The Philadelphia Church of God has trotted out another article of Herbert Armstrong's that he wrote in 1971. It is a smear letter against Christians outside of Armstrongism. They are painted as fools because they refuse to listen to HWA's message.
As the supreme leader of the Worldwide Church of God, HWA was THE authority in all matters. Only his books, booklets, articles, TV broadcasts and radio programs were the legitimate manifestation of truth. Therefore, all COG members recognized him as the superior authority over them.
Who can forget the COG organizational charts that the Church passed out in the 60's and 70's. There was God, then
The very source of Armstrongism was Herbert Armstrong. He was the source of our religion. Our belief was professed according to his demands.
Our religion was Herbert Armstrong, the source of all knowledge. It is no wonder the hundreds of splinter groups still can't talk about Jesus but slobber all over HWA. He is their religion. Spirituality, be damned!
What is religion, anyway?
Religion is the obedience, service or adoration rendered to the object of one’s worship—a system of faith and devotion to a superior authority—the profession, practice or observance of whatever belief and practice is required by that superior authority.
The very source of your religion, then, is that superior authority. Whatever that authority that to you has appeared superior—you received your religion from it, and you profess whatever belief, and observe whatever practice it requires!
The question, then, now becomes: “What IS that superior authority?”
Is that source of your religious belief and practice a supreme, all-powerful, personal God?—a God who created all matter, force and energy—who created everything that exists?
The incredible answer, in nearly all cases, believe it or not—is NO!! Why God Is Not Real To Most People