethren can only go through a limited number of motions permitted by an elitist aristocracy determined to maintain its power position.<BR/><BR/>I ramble. Consider this. If Christ really is the head of every man, then anyone who intrudes between a man and his Christ is an interloper. The minister’s role therefore needs serious thought and revision. He should be a facilitator, and by no means a lord.<BR/><BR/>Something dramatic and courageous must happen soon or the Armstrong Churches of God will continue to splinter until there is nothing left of its early promise. As things stand presently, that day is inevitable and coming soon. Church administrations dare not bank on the ignorance of brethren any longer. Universities, public libraries and the internet aren’t “ministers only” zones. If presiding over the demise of a once promising, restorative church adventure is acceptable to those in power, then so be it. Those who won’t fix what’s wrong are disgusting cowardly twits, scared to death of employing the good minds God gave them for better things. They offer no real hope to those begging for help out of the morass created by false teachings and an abusive governmental form – and that is shameful. I have serious doubts that God is positively impressed by phony teachings and autocratic leadership.<BR/><BR/>There is still time for courageous church leaders to mend the errors and provide solace to souls shattered by the insensitive factions and practices within Armstrongism. It wasn’t all bad, but it is still in dire need of rethinking and massive repair. Would God that broken spirits crushed by unsavory practices within the Armstrong empire should be repaired by officials who still give a damn.<BR/><BR/>So fix things, those ministers among you who might sneak a peek at this blog. Care enough to mend the brokenhearted. After all, who broke their hearts in the first place?Content Former Memberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483196261657783472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-50445868944739774012008-05-19T20:53:00.000+12:002008-05-19T20:53:00.000+12:00This comment has been removed by the author.Content Former Memberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483196261657783472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-4124117965736697752008-05-19T13:40:00.000+12:002008-05-19T13:40:00.000+12:00This comment has been removed by the author.Content Former Memberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00483196261657783472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-40093356231609563052008-05-19T12:13:00.000+12:002008-05-19T12:13:00.000+12:00Military organizations practice "breaking down" re...Military organizations practice "breaking down" recruits and then building them back up. This is particularly effective for young men between the ages of 17 and 25 during the growth spurt of the prefrontal lobes controlling the will. <BR/><BR/>Marines come from Paris Island after basic training with clear eye and purpose.<BR/><BR/>Cults are generally paramilitary organizations. The difference between them and the military is that cults break down their recruits.<BR/><BR/>Building them back up: Not so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-74486969310029669612008-05-19T12:07:00.000+12:002008-05-19T12:07:00.000+12:00A dork is a dork. What else can be said.A dork is a dork. What else can be said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-26547582217599458552008-05-19T12:05:00.000+12:002008-05-19T12:05:00.000+12:00Poor lost soul. Totally confused and moronic. Anyb...Poor lost soul. Totally confused and moronic. Anybody who is a fan of the Steelers is mentally challenged. Go back and read your bible dummy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-24134697738327058062008-05-19T12:04:00.000+12:002008-05-19T12:04:00.000+12:00One caveat about alcoholism: In the third and fina...One caveat about alcoholism: In the third and final stage of alcoholism just before death, usually marked by hypoglycemia and those terrible migraine headaches, it is still necessary to stop drinking immediately, but it is also necessary to get medical help.<BR/><BR/>By this time, the body is so depleted of vitamin B complex in particular, that a person will need supplements at minimum during the recovery phase or they may still die from malnutrition.<BR/><BR/>It is true that taking the Brewer's yeast, in particular yeast grown on sugar beets, can be helpful, particularly to provide RNA, DNA and Chromium to stimulate the ATP cycle in the body, but it is still dangerous to merely self-medicate. It also may be helpful to supplement the vitamin C, iron, selenium and vitamin E, but caution is advised. <BR/><BR/>Qualified health professionals should be consulted.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-20099160631485085242008-05-19T11:58:00.000+12:002008-05-19T11:58:00.000+12:00"as a man thinks in his dreams so is he,"Quite the...<I>"as a man thinks in his dreams so is he,"</I><BR/><BR/>Quite the opposite: People dream up things they feel they can never be.