After seeing a letter from
Exit and Support Network dated September 8, 2017 mentioning the Church of the Eternal God (CEG), an offshoot of the old Global Church of God that Roderick Meredith founded in 1992, I decided to take a look at what they were saying. CEG is based in San Diego and is headed by Norbert Link. Since 2007 CEG have produced
a video series posted to YouTube entitled
Standing Watch. In this post we shall look at the synopses of this production from 2007-8.
May 30, 2007.
This world is a dangerous place in which to live. And it is getting worse all the time. What does it all mean?
Armstrongites have had a terrible record in predicting the future.
June 4.
Why is the relationship between the USA and Europe constantly deteriorating? Why have both power blocs hardened their respective positions? Why is the Iraq War so unsuccessful? Could our approach toward the worship of the true God have anything to do with it?
And ten years later the Great Tribulation has simply not occurred.
June 20.
Since the World War II era Armstrongites have constantly scare mongered about Germany teaching that Germany is fated to conquer the United States and take Americans as slave labor to Europe.
Even though the press and politicians have described the G-8 Summit in Germany as a success, in fact, it was not. No binding agreements … all were reached–only the expression of a “desire” to perhaps do something together in the future. But German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, has emerged as THE world leader. She is even called now “Miss World.” Why is this remarkable in view of end-time events?
Ten years later Germany still are not going to invade the United States anytime soon. The United States still maintains a military force in Germany. No such thing will occur in the foreseeable future.
July 1.
Europe has agreed on a new treaty, resurrecting in substance its former proposed Constitution, but only after much disagreement and hostilities. The main offenders of European unity were viewed as Poland and Britain, while the British people are upset with Tony Blair’s perceived surrender of British sovereignty to Brussels. How WILL Europe ultimately unite, and will this be good or bad news for the world?
Political tensions and disagreements between Britain and the European Union have been constantly exploited by the COGs to make it appear plausible to imagine that a German led European Empire will soon conquer Britain and the United States. There is no need to fear their dire proclamations.
July 14.
Are we actually experiencing the last days of the USA, as a world bestseller suggests? Has God withdrawn His blessings from us? And if so, does our lifestyle have anything to do with it? Is there still hope for a change?
The COGs often talk as though it is possible to halt the Great Tribulation if some sort of great repentance would occur. However it is generally assumed within the COGs that catastrophe will certainly occur.
July 15.
Armstrongites constantly insist that attempts to foster positive relations among the different Christian churches are fated to be turned into some sort of hostile takeover by the Roman Catholic Church to prop up the European Empire fated to conquer the United States and Britain.
Protestants are in arms over the Vatican’s statement that only the Roman Catholic Church is the true Church of Christ. The Church of England stated that the Pope’s claim that he is the successor of Peter, and that he speaks on behalf of God, is ludicrous and not supported by the Bible or history. Still, according to Scripture, Church unification is coming, but this will be bad news for the world.
August 10.
Most Christians worship on Sunday and the Armstrongites attack this practice to attract new members by making people doubt and question this practice.
Why do you keep Sunday? ... Why DO you? Because God tells you so? Don’t be too sure! And if He doesn’t, what ARE you supposed to do?
When Christianity began to spread among non-Jews it was decided that the Jewish law did not apply to these non-Jewish converts to Christianity. This included the Sabbath. There is no need for Christians to worship on the Sabbath or to condemn Christians worshiping on Sunday.
August 13.
Many American Presidents realized that God gave us this land, as well as power and wealth, but that He can take all of it away from us, if we continue to disobey Him. All optimistic viewpoints aside, God warns us that terrorism and nuclear attacks on American soil will lay waste our cities, and will make our land desolate–unless we repent!
The Armstrongites' dire proclamations have always failed. There is no need to fear their dire proclamations.
Intentionally or not saying "God gave us this land" sidesteps the problem of marginalizing Native American communities and devalues their claims on the land they owned and used.
August 25.
Most people think that America could never be defeated by a foreign enemy. But God says otherwise. And we had better listen to God’s warnings and make amends.
America has the most powerful armed forces that has ever been amassed in human history. Militarily speaking America is quite secure from foreign invasion.
