OUTSIDER'S INSIDE UPDATE^™

Volume ONE ... a newsletter of understanding ... Dec. 1997

Published by the Exit & Support Network™
  All Rights Reserved ©

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VOLUME Five contents: (a partial index)

From the Editor
As The Whirlwide Turns, Part Five, Transformed By Lies? Or Transformed By Truth!
Ecumenical Movement
The Evangelical Movement of this Century
NAE Accepts the Worldwide Church of God
The Goal of One World Religion; The Big Picture - The Ecumenical Umbrella
Communism And The Churches; The Communists Discover the Churches
Will God's "ism" Please Stand Up! (explaining the mindset that deceives millions into pseudo religious organizations)
The Private Letters Of Herbert W. Armstrong and Loma D. Armstrong
Stanley R. Rader
What is behind "The Gates of Hell?"  
Dignitaries, leaders share loss of pastor general
Comment (previous list of dignitaries & leaders belong to this list of organizations!)
What is the Architect's plan? Books, Ministries & Tapes--Ecumenism 

OIU FIVE and SIX are detailed reports surrounding the Ecumenical Movement (EC) and the current EC strategy involving the Worldwide Church of God conglomerate. Those interested in researching the "reasons behind the events" and activities of the Worldwide Church of God, United Church of God, Global Church of God and other splinters, will find these two Volumes helpful, thought-inspiring and possibly shocking. The WCG propagandizes a doctrinal transformation. The OIU exposes the real activities and associations pertaining to the "transformation." One Global Church and United Religions is the force behind the WCG  "transformation" and "fragmentation." It's time the real story behind the deception and spiritual destruction is shouted from the rooftops.

Go to OIU 6 contents

From the Editor:       

Welcome to another edition of the Outsiders' Inside Update (OIU). This issue provides pertinent information about the real story behind the event. The Exit & Support Network (ESN) is well into its fourth year of service as a support, research and investigative ministry assisting those exploited by deceptive bible-based churches or pseudo news reporting services. The ESN has spent the bulk of its time and concentration on revealing the truth and facts behind the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and its current strategic maneuvering into what is now termed mainstream Christianity. No other organization has been in the forefront of the political evolution of the WCG conglomerate. No other newsletter reported the detailed facts behind the massive marketing strategy and architects of this multi-million dollar empire. No other resource has painstakingly placed itself in the eye of the storm and monitored the chronological WCG events that propelled the WCG to be popularized as the "cult that turned to mainstream." No other Christian service has committed thousands of their personal dollars toward the spiritual, psychological and emotional well being of the countless victims traumatized by the works of the Worldwide Church of God, its leaders and current propagandist affiliates.

The ESN has had its challenges during our first four years. Lack of finances and lack of in-house help, along with ESN assistants being geographically scattered has placed delays on many sought after Investigative/Research Reports. 1997 surfaced as one of our most difficult years due to personal afflictions with family deaths and illnesses. Despite these hardships, the ESN continues to carry on its mission to: illuminate the real story behind the events, expose the works of evil, clarify the exploitation and bring the deception into full view, while continuing to assist and support victims of the spiritual, psychological, and financial fraud perpetrated by the Worldwide Church of God and its leaders and other associates.

The word "historic" has been largely publicized and propagated to positively explain the unique transition of a cult that became an evangelical church. As we continue to review and expose the decades of corruption, deception and lies the word "historic" takes on an opposite meaning. It depicts a destructive, pseudo church, which concealed a massive, deviant corporate and political empire. Yes, the Worldwide Church of God transformed into another dimension. As the facts of the WCG story continue to unfold, those who care will become enlightened that the WCG was not Transformed By Truth, as Joseph Tkach's latest book of publicity is titled. It was however, Transformed By Lies.™ And there are reasons behind the event.

The OIU readership has a vast mixture of spiritual affiliation and views. The OIU never intends to offend specific personal spiritual beliefs, nor judge others for their religious affiliations. Under the circumstances surrounding the spiritual and psychological traumas caused by the WCG, the OIU strives to be sympathetic and understanding toward all who have been caught in the web of such grotesque deceit. We realize our readers base their present positions on their personal biases and experiences. Few have been privileged to the vast amounts of resources or documents that enable us to view the bigger picture surrounding the WCG fragmentation. It is our hope and prayer that those who care and are committed to cutting through the deception and exploitation fostered under the guise of Christianity, become inspired to discern the greater story through education, research and evaluation of critical facts and analysis for the benefit of themselves, their children, their neighbors and their futures. If we ignore this segment of Christian history, the traumatism behind the WCG history and transformation will be repeated. We cannot stop the horrific works of evil; we can however, expose them. (Eph 5:6-12.)

The ESN may be guilty of delays in reports due to financial and time/overload restraints, but the ESN is the only service that maintains an open email or phone line to answer questions and respond to all who need immediate assistance. For many, the ESN has been the only hand reaching out to those crying desperately for help. Let it be known that it would take no effort or expense to throw together a hodgepodge lightweight newsletter consisting of several legal size sheets filled with bits and pieces and recycled Internet clips and call it a Report. ESN policy from the start gate was to furnish the reasons behind the events. We're not an extension of the lies, distortions and manipulations behind the WCG conglomerate. We don't target the already exploited with spin print and propaganda that serves the goals of the WCG perpetrators. We're not funded by the perpetrators to continue the web of deception via a newsletter. We, at the ESN, work from our hearts and conscience, which is exactly what is missing from the frauds and architects of diversion.

If you haven't read OIU's Part One through Five, Part One of, "As The Whirlwide Turns," you might feel as if you are jumping in well after the WCG drama began. Understanding the events as they unfold with the "cult that joined Christian mainstream" is integral toward the discernment and big picture of the "historic" WCG. This New Age restructuring has roused gross distraction within the evangelical and counter-cult community since the death of Herbert W. Armstrong.¹ The distraction and diversionary tactics have camouflaged one of the greatest religious cult deceptions in history-the Worldwide Church of God Cover-up!!! (request tape: The Worldwide Church of God Cover-up")

"As The Whirlwide Turns" Part Five
TRANSFORMED BY LIES?
OR…….
TRANSFORMED BY TRUTH!

The inside cover of July issue of the Plain Truth released a full page ad announcing the release of Transformed by Truth, supposedly authored by Joseph Tkach Jr.:

"THE TOP RELIGIOUS STORY OF THE DECADE…"
EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION CHRISTIAN PUBLISHERS

"For nearly 70 years the Worldwide Church of God, founded by Herbert W. Armstrong, preached a 'different' gospel.' Then in 1995 only ten years after Armstrong's death, the leadership of the WCG publicly renounced it unorthodox teachings and entered the evangelical mainstream."

What Happened?

"In this fast-paced and exciting record, Joseph Tkach-President, Pastor General of the WCG and a major player in the WCG drama-delivers the plain truth. Here is the remarkable story of how, little by little, men and women have been transformed by the power of the gospel."

"I praise God for His work of renewal in, and restoration of, the Worldwide Church of God, believing this to be one of the great miracles in the Body of Christ during the twentieth century. Rev. Joseph Tkach and the leaders of Worldwide Church of God are to be commended for their uncompromising dedication to the infallible Word of God and their courageous stand for its truths in the face of great opposition and criticism."

Dr. John R. Holland, President,
International Church of the Foursquare Gospel

"Wow!!! What a story! Transformed by Truth was a healing balm for this old preacher's cynicism. Read this book and rejoice with the angels. You'll be glad you did."

Steve Brown, Professor of Preaching at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida [See Letter to Steve Brown]

This full-page advertisement was etched in black and red print on the inside front cover of the July/August issue of the Plain Truth Magazine. The often-utilized picture of Herbert W. Armstrong sporting his six-pointed, multi-diamond, Star of David cufflinks, served as the faded gray-toned backdrop of this startling declaration. Armstrong's gravestone is enmeshed into the artwork with many subliminals for the observant eye. A striking crack pierces through the left side of Armstrong's head leading one to question the occult significance of such a depiction. Centered amidst the verbiage is a small color snapshot of the once highly esteemed exclusive home for the "Great Architect Of The Universe," the multi-pillared Ambassador Auditorium.

The word MULTNOMAH is highlighted but does not indicate that it is the publisher. Readers are informed that Transformed By Truth can be found in "Christian bookstores everywhere."

The eve of the now famous New Covenant sermon delivered by Joseph Tkach Sr. in January 1995 commenced a well-contrived publicity campaign targeted toward the Christian arena. What prevailed during the past two and one half years to award Joseph Tkach Jr. his self-awarded title as Reverend? Listed here are titles of publicity articles and media clips, which vindicated the residing Pastor General, President and now Reverend Tkach. It was through this medium that Tkach Jr., Mike Feazell, Gregory Albrecht, Bernard Schnippert and other WCG spin artists falsified the real story of the Worldwide Church of God and replaced the facts with massive history revision. The uniquely orchestrated propaganda not only re-invented and restructured the multi-million dollar corporate empire; it attached undeserved fame to Joseph Tkach Jr. the latest "image" of WCG hierarchy.

May, 1994 --- Bible Answer Man radio show
Ron Rhodes and Paul Carden announce the WCG is no longer a cult but has embraced the true tenants of Christianity. 

January 28, 1995 --- LA Times
Ambassador Concert Hall to Close in May

January 30, 1995 --- LA Times
And Then There Was Silence in Pasadena

Feb 8, 1995 --- USA Today (from Across the USA section)
"A month after telling parishioners that tithing is voluntary rather than God's command, the WCG has lost 30% of its income…"

February, 1995 --- MacGregor Ministries
Visits the leaders in Pasadena and returns to British Columbia endorsing the WCG

February 11, 1995 --- LA Times
Church in financial crisis

February 25, 1995 --- Dallas Morning News
Contribution down at Worldwide Church

May 4, 1995 --- LA Times by Larry B. Stammer
Another Schism Racks Worldwide Church of God

May 5, 1995 --- LA Times by Larry B. Stammer
Group splits from the Worldwide Church of God

May 12, 1995 --- LA Times by Larry B. Stammer
Worldwide financial crisis deepens - auctions sterling silver purchased by Herbert Armstrong.

July 22, 1995 --- Longview New-Journal
Worldwide Church changes beliefs

August 1995 --- Living Light - (Canadian publication)
Worldwide Church of God seeking a new direction

September, 1995 --- Joseph Tkach Sr. dies

October 1995 --- Worldwide News (church publication)
Hank Hanegraaff makes his debut. Hanegraaff and Joe Tkach Jr. embrace each other tightly at the funeral of Joseph Tkach Sr. The image of brotherhood between Hanegraaff and Tkach Jr. is magnified in the October issue of the Worldwide News and serves as an introduction of Hanegraaff to the WCG members.