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-79548692580880825802008-05-19T11:34:00.000+12:002008-05-19T11:34:00.000+12:00A lullaby for you Tired Skeptic, courtesy of Napol...A lullaby for you Tired Skeptic, courtesy of Napolean the 14th, his 1967 song and some Lussenheide editing!... Sing along (music here)<BR/>http://youtube.com/watch?v=Qmg9WZrhIsI<BR/><BR/>Remember when the church blew you a away and you got on your knees and begged for them not to<BR/>leave because you'd go berserk?? <BR/><BR/>Well...<BR/>They left you anyhow and then the days got worse and worse and now you see<BR/>You've gone completely out of your mind.. And..<BR/> <BR/>They're coming to take you away, ha-haaa!!<BR/><BR/>They're coming to take you away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa<BR/><BR/>To the funny farm. Where life is beautiful all the time and you'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming to take you away, ha-haaa!!!!! <BR/><BR/>You thought it was a joke and so you laughed, you laughed when I had said that staying in would make me flip your lid.. RIGHT???<BR/>I know you laughed, I heard you laugh, you laughed you laughed and<BR/>laughed and then you left, but now you know that you are utterly mad... And..<BR/><BR/><BR/>They're coming to take you away, ha-haaa,<BR/>They're coming to take you away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa.<BR/>To the happy home. With trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes and they're coming to take you away, ha-haaa!!! <BR/><BR/>You ate kosher food, You tithed for the work, and this is how they pay you back for all your kind unselfish loving deeds.. Huh??<BR/>Well you just wait, they'll find you yet and when they do they'll put you in the ASPCA, you mangy mutt!!! And... <BR/><BR/>They're coming to you away, ha-haaa.They're coming to take you away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa.<BR/>To the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time and you'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming<BR/>to take you away, ha-haaa!!!<BR/><BR/>To the happy home, with trees and flowers and chirping birds and basket weavers who sit and smile and twiddle their thumbs and toes and they're coming to take you away, ha-haa!!!<BR/>To the funny farm, where life is beautiful all the time... (fade out) <BR/><BR/>Luv and XXX<BR/>Bill Lussenheide, Menifee, CA USALussenheidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07497063495672247362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-63735842945726359242008-05-19T11:01:00.000+12:002008-05-19T11:01:00.000+12:00whew...me thoughts "as a man thinks in his dreams ...whew...me thoughts "as a man thinks in his dreams so is he,"<BR/><BR/>or<BR/><BR/>"there is a dream that seems right to a man, but it ends in indigestion."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-24979066965253457692008-05-19T10:00:00.000+12:002008-05-19T10:00:00.000+12:00The pain-body wants to survive, just like every ot...The pain-body wants to survive, just like every other entity in existence, and it can only survive if it gets you to unconsciously identify with it. <BR/><BR/>It can then rise up, take you over, "become you," and live through you. It needs to get its "food" through you. It will feed on any experience that resonates with its own kind of energy, anything that creates further pain in whatever form: anger, destructiveness, hatred, grief, emotional drama, violence, and even illness. <BR/><BR/>So the pain-body, when it has taken you over, will create a situation in your life that reflects back its own energy frequency for it to feed on. Pain can only feed on pain. Pain cannot feed on joy. It finds it quite indigestible.<BR/><BR/>Once the pain-body has taken you over, you want more pain. You become a victim or a perpetrator. You want to inflict pain, or you want to suffer pain, or both. There isn't really much difference between the two. You are not conscious of this, of course, and will vehemently claim that you do not want pain. But look closely and you will find that your thinking and behavior are designed to keep the pain going, for yourself and others. <BR/><BR/>If you were truly conscious of it, the pattern would dissolve, for to want more pain is insanity, and nobody is consciously insane.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-23913526084561801052008-05-19T09:59:00.000+12:002008-05-19T09:59:00.000+12:00Wait! Wait!Scratch the above posting.I fell asleep...Wait! Wait!<BR/><BR/>Scratch the above posting.<BR/><BR/>I fell asleep during the song and my wife caught me napping.<BR/><BR/>It was all a bad dream.<BR/><BR/>I'm all better now.<BR/><BR/>It never happened.<BR/><BR/>At least I don't think so....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-19821908975726202362008-05-19T09:45:00.000+12:002008-05-19T09:45:00.000+12:00Kill! Kill! Die! Die! Die!Oh, hello. I didn't see ...Kill! Kill! Die! Die! Die!<BR/><BR/>Oh, hello. I didn't see you standing there. How long have you been there? Why are you looking at me that way? Why, I used to be the kindest, gentlest, merciful person you could have ever known.