August 29.
Two-thirds of US adults admit to being in the dark about political issues outside the US. Only 3% of women and 14% of men say that they are extremely knowledgeable on world politics. Why is this a frightening and shocking testimony? Or, does it make any difference whether or not one knows what is going on in the world?
It should always be encouraged to help people learn about political affairs and public matters.
September 6.
Germany’s Chancellor, Angela Merkel, tops Forbes’ magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most powerful women, while First Lady Laura Bush only reaches place 60. At the same time, we learn that Mrs. Merkel is trying to isolate the United States of America on the issue of carbon dioxide emissions, while Great Britain is perceived by European leaders as an “embarrassment.” What does all of this mean?
This is a false equivalence. One is the chancellor of the nation. One was the wife of the leader of most powerful nation that has ever existed on the face of the Earth. It seems strange to note how the author seems to assume that this specific situation would not work out that way.
September 13.
Many people are intrigued at stories of ghosts. This interest is used to try and attract attention.
According to a new book, President Bush claims to have seen ghosts emerge from the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House. President Reagan reputedly once told the story that his dog was scared and refused to enter the Lincoln Bedroom, suggesting that Lincoln’s ghost was still residing there. Vladimir Putin allegedly said that some of his Russian astronauts saw ghosts in outer space. How do we explain reports like these?
Armstrongism teaches that there are no ghosts but nevertheless they tend to teach that such occurrences are appearances of demons engaged in a grand conspiracy to make people think ghosts are real.
October 14.
Armstrongism teaches the idea of British Israelism, the idea that whites in the United States and Britain are descended from the biblical Israelites mentioned in the Old Testament. This claim has no genetic support. It is not true.
The Origins of America and Britain.... Are the USA and Great Britain mentioned in the Bible? How could they not be? But where can we find them described? And what is prophesied for the future of these great powers? The answers will surprise you.
October 31.
Armstrongism tends to forbid the celebration of many mainstream festivals as contradicting their teachings. This includes Holloween.
Do you keep Halloween? Is it harmless fun to do so? Are you unpatriotic if you don’t? Can you claim to be a Christian, while celebrating a festival dedicated to Satan the devil? Do you care to know the truth about Halloween–and how God looks at it?
November 10.
Armstrongism continues to promote British Israelism even though it has no scientific support.
How COULD the peoples of the United States of America and Great Britain be descendants of the ancient House of Israel? Why did prominent personalities, like the former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, believe that some of the Lost Ten Tribes ended up in Ireland? HOW did God fulfill His unconditional promise to make the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh, a great nation and a company of nations, as He did NOT fulfill this promise in ancient times?
November 21.
Armstrongism insists that Jewish rituals and traditions described in the Old Testament are required to be observed by Christians today. This is contrary to the example of the New Testament which rarely talked about observing Jewish rituals and traditions.
Are we still required to keep the Law of God? Or did Christ abolish it? But if He did, why does John say that it is the love of God to keep His commandments; and that sin is the transgression of the Law? Why does Paul say that the wages of sin is death; and that the Law of God is holy and just and good? And why does James say that we are judged by the royal law of liberty, and that we break the entire Law, if we just transgress one of the commandments? Surely, much confusion abounds whether or not true Christians are to keep the Law of the Ten Commandments.
December 8.
Christmas tells us that Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago to bring peace to this world. If so, why don’t we have peace today amongst all nations? And why did Jesus say that He did not come to bring peace, but the sword? Did He want His disciples to fight others in war? What WAS the purpose of Christ’s First Coming, and what did He really teach and promise mankind?
Armstrongism bans Christmas for its followers.
December 14.
Armstrongism teaches that the vast majority of Christian churches are merely false Christians.
Did you know that the true gospel was suppressed and that the apostle Paul explained that some had already begun at his time to proclaim another gospel and another Jesus? But Paul placed a curse on those who did. Today, almost nobody knows what the true gospel is. Do you know? Don’t be too sure!
2008
January 20.
Armstrongism tends to forbid abortion. This particular organization is no exception to that rule.
