I spent 22 years in a cult; ask me anything

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CelticWarlord

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From 1974 to 1996 I was a member of the Worldwide Church of God, founded by Herbert W Armstrong in 1934. There is plenty of info available on the church and the founder, along with the dozens of splinter groups which have arisen both before and especially since Armstrong’s death in 1986.

The WCG was not as extreme as Scientology or the Jim Jones bunch. We were not sequestered in remote compounds and awakened at midnight to hear the wisdom being preached. We were imprisoned by our own minds and the belief that God was speaking primarily through a single individual. Rejecting the individual or the church he founded was tantamount to rejecting God. This was what held the average church-goer prisoner. The monthly letters from Armstrong were filled with exclamation marks, capital letters, and huge fonts, taking the rants straight to the heart of the matter. And that “matter” was usually demands for more and more money. If Jesus had not yet returned, spoke Armstrong, it was because we, the church, were not ready, were not holy enough, were in fact entirely to blame. Only greater tithes and offerings could help the leadership take the gospel to the world.

It was a fun two decades and I still take daily anti-depressants for panic attacks. If anyone would like to know more, ask away. 🙂
 
Wow. How did you first get involved? And what was the catalyst for your leaving?
 
Yes, that is always my thought as well, what made you think this cult was a good idea to join?
 
In the early 80’s WCG used to have huge conventions on the MS Gulf Coast. They would arrive at hotels by the busloads. Hookers would stand at the door of the bus as people got off writing down names and room numbers.

That is my memory of WCG.

As others have asked, what drew you, and so many people, to it?
 
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How old were you when you entered? What do you think led you there?
 
The OP explains that on a different thread.
Post 38 of the “Non-Catholics, why are you on CAF?” thread.
 
I remember the monthly magazine and television series that still airs today although I think it’s under a new name.
 
Anyone in your family still member of that cult? If the answer is yes, have they shunned you after you left?
 
The WCG is a sect which is a bit off the beaten trail.

Is that what qualifies it for “cult” status", or is it something else? There are a lot of unusual groups that are ordinarily not referred to as cults- like our Amish friends- and others which seem quite ordinary from a social standpoint- like the Mormons- who are.

I heard of HW Armstrong, and although I nearly forgot about them- they did a story on 60 minutes years and years ago about them. What makes something “cultic” in your view
 
I’ve seen a number of his TV lectures. “The way of give vs. the way of Get.” It was long ago but I seem to recall he talked a good game, if very generic.
 
Hopefully my question is appropriate: how is your life affected, during the time you were with them, and now. Do you think that you will be able to heal completely?
 
Any advise for someone with a family member in a cult? As your post described, her imprisionment is mental. We are at our wit’s end!

She may even be at a higher level. She often acts as a chaperone for others in the group.
 
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To be fair, a lot of people consider the Amish to be members of a cult.
 
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To the OP: what would happen to someone who refused to contribute the expected tithes?
 
CTBcin said:
Wow. How did you first get involved? And what was the catalyst for your leaving?
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My initial contact with the church was through their daily radio program. Back in the early 70’s there was Christian programing on every evening from 6:30 to 9 and I listened to all of them when I could. As a young teen I was most impressionable and had no formal church experience at home. I latched onto this bunch because I became convinced of what Armstrong’s charismatic son, Garner Ted Armstrong, taught during the radio program; that there was only one true church (convincing scriptural proof was, of course, provided). All the literature was free and I began sending away for it. Eventually a friendly letter arrived inviting me to become more involved. That’s how it all began.

I left in 1996 after attending a Billy Graham Crusade here where I live. Things had loosened up considerably after Armstrong’s death and I had begun to explore different avenues of Christianity. The Graham event stunned me. I had never heard this side of the faith; that of love instead of the constant haranguing of obedience to a church. My wife left them a year after I did.
 
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