<BR/><BR/>My mother told me that when I was born, I didn't cry like normal babies did. I more like mewed like a kitten. People in school voted me to be the Junior Class President because I was the nicest person there.<BR/><BR/>Not a harsh word or unkind thought ever graced me. My parents reminded me of when I came home one day crying about the movie we had in school about the pagan babies. Tears were streaming down. I want to save the poor unfortunates.<BR/><BR/>And, not to boast at all, there have been any number of community services projects [not associated with any court order in any way]: The one for the Washington Occupational Information System to help students learn about careers by helping them select their interests, the freely given time to help the Spokane Public Library System build a computer tracking system for periodicals; the website work for the Criminal Justice League to help prisoners and so many many other projects.<BR/><BR/>And here I am today. Blood all over my latex glove covered hands [one must avoid unsanitary conditions lest one get something like e coli] with a still warm beating heart in my hands....<BR/><BR/>If you wonder at my transformation to violence, consider this: Armstrongism drove me to it with its inconsistent logic defying mysticism. There's just no way to remain sane with all the cognitive dissonance. Take that Psalm 51 rendition, for example. Some of us knew the minister who made us sing the song at Passover was committing adultery at the time. He's still in the WCG as a minister, you know. At least he didn't murder her husband. At least we don't know that he did. And here he was, making us sing that that that... song! The hypocrisy of it all.<BR/><BR/>So there you have it. Someone called 9-1-1. I hear the sirens. I see the flashing lights outside the window now. The officers in their black uniforms are coming to the door.... This might be my last posting.<BR/><BR/>So there you have it, you who still hang on to the teachings of Herbert Armstrong. Let it be an object lesson to you.<BR/><BR/>As for me, I understand from my lawyer that he thinks that I will be able to mount a successful defense, but I may be in the Insane Asylum for a very long time.<BR/><BR/>At least I won't have to hear that darned song any more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-42599957257800011212008-05-19T09:35:00.000+12:002008-05-19T09:35:00.000+12:00Let's also remember the NT writings themselves and...Let's also remember the NT writings themselves and in particular the real or imagined writings of the Apostle Paul would have left just as many damaged first century people as WCG or any literalist church would leave in using those scriptures.<BR/><BR/>Paul screw up many a single in the early church and any relationship they had or wanted to have with his "it is better they stay as myself" and of course, "time is short." Paul messed up women with ridiculous ideas about their role and bogus applications of the Adam and Eve story to make his point. Paul divided families no do doubt with his teachings and people arranged their lives around the specialness he offered from being evil sinners to near royalty and a people special to God. <BR/><BR/>Paul gave out a lot of bad advice on practical end time living and then bailed out by saying, "Oh well, I fought a good fight, I finished the course, I I I I I kept the faith....bye..." <BR/><BR/>We don't have accounts of the early christians who felt used and abused by the early end time apostle. I bet there were plenty.<BR/><BR/>Religion and monotheism in particular is abusive by nature and leaves more hurt humans than Kings and Priests so far as we can tell.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-51755741180820748252008-05-19T08:08:00.000+12:002008-05-19T08:08:00.000+12:00Tired Skeptic, I have a clip for you that should h...Tired Skeptic, I have a clip for you that should hopefully make you laugh uproariously, every time Psalm 51 courtesy of the Purple Joy Killer crosses your mind:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.hotlinkfiles.com/files/1235825_vfb6r/Passover08song.mp3" REL="nofollow">Rotten Ron Karaokes One of Dwight Armstrong's Greatest Hits</A>.<BR/><BR/>Additionally, I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with the Luss (don't everyone fall over from the shock now): I come from a booze-fuelled family background as well, and have never touched a drop myself. No drugs, or other illicit substances either.Weinland Watchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08029452242127198705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-55043332407619249772008-05-19T07:44:00.000+12:002008-05-19T07:44:00.000+12:00Hi Again. I am the one who said I raised my child...Hi Again. I am the one who said I raised my children in WWCG and they had a good childhood... Something is wrong in some of the reasoning of what I read. I used James Dobson's books on child rearing for "bringing up" my children, followed core beliefs in the scriptures on the subject of tithing and taught it to my youngsters, holy days, unclean food, etc. Yes, I took them to the sports activities and we stayed in hotels for the district weekend activities...they attended "outside dances" and so forth.