Is abortion always right–or is it always wrong? And if it is acceptable under certain circumstances, how old does the embryo or fetus have to be to make it right? Neither proponents of “pro choice” nor those of “pro life” seem to have the answers. Do you know the truth? Only God, in His Word, the Bible, can tell you.
January 26.
The death of chess champion and former WCG member Bobby Fischer is discussed.
Chess genius Bobby Fischer died on January 17, 2008. His high IQ did not prevent him from adopting and promoting false ideas. At the same time, some reporters should be embarrassed about their ignorance, when resurrecting an inaccurate claim that Fischer was a member of a “sect” or “cult” in California, which allegedly taught wrong doctrines. What is the truth regarding Fischer’s association with that church, and what are some of the church’s teachings, which upset reporters?
February 2.
Many people wish to improve their socioeconomic standing. This broadcast taps into that common concern.
Many teach today a so-called “Prosperity Gospel,” even though that term is nowhere mentioned in the Bible. But does this mean that God wants His people to be poor and destitute? If not, what do we need to do to receive God’s blessing of prosperity in this life?
February 16.
Similar to Seventh Day Advenists and Jehovah's Witnesses it is taught within Armstrongism that the believers do not go to heaven when they die but rather are kept in a state of unconsciousness until the beginning of the Millennium. This idea is known as soul sleep.
A famous bishop of the Church of England, N.T. “Tom” Wright, just published a book, claiming that Christians do not go to heaven when they die. Martin Luther and other Protestant Reformers, including English Bible translator and martyr William Tyndale, held the same view. They also questioned the concept of an immortal soul, which Wright upholds. Traditional Christianity believes in both; that is, that immortal souls of Christians will ascend to heaven after death. Who is right, according to the Bible?
February 23.
It is taught in Armstrongism that the vast majority of humanity will not be saved until they are resurrected in a future resurrection said to occur after the Millennium known within the COGs as the Great White Throne Judgment.
Recently, the archbishop of Canterbury claimed that Muslims can go to heaven when they die. Jewish organizations became upset with the Catholic Church when it included in a prayer a plea to God to bring Jews to Jesus Christ. Many nominal confessing Christians don’t believe everything that the Bible says about Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and they are unsure as to how man can be saved. But if it is true that there is no salvation in any other, and that no one can come to God the Father except through Christ, as Christ Himself claimed, what is going to happen to those who died without having accepted Christ in their lives? Are they condemned and lost?
March 1.
The COGs tend to lean to the right in regards to political matters. So when Senator Obama arose as a serious contender for the presidency the COGs tended to be negative about this development.
Millions of dollars are being spent to support a candidate who is “uniquely qualified” to become the next U.S. President, while other candidates are not–so we are told. What is being missed in all this hype of Presidential election campaigns and debates? What is going on in the world, while Americans are glued to their TV sets to absorb every last bit of information evolving around the Presidential elections? Most importantly, how does God feel about all of this?
March 9.
In this broadcast speculation about the Exodus is condemned.
According to the widely publicized “findings” of a professor at the Hebrew University, Moses was under the influence of drugs when he saw the burning bush. And so were he and all the Israelites when the Ten Commandments were pronounced from Mount Sinai. Could this be true? Why is it important that we understand? What connection, if any, is there anyhow between the Old and the New Testament? Can we be followers of the true God of the Bible without believing all of the Holy Scriptures, as written both in the Old and the New Testament?
March 16.
Armstrongism teaches that there is no hell but it is taught that there is a second death in which the unsaved are thrown into the lake of fire and are annihilated.
The British Telegraph reported on the Vatican’s announcement that there are seven new mortal or deadly sins–one of which is to pollute the earth. The statement continued that if the faithful don’t confess these sins to their priest and obtain forgiveness, they will be tortured in hell for all eternity. But is this what the Bible teaches? Are there mortal and not-so-mortal sins; is forgiveness obtained through confession to a priest; and is an ever-burning hellfire the fate of unrepentant sinners? The answers from God’s Holy Scriptures might surprise and shock you.
March 22.
Having many disagreements with mainstream society homeschooling is sometimes practiced among the COGs.