October 2, 1995 --- Christianity Today
The Road To Orthodoxy --David Neff

"CT readers will be glad to know that they [WCG] are no longer considered among the harlot daughters of the Great Whore. But how will we respond? Sadly, Christians outside the WCG have been suspicious and slow to extend the right hand of fellowship. (A few leaders have been helpful, WCG leaders say: Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute and Ruth Tucker of Trinity International University, for example; and faculty from Regent College, Fuller Seminary, and Azusa Pacific University have also helped inform the transition."

Fall 1995 --- Greg Albrecht contacts Janis Hutchinson and requests the WCG not be listed as a cult in her next edition of Out of the Cult and Into the Churches. Letter writing campaign continues for several months. [See Letters to Hutchinson and Comments Concerning Janis Hutchinson's Letter]

Fall 1995 through 1996 --- Hank Hanegraaff repeatedly hails the WCG as a true Christian church via radio broadcasts, and monthly advertisements to CRI readers. Hanegraaff uses the PR as a tool to collect donations. Greg Albrecht testifies that Hanegraaff is paid as a consultant.²

November 26, 1995 --- L A Times, by Larry B. Stammer
Denomination Driven by Dramatic Changes in Doctrine

January 1996 --- Tkach Jr., Mike Feazell, and Greg Albrecht are first time guests of Hank Hanegraaff on Bible Answer Man radio show. 

Winter, 1996 --- Christian Research Journal
New Beginning, New Leadership for the Worldwide Church of God

Winter, 1996 --- Christian Research Journal
The Worldwide Church of God: Resurrected into Orthodoxy

February 1996, --- Janis Hutchinson takes a WCG paid trip to meet with leaders. [Also read Letters to Janis Hutchinson]

March 1996 --- Tkach Jr. is the radio guest of Pastor Helms of the Pentecostal Ecumenical International Church Four Square Gospel.

March 1996 --- The East Texas Christian Monthly
Faith in the 90's

April 18, 1996 --- Four Square Gospel Church features Tkach Jr. as guest speaker at services. [Request tape from ESN]

April 1996 --- Janis Hutchinson endorses the WCG. Hopes to sell her book in WCG catalog and gain PR with interview in the Plain Truth.

April 30/May 1, 1996 --- Religious Right evangelist, D. James Kennedy's radio broadcast, Truths That Transform, host Tkach, Feazell, Albrecht, Lapacka as featured guests.

June, 1996 --- Watchman Expositor
Are We There Yet?

July 15, 1996 --- Christianity Today by Ruth Tucker
From the Fringe to the Fold, How the WCG discovered the Plain Truth about the Gospel.

December, 1996 --- Ambassador University in Big Sandy, TX Closes

February 7, 1997 --- The Tkach PR team makes its second debut on The Bible Answerman radio broadcast with Hank Hanegraaff.

Spring, 1997 --- Religious Broadcaster Annual Convention, Anaheim, CA. by Richard C. Dean
Open Arms: Welcoming the Worldwide Church of God

March 1997 --- International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, Press Release
"Let it be known to all, that the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel gives God praise for His work of renewal in and restoration of the Worldwide Church of God, declaring this to be one of the great miracles in the Body of Christ during the twentieth century."

May 10, 1997 --- LA Times, by Larry B. Stammer
Evangelicals Accept Worldwide Church of God

May 1997 --- UK Evangelical Alliance
Coming into the fold-Hazel Southam investigates the soul-searching at the Worldwide Church of God

May 1997 - CornerStone Magazine - Jon Trott, Jesus People USA
The Saga of a "Cult" Gone Good

June 21, 1997 --- The Huntsville Times
Church struggles for survival as it goes mainstream

June 14, 1997 --- Associated Press
Amazing Grace That Saved The Church

June 18/19, 1997 --- Life Outreach International -with televangelist James Robison aired two publicity radio shows featuring WCG allies, James Walker of Watchmen Fellowship and Greg Albrecht, Chief Editor of the Plain Truth magazine.

August 24, 1997 --- Steve Brown Show - television
Guest Joe Tkach Jr., Michael Feazell and Greg Albrecht are glorified on radio by Steve Brown who also supports Seventh Day Adventists as true Christians. [Request tape from ESN]

September 1997 --- Marketing campaign for propaganda book, Transformed By Truth, allegedly authored by Joseph Tkach Jr. In a mass mailing under Plain Truth Ministries, Greg Albrecht writes the following excerpts:

"I'm writing to announce that Transformed by Truth, the new book by Joseph Tkach, is about to be released. It tells the inside story of what's happened among us."

"We have reserved a limited number of copies for friends of the Worldwide Church of God at a special discount price from the publisher, Multnomah Press. It will be in bookstores everywhere in September at $19.95 but we can have Transformed by Truth delivered to your door for $16.95 including tax and shipping."

He goes on to say...

"This is the only authorized story of the transformation of the Worldwide Church of God and The Plain Truth from the inside."

"But we have only a limited number of copies available at this special price, so it's important to act soon to reserve your copy."
[Emp. Albrecht]

Hank Hanegraaff of Christian Research Institute, James Walker and Phil Arnn of Watchman Fellowship, Ruth Tucker of Trinity Evangelical University, Michael Kellner and Larry Neff of Christianity Today were among the most prominent mouthpieces for the WCG publicity campaign during the past five years. Watchman Fellowship conducted WCG update seminars in `94, `95 and `96 at the Evangelical Conference. Each seminar message propelled the WCG effort and propaganda into the ears of smaller Christian ministries and Evangelicals whose only venue to what was happening in the WCG was through the mouths of these main groups and spokespersons for the WCG. Hank Hanegraaff extended the WCG media blitz, as he claimed his own fame as the hero who guided the cult to orthodoxy and marketed that message as a money producer for his own agenda. Ruth Tucker claimed her fame through error-punctuated articles in popular Christian magazines. LA Times Religion writer, Larry B. Stammer, proved himself a pawn in the game as he honored the tailored press releases delivered to him directly by the WCG spin-doctors. He printed the party line-without question.³

The right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing!
 Or does it?

The Propaganda Campaign effort receives its big payoff in 1997 through its newly established accomplices with The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the Evangelical Christian Publisher's Association (ECPA) and associate member, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB). The latest partnership is with the American Bible Society (ABS). The March/April issue of the Plain Truth offered an exclusive interview with NAE promoter, Billy Graham. All the above associations must have marveled over Billy Graham's face on the cover of this once considered "un-American" political magazine of propaganda.

Popular Christian media evangelists such as popular Religious Right evangelist, D. James Kennedy,⁴ were useful tools in advertising the reinvented WCG. At the very least, their endorsements had to add credibility by association, a necessary propaganda stunt. But what did the selected propagandists have in common that inspired them to accept the cult leaders' words at face value? What motivated these mouthpieces to hail words regarding doctrinal manipulations, while simultaneously ignoring evidence and documentation surrounding abuse issues, financial improprieties and allegations of grave deception within the current WCG? Why would MacGregor Ministry endorse a "cult" as changed and concurrently report that Adventistism and Promise Keepers are dangerous? Doesn't Lorri MacGregor know that the WCG leaders highly esteem both organizations? In fact, WCG has become a major mouthpiece and proponent for the Promise Keepers. Did she and other WCG promoters just frivolously participate in the WCG propaganda without cause? Why would the LA Times Religion reporter, Larry B. Stammer, print news about the WCG based on WCG press releases delivered directly to him? Whatever happened to investigative reporting? Stammer directly told the ESN he printed what the press release stated and was disappointed when the WCG leaders didn't even say thank-you. Why would the LA Times allow themselves to be used as a propaganda journal for the Worldwide Church of God?

These are just a few of the questions many researchers have offered as they investigate the uncanny chronological events with the WCG and its main extension/splinter groups.

There have been several ministries that have spoken out against the rush to judgment such as Biblical Discernment Ministries and Way of Life Literature with David Cloud. [Note: ESN does not endorse all articles or referrals on these websites.] Many others take a "no comment" stand or refer questioners to Christian Research Institute or Watchman Fellowship. The propaganda has been very controlled by a tight ecumenical association of evangelicals that have, in fact, been aligned with the WCG for several years now. What is really going on here? What are reasons behind the event? How in the world did forty-five year old Joe Tkach Jr., with a full cult life experience and minimal business knowledge, suddenly become the chief holder (on paper) of the massive WCG investment corporation, plus qualify for his newly promoted title as Reverend Tkach. The party line wants to promote the idea that a miracle has taken place. Be assured there will be those that swallow the nonsense. However, the WCG architects, no matter how hard they try to re-invent or cover up their actions, past and present, can't cover their multiple agenda or personalities. The legacy of this organization spells Holocaust and no matter how much the truth is bulldozed, there will remain bone fragments that will stand as a testimony to the truth behind the "historic" cover-up as the cult that converted to orthodoxy. [Read ESN article: WCG's History Revision]

Within the past few years, conscientious researchers in the field of Christianity/religion/politics have monitored the intensifying developments of the Ecumenical Movement among the Catholic and Evangelical denominations. While many adherents from each spiritual camp frown upon the uniting of two opposite doctrinal beliefs, the Catholic and Protestant ecumenical partnership is gaining lofty ground through the combined and planned efforts of the ecumenist honchos using massive media propaganda. Before we can comprehend the convoluted WCG deception with doctrine and corporate organization, we must delve further into the political infrastructure behind the strategic ecumenical marketing of the WCG wealthy corporate empire.

Ecumenical Movement

The often repeated Marxist quote, "religion is the opiate of the masses," has definitive meaning when we observe the complex history of religious development. Centuries of historical documentation demonstrate how the course of history was often changed by the hand of a charismatic leader. Time and again the proletariats (rank and file) flocked down the commanded paths with unquestioning faith, as the masses accepted their leaders' rule at face value! As we monitor the permeation of re-invented NEW AGE thinking into our current society, fundamental Christianity becomes less recognizable each day as its definition molds to media indoctrination.

As political and powerful architects pour millions of dollars into marketing and development of the ecumenical, one world religion, the populace in search of faith and salvation are being swept into a cesspool of deceit in the name of Christianity.

In the OIU's continuing effort to explain the reasons behind the events, it is often stated that the reader must broaden his critical thinking and understanding of the bigger picture through education and discernment of the religio/politico developments through the past two centuries. Taking the initiative to explore the historic events that mold Christianity today provides foundational understanding of the current adaptation of what was once considered, mainstream fundamental Christianity.

