This is the 1500th post for the Living Armstrongism blog. Thank you to all readers for inspiring me to continue this blog.
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Continuing from previous posts (
1998-2010 and
2010-2013) let us continue taking a look at the letters published in PCG's recruitment magazine, The Philadelphia Trumpet.
September 2013
Here's one letter praising PCG for saying Satan is using President Obama as a tool to destroy the United States.
With all of these scandals
raging it’s easy to become
worried and even angry.... The comment
about an evil spirit working
to destroy the nation really
puts things into perspective.
I’m sure that there are many
people that will just laugh at that. Thank
you for stripping away the whitewash,
Mr. Flurry, and for providing the perspective that no one else in the world is.
Here's one letter from a person who thinks that Constitution is somehow gone.
As a kid I didn’t really appreciate the Constitution the way
I should have. Now it doesn’t
exist anymore, and we are about to learn
a priceless lesson for all time as to why it
matters so much.
I advice this person not to give in to despair. Perhaps this person should get involved in politics. Stand up for what you believe in.
Here's one letter comparing a former aide for President Obama with the Nazis. What a way to demonize a Presidential Administration one does not like.
Never let a crisis go to waste—isn’t that
the same mindset of Adolf Hitler’s minister of propaganda and enlightenment, Dr.
Paul Joseph Göbbels? .... From what I have
read, the Nazis created situations of crisis
in order to promote their agenda. It’s the
same spirit behind it.
Here's one letter from South Africa.The references to "spiritual Israel" referring to WCG indicates this was written by a PCG member.
Wow! What a read! Thank you for writing this in-depth article that points to
the source of all these scandals besetting modern Israel. Just like the conspirators of spiritual Israel (inside the WCG),
the conspirators of physical Israel are
following the same pattern of lies and
deceit, and destruction is the end result.
As the prophecies of spiritual Israel’s fall
have come to fruition, we can only look
on as the world’s most powerful nation
is sucked into immorality and reaps the
rewards for complete lawlessness. At
the same time, we are refreshed, knowing God is already restoring His law, and
righteous government in the minds of
his saints. We look forward to the time
just ahead of us when we will be able
to restore peace to all the families and
nations on this Earth.
Here's one letter by a writer who despairs at not having learned PCG dogma enough. Here we see how guilt is leads to this individual to seek more conformity.
The article hit my heart and mind really
hard.... My Bible study has been on and
off, and I can honestly sense I have not
being receiving my daily bread. I completely let my daily life come before my
heavenly Father and what He wants me to
know. This article and God’s words made
me realize how selfish I have been and
how I really was not seeing the big picture
at hand. Another thing I have realized is
that because my study and time with the
Lord has lacked, so have other parts in
my life. God’s Word and the eagerness in wanting to learn and know more about
our Lord is more important than we tend
to realize. I thank you so much for bringing this to my attention. I pray the Lord
continues to inspire and bless you with
your work.
Here's one letter from the Philippines complaining that political correctness is not strong enough and should be replaced by a word or phrase that inspire intense disgust and anger.
I think the term “political correctness”
becomes ineffective, insipid and trite
nowadays to describe the poison that
particularly the West is taking towards
self-destruction and self-immolation.... We need a
more jolting and strong term to describe
such malignancy. “Political correctness”
may even be a term coined by the left?
The left knows when you control how
you define an issue, you already have
won half of the battles. Why not replace
“political correctness” by out-and-out blatant censorship, which evokes more
emotions, protests and opposition, thus
waking up the generally lethargic public.
October 2013
Here's one letter thanking PCG for denying climate change.
My compliments to you on
this article ... that exposes the falsehood of so-called climate
change. Great job! I think
you had a very balanced
approach, bringing in all the
facts, and acknowledging that
while some of man’s activities do harm
and affect the environment, they cannot
account for the scale of weather disasters
assaulting the civilized world today. That
15-year study you cited was a great way to
cement your point. Global warming, climate change, whatever they call it now,
is such a proven fallacy, it’s sad to see
so many people believing it, especially
because it obscures the real source of the
problem, which is our sins. I hope your
article will help wake them up. So kudos
to you, and keep up the great writing and
research.
Here's one letter mentioning how the writer discovered PCG's recruitment writings in 2002.
It was in 2002 when I first picked up a copy
of the Trumpet. I had never heard of it
before, but was very intrigued as I remembered the Bible using the word “trumpet”
in it in the book of Revelation. I prayed
and asked God to show me the truth and
He still is today through this wonderful,
refreshing magazine and website. I feel
very grateful everyday for being able to
come here and read real “news.”
Here's one letter insisting that PCG's recruitment writings are the real news. This denigrates other news sources as unreliable.
This is why I read The Trumpet Weekly and go to theTrumpet.com every day to.... Get the real news.
(Incidentally there is a media outlet called
The Real News. It is based in Baltimore and Toronto. It views political matters quite differently from PCG however.)
Here's one letter from South Africa.
Thank you for a very informative article.... Even though I
live at the bottom end of Africa, it’s still
pretty much close to home. May our
Father send His Son very soon to restore
His government to Earth.
Here's one letter condemning the Queen for signing legislation granting marriages between same sex couples.
I know the Queen is more a figurehead
than a politician, but regardless of parliamentary procedure she did not have to
sign the homosexual “marriage” law. Isn’t
it better to fear God than to fear man?
December 2013
This letter discusses the previous issues' discussion of PCG's involvement in archaeological digs in Jerusalem. PCG is in constant competition with the other COGs to gain more recruits. Very few WCG ministers joined PCG. Most WCG ministers and members joined other COG groups or got out of Armstrongism all together. Joining these archaeological digs is one way PCG tries to stand out from the other COG groups to prop up their legitimacy in the eyes of members of potential recruits.