In California, a legal battle has begun, due to a decision by the Court of Appeals, holding that parents who are not credentialed to teach, do not have a constitutional right to homeschool their children. The Governor and others have declared that they will flight this decision or change the laws. But what about homeschooling? What are some of the potential pitfalls to be aware of? On the other hand, what is your responsibility as parents when you send your children to private or public schools? You need to know the answers to these all-important questions.
April 12.
By this time the sub-prime mortgage crisis was beginning to manifest itself within mainstream banks. America went to the brink of another great depression. Nevertheless the effects were minimized but so many people suffered all over the world in this terrible crisis. Furthermore the recovery was not evenly distributed and many people to this day find themselves disadvantaged because of this financial catastrophe.
Most Americans are worried about the economy. Many financial analysts and commentators around the world have similar fears. What can YOU do in these times of recession and potential depression? How can you avoid going into debt, and how can you become debt-free? Does God, in His Word, the Bible, show you what you must do?
And despite the severity of those terrible days the COGs' dire proclamations of soon approaching doom simply did not occur. Surely there is no need to predictions of catastrophe.
April 19.
Armstrongism has a long history of being fixated on the papacy. It is taught among the COGs that the final Pope will be able to perform miracles such as summoning fire from the sky to prop up the future European Empire fated to conquer the United States.
While visiting the USA, Pope Benedict XVI has been referred to repeatedly as the “Holy Father” or “Your Holiness.” But are these spiritual titles appropriate, according to Jesus’ words, as recorded in the Bible? Also, what do the Holy Scriptures say about the “Holy Mass,” the “Eucharist” or the “Communion”? Did Jesus command His disciples to partake of the bread and wine at any time of their choice? And did He teach that these symbols change into His literal body and blood? The Biblical answers might SHOCK you.
April 26.
As the financial bubble within the sub-prime mortgage market collapsed many investors redirected their money elsewhere. One avenue of investment at this time was
financially speculating on food futures which had the terrible effect of drastically raising the price of food at this time. The same issue occurred with oil futures at this time as well, with similar dire results. The food crisis was mentioned in this broadcast.
This week has begun to experience a once unthinkable phenomenon–food rationing in the USA. Many stores and retailers are limiting purchases of flour, rice, wheat, cooking oil, and other commodities. How did we get into this mess? And it’s not limited to the USA–we are also hearing of GLOBAL HUNGER and RIOTS because of lack of food and high food prices, including in countries such as Japan, Haiti, Indonesia, and several African nations. Has the biblical third horse of the Apocalypse–picturing worldwide famine–begun to ride?
Much can be said about this terrible problem but one thing it was not was some sort of confirmation that Armstrongism's message of doom was about to be fulfilled. Nine years later America is still by far the most powerful nation on Earth.
May 3.
Financial speculation on oil futures at this time also dramatically increased the price of oil.
The President blames Congress, and Senators blame the President. Oil companies report all time profits, thanks to record high oil prices. Republicans and Democrats propose certain actions but tell us that even if they survive “election-year partisanship” and interest groups, they would not affect the gas prices in the short term. WHY is it that the most powerful nation on earth seems to be helpless to deal effectively with this situation?
And still the evil European Empire did not arise or conquer America.
May 9.
The crisis in food prices is mentioned again.
Don’t believe those who tell you that the food situation in the USA isn’t all that bad. It is much worse than you might imagine. Listen to some astonishing FACTS proving HOW BAD our food supply really is. And HOW terrible devastations–such as the recent cyclone in Burma or Myanmar–will affect ALL of us. But there are solutions, even though they are not that popular today.
And yet the problem faded away.
June 4.
Within the COGs evolution is often condemned as false. Although they do teach that the Earth was created long ago and that the creation in Genesis 1-2 was merely a recreation of the Earth after an initial destruction caused by the first revolt of Satan against God.
With astonishing accuracy, the Phoenix Mars Lander reached the Red Planet on May 25, 2008–exactly as planned. The 422 million-mile journey, which began on August 4, 2007, costs us about 420 million dollars. Is this well-spent money? Scientists are hopeful to discover conditions favorable for life on Mars, either now or once upon a time. They would like to find some evidence for the evolution of life on Mars. But is there even evidence of evolution of life here on earth?