Words such as, global, unity, bridge builder, equipped, interdenominational, one world, volunteerism, reconciliation, environmentalism, along with many other common words and phrases, are repeatedly downloaded into our minds through the visual and print media. Those joined to Protestant or Catholic denominations are currently being conditioned to accept the mission of global unity in Christianity. While not every church, denomination or pastoral leader is participating in the uniting of Christianity, the majority is jumping on the bandwagon through the ever-present conditioning process escalating the international Christian amphitheater. On the surface, it's tempting. Unity masks itself as love in a spiritual sense and as history has proven repeatedly, the masses can be united through utopianism, as in communism or with one kingdom ideology, as in fascism . As history teaches, when an ideology represents answers for contemplative questions and provides purpose and hope, the populace manifests a fanatical or militant response. The Ecumenical Movement (EC Movement) of this century is the mortar cementing unsuspecting Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and other non-traditional religious organizations together as one religion, which will further the quest for one world religion and global government.

What is currently viewed as ecumenicism has been a keenly orchestrated work in progress starting before the nineteenth century. The rise of Protestant Missions between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries provided the groundwork for the Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. A basic study of the history of the EC Movement enlightens the researcher on the chronology of events that have been culminating these past few years. As author William Richy Hogg states in his well-documented work, Ecumenical Foundations (1952):

"It has become common knowledge that the nineteenth century marked Christianity's greatest period of missionary expansion. The now familiar words of the late William Temple have indelibly stamped in our mind another closely related reality: the Ecumenical Movement, "the great new fact of our era," has resulted from the missionary enterprise of the last one hundred and fifty years. While the Ecumenical Movement is greater than the sum total of the so-called "ecumenical organizations," these have helped to give what is essentially a movement of the Spirit tangible reality. One of the earliest of these bodies, worldwide in membership and outreach, was the International Missionary Council. Engaged today in an ever-broadening program, it stands as a progenitor of the World Council of Churches. While virtually unknown to most church members, the International Missionary Council affords, for one who will observe its emergence, a key for understanding the spirit of the Ecumenical Movement and it organization."

The history of the EC Movement is as astounding as it is appalling, inasmuch as few that profess Christian faith have any knowledge of it at all. A century of significant, historic International and Foreign Mission Conferences prefaced the most significant event with the Ecumenical Movement of this century. Under the genius of John R. Mott the World Missionary Conference convened in Edinburgh, 1910:

"High on 'The Mound,' not far from Edinburgh Castle and close to St. Giles Cathedral, stands the University of Edinburgh's New College. Its buildings surround the Assembly Hall of what in 1910 was the United Free Church of Scotland. In this great room, so admirably suited for discussion, the World Missionary Conference met from June 14 to 23, 1910"

The Edinburgh 1910 Conference established an international common mission that would change the definition of Christianity forever more. Attention must be given to Edinburgh's significance. As Hogg highlights:

"Edinburgh has distilled the best from past missionary co-operation and offered this powerful concentrate to the churches. Yet Edinburgh was more--did more--than this. Something new had happened. Those present knew that from within their midst something different was emerging. It was a desire for an inclusive togetherness unknown before. From Edinburgh sprang a new willingness to respect and recognize wide differences and at the same time to work together as Christians. Here was born the kind of international and interdenominational Christian co-operation that has increasingly characterized the twentieth century."

Edinburgh 1910 Conference, instituted phenomenal ecumenical objectives. Among them, Hogg notes:

• Edinburgh stood as a prototype for all world conferences.
• It hastened the Ecumenical Movement started by the Evangelical Awakening.
• It established the principle of bringing together delegates from around the world that would in turn prepare their churches for unity with the Ecumenical Movement.
• It instituted the principle of broad, denominational inclusiveness. It deliberately sought to bring together people who disagreed with one another and established co-operation without compromising their own fundamental beliefs.
• Edinburgh marks the twentieth century beginning of the two most representative embodiments of the Ecumenical Movement, the International Missionary Council and the World Council of Churches.
• Edinburgh first brought British, continental and American Christians together in the equality born of shared endeavor.
• Edinburgh is uniquely responsible for the World Council of Churches, chief symbol of the Ecumenical Movement of today. The World Council of Churches founding as a world body resulted primarily from the extension of the Edinburgh's influence through four decades. [1910-1950]

Hogg also relays:

"One may define the Ecumenical Movement as that growing consciousness in all churches of the church universal conceived as a missionary community. To this end the whole of Edinburgh contributed. Three of its topics were especially relevant: 'Carrying the Gospel to the Non-Christian World,' 'The Church on the mission Field,' and 'cooperation and the Promotion of Unity.' "

The World Council of Churches (WCC) was formed in Geneva by Oxford University and Edinburgh in 1937 to monitor and combine the efforts of various ecumenical denominations. In 1938, those appointed at Oxford and Edinburgh, together with some co-opted Christian leaders, devised a constitution for a World Council of Churches. From 1910 to 1948 the ecumenical logic put forth at Edinburgh evolved into the mission of the National Council of Churches. Within slightly less than four decades, what in 1910 only few had dared to dream was realized. "The great confessions of Protestantism and representative Orthodox churches had come together in a permanent council. In its ecumenical meeting they shared a 'foretaste of the unity of His People.'"

The OIU highlights some of the historic facts about the Ecumenical Movement in hope that the reader will be inspired to broaden his knowledge of the significant events that have shaped this century's evolution of organized religion and religious politics. As we probe through the propaganda strategy obscuring the deception of the supposed transformation of the Worldwide Church of God and its main extension groups, we must extend ourselves toward viewing the bigger picture and not hide beneath our comfort zones, fears and biases.⁵

As we travel through the ecumenical progress of this century we find before us the astounding reasons behind not only the deceptive fragmentation of the Worldwide Church of God, but the real architects of the unification one religion scheme under the camouflage of Christianity.

Before we can fully discern the Ecumenical Movement post 1962-Vatican TWO, an historical view of the Evangelical Movement is necessary.

The term Evangelicalism has been used since the Reformation, often representing a variety of definitions. Martin Luther's followers often classed themselves as Evangelical to distinguish themselves from Reformed Calvinists. In his book, The Young Evangelicals, Richard Quebedeaux explains:

"The Evangelical revival in the eighteenth century was represented by pietism in Germany, Methodism in England, and the Great Awakening in America. Since that time, especially in English speaking countries, Evangelicalism has been looked upon as the school of Protestant Christianity, affirming salvation through faith in the atoning death of Christ and denying any saving efficacy either in good works or in the sacraments. This Evangelical tradition, which has included both a wing of the Anglican communion and churches that developed as a result of the eighteenth-century Evangelical revival, also regarded as central tenets of the Christian faith the inspiration and authority of the Bible, man's inherent depravity, and the more or less symbolic nature of the sacraments."

With the division between Modernists, (now referred to as Liberals) and Fundamentalists in the early twentieth century, particularly in America, Evangelicalism took on another shade of meaning. After 1940, Neo-Evangelicalism became recognizable in the United States as a strong force within conservative Christianity--one which holds firm to what it believes is biblical or historic Orthodoxy, but at the same time repudiates the theological and cultural excesses of Fundamentalism.

"Contemporary Evangelicalism is characterized as a school of Christianity espousing a Christian faith that is experiential. As an ideologically conservative Movement, Evangelicalism's purpose was to transcend denominations and their politics with intentions of spiritually uniting in an organized fashion to evangelize the world for Christ while seeking the conversion of sinners. Without unity of doctrine, the Movement attested to three major theological principles:

1. The complete reliability and final authority of Scripture in matters of faith and practice.

2. The necessity of a personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior from sin and consequent commitment to Him as Lord.

3. The urgency of seeking actively the conversion of sinners to Christ.

At the time of his writing in 1974, Quebedeaux stressed the following:

"Evangelicalism is rooted firmly in what it understands as historic or biblical Orthodoxy. The late Edward John Carnell of Fuller Theological Seminary [in Pasadena], one of the most highly respected Evangelical apologists, describes Orthodoxy in The Case for Biblical Christianity⁶ as 'that branch of Christendom which limits the ground of religious authority to the Bible.' "

Fundamentalists and Liberals divided during the 1920s and `30s. Following the Civil War and thereafter, Protestant theology was greatly influenced by the intellectual climate of the United States. Between Darwinian biology and numerous studies conducted by psychological and sociological scholars, along with criticism from German universities that undermined the authority of the Bible, increased threat permeated Protestant theology.

Soon to take hold was Social Christianity, later called the Social Gospel.

"Supported by the general optimism of the age, Liberal pastors and seminary professors espoused the centrality of the kingdom of God in Christian doctrine. Inherent in their interpretation of the kingdom was a belief, later considered naïve, that the kingdom of God could, in fact, be established on earth primarily, if not exclusively, by the efforts of men and women working for political and social reform. For these clergymen and religious thinkers, social salvation was often the message of the Gospel."

In 1908, the Federal Council of Churches was formed and adopted the "Social Creed of the Churches." The Social Gospel became the mainframe of orthodox Christianity by World War One.

"For the Liberals, the social dimension of the Gospel, with its almost exclusive attention to the horizontal needs of man in society and its neglect of the vertical desires of the heart for God, became orthodox Christianity."

Dissension among Protestant camps increased throughout the early twentieth century causing denominational splits. Liberalism permeated most Protestant denominations, causing fighting within many of the denominational ranks for ecclesiastical standing and their jobs. Great controversy prevailed over the Orthodoxy rival giving rebirth to Dispensationalism.

"This Orthodox school of theology was based upon the speculations of J.N. Darby (1800-82) in England, then popularized by the Scofield Reference Bible (1909) which imposed a rigid schematization and periodization on the biblical materials by relating every part of the Bible to a timetable of dispensations, of which signifies a different way in which God relates to man. Inherent in this theological stance was a feeling that all established denominations had become apostate, and true Christians, therefore, would do well to separate themselves from those inclusive ecclesiastical bodies."

To the Dispensationalist, Liberalism was the work of Satan! In 1910, the same year the Ecumenical Conference convened in Edinburgh, "The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth" was widely distributed throughout the Protestant arena internationally. Funding these treatises of doctrine were two wealthy Los Angeles businessmen, Milton and Lyman Stewart. The extensive distribution ultimately led to the establishment of a doctrinal basis by some of the most powerful voices of Orthodoxy not only in America, but also in Canada, England, Ireland and Germany.⁸

The turbulent decade of the 1920s gave rise to more Protestant fragmentation and theological debate continued throughout the 1930s. Fundamentalism was declining but held on through development of colleges, seminaries, publishers and periodicals, missionary and evangelistic associations, boards and councils of churches. Many social factors and historical experiences such as World War Two influenced individual commitment to the Social Gospel. The divided Protestant Church sought to restore basic Christian unity internationally. The Ecumenical Movement would become the force to unify Protestantism.

