Trauma and Recovery by Judith Lewis Herman, M.D.
This book is very useful for those who were traumatized by cult abuse and suffered complex post traumatic stress disorder. Part I: Traumatic Disorders; Part II: Stages of Recovery (chap. 7 covers the therapeutic relationship)

The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself by Beverly Engel
Recognize and understand the abusers in your life; identify the patterns that have kept you emotionally trapped; break the cycle of abuse and open yourself to the promise of healthy relationships. 

Scripture Twisting: 20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible by James W. Sire
Twenty separate kinds of reading errors are isolated, which are characteristically made by cultists as they interpret the Bible. Sire also handles twisted translation, overspecification, virtue by association, ignoring the context and other subjects.

When Prophecy Fails (A Social & Psychological Study of a Modern Group That Predicted the Destruction of the World) by Leon Festinger, Henry W. Riecken and Stanley Schachter

Snapping: America's Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change by Flo Conway & Jim Siegelman
Valuable study, examining how mind-altering practices change the brain's information processing system. Intriguing examples of cult extremes. The authors state that snapping is a phenomenon that occurs when an individual stops thinking and feeling for himself.

Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism by Robert Jay Lifton, M.D.
Of particular interest is chapter 22, which lists Lifton's eight themes that constitute thought reform or a mind control program. These criteria have become the standard by which to determine whether mind control is present in a group.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D.
Cialdini illustrates that anyone who understands how natural human behavior patterns work can exploit others. Contains practical advice on how to think critically about many everyday situations, including cult recruiting.

Without Conscience: The disturbing world of the psychopaths among us by Dr. Robert D. Hare
If you want to know what makes many cult leaders tick, this is the book to read. It is a fascinating journey into the minds of dangerous individuals, many of whom live on the edge, never feel guilt, act cold and distant one moment and intensely emotional the next, lack empathy, and scheme their way into money, power and relationships.

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
Classic book about the effects of totalitarianism; describes a world ruled by a power structure that controls not only information but also individual thought and memory.  Teaches vital lessons about the subtly of propaganda and manipulation and how those unaware of the tactics, or trusting in the authority, are often lead astray by the exploiters.

The Faith Healers by James Randi
The author, a professional magician, exposes the fraudulent televangelists that prey on despairing people. On the basis of the author's three year-investigation into faith healers, he suggests it may be nothing more than a religious con game. Many examples.

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Broadway To Armageddon by William B. Hinson, 1977
Hinson, a former WCG minister exposes a system of bondage that enslaves the minds and bodies of its members. "Herbert W. Armstrong has destroyed more lives than anyone I know in the name of religion in such a short period of time. The Armstrong work is a work of darkness and Christians are called upon to reveal the work of darkness." (Hinson, pg. 10) Hinson writes with love and experience and with hope that others will be miraculously delivered by God from this bondage.

Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050), or order online.  (available only in comb bound edition)

Armstrongism: Religion or Rip-Off? An Exposé of the Armstrong Modus Operandi by Marion J. McNair, 1977
As a former member and employee, "The author has observed the degree of bondage to which many souls have fallen and has hammered out this thesis in an effort to replace the spirit of fear and tyranny with that of true Christian Liberty." Chapters 2 and 3 give an analyses of Herbert Armstrong's co-worker letters, revealing the propaganda methods he used in order to solicit donors and then con them out of thousands of dollars. Also covers his many false prophecies and the decay and decline of his empire.
Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050), or order online.  (available only in comb bound edition)

Herbert Armstrong's Tangled Web (An Insider's View of the Worldwide Church of God) by David Robinson, 1980
An insider's view of the strife-torn Worldwide Church of God. What is Herbert Armstrong's real power base? Is he really backed by God as he claims? Or, like the Wizard of Oz, is he operating on image? The author writes from firsthand knowledge with deep disappointment and has come to agree with Solomon who advised against putting trust in men. Note: The last chapter of this book which covers the incest story may be read on our site.
Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050) See this section of their site for price and how to order (available only in comb bound edition)
Receive as Zip files: If you live overseas and are unable to order this book through a U.S. postal address, please email us for the possibility of receiving it as 3 zip files.