June 7.
Here the possibility of religious leaders being punished for hate speech is condemned.
Should the United States be concerned when Catholic and Protestant ministers and others are accused of committing a hate crime in Canada, Great Britain or Continental Europe, for expressing their religious beliefs? Why are so many willing to compromise their convictions, when faced with possible repercussions for their job, their status in society, or their religious or political career?
June 26.
Armstrongism teaches that society will collapse and be destroyed before things get better. Consequently as the economic crisis got worse it is taught that things will get much worse.
Midwestern floods; tornadoes and hurricanes; powerful earthquakes; skyrocketing gas prices; abysmal home values; increased air fares; unaffordable health care; endless wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; food shortages; depression on the horizon; voter frustration with Washington–is everything spinning out of control? Are we too proud and unwilling to follow Abraham Lincoln’s admonition to “humble ourselves before the offended Power”? Are politicians and religious leaders deceiving us when they proclaim that we don’t have to obey all of God’s laws? Will we perish soon in natural and man-made disasters, as the civilization at the time of Noah perished in the waves of a worldwide flood?
The catastrophe so often taught by Armstrongism did not occur and it will not happen.
July 19.
As the subprime mortgage crisis escalated various big banks began to fail and the federal government proceeded to intervene to prop up the economy.
Last Friday, the U.S. federal government took control of the Pasadena, California, based IndyMac Bank, signifying the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. The largest U.S. mortgage lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are also in big financial trouble. The third largest U.S. investment bank Merrill Lynch is $10 billion in debt. More than 300 U.S. banks might fail over the next few years. The US. is facing a global crisis to fund its $700 billion (!) account deficit. Especially Europe is upset with America’s irresponsible financial dealings and is locking for alternatives. What DOES the future hold for all of us?
July 26.
Armstrongism has constantly insisted that Europe nations will one day betray America and launch a military attack which would conquer it just before Christ's return.
On Thursday, July 24, Senator Barack Obama gave his long-awaited speech in Berlin, Germany, but not all liked his demand for more European military involvement in Afghanistan. Would a military buildup in Europe be good for America and the rest of the world? And what role will religion play in all of this–given the fact that a separation between Church and State is unknown in Europe?
Nine years later the United States is still militarily secure from any imaginary military threat from Europe and is still firmly allied with Europe as may be seen with the United States support for NATO during and after the commencement of civil war in Ukraine back in 2014. This slander against European nations has no basis in fact.
August 2.
Meanwhile the financial bubble was beginning to burst.
The U.S. budget deficit will reach $500 billion in 2009. A new law raises the nation’s debt limit to $10.6 trillion. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have issued $5 trillion in debt. Ford Motor Co. posted the worst quarterly performance in its history. General Motors lost $15.5 billion in the second quarter. So far, seven banks have been shut by regulators in 2008, with many more to follow. 463,000 jobs were lost so far this year. An economic recovery is not expected any time soon, if at all. WHY should this happen to the greatest nation on earth? Is GOD really pleased with how we are living today?
But in fact the economy did recover although this recovery was uneven and tended to favor those of means. And even if we were to say that things are still quite bad there is still nothing like the supposed military conquest by Europeans that Armstrongites so often fantasize about.
August 19.
Even though Armstrongism teaches that it will be Europe that will conquer the United States the leaders of the COGs nevertheless tend to scare monger about other nations, such as Russia during the war with Georgia over South Ossetia in 2008, when the situation requires it.
While our political leaders seem to be unwilling to respond in a meaningful way to the new-found imperialism of “Vladimir Bonaparte,” the Russian Bear, under Putin, continues with its aggressions. “Mother Russia” claims that Georgia has lost its territorial integrity, and threatens Poland with a nuclear attack. As Britain’s The Telegraph wrote on August 15, the West, collectively, including the EU and the USA, failed in this crisis. But very soon, according to the Bible, things WILL change.
August 22.