"Ecumenical comes from the Greek oikoumene [inhabited earth]. Upon the analogy of the application of the term oikoumene to the Greek [and later to the Roman] world, the Ecumenical movement designates the contemporary attempt to restore Christian unity throughout the inhabited globe. In 1908 the Federal Council of Churches (which became the National Council of Churches in 1950) was established. Later, in 1948, the World Council of Churches was organized in Geneva. Added to these conciliar Ecumenical efforts were various denominational mergers and the new rapprochement with the Roman Catholic Church effected by Vatican TWO."

In 1942 The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) was formed under the leadership of Harold Hohn Ockenga for the purpose of strengthening unity among Neo-Evangelicals. Scholarly interest of Evangelicalism resulted in the founding of Christianity Today in 1956 with its first editor, Carl Henry. The Christian Century and Christianity and Crisis became the official periodical voice of the new Evangelicals.

No person has been more credited for the popularization of the Evangelical Movement than Billy Graham. Recruited in 1945 by Youth for Christ, Graham quickly gathered world notoriety with his charismatic, evangelistic personality that emanated from the podiums of highly funded revival campaigns.

Throughout the 1950s Neo-Orthodox theology struggled for definition surrounding political and social change.

"Evangelicals insisted that only men and women who had been born again and thus were personally transformed by the Spirit of God were adequately equipped to build a more righteous national and world order."⁹

As Neo-Orthodoxy passed out of existence, a new radical Liberalism moved into its place and became known as mainstream Ecumenical Liberalism. While some more radical Christian thinkers strove to connect the Social Gospel to revolutionary social and political movements, the layperson in the Liberal churches became disenchanted with the messages, the goals of the Ecumenical endeavor and the lack of solid Biblical theology. Many Protestant adherents lost interest for lack of purpose, identity and meaning.

The era of the 1960s and 1970s not only spawned the hippie movement, it also motivated many Protestants and Catholics alike to question their Christian heritage and make radical personal changes in their "spiritual" allegiance toward their traditional Christian organizations. It was during this decade that hundreds of newly formed cults recruited thousands of new members.

The NAE significantly impacted the growth and cohesiveness of the Evangelical Movement. Despite constant fighting and disputes among the Orthodox scholars, evangelicals agreed that evangelism or proclaiming the good news was their primary concern. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, along with other less prominent organizations provided cohesiveness for the Evangelical Movement. Their cause has been propelled by founding of Christianity Today, an ecumenical Christian magazine.

Establishment Evangelicalism is represented by denominations that are members of the NAE such as the Baptist General Conference, Assemblies of God, the Brethren Church, Christian and Missionary Alliance, Conservative Congregational Christian Conference, Christian Catholic Church, Evangelical Free Church of America, Free Methodist Church, Churches of Christ, Conservative Baptist Association, Christian Reformed Church, Church of the Nazarene, Southern Baptist Convention, Evangelical Presbyterian Church, International Church of the Four Square Gospel, International Pentecostal Church, Mennonite Brethren Churches USA, Pentecostal Church of God, Reformed Episcopal Church, The Salvation Army, The Wesleyan Church, Reformed Churches of America and Conservative Lutheran Association. In addition, it is representative of individual churches related to the NAE whose denominations are members of the National and World Council of Churches. Establishment Evangelicalism is a stance held by small to large contingents within most of the Ecumenically aligned denominations apart from any separate affiliation with the NAE. The latest official member "denomination" of the NAE is none other than the Worldwide Church of God!!!

NAE Accepts Worldwide Church of God
Transformed Church Finds Acceptance and Fellowship in Evangelical Community

May 7, 1997

WHEATON, IL - The Board of Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has voted overwhelmingly to accept the Worldwide Church of God (WCG), headquartered in Pasadena, Calif., into membership. The application process included examination of doctrinal changes, which have taken place in the once-controversial denomination.

"NAE is founded on the premise that the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. I respect Joseph Tkach and the leadership of the Worldwide Church of God who did not rest in the refuge of their historically held doctrines, but sought the Truth through careful study of the scriptures - even at significant cost to the denomination," said NAE President Don Argue. "And we thank God for his faithfulness to them. We appreciate the gracious and open manner in which this church's leaders answered questions about the struggles that led them to a biblically-based theology."

WCG members once followed the teachings of church founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, who rejected the Trinity as a pagan doctrine, while also insisting that tithing and observance of the Old Testament Sabbath were necessary for salvation, among numerous other old covenant practices. After Armstrong's death in 1986, denominational leaders began to study and reflect on the validity of the church's teachings. In light of the Word of God in the Bible, they could not find support for many of the denomination's most controversial doctrines.

These dramatic changes, however, have cost WCG nearly half its membership that once topped almost 90,000 people in the United States. Today the denomination has nearly 50,000 members in the United States and 73,435 members worldwide. More than half of its 802 churches are located in the U.S. There are 1046 ordained WCG ministers worldwide; 678 in the United States.

"The greater Christian community is just beginning to realize what God has done with the Worldwide Church of God; and understandably many still tend to view it with extreme skepticism," WCG leader Joseph Tkach told the Board of Directors of the association in March. "We have experienced what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 3:15-18, '...whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away... And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.'"

"For years, people have been praying for their friends and relatives who have been a part of the Worldwide Church of God, asking that they would be able to see the truth of God's word," said Don Argue in announcing their acceptance into membership. "We see the dramatic changes that have occurred among our friends as God's continuing efforts to bring renewal and revival for His glory."

The Worldwide Church of God joins 48 other denominational members in the fellowship of the National Association of Evangelicals, including Reformed, Pentecostal, Free Church, Holiness and various other traditions. "In essentials unity, in distinctives liberty, in all things charity" is the motif of the association, which serves as a forum, a voice, and a resource for the evangelical community.

For further information about the Worldwide Church of God, please call Greg Albrecht at (818) 304-6181.

©1997 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of EVANGELICALS, PO Box 28, Wheaton, IL 60189; website: http://www.nae.net; e-mail: media@nae.net

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is a voluntary association of individuals, denominations, churches, schools and organizations comprised of approximately 43,000 congregations nationwide from 49 member denominations and individual congregations from an additional 27 denominations, as well as several hundred independent churches. The membership of the association includes 250 parachurch ministries and educational institutions. Through the cooperative ministry of these members, NAE directly and indirectly benefits over 27 million people. The association maintains its national offices in Carol Stream, Ill., and an office for governmental affairs in the nation's capital.

[Note: Read ESN article, Worldwide Church of God's Faulty Orthodoxy by Dr. Robert L. Sumner.]

The following ministries of NAE's affiliates have likewise been strategically formed to serve the broader evangelical community:

• The Christian Stewardship Association is assisting evangelical churches and organizations through networking and education in the areas of strategic planning and development.

• The National Religious Broadcasters provides a recognized forum and identity for hundreds of Christian broadcasters and related ministries nationwide.

• The Evangelical Fellowship of Mission Agencies serves thousands of missionaries around the world by providing an integral liaison with the State Department of the United States of America and other governments around the world.

• The Evangelical Child and Family Agency provides social service ministry to children and families, including adoption and foster care services.

• The National Association of Christian Child and Family Agencies provides a networking structure for family service agencies.

The National Association of Evangelicals is one of 117 national fellowships worldwide, which are members of World Evangelical Fellowship (WEF). WEF exists to establish and help regional and national evangelical fellowships empower and mobilize local churches and organizations to disciple the nations for Christ.

Richard Quebedeaux points out:

"Among the long list of NAE Intellectual centers of Establishment Evangelicalism are Wheaton College in Illinois (Billy Graham), Westmont College, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Ruth Tucker) Fuller Seminary -Pasadena, and many, many more."

"More important than the NAE as a symbol of Establishment Evangelicalism, is Billy Graham. William Franklin Graham, Jr. graduated from Wheaton college with a degree in anthropology in 1943, and began his career shortly thereafter as an ordained southern Baptist evangelist. In the wake of his early revival successes in 1949 and the following year, Graham launched his "Hour of Decision" radio broadcasts and formed the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Minneapolis during 1950."

"Evangelicals regard Graham as the most effective mass evangelist in history. It is he who propagated the twentieth century definition of Born Again Christian."

[Excerpt paragraphs taken from The Young Evangelicals - 1974]

As the NAE continues to enhance its vital stand with Ecumenical, one-world religion goals, we find the following points of interest:

• President Bill Clinton asked the Reverend Dr. Don Argue, president of the NAE of Evangelicals, to lead a prayer for the President in a Monday morning church service prior to Clinton's second inauguration.

• Billy Graham led prayers for the 53rd Presidential Inauguration. This marked Graham's eighth invitation.

• President Don Argue serves on a special State Department taskforce to help investigate and recommend actions to stop religious persecution of Christians worldwide. In addition, Clinton requested Argue's input in developing a new TV ratings system to help parents better screen TV programming for their children.

• Millard Fuller, founder and president of the ecumenical Habitat for Humanity International, received the Faithful Servant Award by the NAE's Social Action Commission in 1966.

While these accomplishments may seem impressive, the reader should be aware that the NAE is very controversial and speculative in view of the strategic events propelling an ecumenical-one world religion. The research references provided below are highly recommended to further one's understanding as to the significance of WCG's partnership with specific organizations and individuals that are politically wrapped with global architects.

The purpose of taking additional space in the OIU to present a brief historical synopsis of the Ecumenical Movement and Evangelical Movement is to lay a foundation of understanding to what is occurring today within 1) the Worldwide Church of God and 2) the Evangelical arena. The massive deception behind the WCG's propagandized transition must be exposed. The Tkach/Hulme associations are significant to discerning the reasons behind the events. The very shrewd architects of the WCG/UCG/GCG multi-million dollar political power conglomerate are entwined with NAE, the WCC and its many supporters toward one world ecumenical religion. The NAE, its political history and its current influence on millions of professing Christians is hidden from the populace for good. (Excerpt paragraphs taken from The Young Evangelicals - 1974)

As we incorporate greater understanding of the World Council of Churches and the NAE, it should become clear to most how the current WCG is very much supportive of the United Church of God and together they continue the same stratagem of the past decades.

