Philadelphia Church of God
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The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is an international church based in Edmond, Oklahoma. The Philadelphia Church of God was founded by Gerald Flurry and his assistant pastor John Amos (1929–1993) and incorporated in the United States on December 20, 1989.[1][2]
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[edit] History
This group traces its roots to the Worldwide Church of God, a split from the Church of God (Seventh-Day), founded by Herbert W. Armstrong and teaches "new revelation" which Flurry says God has shown to him from the Bible since Armstrong's death. It was founded with the stated purpose to continue Armstrong's teachings, which were repudiated by the Worldwide Church of God after its founder's death in 1986,[3] as it embraced Christian beliefs like the Trinity that had formerly been rejected.
The church states that it is attempting to carrying on Armstrong's legacy after the doctrinal changes made by new WCG leaders Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joseph Tkach Jr. Flurry and Amos were disfellowshipped from WCG in 1989 for challenging the changes. They were ministers serving Oklahoma City and Enid, Oklahoma WCG congregations at the time.
[edit] Teachings
In common with Herbert W. Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God PCG teaches that God is a family of divine beings currently composed of the Father and the Son into which humans may be born into.
The church observes sunset Friday to sunset Saturday as the Sabbath day of worship.
PCG members observe dietary laws as laid out in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14.
Teaches that British and Americans are descended from the lost ten tribes of Israel (British Israelism).
PCG also possess a system of tithing in which 10% of one's total increase is donated to the church ("first tithe") for its operations and for spreading its teachings; a second 10% was to be saved for the Christian family's expenses during the Holy Days ("second tithe") mainly the Feast of Tabernacles, and during the third and sixth year of each seven-year cycle, a third 10% was to be used for the indigent, widows, and orphans within the church ("third tithe").
PCG also has strong apocalyptic teachings inherited from WCG. It teaches that a Great Tribulation will soon occur in which a united European power will emerge, composed of ten nations or groups of nations, which will conquer the modern descendants of Israel (the USA, Britain and Israel) and take them into slavery. An alliance of eastern powers (including Russia and China) will gather up its forces and wage war upon the European power. Then Jesus Christ will return and liberate the Israelites and usher in a thousand years of worldwide peace, which is called the 'world tomorrow'. More on this may be seen here.
PCG also teaches some distinctive doctrines which distinguish it from WCG.
It is held by PCG that the adoption of mainstream Christian doctrines by WCG was prophesied in the Bible and that it represents the beginning of the seventh era of God's Church (Laodicea), of which PCG is not a part of, but instead is a remnant of the sixth era (Philadelphia). Gerald Flurry's first book, Malachi's Message, is held to be the 'little book' of Revelation 10, a divine revelation hidden until 1989.[4]
Herbert W. Armstrong is held to be the end time Elijah, as John the Baptist is also held to be a type of Elijah for Jesus' time. A church magazine article in the 1990s stated no one is invited to a PCG service unless they agree with this belief. (Herbert W. Armstrong is also held to be an Apostle.)
Gerald Flurry is also taught to be 'that prophet',[5] a figure held by PCG to be biblically prophesied to succeed Herbert W. Armstrong.[6]
Any WCG member or ex-member or members of similar offshoot groups are held to be a part of the seventh era of God's Church (Laodicea) and hence such people are to be avoided by PCG members. Members are also told to cut off contact with friends and family who have left, were excommunicated from, and/or are in disagreement with the organization (as stated unambiguously by Flurry in his December 10, 2005 Pastor General's Report, "The principle to remember is this: there should not be any contact with converted church members who have left--and that includes family members other than a mate.").[7]
[edit] Activities
The PCG sponsors a weekly television program, The Key of David, hosted by Gerald Flurry. A daily program called The Trumpet Daily featuring son Stephen Flurry premiered 9 May 2011. The Philadelphia Trumpet is the church's monthly news magazine.
[edit] Herbert W. Armstrong College
The PCG administers a small liberal arts and theology college, Herbert W. Armstrong College, located in Edmond. The college was established in 2001 as "Imperial College of Edmond," but was renamed after objections by Imperial College London.[8] Armstrong College graduated its first class in 2006[9] and was granted permission to accept international students in 2003.[citation needed]
[edit] Philadelphia Youth Camp
The Philadelphia Youth Camp (PYC) is the youth camp of PCG. PYC campers participate in athletic activities and a wide variety of social and educational activities during the three week event, encouraging teamwork and cooperation.[10] PYC is located in Edmond, Oklahoma, but PYC camps are also held annually in Australia and the Philippines.[10]
[edit] Armstrong International Cultural Foundation
The PCG established a humanitarian arm called the Philadelphia Foundation in 1996 when it took over a project in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that the WCG's Ambassador Foundation had left behind. In 2005 the name was changed to the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Since 1998, the foundation has sponsored a performing arts series in Edmond, Oklahoma, and in 2005 it began supporting archaeological excavations in Jerusalem. In January 2008, the PCG broke ground on Armstrong Auditorium, an 800-seat performing arts center located on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus in Edmond, built in the spirit of Ambassador Auditorium at Ambassador College.[11] It was completed in September 2010, and became the venue for the foundation's concerts. It has three of the largest chandeliers in the United States.[12] The Auditorium is hosting a world class concert series including such artists as The Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields, Andre Watts, The Eroica Trio, and the Russian National Ballet Theatre.[13]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Philadelphia Church of God, The Religious Movements Homepage Project, University of Virginia. Archived August 29, 2006.
- ^ Official website of The Philadelphia Church of God ©2007
- ^ The Philadelphia Church of God (Watchman Fellowship profile, by Tim Martin)
- ^ PCG Information, 'The Little Book'.
- ^ The Riddle of That Prophet Gerald Flurry's big mistake.
- ^ PCG Information, 'That Prophet'.
- ^ PCG's "No Contact" Policy
- ^ Imperial College of Edmond Changes Name, Herbert W. Armstrong College news, December 5, 2005
- ^ Staff, "Historic groundbreaking ceremony in Edmond; plus the Pentagon submits to Islam and Congress lies to get votes!" The Philadelphia Trumpet: The Weekend Web January 6, 2008. "To support this effort, we established Herbert W. Armstrong College in 2001. Two years ago, we graduated our first senior class."
- ^ a b Philadelphia Youth Camp
- ^ http://www.americanseating.com/architectural/resources/A-ARM-11.pdf
- ^ http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/expert-lighting-installs-largest-chandelier-in-armstrong-auditorium-1322373.htm
- ^ Adam Kemp (15 July 2010). "Brand new, high-class Armstrong Auditorium hopes to be cultural jewel in Edmond". http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-6381-brand-new-high-class-armstrong-auditorium-hopes-to-be-cultural-jewel-in-edmond.html. Retrieved 11 June 2011.