With the situation still tense over Georgia in 2008 the possibility of nuclear war in Europe was brought up in discussion.
Will Russia “nuke” Poland? Will it attack other European nations with nuclear weapons? What would happen if Israel were to attack Iran? Are we facing the prospects of another World War?
August 30.
As the financial bubble was bursting bringing much misery to people in America and all over the world this COG splinter group speculated that World War III could be around the corner.
As the world again approaches depression, and as we look at our current trouble spots, involving Russia and Georgia; Iraq; Israel and Iran; Afghanistan; and Pakistan; we are seeing “alarming parallels with the 1930s,” according to an article in The Times, dated August 24, 2008. It continued that wars are the result of “weak, shortsighted leaders entrapped by a series of mistakes.” It concluded that “for the West’s leaders at present, mistake has become second nature.” Is therefore World War 3 inevitable?
Nine years later no such thing has occurred.
September 6.
With all these terrible things happening at this point they discuss the pregnancy of a daughter of the Republican vice-presidential candidate. Armstrongism tends to forbid abortion.
What is missing in the news media’s reporting on Bristol Palin’s pregnancy? Much debate revolves around the pro’s and con’s of abortion, the proper use of contraceptives, or even the question of statutory rape in Alaska. The undesired social phenomenon of unwanted teenage pregnancies has also been mentioned. But reference to the most important aspect has been overlooked or neglected.
September 13.
The bubble burst with the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers.
The media and the press warn more and more of a looming worldwide recession and even depression. They point out alarming parallels with the 1930s. But how bad is it REALLY? Listen to up-to-date developments and the underlying facts, and UNDERSTAND from history what IS going to happen soon.
As bad as it indeed was it did not lead to America getting conquered by Europeans.
September 20.
Part of the US government's response to the severe financial crisis was to send bailout money to banks. Armstrongism insists that catastrophe will soon occur thus encouraging a pessimistic view of world events. This tendency may be seen here.
Why Federal Bailouts Won't Help! .... We are in a “once-in-a century” financial crisis, approaching rapidly a depression, with no end in sight. The federal government keeps bailing out broken banks and insurance institutions, but it must borrow money to do so. While our national debt is already in excess of 9 TRILLION Dollars, the newest bail-out plan may cost taxpayers another 1 Trillion Dollars. These man-made “solutions” will cost us dearly in the long run. What is being overlooked in all of these idle attempts to cure our financial problems? Why are we facing them in the first place?
Actually once one takes into account inflation and compares the federal debt with the size of the nation's gross domestic product it may be seen that the United States was actually more indebted per capita
back in the 1940s because of World War II. Although it is often believed that the United States is more indebted than ever before that is simply not the case. There is much to be concerned about but at present the federal debt is simply not such a pressing matter.
And although the recovery was not without its own problems the economy did recover. Nine years later the possibility of Europeans conquering America remains as remote as ever.
October 29.
HWA taught his followers to observe (his interpretation of) the Jewish festivals mentioned in Leviticus 23 including his peculiar and
incorrect interpretation of the Feast of Tabernacles. He adopted this view due to the influence of the writings of Greenberry George Rupert (1847-1922), an Adventist minister who also taught the observance of these festivals to his followers.
While many churches have a yearly conference that last for a weekend HWA taught his followers to observe an eight day conference which he called the Feast of Tabernacles even though Jews tend to observe their (genuine) Feast of Tabernacles in their own homes.
Annually, tens of thousands of Christians in all the world observe a little-known festival for over a week, called in the Bible the “Feast of Tabernacles.” Most outside the Jewish community have never heard of this Feast, but the Bible shows that within a few years from now, EVERYONE will observe it. Please join us in this special on-location program, which was taped in England during the festival, and listen to a Christian pastor explaining the biblical meaning of that little-understood Feast.
October 29.
Here two persons with terminal illness discuss their religious beliefs.
In this special on-location program, we are interviewing two people who are suffering from terminal sickness. You will be moved by their candid statements and expressions of faith in God–knowing that they are beyond medical help. If you are suffering from a serious sickness–or know someone who does–you NEED to watch this program.
October 29.