The NAE's "Strategic Plan for the Dawn of the 21st Century" called, An Evangelical Manifesto requests all "evangelicals to join in a commitment for five things: a call for prayer, call for repentance and reform, call for unity and cooperation, call for evangelism and a call for cultural impact."

The grand entrance into the WCG fold with Billy Graham along with his son Franklin warrants far greater reporting. Upcoming OIU's will take an in-depth look into the real Billy Graham story. Much has already been well documented on the man and the myth, by significant Christian researchers and investigators. We urge our readers to forge ahead with personal research. Included in our suggested reading are proofs that give the affiliation of occult freemasonry, counterfeit Christianity, cults, covert government activities involving church fronts and clergy and other sinister relationships. What does all this have to do with the WCG rendition of the "Church of God?" Everything! So get educated-don't take our word for it.

Ecumenicism becomes a way of life.

What started as an Evangelical Movement has more recently evolved into an Evangelical Faith. The Ecumenical Movement has made enormous strides since the inception of the William Randolph Hearst funded Billy Graham's crusades. Progress was augmented through the financial assistance of the Rockefeller Foundation. Throughout the decades, hundreds of meetings and conferences convened with the main purpose of Ecumenical enhancement. One significant event well documented by William Richey Hogg in Ecumenical Foundations (1952) occurred in 1947:

"The Churches Commission on International Affair"

"Responding to a suggestion submitted to it from the Geneva consultations, the Commission on a Just and Durable Peace of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ in America agreed to arrange for a meeting of Christian leaders on problems of peace and war. The conference, enlisting some sixty persons from fifteen countries, met at Cambridge in August 1947, under the chairmanship of John Foster Dulles.¹⁰ Sponsored jointly by the World Council of Churches and the International Missionary Council, the gathering established a joint and permanent Commission on the Churches on International Affairs to serve the churches as a means of common counsel and action on world affairs."

"One of the Commission's most notable achievements was its role in making known the views of the churches toward and its influence on the United Nations' Declaration on Human Rights. It also brought to the attention of the churches in different countries relevant problems in the solutions of which they could take constructive steps; e.g., religious and missionary freedom, refugees, human rights and general problems involved in the peace settlements. In 1948 the Commission gave every indication of becoming an important arm of the Ecumenical Movement."

THE GOAL OF ONE WORLD RELIGION

The Evangelicals and Catholics Together:
The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium

"A formal declaration boldly documents the Evangelical and Catholic commitment to work together to evangelize and bring about social reform in the world. The Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium (ECT) has, in effect, laid the groundwork for Evangelicals to set aside their distinctive doctrines and unite with the Catholic Church and other religions which are coming together by 2000 A.D. The ECT Document was authored and presented in May of 1994 by Charles Colson of Prison Fellowship and Roman Catholic priest, Richard John Neuhaus. In 1993, Chuck Colson was the recipient of the $1,000,000 "Prize for Progress in Religion," given annually at the Parliament of World Religions by New Age financier, John Templeton. Father Neuhaus is the director of the Institute on Religion and Public Life who, as former Lutheran and a seminary student, rejected the doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ. "

The ECT Document was signed by 20 Catholic leaders and 20 Evangelical leaders including Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, Pat Robertson, President of CBN, J.I. Packer of Christianity Today, Richard Land and Larry Lewis of the Southern Baptist Convention, Jesse Miranda of Assemblies of God, Dr. John White of the National Association of Evangelicals and President of Geneva College, Os Guiness of Trinity Forum and Dr. Mark Noll of Wheaton College.

Supporters of The Evangelicals and Catholics Together Document maintain that it is not a statement of theological agreement, but of unity for the cause of moral and social reform. However, ECT states, 'Evangelicals and Catholics are brothers and sisters in Christ' And 'existing divisions that obscure the one Christ and hinder the one mission of the Church' are confessed as 'sins against the unity that Christ intends for all his disciples. The Scriptural support presented for cooperation and unity between Evangelicals and Catholics is Jesus' prayer for his disciples in John 17:21: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may also be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." ECT conveniently removes this verse from its context and misinterprets it by failing to mention verses that identify Jesus' disciples as those who "received His words."¹¹

The presentation of this historic document has caused no small stir in the evangelical arena. Since the origination of this unification treaty, its popularity has increased significantly. Evangelicals who strongly oppose its agenda have trumpeted their concerns. Watch Unto Prayer Ministry offered the following comments:

"Evangelical leaders who promote unity with Roman Catholicism are either ignorantly or intentionally leading Christians into the apostate religious system of the new world order. This final earthly kingdom will be the political-religious beast of Revelation 17 and Daniel 7, which 'shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.' Will Christians be led to worship the Antichrist because their spiritual leaders encouraged unity with pagan religions? That the elect may be deceived is truly a hard saying (Matt. 24:24) -- until it is understood that the deception will come from the highest ranks of Evangelicalism.

"The accelerating momentum toward ecumenical unity within the evangelical church makes it difficult to resist the suspicion that organizations such as the New Age Movement, Catholic Church and Illuminati have successfully infiltrated the church via the large parachurch organizations. There is much documented evidence of such a conspiracy, including statements which express these intentions. In her book, A Planned Deception, Constance Cumbey assesses Jeremy Rifkin's Emerging Order with the observation that, 'The evangelical church would be the primary instrument to bring the new world order to birth.' "

What does the document say?

The following first three paragraphs of the ECT document offer an overview of its nature: [quote]

THE CHRISTIAN MISSION
IN THE THIRD MILLENNIUM

March 29,1994

Introduction. I. We Affirm Together. II. We Hope Together III. We Search Together. IV. We Contend Together. V. We Witness Together. Conclusion.
We are Evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics who have been led through prayer, study, and discussion to common convictions about Christian faith and mission. This statement cannot speak officially for our communities. It does intend to speak responsibly from our communities and to our communities. In this statement we address what we have discovered both about our unity and about our differences. We are aware that our experience reflects the distinctive circumstances and opportunities of Evangelicals and Catholics living together in North America. At the same time, we believe that what we have discovered and resolved is pertinent to the relationship between Evangelicals and Catholics in other parts of the world. We therefore commend this statement to their prayerful consideration.

As the Second Millennium draws to a close, the Christian mission in world history faces a moment of daunting opportunity and responsibility. If in the merciful and mysterious ways of God the Second Coming is delayed, we enter upon a Third Millennium that could be, in the words of John Paul II, "a springtime of world missions." (Redemptoris Missio)

As Christ is one, so the Christian mission is one. That one mission can be and should be advanced in diverse ways. Legitimate diversity, however, should not be confused with existing divisions between Christians that obscure the one Christ and hinder the one mission. There is a necessary connection between the visible unity of Christians and the mission of the one Christ. We together pray for the fulfillment of the prayer of Our Lord: "May they all be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, so also may they be in us, that the one, may believe that you sent me." (John 17) We together, Evangelicals and Catholics, confess our sins against the unity that Christ intends for all his disciples.

The one Christ and one mission includes many other Christians, notably the Eastern Orthodox and those Protestants not commonly identified as Evangelical. All Christians are encompassed in the prayer, "May they all be one." Our present statement attends to the specific problems and opportunities in the relationship between Roman Catholics and Evangelical Protestants.

The Big Picture
The Ecumenical Umbrella

While the word "ecumenical" might seem newly popularized, the fact is, the ecumenical mission has made strident accomplishments throughout this century. Many wrongly attribute its origins to Billy Graham's Evangelistic Association, but excellent documentation clearly chronicles decades of incredible ecumenical accomplishments that have propelled recent ecumenical events to emerge.

The many groups responsible for the New Age Ecumenical Movement are too numerous to detail here. Below, references a brief list demonstrating how uniquely planned this one world religion mission is through collaborating associations:

• The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)-Department for Ecumenical Affairs (DEA):

"The ELCA seeks 'to manifest the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.' "

"The quest for Christian unity, ' they may all be one', (John 17:2) inspires the faith and shapes the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Department for Ecumenical Affairs (DEA) has the task of assisting this church in that quest. One of the responsibilities of the DEA is to interpret 'Ecumenicism: the Vision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,' the official policy statement. As the statement affirms, the ELCA is "bold to reach out in several directions simultaneously to all with whom it may find agreement in the Gospel"

The DEA has achieved the following documents of proposals that state the following:

Concordat of Agreement - the document proposing full communion between the ELCA and the Episcopal church.
A Formula of Agreement -the document proposing full communion between the ELCA and three Reformed Churches, [Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ]

The proposals are based on dialogue reports that acknowledge a common agreement on the Gospel. They and the thirty-year history of dialogue that led to their formulation mark an important step in American Lutheranism. Both proposals define full communion in congruence with the characteristics outlined in 'Ecumenism: The Vision of the ELCA.'

These two proposals, along with the Lutheran-Roman Catholic proposal, are described in a Department for Ecumenical Affairs brochure for congregations. 'Together, Making Christ Known,' which highlights the mission aspects of these ecumenical developments. Another, 'Why Unity?,' explains the Biblical, confessional, and constitutional foundations of ecumenism in the ELCA which have lead to the proposals. Other resources include a video, 'Ecumenism: the Vision of the ELCA,' and a Lutheran-Episcopal audio tape, 'The Unity we Share.'

This year witnessed numerous meetings between ecumenical partners in an effort to sign all the necessary documents proving the Protestants and Catholics are ONE!

"August 23, 1997 - "Today, the Associated Press reported that the Lutherans had taken a step toward lifting the condemnation they and the Roman Catholic Church heaped on one another during the 16th century battles that split Western Christianity."

"Protestants Blindly Accept Papal Infallibility and Current Movement to Proclaim the Virgin Mary as Co-Redemptrix"

"This issue of papal infallibility reached worldwide media exposure in Newsweek Magazine when it was disclosed that 4,340,429 petitions from 157 countries, 500 bishops and 42 cardinals are asking Pope John Paul 2nd to exercise the power of papal infallibility to proclaim the new dogma of the Roman Catholic Faith: that the Virgin Mary is "Co-Redemptrix, Mediatrix of all graces and advocate for the people of God."

---------------------

LUTHERANS APPROVE "FULL COMMUNION"
WITH REFORMED CHURCHES

PHILADELPHIA (ELCA) -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America today approved a proposal declaring "full communion" with three churches of the Reformed tradition -- the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ.

Voting members of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted 839-193 (81.3 percent - 18.7 percent) on the "Formula of Agreement."