According to a 2010 National Geographic report the digs are partly funded by
Elad (City of David), a settler organization dedicated to filling up East Jerusalem with Israeli Jews. This is done despite the objections of the many Palestinians who already live there who wish to be part of a Palestinian state and view such moves as threatening this dream.
East Jerusalem is not regarded as a part of the State of Israel by any of the 160 nation states that recognize the State of Israel. Those 160 nation states only recognize the State of Israel's right to rule over the land within the 1949-1967 borders. This includes the United States under Presidents Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush and Obama.
Here is one letter expressing joy and reassurance at the archaeological discoveries.
It is truly heartwarming to
gain some of the past missing details about the archaeological digging which has
been successful in Israel, and
to know how closely God’s
Church in America has been
involved.... How jolting, yet warm and reassuring, are these
recent discoveries, such as the medallion
and even Nehemiah’s wall. At this late
time in mankind’s history on this Earth,
it makes one’s head swim—and heart
fly—to realize that God is blessing these
efforts, and that within His quiet glory,
while humans continue to destroy and
doubt, He is in control. He simply will
not let this amazing and fruitful work be
stopped or interfered with. Regardless of
the doubt and ridicule which taints the
air as always, the facts and stories in the
pages of God’s book, the Bible, shine and
speak to us today, ever more sweetly!
Here's one letter praising the previous issue as one of the best this person had ever read.
This month’s
Trumpet
is one of the best I
have ever read. God’s blessing continues as
you continue with Mr. Armstrong’s legacy. Wow, what a find! Not monetary wise,
but as proof of God’s Word the Bible being
true. I love it. It has really lifted my spirit
and given me proof. Thank you and may
God continue with His blessing to you,
as He reveals Himself to us in these times
before His return.
Here's one letter speculating that the tombs of the kings might soon be discovered.
The tombs of the kings might be the next
to be discovered.... Thank you,
Mr. Flurry, for having the faith to continue Mr. Armstrong’s legacy.
Here's one letter from Australia.
The articles in this special edition are
an incredible witness to the skeptics and
doubters. However, this article really
brings shivers and tingles to my skin. The
anticipation of the possibility of
such an historic find makes me
want to pack a shovel and come on over. I look forward to
hearing what comes next.
Here's another letter blessing these archaeological excavations.
I believe that Ms. Mazar has
brought a lot of biblical history to light at this important
site of biblical history.... May God bless her and her
efforts.
Here's one letter praising the excavations and fondly remembering the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation (AICF). From PCG's perspective the whole point of these excavations is to convince people that PCG is the sole, legitimate continuation of HWA's WCG.
As one who remembers the Ambassador
International Cultural Foundation in my
early beginnings with the WCG, it brings
me much joy to see this relationship
flourish again.... And furthermore,
the news regarding the new findings of
the gold jewelry and other historic finds
brings me much joy. Mr. Armstrong
would be nothing less than proud to see
the fruits of his successors. What a wonderful brief history as well.
Here's one letter that waxes almost poetic in describing how PCG got to participate in these archaeological digs.
A seed was planted in the mind of Dr. Eilat
Mazar when she was just a child when she
witnessed the partnership between Mr.
Armstrong and her grandfather. Today,
that seed has sprouted and taken root in a
renewed partnership between Mr. Flurry
and Dr. Mazar. How wonderful to see
these two working together.
Here's one letter praising the excavations for religious reasons.
Isn’t God wonderful? ....
Doesn’t He show us how He cherishes
friendship, partnership and continuity
and that He is on our side helping us to
reveal the truth of the Bible, His Word?
Praise to Him who does it all.
Here's one letter praising Dr. Eilat Mazar's personal character.
Thanks for distilling down her character
traits .... I am inspired and impressed and
also encouraged to emulate her and her
character. So many gifts this woman is channeling to the world—beyond even
her comprehension.
Here is another such letter.
Thank you for this wonderful insight into
Dr. Mazar’s character. As a voracious,
vicarious voyeur of the HWAC connection
to the various digs, her amazing qualities
are well known. It is a good thing to show
the world that her honesty, integrity, love
of family, and trust in God’s Word are
the true treasures to be cherished above
that which she uncovers with a brush. To
quote her son, “She is amazing.”
If East Jerusalem was controlled by Palestinians as part of an independent State of Palestine it is very doubtful that they would allow PCG to participate in these excavations.
January 2014
Here's one letter that calls out PCG for vilifying Germany as a war mongering nation state. While I would have preferred if stronger language than "mistakes" were used, for the most part this letter is correct.
No offense, but I think most people who
agree with this article don’t know about
the current German mentality. Yeah, it’s
a shame what happened in history, and,
yes, Germany did mistakes, but while you
all are talking about “Germany” as one
big thing, you forget what a country is
made of and that the mentality matters.
You can’t talk about a tendency for starting a war—that’s just ignorant and totally
forgets that a country is a moving and
changing structure. Besides, Germany
lacks everything a war-preparing country could have. You wouldn’t even find
more than 10 percent of their citizens calling themselves patriotic because everyone
is ashamed of their terrible past. History
teachers get more and more time to speak
about the time of the Nazis and all those
mistakes every year, and people there are
so open-minded and harmless they probably would not even fight if Germany gets
attacked. I was born and raised in Germany and I think most people should look
on the inside of Germany before talking
about a potentially war starter country. It
also hurts me if you think our citizens and
government are that stupid and angry to
start a war, as we are loving the peace.
Here's one letter insisting that the United States is already bankrupt and that this has caused the re-pivot towards Asia. The US is not bankrupt. It is not true to say that.
Everyone in Asia knows that
the Americans only re-pivoted into the Asian region in order to sell
U.S.-made military weapons ... and then, because it is bankrupt, it will re-pivot out of Asia. The
Americans are too bankrupt to police the
whole world and therefore they are likely
to only focus on the Middle East. America
needs allies in the Asia who can be strong
enough to hold their own in the region
and be a real ally and Japan is one of the
likely choices.