The Truth Shall Make You Free: Herbert Armstrong's Empire Exposed by John Tuit, 1981
John Tuit initiated the lawsuit brought by the Attorney General of California against Herbert Armstrong, Stanley Rader, and other leaders of the Worldwide Church of God. Covers: church business-high finance-rip-off; Herbert Armstrong, self appointed apostle of God, preaches morality, practices immorality; GTA; Stanley Rader; God's true church or spiritual fraud? WCG's connection to the satanic, one-world conspiracy.
Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050), or order online. (available only in comb bound edition)
Note: John Tuit held to many of HWA's doctrines (covered mainly in chapter 20 of this book and dealt with in ESN's critical review of critical review of Mystery of the Ages). 

Daughter of Babylon, The True History of the Worldwide Church of God by Bruce Renehan
Note: Please be aware that this book is posted on an agnostic/atheist site.

The Armstrong Empire: A Look at the Worldwide Church of God by Joseph Hopkins, 1974
"Members are taught that Herbert W. Armstrong is God's only true apostle, that his is the only valid work of God today, that his teachings are infallible and nondebatable, that either to criticize or to listen to criticism is a breach of loyalty punishable by excommunication."
Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050), or order online.  (available only in comb bound edition)

Beware 'Ambassadors' Bearing Gifts by Des Griffin.
An article that details the modus operandi of the Worldwide Church in dealing with its members. This is one of many such stories that have surfaced out of this organization. 
Order from: Emissary Publications, 9205 SE Clackamas RD., Clackamas, OR 97015 (503) 824-2050), or order online. 
Note: This article may also be read on our site.

Is Armstrong's Cult Now Orthodox? (A New Look at the Worldwide Church of God!) by Dr. Robert L. Sumner. Copyright 2000. 
A frank, candid appraisal. (The ESN and OIU Newsletters are briefly mentioned in the booklet.) ESN's brief review of this book, plus comments on today's WCG.
Order from: The Biblical Evangelist, 5717 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone or fax: (919) 852-0850, or order online. $2.00 postpaid (U.S. dollars drawn on U.S. Banks). 

Armstrongism: The "Worldwide Church of God" Examined in the Searching Light of Scripture by Dr. Robert L. Sumner, 1974.
An in-depth study of a false religion. The author of this book was the first to raise a public voice against the heretical teachings of Armstrong and his movement. Very helpful in understanding how Armstrong perverted and twisted the Scriptures.
Order from: The Biblical Evangelist, 5717 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone or fax: (919) 852-0850.
May also order used from: Alibris or Amazon Books. 

Armstrongism's 300 Errors Exposed (by 1300 Bible verses) by S. E. Anderson, 1973
This exposé of Armstrongism is the result of long and concentrated study of the cult's magazines, books, tracts, correspondence lessons, and personal letters. The author has spent 50 years in Bible studies, preaching and teaching. (290 pp)
Order from: P. Signorelli's used books (search for the title or author on this page)

Ambassadors of Armstrongism by Paul N. Benware, 1984
An Analysis of the history and teachings of the Worldwide Church of God
Chapters cover: The Propaganda Methods of the Worldwide Church of God; The Personalities Behind the Worldwide Church of God; A Summary of the Teachings of the Worldwide Church of God; A Refutation of Some Major Doctrinal Errors of the Worldwide Church of God; The Hermeneutics of the Worldwide Church of God.
Order from: abebooks

Seventh Day Adventism Renounced by D. M. Canright
A classic book which not only shows the errors of Adventism (a group that HWA received and plagiarized much of his teaching from), but goes in depth concerning why the Sabbath was abolished. Important chapters are XI: "Did the Pope Change the Sabbath?" and Chapter XXI: "Forty-Seven Prominent Texts Used by Sabbatarians Examined."  The author was formerly in Adventism for 28 years. Read the book online.

The Plain Truth about Armstrongism by Roger R. Chambers, 1972, 1988
Valuable background information about the teachings of Armstrongism; exams and repudiates the arguments set forth in United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy. Chapter 2 shows HWA's error on "The Sabbath and the Law." (165 pp)
Order from: P. Signorelli's used books (search for the title or author on this page)
It is also presently available as a used book through Amazon.