A few minutes later a similar measure declaring full fellowship with The Episcopal Church fell six votes short of approval.
The declaration of full communion is not a plan to merge, but it commits the churches to sharing in their mission work locally and internationally and to develop procedures whereby clergy in one denomination may pastor a church in another denomination.

The proposals grew out of several decades of theological conversation.

Following the vote, a statement from the Rev. Daniel Martensen, director of the ELCA's department of ecumenical affairs, said, "The Christian community in the United States is less fragmented than it was just a few months ago." Martensen said the decisions set the stage for "exciting ecumenical advances to be made as we move into the next millennium."

The failure of the Episcopal proposal dampened the spirits of the representatives of the Reformed Church who nonetheless enthusiastically welcomed the other decision.

"It is a moment of mixed feelings, a difficult moment for us." said the Rev. John Thomas, ecumenical officer of the United Church of Christ. "Many of our colleagues are feeling pain and sorrow." "We are committed to the whole of the ecumenical movement, not just a piece of it," Thomas said. "Whenever a church finds itself unable to move forward, we have a deep sense of disappointment."

Though his church came under sharp criticism from some speakers at the assembly, Thomas expressed "appreciation of the way the issue was debated and discussed."

Lutherans have helped us all be aware of the theological ground on which we stand and the need to tend that ground," Thomas said. "Full communion allows us to call each other to tend that ground, to help and to admonish one another."

The Rev. Douglas Fromm of the Reformed Church in America expressed satisfaction at the declaration of fellowship and recalled that he had hoped such an action would have been taken years ago. Such action was indeed taken by the American Lutheran Church -- one of the three bodies that merged in 1987 to form the ELCA. Because the other partners to the ELCA merger had not taken that action, the decision was set aside at the time of the merger.

A statement, prepared by the heads of the four denominations, and released when the vote total was announced said the decision marked a "decisive milestone in our journey towards unity and signals the beginning of a new chapter in the history of these four churches of the 16th century Reformation."

Noting that some in the churches opposed the decision, the statement said, "we know that some in our churches will not be able to receive this action with enthusiasm. Their continued questions and reservations are to be heard and respected."

A joint commission of the denominations will now begin to formulate ways to implement the decision. The individual presbyteries -- regional units - of the Presbyterian Church (USA) must also ratify the decision of their general convention.

OIU readers may receive full copies of the above documents and further their enlightenment by contacting:
Department of Ecumenical Affairs
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, Illinois 60631
800/638-3522

Ecumenicism EVERYWHERE

The following organizations work cohesively by holding international meetings with the mission of ecumenicism. Please keep in mind that each organization comprises hundreds to thousands of smaller religious or denominationally affiliated organizations.

• The World Council of Churches
• Lutheran Church of America
• National Council of Churches
• National Association of Evangelicals
• Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches
• Synagogue Council of America
• United Presbyterian church of the USA

Yes, there are many more, this is just a sampling of the big guns. Added to this list are the American Bible Society, Mission America, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the one and only PROMISE KEEPERS!!!! Keep these names in mind as you read about the Tkachian allies and WCG's propaganda ministers.

Organizational projects such as: March for Jesus, International Prayer Day, Habitat for Humanity, DC/LA Conferences, Youth Projects, Mission projects, Forty Day Fasts for Hunger, etc. are part of the ecumenical mission toward one world religion and are shared projects by denominational supporters. A quick profile of the many combined "humanitarian" efforts render a positive view; however, when one assesses the big picture and evolution of Christianity it becomes easier to peer through the layer of propaganda at inner "ecumenical" agenda.

Communism And The Churches

The ESN engaged in an extensive research pertaining to the topics in this OIU. The OIU will be a monthly publication of shorter length following this base issue. We felt it was necessary to cover foundational topics such as: propaganda, dialectics, cognitive dissonance and ecumenicism in hope that the reader will be inspired to dig deeply into the reasons behind the events with the WCG/splinter conglomerate. It is not a difficult task to be swept into the magnetic distraction and decoys uniquely placed by the corporate architects. Not only does it take strength, but also it takes enormous commitment to educate oneself on peripheral subjects and historical events of this century that succinctly pertain to the real WCG current agenda. The Ecumenical Movement can't be summarized without mentioning the vast infiltration of the Communist Party and ideology into the American Christian denominations starting early this century. The reader should consider this topic of utmost importance as many are struggling to understand what is going on with Christianity. The following research books offer excellent historical information on the subject:

• The Roots of American Communism by Theodore Drapper
• The Communists and the Schools by Robert W. Iversen
• The Decline of American Communism by David A. Shannon
• American Communism and Soviet Russia by Theodore Drapper
• Marxism: the View from America by Clinton Rossiter
• Communism and the Churches by Ralph Lord Roy
• The Molding of Communists by Frank S. Meyer
• The Social Basis of American Communism by Nathan Glazer
• Writer on the Left by Daniel Aaron

In Ralph Lord Roy's extensive research: Communism and the Churches, we're awakened to the momentous events that involved the Communist Party and American churches. As the battlefields of France ravaged human life in 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Lenin, quickly claimed Russia. By 1921, the Red Army was prepared to "challenge Capitalism." Church leaders were sympathetic toward the United States intervention against the Bolsheviks in 1918 when the US landed in Siberia. As the war progressed, religious leaders became divided over American participation. The Federal Council of Churches provided the platform that fueled emotions among church leaders.

"The most outspoken opposition to the war among religious circles came from a group of idealistic Protestant ministers, largely members of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, formed in 1915. Among this group some were initially to sympathize with the Bolshevik revolution. Theologically most of them were liberals. They were not pacifists in the precise sense that Quakers or Mennonites were. They had been influenced, to a greater of lesser degree, by the economic interpretation of history and were convinced that wars were rooted in economic competition camouflaged behind deceptive slogans. World War One, they contended, was a needless and ugly blood bath to advance the imperialistic aims of the opposing powers. The blame for such criminal warfare rested with greedy business interests in their rivalry for raw materials and markets. This in turn could be traced to the very nature of the capitalist system." [Pg.15]

Many Protestant ministers espoused this view. Strong influence was generated by Paul Jones, graduate of Yale University and Episcopal Theological Seminary in Cambridge, MA, president of the Church Socialist League, and Episcopal organization. Irwin St. John Tucker, an ordained Episcopalian and member of the Socialist Party, was drawn to socialism by the conviction that it was a practical application of Christianity. Others responsible for recruiting religious leaders into socialist sympathy were: John Haynes Holmes, Church of the Messiah, Harry F. Ward, professor at Boston University and leader with Methodist Federation for Social Service, John Nevin Sayre, an Episcopalian from Suffern, New York, Rabbi Judah L. Magnes and Presbyterian Norman Thomas.

"It was among these clergymen that the revolutionary government of Russia received its most cordial reception. Their support aroused condemnation and their opponents argued in this manner: these ministers were theological liberals who had brazenly discarded the sacred doctrines of Christianity. They had joined the Socialists, a motley assemblage of radicals largely from abroad who were already demanding, in their broken English, the overthrow of democratic clergymen and openly gave aid and comfort to the ruthless autocracy of the Kaiser. Now they were lauding saboteurs of the Russian resistance and whitewashing Bolshevism's suppression of democracy, its slaughter of innocent thousands, and it persecution of religion. As Americans heard and read of these clergymen, they asked themselves quite naturally: What kind of ministers are they?"

"In January 1918, amid the war fever, a new publication was launched. Known as the World Tomorrow, it served as the unofficial organ of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. Norman Thomas was the managing editor; Holmes and Ward were among the original members of its editorial committee. It was intensely religious in its idealism and continued to promote pacifism and democratic socialism until the thirties, when its financial failure forced it to merge with the Christian Century. The World Tomorrow viewed the Bolshevik revolution with sympathy. In April 1918, the editors observed: 'Only those who have felt something of passion for social justice and industrial democracy can realize how truly revolutionary Russia, with all its faults and excesses, is the promised land, the fatherland of the spirit to multitudes of radical workers throughout the world.' "

The Revolutionary flame was set afire by many significant religious leaders turned Socialist. Bishop William Montgomery Brown stole center stage with his radical philosophy blending Marxism, Darwinism and Christianity. In 1920 he published Communism and Christianism, which was considered bizarre by many camps, but read by many. His controversial appeal was supported by the Daily Worker, which funded Brown's speaking tours for the International Labor Defense, and for other party causes.

"The church, a Daily Worker columnist wrote in 1927, is a 'gigantic fraud, manned by the greatest collection of specialized hypocrites that ever lied themselves out of working for a living.' This summed up the attitude of the American Communist movement toward organized religion during the twenties-contempt liberally seasoned with ridicule."

"The principal Communist argument against the churches was that they served only to buttress the exploiters, as in Czarist Russia and other countries. In America, the myth of church-state separation exists, communists argued, and the working class may be easily misled into viewing religious institutions as independent. 'To the revolutionist…' said a 1928 Daily Worker editorial, 'All creeds, all churches, all temples of ignorance and superstition and fear, no matter what god or sets of gods they profess to worship, are useful to the capitalist class.' "

"The communists produced considerable 'evidence' to support their view. For one thing, they laid great stress upon the wealth of the churches and the support received from vested interests. 'Most Protestant churches are supported by millionaire capitalists.' "

"When it was announced that John D. Rockefeller, Jr. would be the principal financier of the new Riverside Church, where Harry Emerson Fosdick would serve as pastor, the Daily Worker commented: 'Fosdick is a 'modernist,' but Rockefeller knows that he can be relied upon to philosophize about the bible and keep the minds of the workers from their troubles with the bosses, and the 'silk stocking' crowd entertained."

"A second proof of the church's role in preserving capitalism was the alleged antagonism of religious forces toward the core of the revolutionary forces, the American proletariat. While some Americans viewed the churches, and especially the Federal Council of Churches, as too pro-labor, communist ideology taught that they could be counted upon to serve the bosses. 'The true reason why the capitalists support the church,' wrote a Daily Worker, 'is that they, more than any other means of propaganda, succeed in effectively doping the workers."

The OIU's point in discussing this matter is that, as we shall see, the Radio Church of God [it was renamed Worldwide Church of God in 1968], which was richly rooted in Fascist ideology, openly embraced the agenda of the American Communist Party by the late 1950s, if not earlier. Was it Herbert Armstrong's relationship with Alger Hiss at the first United Nations meeting in San Francisco that served as the inauguration for distribution of massive printed socialist/communist ideology? Or, did the Armstrong/WCG international mission change when Stanley R. Rader embarked on his lifelong pursuit with the multimillion-dollar Pasadena gold mine? As this unfolds, be assured we will discover the reasons behind the events.