Here's one letter from South Africa. It is certainly true that South Africa has a most severe problem of widespread violence. But unfortunately PCG has a tendency to rubbish South Africa and denigrate the nation's liberation from the racist system of apartheid. Unfortunately PCG tends to blind themselves to the role of apartheid in causing the current dire situation.
I live here and can vouch for the fact that
the writer of this article is not exaggerating.... We are so desensitized to the violence that it’s not even newsworthy any
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more. I was victimized by the police for
reporting the fact that my family and I
were robbed at gunpoint, along with 30
other restaurant patrons and kept hostage for over an hour. Last year, 30 of
this elite cop group were arrested, and
between them have over 100 counts of
murder being prepared. Perhaps I am not
so crazy after all to be building a sailboat,
our “family ark,” to sail away from it all.
Here's another letter from South Africa.
I am sick to my stomach after reading
this article. I have lived in South Africa all my life, and never has it been more
obvious that this country is on the brink
of extinction. There truly is nothing good
left in this land, and getting out would be
a huge blessing. I was crying whilst reading this article—there is so much suffering and people just turn a blind eye!
Thank you for making people aware of
what is going on. God’s Kingdom really
can’t come soon enough.
Here's one letter from South Africa that complains of being called racist for talking about problems in South Africa and complains that people excuse the high rate of violence.
Thank you for sharing this! This is our
everyday life in South Africa. It is hard,
and so many of our families and friends
die due to violence. The saddest part of
it all is when you voice your concerns,
you are branded as a racist. What’s more
shocking is the fact that so many find
“excuses” for these brutal acts of crime.
But hopefully with more people like you,
our voices will be heard and our plea for a
savior country will be heard, not because
we are white, but because we are human
beings and part of this country.
February 2014
Here's one letter citing Winston Churchill to condemn socialism and insinuate that Germany will soon arise to replace the United States as the most powerful nation on Earth. This fixation on Germany indicates this person has been reading PCG's writings for quite sometime.
It is almost a childlike mentality in the culture of Washington politics.... To let the most powerful country the world has ever seen
before, self-destruct shows the total selfishness of a few politicians. Winston Churchill
stated, “Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance and the gospel of
envy.” Germany will rise to the occasion. American politicians will continue to ruin every
part of our lives, for as the founders of the Constitution said, moral and biblically astute
men are necessary for America to survive.
Here's one letter that complains that everything is falling apart. It is even insinuated that the US currency could soon be rendered worthless in a single moment. Such an eventually is at present most unlikely.
It seems our whole society is falling apart. Dozens
of “knockout” punches to innocent people just
walking along, home invasions, horrific traffic
crashes caused by drunken drivers, rubbish on TV
and in the movies, a 50 percent divorce rate, daily
financial manipulations by the U.S. government
and now a new government medical system that
can’t even get out of the hangar. What has happened to the U.S. is unreal. We are going down
and going down quickly. One big wind hits and
our pile of worthless paper money is blown away.
Here's one letter from South Africa.
Thank you for a really sobering yet enlightening
article, which documents the background of these
kings of the East, and draws our attention to the
makeup of that future army of frightening proportions.... While one’s
blood chills at the mental picture of the horrors to
come, it is so encouraging to remember that this
leads to the best possible news ever—the return
of Christ to restore the very government of God!
Thank you so much for this very fact. Every article
draws the reader to this ultimate conclusion—the
restoration of God’s government!
Here's a letter criticizing PCG's fixation on the United States' perspective. It is rare for PCG to print criticism such as this.
All that “pax” is about to get the axe. If you
asked the Vietnamese, Koreans, Iraqis, Afghans,
Serbs, etc., I think they’ll think you guys were
actually pretty brutal. Perhaps the world will
become a more peaceful place with the pax
getting the axe finally.
Here's a letter hailing PCG's writings as the greatest thing ever.
The
Trumpet
is the greatest source for
truth and knowledge, other than the Bible.
It’s so great to have a place like this.
Now where would this person get that idea from?
March 2014
Here's one letter from South Africa from a person very impressed with Gerald Flurry's proclamation that Vladimir Putin is the "Prince of Rosh" prophesied to rule until several years after Christ's return. This false prophecy will surely fail.
Wow.... This is
simply amazing! We are living in the passages of God’s Word today! Thank
you for this article. No doubt Mr. Putin is a man being used by God to cause
the Bible to come alive. The messages are getting stronger and stronger and
the picture is getting clearer. It is just astounding to look at the words record
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ed in the Bible, and by revelation, realize that we are living in a time when
specific people can now be identified. This is enough to make a person
dizzy! I look forward to how God reveals His plan as world events unfold.
Here's one letter from Norway that speculates that PCG is right to call Putin the "Prince of Rosh."
Putin is an interesting man. He came out of obscurity as an ex-KGB officer and then advanced
to president. Some genealogists claim he is
related to Russian royalty from the old Putyanin
clan. He would be a good match as the prince of
Rosh, Meshech and Tubal. I think it is interesting
that the Bible calls Gog a chief prince, not a king,
because a prince is a man of royal descent who
has not been crowned as king yet.
Here's one letter that imagines the grotesque scenario that PCG promotes by insisting that Putin will fulfil Ezekiel 38 and 39.
Seven 30-day months to bury 200 million
people means putting close to a million people
in the ground every single day for seven months
straight. What a nightmare.
Here's one letter that sympathetically portrays Putin as "a great leader" and as merely defending the interests of his nation from those of the United States.
Putin is a great leader. He knows the direction
he wants to take Russia. Russia needs to remain
strong because Russia is constantly surrounded
by U.S. bases, missiles and such, that Putin has
no choice but to take Russia towards a more
assertive role. And apparently, as the article
brings out, this has God’s approval. Thank God
for strong Russia and Asia.
