Check out the latest story from a former UCG member, his life in Armstongism and his exit:
Listen here: Coming Out Conversations – Ep. 23
"Jeff, the oldest of 5 kids, was born and raised in the Worldwide Church of God, but at the age of 11 his parents left to join a new church, United Church of God, which split off of the WCG due to massive doctrinal changes they did not agree with. He was home schooled and largely taught himself, which made him self-reliant and independent. An analytical, science-loving student, by the time he was a teen he was already beginning to secretly doubt the teachings of the church, and before he was 18, he didn’t believe in the religion or Christianity at all. He watched his friends who left the church be shunned and ostracized and, despite being hounded for his “rebellious attitude,” he continued to attend until he was 21 when he could move out on his own."
"Jeff describes what it was like growing up in the WCG and watching his parents become very vocal in their opposition of the doctrinal changes in ’95, bolstered by the fact their pastor was also opposed to the changes. He talks about being home schooled and how that lead to his independent thinking and ultimate analysis of church doctrine, which he did secretly, as a young teenager. He talks about the heartache of watching his teenage friends who had chosen to leave being shunned and ostracized by members in the church and how he relied on his friends for his sanity given his growing state of disbelief in the teachings of the church.
"Jeff shares about his ultimate exit from the church and religion at the age of 21 and how his relationship with his family — all of whom still remain in the church — has evolved. He opens up about the emotional turmoil and heartbreak, years later, watching his mother succumb to cancer all the while resisting modern medical treatment and how the church practiced the avoidance of medical intervention (faith healing) despite the unspoken policy not being official doctrine. Finally, he offers his advice to other having doubts about their faith."
From Troy Fitzgerald's web site: Secular Safehouse