The shocking chronology of events pertaining to the development of the American Communist Party demonstrates how the communists learned they could go further with their ideological mission by infiltrating the churches in America rather than antagonistically rallying against them. And that is exactly what occurred. Communism in America gives minute details of how this infiltration was accomplished.

As Sinclair Lewis' 1927 novel Elmer Gantry was greeted with enthusiasm, bitter words were aimed toward organizations such as the YMCA and Salvation Army. Theological ridicule was fueled by the cleavage within American Protestantism. Earlier in this issue we discussed the faction within the modernist-fundamentalist arenas. Prior to the introduction of Billy Sunday, clergy and laymen either rejected or reinterpreted orthodox affirmations about the nature of man, sin, history and Jesus. The fundamentalist movement sprang up sporting the fundamentals of Christian faith. Alongside the fighting over religious dogmas and ecumenical pursuits, many religious affiliations were taking sides against the Communist Party in America. Once Billy Sunday was quoted as saying: "The next job of house cleaning will be to rid our country of this gang of good-for-nothing, God-forsaken, weasel-eyed, hog-joweled, bull-necked, rag-shagged, bob-tailed, riffraff bunch of radical, revolutionary, Red WW1 Bolshevism."

"Fundamentalism served as a target for all leftists who sought to discredit religion:

"The Principal crusade of fundamentalist partisans in the twenties was to stop the spread of Darwin's theory of evolution."

"The mass revivals of Billy Sunday also occasioned caustic comment in the communist press. Sunday was variously described as director of a "three-ring religious circus in the interests of the Lord and his own pocketbook," "campaign manager for Jesus and the saints," and "the human windbag who has made…. money [by] making Christianity ridiculous."

"Other fundamentalist spokesmen were lampooned mercilessly. The Pentecostal leader Aimee Semple McPherson, controversial founder of the International Church of the Four Square Gospel, frequently was accused by the Communist press of operating a religious racket as a facade for a debauched personal life." [Quotes from the Daily Worker listed in Communism and the Churches]

You've heard the saying: "There are many ways to skin a cat," or, "If you can't beat em-join!" And that is exactly what occurred with the American Communist Party. By 1935, the Communists were well on their way to occupying many podiums throughout American religious institutions. At first, infiltration was slow and unorganized. The testimony of Earl Browder before the House Committee on Un-American Activities offered what some researchers term as the best source of information on church infiltration at that time.

"By the mid-thirties, the American Communist Party was not putting its principal emphasis upon recruiting members. Out of Moscow came a new set of instructions. Comrades around the world were to co-operate with all others-Socialists and New Dealers, believers and atheists, workers and bosses-who would help resist the rising tide of fascism that appeared to threaten the security of the Soviet Union. This lead to the emergence of a new strategy-that of the united front. It was an effective maneuver that was to change the course of the entire communist movement in the United States."

The United Front worked toward securing support within the churches. Harry F. Ward, ordained Methodist minister, key figure in the Methodist Federation for Social Service, chairman of the American Civil Liberties Union, and on the faculty of the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, was sympathetic upon many reform movements against American capitalism. He trumpeted his passions upon others urging all to engage in a "holy, impersonal hatred against an evil system that is wrecking human society." Following a trip to Russia in 1931, the ecstatic Ward maintained: "the Soviet Union would bring to the world a new concept that was in reality a fulfillment of the ethics of Jesus. Communism, he said, was systematically crushing the evil profit motive that spurred on the American economy and replacing it with incentives of service and sacrifice. The United States should set for itself the same goal."

On March 18, 1933, the executive committee of the communist International, known as the Comintern, gave its official blessing to the United Front. At first its aim was to wean laboring people away from "reformist" leadership, but when this met with little success and the specter of Hitlerism became more frightening, the Comintern in 1935 called for unity among all antifascist forces. The Communists in the United States embraced President Roosevelt and the New Deal, became loud champions of religious liberty and sought friends within the churches. Their main goal was the creation of a network of front organizations through which they could win the sympathy and co-operation of millions of Americans.

The American League Against War and Fascism was one of the most important fronts stemmed directly from the 1932 Amsterdam congress. Religious pacifists divided over co-operation with Communists through the League. Debates and fights lingered among religious organizations. Many key men influenced thousands into communist ideology. Harry F. Ward became chairman of the League. Four Protestant ministers, three Jewish rabbis and a scattering of active church laymen and women signed the Second Anti-War congress in 1934. Ward's keynote address at the Second Congress stressed the necessity of broadening the League to reach Americans of all political and religious persuasions. Communist publications were widely distributed throughout churches. A major campaign to enlist churchmen in the American League was well underway.

"Reporting to the Third Congress, leader Reissig stated boldly that churchmen in the League had the duty 'neither to commend nor to vindicate religious beliefs or organization. Our function is to use religious forces in the defense of masses of people."

"Much of the actual planning for work among the churches was done by the executive committee of the American League in 1935 known as the Natal Bureau. In a message of August 9, for example, the Bureau singled out trade unions and three religious groups for special attention. Roman Catholics were the first target. Specifically designated were the International Association of Catholic Alumni, League of Catholic men, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Association for International Peace and various sisterhood groups. Jewish religious, cultural, fraternal and Zionist groups were also listed as targets. Among Protestants, increased attention was to be given to the YMCA ministerial associations, local parishes, and to adherents of the Lutheran and Reformed faiths, 'because of their German traditions and friendships.' "

Although Communist infiltration plans were elaborate "and impressive on paper" success was prolonged due to failure to carry them out. The League claimed 3,291,906 Americans in 1935 and climbed to 7,836,691 by 1939. Although there were 20,000 actual dues paying members, the League claimed 241 affiliated groups with eighty of them in New York City. By 1937 the American League Against War and Fascism changed its name to the American League for Peace.

The devastating depression of the 1930s introduced the National Council of Methodist Youth, which grew into a massive youth movement "aflame with love for Christ." The American Youth Congress (AYC) arose in response. The AYC was hailed as the most successful and effective communist front. By 1939 the movement boasted 513 affiliated organizations with a combined membership of 4,697,915. Religion and idealism was kept in the forefront as the Communists exploited the youth of the Great Depression. Peace remained the focus as the United Front evolved. Many combined religious idealism with socialist theories about the cause and cure for war.

The historical account of Communism and the Churches is most likely foreign to most professing Christians. It's not talked about on the pulpits and certainly not embraced in educational materials. Nonetheless, lack of knowledge about this segment of Christian history prevents one from understanding the intricate fights over doctrine, the growth of the Ecumenical Movement, the tangled web of the Evangelical Movement starting from the 1950s, and what was really behind the growth of cults and subversive movements after World War Two.

The Cold War propagandized an image of fear and desperateness through which many cults successfully expanded. As seekers of faith and victims of fear gravitated toward spiritual protection, few realized that the Communists they were running from were actually the gatekeepers to man's religious kingdom.

As we continue to explore what is behind the ecumenical movement it will become more clear to the reader why it is essential to include this segment as an integral part of understanding the reasons behind the events. Outlined here is a brief summary up to 1940. Religious/political events continued to influence our country throughout each decade. Whoever said religion and politics don't mix…was ignorant.

In his incredible personal account, author Whittaker Chambers, in his 1952 book, Witness, wrote of being recruited into the American Communist Party. A Christian cannot read Chambers' testimony and not circumspectly relate to the commitment Communism captures. More pointedly, those who have exited cults such as Worldwide Church of God, Unification Church or Jehovah Witness, could most assuredly identify with every word Chamber shares. We highly recommend the book! It was one of Herbert Armstrong's favorite works. Read it, and you'll understand why.

"What are the ways in which Communism may be said to be a religion? Certainly, Communism has a faith, a sacred literature, a concept of a Kingdom of God, a devil and saints, of a chosen people." [Quoted from Communism and the Churches]

There is no educational research more vital relating to Christianity in our century, than the understanding behind the faith of Communist allegiance. Thousands exit cults yearly and struggle awkwardly for years striving to understand what it was that conquered the core of their inner faith and being. It is rare that one is educated in the history of Communism, or even the history of the past two hundred years. That ignorance has allowed evil exploiters to capture the hearts of the spiritual seeker. When visiting the National Archives in Washington DC, research lead to the unscrupulous history of the American Communist Party and Un-American Activities. It is ever so shocking to learn how thousands of individuals and organizations were masking as churches, or "men of God," only to carry out their Communist mission in America. The OIU will have more to say about this in upcoming months as it hits the heart of all who were deluded into thinking the WCG was "God's one true church, God's government, or God's way of life." The topic of Communism is so vital as it largely relates to the "reasons behind the WCG and splinter group events." As we continue to explore the uncanny breakup of the WCG empire, we will learn more details explaining why and how, in May of 1995, four hundred WCG ministers were able to manipulate over two thirds of the entire WCG membership, to abandon "God's House," without question, under the newly formed United Church of God umbrella with WCG evangelist, David Hulme. There was a method to this madness. That method required expert understanding of human nature and the psychology behind programming and exploiting it.

The following excerpt was taken from, An Idea To Win The World, by Peter Howard, 1955:

"William Penn gave the keynote for true democracy when he said: 'Men must be governed by God or they condemn themselves to be ruled by tyrants.' Government by God-that means God-controlled statesmanship, a God-controlled press, a God-controlled standard of morality with the rule of tyrants as the only alternative. It means that leaders and people must face the colossal cost of our compromise, personal and national, to the whole world. If democracy begins to live what he talks about, to accept an ideology of change, and give it to the world, Communism will be cured.

A waterfront worker who had been twenty-two years in the Communist party, who had been changed by Moral Re-Armament, put the truth clearly and simply to some of the leaders of America. They had summoned him to Washington. They asked to cross-examine him in private. Senators, Congressmen, members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, all were present. They asked him why he became a Communist, what his training and activities had been, and what changed him, what his aims in life were now.

Around midnight they had finished and arose to go. The worker said, 'You men have asked me many questions. Can I ask you one or two?"

They were surprised, but agreed and sat down again.

The worker said, 'You have all talked much about Communism. How many of you have ever sat down with a Communist and changed him?'

There was silence.

The worker said, 'Very well then. Only one more question. How many of you know how to sit down with a man who is not a Communist and change him?'

Again silence.