Herbert Armstrong: Mr. Confusion by Roger F. Campbell
Small 7 page booklet, but very good.
Order from: The People's Gospel Hour (search for the title or author on this page)
Note: This booklet may also be read on our site.

The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin
NOTICE: Try to find the older editions (i.e. 1985 or earlier) of this book. They are now very hard to find, so check libraries, book sales, used bookstores, Alibris books, etc.. The new versions with "Forward by Hank Hanegraaff" approves and participates in the deceptive WCG agenda, and Chapter Four on "Mind Control and Thought Reform" was written by Gretchen Passantino who debunks mind control and who is closely aligned with Christian Research Institute. For more information on Passantinos, read offsite article by Greg Reid entitled The New Inquisition. [Update: Bob Passantino died of a massive heart attack on 11-17-03.]  

Recovering From Shame and Sexual Abuse:

On the Threshold of Hope: Opening the door to healing for survivors of sexual abuse by Diane Mandt Langberg, Ph.D.
This book opens the door to deep healing for survivors of sexual abuse.

Released from Shame: Recovery for Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families by Dr. Sandra D. Wilson
Clear and comforting direction on how you can make new choices for change.

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Shade of His Hand: For the Comfort of the Sorrowing by Victoria Booth Demarest (The Westminster Press,1944)
"Sorrow is sacred and full of mystery. To approach it superficially is nothing less than a profanation." This book is filled with faith, tenderness and love. Chapters include: Sorrow; The Man of Sorrows; Unanswered Prayer; Our Perfecting, The Will of God; Love; He Knows; Resurrection. (Out of print; available through used book stores.)

On Comfort: Words of Hope for the Hurting by J. Vernon McGee
Of special interest is chapter 1, "The God of All Comfort" and chapter 3, "Death of a Little Child." Each chapter can be ordered as a separate booklet for a small fee. 
Order from: Thru the Bible Radio Network (see our Links for more on TTB Radio)

Abide in Christ by Andrew Murray
A classic book written many years ago, but very inspiring and profound. Readings include: All you who have come to Him. - Matt 11:28; And you shall find Rest to your Souls. - Matt. 11:28,29; Trusting Him to keep you. - Phil. 3:12, etc.
This book may be read online. 

The Power of the Blood of Jesus by Andrew Murray
Classic book revealing the glorious power of the blood of Jesus and the wonderful blessings procured for us by it. Chapters include: Redemption by Blood; Reconciliation through the Blood; Cleansing through the Blood; Sanctification through the Blood, etc.
This book may be read online.

The Blood of the Cross by Andrew Murray
"I am deeply convinced that we Christians can never know too much about the truths the blood proclaims." Chapters include: The Blood of the Cross, Faith in the Blood, "When I See the Blood," Purchased by the Blood, etc.

An Everlasting Love: A Devotional Study of the Gospel of John by John G. Mitchell.  
Highly recommended exposition for those who desire an understanding of the true Jesus and His love. The author states: "To see Jesus is to see God. The more we know Christ, the more we know God." Chapters include: Christ, the Word; Christ The Light of the World; Christ The Good Shepherd; Christ, The Intercessor, etc. Available through Alibris books or used book dealers.

How You Can Have the Assurance of Salvation by J. Vernon McGee
A reassuring booklet based on I John 5.
Order from: Thru the Bible Radio Network
(see our Links for more on TTB Radio)

The Autobiography of George Muller
Inspiring classic book. Muller recounts his struggles and triumphs as he establishes orphan homes to care for thousands of English children, depending only upon God's response to prayer to supply the daily needs of the orphans. By the time Muller was old, God had shown Himself faithful to ten thousand children.

George Muller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith by A. T. Pierson
A very inspiring classic biography on the life of George Muller. Shows that God is faithful to all who put their trust in Him and that He will not forsake those who rely upon Him. For those who were affected by Armstrongism, this book will also reveal the way a true servant of God conducted himself in his personal life and in the "work of God."
This book may be read online.