This letter was written by the widowed wife of the late Wilbur Malone. Is PCG so desperate for letters of praise? Also she is wrong to insinuate that the United States is like
some sort of Ponzi-scheme. This is wrong.
This article hits the nail on the head.... The
unbelievably sad economic state this country is
in is brought out clearly in reporting how things
are in the personal financial affairs of the people,
as well as the government. Now people are too
weak in character to change the greedy, Ponzi-scheme lifestyle they live. Herbert W. Armstrong
was right when he warned of what lies ahead.
Here's one letter from Canada which condemns Universities as leaning to the left. PCG often condemn Universities. PCG have their own unaccredited College so PCG has a vested interest in discrediting similar educational institutions.
As a recent university-goer, I can say that these
institutions are declining. From the professors’
desire to convey material to the material itself,
even the students are being pounded with left-
leaning propaganda that has nothing to do with
their studies. Why do I have to take a minimum
of 10 courses of “social sciences”? Social sciences are
not the concrete sciences, but rather
the kind that try to get me to agree with the
left’s ideas or ethics, when it’s completely the opposite of my upbringing. My math teachers couldn’t have even known I existed, and I
could get a high grade because of the concrete
substance of the subject. However, if my social
science professor didn’t like that I disagreed
with the idea of two men or two women raising children together, they could have happily
failed me.
Here's one letter from Canada written by a person who seems to think society can fall apart at any moment.I advice such persons not to give in to despair.
This was a very disturbing article to read, but
the situation is not surprising.... From past experience I have found that not all law enforcement officers
are good people. The percentage of humans
deceived by Satan in the police force is the same
percent in the rest of society. I always prepare
myself mentally for the day when society breaks
down. I know that someone with a badge
knocking on my door could be just as affected by
evil as a person without a badge. If this person
were issued a machine gun, it would be mind-
boggling. The story of the local sheriff using a
drone on a family farm was quite an eye opener.
Satan has already tempted law enforcement to
take all this military hardware. Society can collapse very quickly.
April 2014
Here's one letter from a women raised as a Catholic now made fearful about worshiping on Sunday because of PCG's fear inducing writings. Such fear is used in PCG's writings to get more recruits. That inflammatory doctrine is a way for PCG to discredit the competition to get more recruits.
I just started to read your articles and it amazes me how much information I
missed in the Bible.... I now have
a deep understanding here. I read aloud to my spouse and he said, “Don’t
let the Internet put fear in your trust in God.” I said, “I know, but this website
is honest and true.” I used to be Catholic and my spouse is still a faithful
baptized member today. I asked my spouse how we are going to survive
when we say no to the mark of the beast, but he couldn’t answer.
Here's one letter from Nigeria that seems to agree with PCG's paranoid view of the Papacy.
The Catholic Church is well known for its crafty
approach to matters that are of vital importance
to its institution. Its canny acts are always elusive. Thank God Almighty for granting us the
opportunity to be pre-informed of its nature, at
this last time of human rule. A new world order
is all mankind needs.
Here's one letter insisting that the Papacy is a sinister, Satanic counterfeit of the the Millennial rule of Christ as taught by PCG. This reads as though the writer has been involved with PCG for some time.
How crafty Satan is. His counterfeit is almost
a copy of what God’s true government will be,
with its king and priest—state and church. The
greatest difference is Jesus Christ will be King
of kings and Lord of lords, as well as the most
High Priest, of a truly righteous and benevolent
empire. Thank you for this warning to watch and
discern this Third Way.
Here's one letter that brings up the tragic memories of the fascist Franco dictatorship in Spain (1936-75) to justify PCG's demonization of the Papacy.
Spot on.... This is a
country divided, and the church is more than
culpable in this. And the comment about the
Muslims and Jews being either thrown out or
put in the service of the “superior” Catholics is
as relevant as the events before and during the
Civil War. The connections between the Partido
Popular, Catholic Church and the dictatorship are
not to be underestimated.
Here's a letter from the Philippines from a person seemingly convinced that PCG somehow predicted the Ukrainian revolution and the civil war that emerged. PCG are but false prophets.
I just want to thank you, sir, for this astonishing
prophecy! .... Everything you predicted in the past is all
coming true. It is just so amazing that it cannot be
denied where the true work of God is. I believe
that what happened in Ukraine was prophesied.
And the two men you mentioned, Putin and Guttenberg, are both intriguing and exciting to watch!
Here's one letter from a person who has decided to change opinions because of PCG's writings.
Our entire family sat down, read and discussed
this article together.... I was encouraged that
we are on the right track in some areas, but I also
realized we are off-track in others. I am excited
to begin implementing these strategies and even
more excited for immediate results and the long-term fruits! As always, thank you for your service.
Here's one letter praising PCG's writings for (supposedly) getting to the heart of matters. The letter also expresses frustration at other media outlets for superficial coverage of events.
Excellent, excellent article! .... It’s the type of information I keep hoping
to find something of on the news—but to no
avail! You’d think that in these dire times some
-
one would be speaking out forcefully. But instead
it’s all about the Super Bowl, a cute dog story, or
petty local events or, at the very least, all the serious news is after the fact—whether it’s a weather
disaster or shooting in a school. They never get
to the root causes of things or even seem to try.
Yes, sadly, as scriptures say, truly in the last days
people will be lovers of themselves, eating and
drinking, and going about with their own affairs.
Here's one letter that criticizes US foreign policy as being too vague.
The U.S. has been fighting wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan for nearly a quarter of a century
without a clear definition of who the enemy
is and what determines a victorious outcome.
We heard from our previous President George
W. Bush, that “we are fighting a war on terror.”
But what does that mean? Who are we really
fighting? And secondly, how do we know when
we have won the war? In 2013 President Obama
declared, “Global war on terror is over.” Seriously, does anyone believe that to be true?
Here's one letter gushing that World War III is just about to occur.