Even though Armstrongites believe that the Earth will soon be severely affected by Europeans conquering America occasionally an environmental message is promoted among them.
God created man to preserve the earth. Overall, man has done a terrible job in destroying and polluting the environment. The Bible predicts that it will get much worse. Because of man’s lack of right knowledge, the “beasts of the field and the birds of the air” and “even the fish of the sea will be taken away.” And still, man’s ultimate potential to beautify the earth will be fulfilled–in a few years from now. Learn how, in this program.
Within Armstrongism it is assumed that environmental problems will only be properly addressed after Christ's return.
November 1.
Instead of providing hope or a way out during the severe crisis it was implied that there would be no recovery and that things would get much worse.
Even though governments try to deal with the worldwide recession and looming depression, it seems to get worse by the day. Now we are told that we should not expect any relief for several years–if at all. The USA and Britain seem to be the leading casualties in the crisis, which has been called by financial experts as a “once-in-a century credit tsunami” and “the worst financial crisis in human history.” Bail-out plans and guarantees are not even meant to provide lasting solutions. Why is that? What brought us into this unparalleled mess? And are there really NO solutions at all?
Nine years later America is still secure as the most powerful nation state on Earth.
November 8.
The COGs tend to lean to the right in regards to political matters. Consequently when Senator Obama was elected President in 2008 the COGs collectively groaned in disappointment and disapproval. The world refers to those who are not a part of the COGs.
Can Mr. Obama Deliver and Save Us? .... The world reacted with great euphoria and optimism to Barack Obama’s “historic election” as the 44th President of the USA. International governmental leaders and reporters expressed hope for “change” and the “dawn of a new era.” But can Mr. Obama fulfill his promises in light of unparalleled “seismic challenges”? Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, terrorism, climate change, Afghanistan, Iran, healthcare, unemployment, financial recession and depression are just some of the issues to be addressed. Is our hope and trust in a human leader totally misplaced?
November 29.
As America stood on the precipice of a new great depression this COG added to the feelings of despair that so many Americans endured in these terrible times.
Insane–Bailouts Topping $8.5 Trillion. ... What else must happen before we realize that our leaders don’t seem to have a clue as to how to solve our financial problems–that we are facing an inevitable and unparalleled disaster, unless we change course immediately? It is as if a spirit of intoxication had swept the land. Don’t you become victim of it. There are solutions, but you won’t find them in the political arena.
December 10.
HWA banned Christmas for his followers. Various justifications are used to justify this severe and harsh restriction that alienates followers from their families and friends and denigrates most churches as false Christians. However it is widely believed that HWA plagiarized this idea from the Jehovah's Witnesses.
Why did Christians fail to observe Christmas until the fourth century? Why did, at times, England and the USA outlaw Christmas celebrations? Why and when was December 25 chosen as the birthday of Christ? What does the Christmas tree have to do with the birth of Jesus? The answers might surprise and challenge you.
December 20.
The COGs promise that our problems will be solved in the future after Christ's return. This includes the provision of healthcare and health insurance.
Why are political promises to provide universal healthcare illusionary and unrealistic? Insurance companies are charging astronomical figures for premiums which very few can afford. Many doctors and hospitals seem to be incapable of correctly diagnosing certain sicknesses, let alone curing them. Listen to some personal examples regarding incompetent or outrageous treatment of sick persons. Is there no way out of this disastrous spiral, which is destroying our nation?
December 27.
Armstrongism teaches that homosexuality is sinful and therefore forbidden. Even though Armstrongism has a long history of anti-Catholicism and has often taught that the final Pope would be used by Satan to prop up the future European Empire fated to conquer the United States this broadcast still cited the Pope to criticize the gay community.
Pope Benedict declared this week that saving humanity from homosexual behavior was just as important as saving the rainforest. The reaction of portions of the gay community was swift and predictable. The Pope’s words were characterized as “agitating,” “threatening,” “totally irresponsible” or “absurd.” What does the New Testament say about this question? Many have misunderstood the biblical teaching in this regard.
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And so 2008 comes to an end. Nine years later their dire predictions of catastrophe for the United States have failed to be fulfilled.