<BR/>I know some of these kids that were raised in WWCG, they are still observing some of the core teachings, a number are baptized and raising their children in the faith, one is giving sermonettes...I don't see the extreme hostility that is spoken about in these youth.<BR/>Some mistreatment took place, I am convinced, but there are humans in the church and out of the church and such is the world that we live in. There are wheat and there are tares and we all mistreat others at times. Apologies to all that I am sure I have not "done right by" over the years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-3950014114114771122008-05-19T05:53:00.000+12:002008-05-19T05:53:00.000+12:00Great job, Bill.In case you've forgotten your pred...Great job, Bill.<BR/><BR/>In case you've forgotten your prediction in December, I'm doing my part to make it a false prophecy.<BR/><BR/>But thanks. It will help people.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-2805027025940480262008-05-19T04:07:00.000+12:002008-05-19T04:07:00.000+12:00One more thing:Learn to be and stand alone. You do...One more thing:<BR/><BR/>Learn to be and stand alone. <BR/><BR/>You do not have to "prefer" to be alone, but you must not fear being alone. <BR/><BR/>There are much worse things than being alone. Do not make weak choices, physically or spiritually out of fear of lonliness. God is always there. Be still and know. <BR/><BR/>Your Friend, <BR/>Bill Lussenheide, Menifee, CA USALussenheidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07497063495672247362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-5693151305217209072008-05-19T03:57:00.000+12:002008-05-19T03:57:00.000+12:00TIRED SKEPTIC WROTE:Those of you here who still ha...TIRED SKEPTIC WROTE:<BR/>Those of you here who still have the problem know very well how to end being a practicing alcoholic. If you have forgotten, Bill Lussenheide can enlighten you, I'm sure.<BR/><BR/>MY COMMENT:<BR/>Alright, I will take the bait and answer. Here is how you stop being an alcoholic. STOP DRINKING AND STOP NOW. You dont need a program, you dont need a support group, you dont need to relive your childhood and how crap it was , etc, etc etc. <BR/><BR/>Rational Recovery is truth. Once you resolve that you will never ever drink again, and decide to kill that inner beast/demon within you, and you see it for the immature animal that it is it will die right there and right now forever. Do not give it hope or quarter in your soul by saying you are "Recovering", or hanging around with others who are still tempted and need "groups". KILL IT, and kill it now. You are in total control of your hand, which must raise a glass to your lips. Stop it with the disease talk. Man Up! <BR/><BR/>Who the hell is the Lussenheide? I was around alcoholics and druggies and gangs all of my youth in the heart of East Los Angeles. My parents were alcoholics and nuts too. <BR/><BR/>Thru it all, and I could write a book on abusive situations, and I have suffered at its hand, in the most literal terrifying of ways... Yet I am happy, love life see the events as learning experiences that strengthen and mold, and never drink, never have taken drugs and have never had the temptation to do so.<BR/><BR/>Do not be a psychic bully or wimp. Be still and know truth. This applies to whacked out religion as well.Stop responding to life. Do not submit, do not get angry. <BR/><BR/>That which does not kill you only strengthens you. Pain is weakness leaving the body. You are in the image of God. Always remember who you really are, a son of God who is loved and is precious in his sight. Walk towards those arms always, and the path will make sense. All things really do work for good. <BR/><BR/>Your Friend, <BR/>Bill Lussenehide , Menifee, CA USALussenheidehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07497063495672247362noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-38253254959356993262008-05-19T03:52:00.000+12:002008-05-19T03:52:00.000+12:00I feel your anger.Good, good.Learn the power of th...I feel your anger.<BR/><BR/>Good, good.<BR/><BR/>Learn the power of the Dark Side of the Force.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-11851725964479458312008-05-19T03:39:00.000+12:002008-05-19T03:39:00.000+12:00Perhaps the one big thing for those still addicted...Perhaps the one big thing for those still addicted to Armstrongism is that if you can't take care of yourself and can't take care of your family, the reality is that you simply can't help anyone else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28426681.post-22705760792471082642008-05-19T03:33:00.000+12:002008-05-19T03:33:00.000+12:00The very short version of Armstrongism: It's a dis...The very short version of Armstrongism: It's a disease -- use the disease model.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com