The way world history is charging along at the
moment, it appears that the main players in
the end-time drama are already taking up their
positions.... It is also very obvious that
most are unaware of where all this is heading.
Here's a letter saying that the West will raise up zu Guttenburg to stand against Russia but will he merely betray the United States and Britain. Since 2009 PCG has continuously promoted Karl Theodor zu Guttenburg as a
possible candidate fated to become the European dictator fated to
conquer America.
I think the West will push Mr. Guttenberg toward
European politics as an opponent to Putin. He
will be the strongman to stand up to Russia. Unfortunately, the West and American leadership
won’t understand exactly who Guttenberg is until
it is too late. It’s like watching a horror movie with
a plot that unfolds with great evil at the climax
of a terrible story—that ultimately has a glorious
ending!
Here's one letter praising an article as being very beautiful. If only this person was aware of the problems within PCG.
This is surely the most beautiful writing of truth
I’ve read from another human being in a long
time.... Surely this is beautiful, and it is the truth
all in a nutshell—simply beautiful.
Here's a letter from one person who muses that there is nothing wrong with being extreme while trying to follow one's religion.How unfortunate it is that this person is quite likely unaware of how extreme such of PCG's practices are such as shunning members of other COG groups, even if they are close family members. Or their promotion of HWA's anti-medicine superstition.
You grabbed me with your opening line: How
far are you willing to go for God? Taking drastic
measures is what I’ve had to do. I recently cut
all social media out of my life because some
of it was getting in the way. I’ve been told that
I’m extreme, and I admit, at times I am. But
why not be extreme for God? It’s different if it’s
something like a diet or being extreme about
fitness or something physical. But when it’s
about a relationship with God, again, why not be
extreme? And it’s not about penance—that’s no
good. It’s about sacrifice, and as you said, “If we
hold back, we might lose out entirely!” Thanks
for this article. It has been strong encouragement for me to go the distance! This is just what
I needed. Like your article mentions, it’s not easy
to do these things, so to have the encouragement is comforting and it keeps me pushing on.
Here's one letter from Suriname.
“Real spiritual growth comes when you are totally wrapped up in God’s work.” That is so true,
and studying recent history has undoubtedly proven this fact. God help us all to wholeheartedly support the work of God. Thanks again for reminding us about this crucial element of our going with God.
Here's a letter which expresses a desire to be a "true Christian believer" instead of just being a churchgoer. PCG seek to discredit other churches to convince people to join PCG and pay three tithes for the rest of their lives.
This is the kind of work I want to do. Thank you
for this piece of writing. It is by far the best and
most inspiring piece of writing I’ve read. May all
Christians who seek to hear from God read and
abide by this and they will see the wonderful
hand of God in their lives. The Bible says I will
make you rich so you can be generous at all
times. As Christians we must live a Christ-like
life, which differentiates true Christian believers
from just churchgoers.
May 2014
Here's one letter thanking PCG for its scare mongering about Germany. PCG has constantly insisted that important events are fated to occur on January 16, the anniversary of HWA's death in 1986. This is merely a superstition.
Thank you for this very revealing look at the new Germany—or, should I
say old? .... I am
happy that you clarified that the Germans are a great people, and Germany
is a great nation. Some people misinterpret what you say about Germany
thinking that you are being judgmental, when in reality, you are simply
relating facts of history which we could all learn from. I found this article
about the world-shaking event that occurred on January 15/16, to be a huge
stamp of authentication as to who had it right all along. The articles on
theTrumpet.com are a continuation of that same great work.
He was right!
Here's one letter from a person who has been reading Armstrongite writings intermittently since the 1960s. This letter alludes to a fascinating contradiction within COG writings. If the COGs know what will happen in the future than why doesn't the political leaders of the world outside the COGs simply read the COGs' writings and act on this revealed knowledge one way or another? That is because these prophecies are not made for world leaders but for potential recruits to get them to join.
I started reading the Plain Truth in the '60s wherever I could find it. I didn’t even know how to order it. I began reading the Trumpet wherever I could find it until I learned to order it. I haven’t missed reading the magazine or the e-mail since I subscribed and urge everyone I know or talk with to do the same. ... I wish world leaders would read them, but then they would not be leaders of the world. Such is the nature of man.
Here's one letter saying that a PCG article had brought the reader to tears.
Your description of the hole that is in each
human being brought me to tears. I see the
results all around me of people trying to fill that
void with something other than God. For some
it is drugs, others illicit sex, still others fill their
minds with mind-numbing amounts of sports.
Whatever the solution, it is never the right one!
As you said, the hole comes back deeper than
before. What a wonderful thing to know that
soon everyone will be able to have that relationship with their heavenly Father and will no
longer seek after a substitute relationship that
can only leave them unfulfilled.
Here's one letter criticizing the ban against marijuana. PCG sometimes publishes letters they disagree with. This is one of those letters.
The war on pot is a joke and nothing more than
a tool to control the masses. Marijuana has
many health benefits and cures, which is the
real reason they want to keep it illegal. Only the
ignorant and the biased that have bought into
the lies that they’ve been told believe.
Here's one letter from one who had been reading COG writings since the early 1970s.
I have been a reader of your materials since the
early 1970s and wish to thank you for all your
hard work.
July 2014
Here's one letter seemingly thanking PCG for presenting a "new revelation" about the nature of the future European Empire that Armstrongism has constantly insisted since the 1930s will soon conquer the United States. It has always failed.
Thanks for this new revelation about the fact that the resurrected Roman
Empire will likely be bi-polar with two power centers.... This illuminates the picture greatly. And yes,
Putin is a rare man, one of a kind. We cannot understand the danger that
Europe faces as well as the people of Poland. I actually believe that, given
their past experience, they are the best barometer to measure the new
Russian threat. So as long as the current aggression from Putin continues, it
may take few years for Europe to unite. It is real and present danger.
