A controversial Christian movement, which emphasizes unique interpretations of end-time prophecies and Old Testament laws.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Armstrongism
Founder: Herbert W. Armstrong
Founded: 1934
Location: United States (originally), with followers worldwide
Size: estimates range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of members in various splinter groups.
Offshoots: Restored Church of God, Living Church of God, United Church of God, and others.
Armstrongism refers to the religious doctrines and practices developed by Herbert W. Armstrong, an American religious leader who founded the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) in the early 20th century. This movement, which grew significantly during Armstrong’s lifetime, is characterized by its distinctive beliefs that set it apart from mainstream Christianity.
Armstrong’s journey began with his baptism in 1927, followed by his ordination as a minister of the Oregon Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) in 1931. His beliefs evolved after leaving the Church of God (Seventh Day) due to doctrinal disputes, leading to his own distinct teachings. In 1934, Armstrong began his broadcasting career, which would eventually expand internationally, marking the beginning of the Worldwide Church of God’s extensive reach. This period was characterized by significant growth, including the establishment of Ambassador College in 1947, and the expansion of the church’s radio program, The World Tomorrow.
The distinctive Beliefs of Armstrongism include:
- Sabbath Observance: Armstrongists observe the Sabbath from dusk on Friday to dusk on Saturday, aligning with Old Testament practices rather than the mainstream Christian observance on Sunday. This is based on Armstrong’s interpretation of the Bible, which he believed showed no scriptural basis for Sunday worship.
- British Israelism: A core belief in Armstrongism is British Israelism, which posits that people of Western European descent, particularly those from the British Empire and the United States, are descended from the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. This interpretation is used to explain certain biblical prophecies and the perceived role of these nations in God’s plan.
- Observance of Old Testament Laws: Armstrongists adhere to many Old Testament laws and principles, including dietary restrictions (avoiding unclean meats), tithing, and celebrating Old Testament Holy Days such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, rather than Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, which Armstrong viewed as having pagan origins.
- God’s Plan for Humanity: Armstrong taught that God’s plan involves humanity being offered the opportunity to become part of the God family. This includes a belief in the potential deification of humans, who, upon accepting Christ and following God’s laws, can eventually be born into the family of God as divine beings.
- The Nature of God: Armstrong rejected the traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity. Instead, he taught that God is a family, which currently includes only God the Father and Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit not considered a person but rather the power or essence of God. Armstrong’s teachings open the possibility for humans to become part of this divine family.
- Salvation and Resurrection: Armstrongism teaches that salvation is not an immediate guarantee upon belief, but a future event. It also proposes a unique interpretation of the resurrection, with three distinct resurrections: the first for the faithful believers at Christ’s return, a second for the majority of humanity to learn God’s ways, and a third for final judgment.
- Annihilation of the Wicked: Contrary to the belief in eternal torment in hell, Armstrongists believe that the incorrigibly wicked will not suffer eternally but will be completely annihilated.
- Prophetic Interpretation: Armstrong’s teachings included specific interpretations of biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the end times, the role of modern nations in prophecy, and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth under the rule of Jesus Christ.
Armstrong’s teachings and the movement he founded have been the subject of controversy and criticism, particularly regarding his prophetic claims, isolationist tendencies, and authoritarian leadership style. Doctrine within Armstrongism emphasized the Bible as the authoritative Word of God, with Armstrong positioning himself as its only legitimate interpreter. The movement’s theology also diverged from orthodox Christianity on several points, such as the nature of God, the process of salvation, and the future of humanity. In addition, Armstrong also faced criticism for his luxurious lifestyle and the church was scrutinized for financial mismanagement in the late 1970s.
After Armstrong’s death in 1986, his successor Joseph W. Tkach initiated major doctrinal changes, moving the church towards mainstream Christian beliefs, a shift that led to the reformation of the WCG into Grace Communion International. This significant theological pivot resulted in the splintering of the church, with several offshoot organizations continuing to adhere to Armstrong’s original teachings.
image via Wikimedia Commons