The worker said, 'When democracy learns that secret, democracy will win the world.' "

Communism; Fascism; Socialism; Totalitarianism; or Armstrongism

The following letter, written by Herbert W. Armstrong, November 24, 1967 to the "PLAIN TRUTH Subscribers, offers an extraordinary view into the dialectical manipulation that lured thousands into Armstrongism and to this day prevents thousands from escaping the continued slavery in the name of GOD and FAITH. This too is the same tenacious mindset that deceives millions into pseudo church organizations that are actually fronts for the WORLD TOMORROW agenda.


STARTING IN PARAGRAPH FIVE...

I always want to give our listeners and our reader the frank, straight forward explanation.

I want to tell WHY there's nothing else on earth like this Work.

So let me tell you what inspired this letter. A few weeks ago I was reviewing an article that appeared in the November PLAIN TRUTH, "The Unfinished Revolution," by our managing Editor, Dr. Herman L. Hoeh. He returned recently from Russia. He spent a large part of the summer traveling through much of the USSR. Things in his article inspired this letter. You will see, differently than ever before, the answer to the question: Just WHAT is our motive in this Work-- and WHO is back of it and WHY! It will also make clear some things you probably never knew about Communism, traveling in the exact OPPOSITE direction from this Work.

Right now a supreme CRISIS exists--a crisis OF THE WHOLE WORLD and it threatens YOUR life at every point-- just as it threatens mine, and the lives of everybody else.

Communism is the RESULT of that crisis. That is, one result!

Forty years ago I began to study and research into Communism. I wanted to understand what it is. At about that time United States Communists were offering a "home study course" about Communism. I read it. In the early years of the WORLD TOMORROW broadcast, beginning 1934, 1 had an arrangement with a secret investigator, working in connection with a major city police department, to receive regular weekly bulletins, containing inside information in regard to Communist activities in this country. I always suspected --though he did not say so-- that this secret agent was in reality connected with the FBI.

I knew the Communist purpose and goal. I knew the Communist methods and tactics. I knew their philosophies and teachings. I knew how actual Party members are yielded completely to Communist Party discipline, obedient at any cost-willing to make any sacrifice for it.

But what I never could understand was WHY American college professors, and educated Americans, could ever become inner-core Communists, actually working for the overthrow (by violence, finally, if necessary) of the government of the United States.

WHY? And yet I knew many did!

Knowing that Communists are taught to use every deception, to lie, to pretend they are what they are not, to resort to the most unethical, dishonorable tactics, it simply didn't make sense that professional men --some in high position, like, for example, Alger Hiss--high in the State Department-would join such a movement. Incidentally, I met Alger Hiss--never dreaming he was a Communist. He signed my special State Department Press Card, at the United Nations Conference in 1945, at San Francisco.

I could never understand WHY such brilliant, intelligent and able men turned Communist-and I wondered--until I read Whittaker Chamber's book, "Witness," published in 1952.

I want YOU to understand why such men turn against our country, and become loyal to Communism. For it EXPLAINS the real REASON for The WORLD TOMORROW and the PLAIN TRUTH.

The world crisis had already started prior to World War I. Only most of the people of the world were not yet aware of it. But men like Karl Marx and Nikolai Lenin knew. This world crisis resulted from the impact of science and technology -- and injection of godless "German rationalism" into education. World Wars are the military expression of that crisis. Worldwide depressions are the economic expression. The so-called "New Morality" is the moral expression-"plummeting morals into the cesspool." Universal desperation is the spiritual expression. This has spawned the beatniks and hippies-the riots-the marches-the "civil disobedience"-the breakdown of law and order.

Teen-agers (sic.) -many from affluent homes-turn beatniks and hippies because they see NO HOPE for the future. There is no longer PURPOSE. It is now possible to erase all life forms from this earth. They see NO FUTURE, but more wars, and, perhaps, human extinction.

THAT IS THE SOIL THAT SPAWNED COMMUNISM. Communism is the VULTURE of decadent, dying politics, religion, and society.

Whittaker Chambers explained WHY educated, intelligent people become Communists: "It is" he says, "a simple statement of Karl Marx, further simplified for handy use: Philosophers have explained the world; it is necessary to change the world."

And there--when I read it --was the answer!

These men are intelligent enough to know SOMETHING IS FATALLY WRONG with the world! They were not perceptive enough to recognize that Communism could never SAVE the world--but ONLY ENSLAVE IT!"
One of America's most lucid, clever writers is Philip Wylie. He is fluent in picturing a world's eye view of WHAT'S WRONG in the world. But he doesn't offer the solution. Like the philosophers, he explains the world - but offers no way to change the world.

Communism does offer a program to CHANGE the world. But not the kind of change Americans and Europeans--as a whole--want. But Communism appears to those who "fall" for it as the ONLY straw they can grasp. It offers THEM a chance to help CHANGE THE WORLD. They know it needs changing. Communism is the WRONG way to change it--but they don't see that. It's the ONLY way they know--the only one offered them. THAT EXPLAINS WHY COMMUNISTS ARE SO DEDICATED-willing even to sacrifice career, fortune-- even their lives--TO HAVE A PART IN CHANGING THE WORLD!

They become dedicated. They submit to military-like discipline.

As Dr. Hoeh points out, "Communism appeals to faith--faith in the power of MAN to change the world! He continues: "What does the United States send the world to counter this revolutionary faith? Not a more powerful or righteous faith, but GUNS and MONEY!

"The Soviet Union knows that the United States cannot supply the world's desperate millions with enough food…. But the only power that the United States could provide the world to defeat Communism -- the strength of a more powerful FAITH than Communism--that faith America does not have!"

"Though Communism," Dr. Hoeh continues, is thriving on human faith and human works, it nevertheless lives. It lives, as cancer cells live and spread."

"Under the lead of the USSR, all Asia and Africa are becoming alive, even as a cancerous growth in the world system. Their peoples have found an active faith in the doctrines of Communism. Amid their poverty, they have something to live for." (So they are led to believe--though deceived!) "They are out to change their environment by human sweat and toil apart from God."

Then Dr. Hoeh continues: "For two centuries the Western World dominated the Orient and Africa. But the West failed to deliver these peoples from squalor and misery. The West failed to give them the right kind of education - failed to show them the PURPOSE of life -- failed to give them a real goal or a right knowledge of God. Why? Because the West does not itself know the purpose of life or why man was put on earth! Hence, the deception of Communism looks alluring to ignorant and even to educated minds who have no knowledge of the Plan or Purpose God is working out here below."

"The dead faith of missionaries from America and England has not dented Oriental thought. But the active belief of Communists is moving millions.... The US might as well face the facts. THERE IS NO HUMAN WAY FOR THE- WESTERN WORLD TO RESCUE ASIA FROM THE CLUTCHES OF COMMUNISM, unless the nation can somehow acquire a more POWERFUL faith!

"But national leaders have turned their backs on the Good News of the Kingdom of God. They have cast the Bible aside ... It is time we opened our eyes to the real cause of Western weakness."

And THAT, dear subscriber to the PLAIN TRUTH, explains what THIS GREAT WORLDWIDE WORK IS ALL ABOUT"

Biblical prophecies have been fulfilled - precisely ON TIME - in every case so far! Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled TODAY! This world and all its present-day sickening conditions are described in the prophecies. The only possible SOLUTION is in these prophecies. And the OUTCOME is written plainly!

There is only ONE HOPE - ONE SOLUTION!

Man doesn't have it! Man has FAILED! Man has demonstrated. by 6,000 years of human experience, that he is incapable of rightly governing himself - so as to produce universal abundant well-being!

We are in the prophesied CRISES AT THE CLOSE - the close of the AGE - and the Beginning of the happy and peaceful WORLD TOMORROW!

YOUR BIBLE SAYS that God is now ready - in VERY FEW years-to send Jesus Christ again to earth - this time in all the Supreme divine POWER and GLORY of the AWESOME, ALL-MIGHTY GOD--to restore PEACE to this earth and universal right education, universal prosperity, and good health, and HAPPINESS to all peoples and nation!

The Almighty God has raised up THIS WORK--HIS WORK--using us as His instruments, to pave the way--to WARN this world--to proclaim the GOOD NEWS of the soon -coming KINGDOM OF GOD to bring abundant well-being for all this earth!

This work, for 34 years, has grown in power and scope and impact on the world, at the rate of 30% per year continuously! There is nothing like it because it is GOD'S WORK!"

"It has a tremendous MISSION. It is actively, dynamically, performing that Mission! It grows mightily because the POWER OF GOD, AND HIS SPIRIT, empowers it--the living JESUS CHRIST heads, directs, and blesses it!

And WHO sponsors it?
ONLY GOD!"

"God opened the door of MASS COMMUNICATION - radio and printing press to proclaim Christ's' Gospel to the small few, who had living faith, and could HAVE A PART in not only CHANGING THE WORLD, but SAVING THE WORLD in total world peace, prosperity and happiness - that little few voluntarily contributed their tithes and offerings."

"God does conduct HIS work through human instruments - through those whose hearts are willing, whose minds are yielded to Him. I didn't have to ask or solicit people for support. The living Christ whom I serve was able to move those yielded to Him to recognize His Message, and voluntarily to want to have a part in His Work. Jesus said "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."

THEY -- and we who now devote full-time to God's Work-- are gratefully having a part, not only in CHANGING, but also in SAVING the WORLD--yes, soon THE WHOLE WORLD, after Christ's second coming. And we have a part, now in preparing THE WAY for the world-shaking blessed event!

Millions have been deceived into dedicating their lives to godless Communism, in the misguided faith they are having a part in CHANGING THE WORLD. Actually they are only enslaving it--all but the FREE world. In all candor, how REASSURING it is that, in the Free World, there are a few thousand who want to have a part with the living CHRIST in the glorious WORK OF GOD, leading not only to changing, but SAVING the world-- with Peace, and universal prosperity, happiness, abundant well-being, and ETERNAL LIFE!

There is, indeed, an astonishing parallel in the progress of atheistic Communism and THE WORK OF GOD--a contrasting parallel in OPPOSITES! They are doomed to ultimate failure--but we by the grace and power of the living GOD are destined to glorious SUCCESS bringing eternal life to the MILLIONS!....

THAT is my explanation. That tells you, in frank and straight forward manner, WHO we are, WHAT are our purposes and goals, and WHO is in back of this great WORK OF GOD!"

THANK YOU, sincerely from the heart, for your interest - for granting us the GREAT PRIVILEGE of serving you. We know it's indeed true, as Jesus said, that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." This explanation is NOT intended to solicit your money. We do want to GIVE - to SERVE-to HELP - as God has graciously enabled us to do."

Sincerely, with love, in Jesus' name,
Herbert W. Armstrong

[All emphasis is HWA's]

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