Here's one letter from Columbia agreeing with PCG and saying that the United States was following Germany's lead during the Yugoslav Wars. Since 1999
PCG has chosen to sympathize with Slobodan Milošević and his fellows in an attempt to
demonize Germany by exploiting the terrible suffering of the Yugoslav Wars and
blaming it all on Germany.
You are absolutely right.... What Putin is doing is very
serious, but what happened with the breakup
of Yugoslavia was much more serious. The
bloodshed was led by the United States in favor
of the bloodiest nation in history, Germany.
Here's one letter speculating that the European Union will soon send peace keepers to Lebanon after reading a PCG article about Lebanon.
What a jaw-dropping article. With civil war
brewing, sentiment turning against Hezbollah
and a sizable Christian population, Lebanon is
the perfect place for the EU to put peacekeepers
right next to Israel in the prelude to World War III.
All of God’s prophecies are being fulfilled, which
means Jesus Christ is soon to return.
Here's one paranoid letter asserting that the Iron Curtain did not really fall. Note the way how "Communist ideology" is described as being "socialist-leftist". This is red baiting designed to slur the left in democratic countries with the crimes of Lenin and Stalin. The spirit of McCarthyism is alive and well and sadly PCG is helping to promote it.
Great article about the fall of the Iron Curtain and
fall of the Soviet Empire.... This supposed fall
of the Iron Curtain was also a covert way of spreading of the Communist ideology
(socialist-leftist) throughout the world. Look at
America today: Through Communist beliefs, the
old Soviets have accomplished more to destroy
America by stealth than by military might. It
reminds me of Hitler’s methodology compared to
the EU’s, of military might versus undemocratic
stealth, to form the final revived Holy Roman
Empire.
Here's one letter that remembers the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 and mentions believing at the time that Christ would have been back by now. This person is still waiting 35 years later when this letter was written.
Thanks for the great article. It seems sometimes
that the prophecies that we have been expecting to come to pass long ago are long overdue.
It is comforting to be reminded that everything
is shaping up just as God said it would, in His
time line, not ours. I remember ’79 very well,
along with others my age, and thought that
things would have surely been wrapped up by
now. Keep up the great work!
Here's one letter expressing frustration and fear that the government is getting too powerful and is about to become a tyranny. If PCG really feels that President Obama or another one is about to become a tyrant maybe they should vote and encourage others to vote.
What a revealing article.... Now that
America has taken up the practice of executing
its own citizens without due process of law, spying on everyone and taking away our freedoms,
not to mention abandoning our allies, we have
disgraced and degraded the words of our
“Star Spangled Banner,” “land of the free and
home of the brave.” Those words drew many
people here, away from other lands where they had no freedom of religion or any guarantee
of personal privacy. Your comment that “if
Congress cannot or will not rein in America’s spy
agencies, there isn’t much protection left against
a president becoming a tyrant” has far-reaching
ramifications, not only for the average American,
but for anyone who values freedom of religion.
Thanks for another enlightening look at the new
America.
Here's one letter accusing mainstream society of being in a trance and insinuates that no one else is raising their voice about such things except PCG's Trumpet. (Did this writer not notice how often PCG relies on mainly right wing news sources to inform themselves about current affairs?)
One of the most alarming and shameful points
is that the majority of Americans are asleep
and in some sort of trance. Nobody seems to
care. Who is raising their voice in addition to
the Trumpet? If this occurred 25 years ago, there
would be a much different attitude of anger
toward this lawless behavior. Most citizens in
this country care more about who will make the
next headlines in the entertainment world or
not missing their next reality show.
Here's one letter expressing fear of the occult.
I used to love horror movies—watched them
all the time.... Then came these witchcraft movies. I started watching them until they started
bothering me. I would get the chills and just got
so bothered by them I would not watch them anymore. My younger brother told me he was
out with his friends drinking one night and they
went to one of his friend’s house to play cards
and drink. His friend said he had a ouija board,
so they started to use it. They were sitting at the
table having a good time, then started to clown
around with the board and started mocking it.
My brother told me the board flew up in the air
and hit the wall. They were scared at what happened. I told him anything to do with witchcraft
is dangerous. I told him to stay away from tarot
cards and fortune-tellers who attract demons
that can possess you. He does not play with ouija boards anymore.
Here's one letter asserting that social standards are falling apart in the West.
I like this article. Has anyone else noticed how
far civilization has come? I was born into a Third
World country that not so long ago practiced
head hunting, cannibalism, paganism. Although
Christian missionaries seemed to have done
their part, there is still that mixture of pagan culture with their supposed Christian beliefs. I did,
however, have an opportunity to do high school
in a First World, Western country. After 17 years,
I decided to come back to live in this Western,
modern country and was mildly taken aback by
how things have changed. I noticed there were
people who have an inner ring which enlarges
the ear lobes with a big hole that can fit a coin.
This was unheard of before! I couldn’t believe
the first time I saw it. This was exactly the same practice of my grandmother and their generations, who were from pagan culture. This is what
they do to their ears! Have we come full circle or
what? Tattoos are rampant. Vampires and monsters are the norm on TV. Boys and men dress in
short shorts (like girly pants) and brightly colored
garments (pink, fluorescent colors, etc.). Men are
depicted on screen as clumsy, weak and with
no backbone, while the women are the ones
who are smart and brave. These are just a few
observations to add to homosexual and feminist
movements gripping our times. We all are in for
a wild ride in these last days.
August 2014
Here's one letter expressing hope and excitement that Christ will soon return.
What a powerful and stirring message! Thank
you for always framing up exactly what is
happening as the world braces for its descent
into incomprehensible misery. I take comfort in
knowing that all these things must be fulfilled
in order for the Son of man to come through the
clouds with power and great glory!
Here's one letter from Australia discussing the crisis in Ukraine.
Fantastic article! .... Without
the history you wrote about, it’s impossible to
understand what exactly is going on in Eastern
Europe. You cannot understand what Putin is
doing unless you know the history of Russia
and the millions of Russians that have been
slaughtered by invading armies from Europe. History dictates that Putin cannot allow the EU
and NATO to expand to Russian borders.
The Russians remember what Germany has
done to them. Poland and other nations are
caught in the crossfire. Let’s remember a lot of
these Eastern European nations like Lithuania,
Estonia, Latvia and the Ukraine have blood on
their hands; they were Nazi supporters and committed some pretty horrific acts against Jews and
Russians. They are not innocent angels. As long
as the EU and NATO continue to expand towards
Russia’s borders, then Russia has no option but to
counteract that expansion. It would be an act of
treason for a Russian leader not to do anything
about it.
Here's one letter mentioning that the writer makes the children of the family read PCG's recruitment magazine.
I truly love the factual and historical perspectives. It is mandatory reading in my home, even for my children. This particular article is right to the point. Russia will go to every extreme to protect what it believes to be its borders. Of course the irony is that Russia protects its own as it kills and oppresses them to no end.
Here's one letter that praises PCG's recruitment magazine as explaining things instead of just saying a few words like some generals on Fox News. PCG is right wing so their recruitment writings are more inclined to attract right wing leaning people. That is their target demographic.
Yes, the
Trumpet
is the only source that can prove
God’s Word through history. You hear a little
from generals on Fox News, but you don’t get
the background and all the information to prove
that by looking back at history, you can prove the
future. The
Trumpet
gives a thorough analysis of
history because it comes from God.
Here's one letter that insists that most people are clueless about what is going on and praises PCG's recruitment website as "a modern-day Noah".
What an apt description of the world we live in.... Your article is like a
huge wake-up call! This is one that every person on Earth needs to hear. Our modern world
is so full of gadgets, games and entertainment
that the average man on the street is clueless
as to where things are really headed, just as it
was in the days of Noah. This website is like
a modern-day Noah, warning this world that
we are on a train speeding toward the worst
disaster Earth has ever seen. Thank you for
the heads-up.
Here's one letter commenting about the Cliven Bundy armed stand off with federal authorities. I wonder if this letter is talking about a certain ethnic minority?
The unrestrained welfare mentality has gone
wild under the present administration and threatens to bankrupt our nation economically and
morally....
September 2014
This letter was written by the late Wilbur Malone's wife. Is PCG so desperate for letters of praise they write such things themselves?
Thank you for exposing the real meaning of the pope’s visit to Jerusalem
and the Middle Eastern area.... No one else has the courage or understanding to
report these events and the historical facts showing the meaning behind
what is going on in this world.
Here's one letter praising PCG's recruitment magazine. The fact that this writer uses the phrase "prophesy again" indicates this person has read their writings for awhile.
I thank God for being able to catch up and read the Plain Truth magazines. What made the magazine so important and striking is how the warning was preached with such great details, and spoken in plain-truth simple language that all can understand. And now the Trumpet is trumpeting the Plain Truth details. The Trumpet has matured in getting these details out with proof of how history repeats itself. The words are not as plain as far as vocabulary, but its powerful message has twice the power of the Plain Truth, and does provide a strong “prophesy again” message.
Here's one letter that scare mongers about Germans.
Absolutely brilliant article.... I enjoyed it immensely. Your
authors have a fantastic way of explaining very
complicated issues so that any half-wit can understand. My father worked in Germany before
World War II
from 1933 to 1936, and saw how the
country was preparing for war again while he
was there. He saw how the German people in
general were so cultured, intelligent, disciplined
and advanced in so many ways in science and
technology. They hugely admired Britain, especially its mighty empire and the way it controlled
huge amounts of the world so efficiently and humanely. But, he said, underneath the above traits
there was an extremely dark side to their nature.
After the war, when all the war crimes they committed came to light, he was not surprised at all.
It’s just so sad how human beings can be so evil
to other human beings. As he said, the Germans’
real character comes to light when they feel they
have a calling to dominate everything around
them. So Europe beware.
The British Empire was so efficient and humane that in 1775 the Americans felt compelled to launch a War of Independence against that Empire.
Here's one letter about encountering that anti-Semitism whenever people learn of (presumably) the annual holidays observed by Armstrongism. Anti-Semitism and racism is always wrong.
Anti-Semitism is rampant on an individual basis
in small towns and communities as well.... I
encounter it if someone learns of my “Jewish”
days or beliefs. I wonder just how secure my
physical family is.
Now there is very little information given in this letter. Presumably this is from a PCG member. Any act of hatred deserves to be condemned without qualification.
It is also reasonable to note that the COGs' have constantly asserted that
persecution will soon be unleashed against them and that they need to
flee to a "place of safety" when the Great Tribulation starts. In all
likelihood such assertions has also exaggerated these fears.
The COGs have constantly insisted that catastrophe will soon arise but it has never happened.
October 2014
Here's one letter that absurdly compares immigrants to the United States to an atomic bomb. Oh, what hatred and contempt must one have to compare people to an atomic bomb? (And PCG thought this was worth reprinting?)
The building of the atom bomb that ended World
War II in the Pacific theater and secured our
nation’s freedom and posterity was called “The
Manhattan Project.” The current administration
is swiftly building an immigration bomb that
will help to fundamentally change the nation’s
law-based freedoms and constitutional moral
heritage. It should be called “The Washington
Project.”
Here's one letter that defends the British Empire. Never mind about the armed interventions suppressing various insurgencies in the Middle East in Iraq (1920) and Palestine (1936-9). Never mind about the wars fought in Kenya and Cyprus to maintain British rule. All was well. Or well enough.
What a beautiful article, so full of hope and
inspiration for the future. When I do get into
discussions regarding the British Empire with
people and the state of the world, they just go
on about all the negatives regarding the greatest
empire the world has ever seen. They go on
about the slave trade, Britain exploiting other
nation’s resources, etc. I let them finish and just
ask them do they think if the empire was still
in existence today, would the world be worse
or better? Ninety percent say “better” as there
would be much more stability in the world especially in the extremely explosive region of the
Middle East. There would not be so much mass
starvation, injustice and hatred in the former
third world nations Britain once ruled with a
sense of fair play and justice. I rest my case.
Three letters talk about the advance of Abu Bakr al Baghdadi's lackeys into Sunni Iraq.
The lack of will among Americans is contributing
to this ISIS problem.... America is the most
powerful country on Earth and it should act
like one. Why wait until there are mass killings
and displacements of people to do something?
American media plays a huge part in not taking
enough interest in what is happening in Iraq at
the moment.
Here's one letter from a person who regularly writes to PCG.
The November 2001
Trumpet
edition warned
that the only way to overcome Islamic terrorism is to dry out the entire “terrorist swamp”
and not by merely killing individual terrorists.
Only an all-out attack on its main source would
be effective. America failed to do so. Now the
door is open to the European “strongman” to
accomplish this task. Again, three cheers for the
Trumpet
staff for their fantastic insight!
In that 2001 issue PCG asserted that Iran was the main problem. The "head of the snake". In fact Iran hates Abu Bakr al Baghdadi's lackeys.
Here's one letter saying no one else even came close to describing ISIL the way PCG did. Never mind all the testimonies from people who were actually there or the reporters who talked to those directly effected.
Wow! What a great article! No other news
source even came close to exposing the truth
about ISIS like this one did. How shameful of
our so-called “free press.” Thank you
Trumpet staff for publishing the facts!
Here's one letter expressing hope and prayers that the Great Tribulation will soon occur as quickly as possible.
It’s good to know that these times are moving
so fast.... I pray that it will all be
over in a very short amount of time. Thank God
that He is in complete control of it all.
Here's one letter citing the problems in Detroit regarding water and electric companies to insist that the recent health care reform will not work.
I certainly appreciated your article.... What has happened to Detroit’s
publicly owned water and electric companies is
why Obamacare will not work. Most people, like
the leaders in Detroit, are myopic; they cannot
see past their liberal ideology. So, it is going to
take a wake-up call, like the Tribulation to open
their eyes and see that God’s way is the answer.
Here's one letter that portrays liberals as deceptive and as secretly knowing that they are wrong but continues to pursue such things regardless. The possibility that they are sincere is ignored.
What an eye-opener. If only the liberals would read this article, but you know they won’t. I believe deep down that they know their system is unfair and selfish. They just don’t want to be embarrassed enough to admit it. In the meantime they are ruining our country. The World Tomorrow is almost here. I can hardly wait! It will be a world without competition, political races, pain or suffering. Thank you!
Here's one letter mournfully proclaiming that the United States will soon no longer be a major political power in the world. This is an absurd fear to have in the present situation.
It is hard to read, but prophecy tells us the U.S.
will not be a factor in the end days. God is going
to remove us from the world stage as a major
power. This process will not be pretty. As His
word is being fulfilled, we must accept what
is coming with the knowledge that God is in
control and His will shall be done.
Here's one letter written by a person who is clearly very worried about things falling apart very soon. It is unfortunate that PCG's fear mongering inflames such fearful attitudes.
There is a sense in the air that our national slide into decadence is not even a downward slope. It’s not a case of 2013 being 3 percent more deviant than 2012, while on track to be 30 percent more deviant in 2023. Oh no! Not necessarily on public display, but unless washed, dirty laundry gets stashed and hidden until there is no closet room left. So, hedonism is an exponential slope, growing yearly worse and worse until there is no room to hide it. In two years could we see 80 percent of our people a-okay with porn, divorce, homosexuality, public lewdness, drugs, etc.? By 2018, 95 percent of all U.S. and British citizens will be flushed down the moral toilet.
November 2014
On the letters page of this issue is a picture of Stephen Flurry presenting an episode of his Trumpet Daily in front of a picture of ISIL murderer Mohammad Emwazi, recently deceased, about to execute Steven Sotloff in one of ISIL's infamous propaganda videos.
Here's one letter expressing fear that Germany will break with the United States in an argument over gold. Are PCG members still worried about that?
Add to that America still hasn’t given back all
the German gold. If the Germans can confirm
there is no gold, it will just add more fuel for
their wrath.
Here's one letter from Kansas that complains that most of the people at work are quite uninformed about world news. There are of course many Americans who pay close attention to world affairs, perhaps this person should find some of them.
I am not trying to be mean, but the people
I meet in my day job, Americans mostly, are
totally uninformed on world news. But just
ask them about sports or movies.
Here's one letter that wonders if politicians believe things that are not true. I do wonder sometimes what it must be like making decisions and yet having the power to do something about it.
Articles like this make me wonder if our
so-called leaders might actually believe their
own lies.
Here's another letter insinuating that the Obama Administration wants the United States to become irrelevant. I cannot understand this claim that the Obama Administration wants the United States to lose face in the international community. I cannot believe it.
To the world, America is rapidly becoming
irrelevant. I guess to the current administration, it is awesome too. It seems to be what
they want.
Here's one letter saying Putin is so powerful.
Mr. Putin really is a law unto himself.... It’s easy to see
why the Russian people are behind him. The
fact is he does actually lead without any
concern for what others might think. Contrast
that with the leaders in the West who are
too frightened to make a decision without a
Gallup poll.
Here's one letter from Norway speculating that Russians can endure anything.
Sanctions, whether physical sanctions on
goods or financial ones, don’t bite on the
Russians it seems. I cannot think of a people
tougher than them. Over the years I have
read stories about some Russians not being
paid for months, but still they show up at
work every morning. Can you imagine that
happening in the West? Hardly not. Russian
society seems to manage even though much
of the outer structure is torn down.
And so 2015 begins but this post ends here.