Classic Christianity by Bob George
This book shows the way back to the life Jesus provided for us when He set us free from the bondage of the law, teaching us to live in the newness of life led by His Spirit. Chapters include: Busy and Barren; Forgiven to Be Filled; Loved and Accepted; The Ministry of Condemnation; Free from the Yoke of Slavery; Living by a Higher Law.
(see our Links for more on People to People Ministries with Bob George)

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Biblical Studies:

The Dawn of World Redemption by Erich Sauer
A Survey of the History of Salvation in the Old Testament. Out of print; may be bought used. Excellent.

The Triumph of the Crucified by Erich Sauer
A Survey of the History of Salvation in the New Testament. Out of print; may be bought used. Excellent.

An Everlasting Love: A Devotional Study of the Gospel of John by John G. Mitchell.  
Highly recommended exposition for those who desire an understanding of the true Jesus and His love. The author states: "To see Jesus is to see God. The more we know Christ, the more we know God." Chapters include: Christ, the Word; Christ The Light of the World; Christ The Good Shepherd; Christ, The Intercessor, etc. Available through Alibris books or used book dealers.  

Jesus Christ IS God! by Robert L. Sumner
One of most comprehensive works defending the Deity of Christ. Chapter two confronts the arguments which say the Holy Spirit is an impersonal "it" and Chapter five covers "Life After Death."
Order from: The Biblical Evangelist, 5717 Pine Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606, Phone or fax: (919) 852-0850.
May also order used from: Alibris or Amazon Books. 

Seventh Day Adventism Renounced by D. M. Canright
A classic book which not only shows the errors of Adventism (a group that HWA received and plagiarized much of his teaching from), but goes in depth concerning why the Sabbath was abolished. Important chapters are 11 and 21: "Did the Pope Change the Sabbath?" Chapter XXI: "Forty-Seven Prominent Texts Used by Sabbatarians Examined."  The author was formerly in Adventism for 28 years. Read the book online.

Major Bible Themes by Lewis Sperry Chafer
52 Vital Doctrines of the Scripture Simplified and Explained. This book is a good study of the Bible and is a revised and enlarged edition of a work originally published by Chafer in 1926. Includes study questions and review at the end of each chapter.

Reasoning With Jehovah's Witnesses (online book by Kevin Quick)
Since Herbert Armstrong copied many of his doctrines from JW's, this study is helpful in comparing a number of his teachings with Scripture. This book is a collection of 800 Bible verses that objectively and soundly refutes the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses on every major point of doctrine.  

Bible Word List (Difficult KJB Words Made Clear) by Trinitarian Bible Society
Small booklet gives brief explanations of words in the Authorized Version that are no longer in everyday use, or now used with different meaning.
Order from: The Bible for Today (search their catalog for the title)

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Special Interest: 

New Neutralism II: Exposing The Gray of Compromise by John E. Ashbrook
It is the author's contention that New Evangelicalism has proven to be an enemy of the sound doctrine, reverent worship and holy living which marked Biblical Christianity fifty years ago. New evangelicalism's philosophy is represented by such men and movements as Evangelist Billy Graham, Dr. Bill Bright, Christianity Today, Fuller Seminary, Campus Crusade, InterVarsity and the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Helpful for those wondering why Worldwide Church of God has come together with such ecumenical groups and organizations. Read this book online.
Order from: Christian Truth & Victory Publications, 9088 CO. RD. 11 N.W.
Alexandria, MN 56308; Phone 320-846-0835 (Send $4.00 with catalog request, which will be deducted from your first order.)

The New Evangelicalism (the deadliest ism of all) by Rolland C. Starr
The author shows why New Evangelicalism is not the Gospel of God and is instead a deadly mixture of truth and error. Also talks about the Lausanne Covenant.
Order from: Cornerstone Baptist Church

All Roads Lead to Rome by Michael de Semlyen
Shows a gradual and steady increase of the Roman Catholic Church’s power and influence, especially in the growing ecumenical movement and sounds the alarm with regard to evangelical leaders, particularly Billy Graham. 
Order from: Rare Christian Books 

Billy Graham and His Friends: A Hidden Agenda? by Dr. Cathy Burns
Is Billy Graham a wolf in sheep's clothing? Dr. Burns has exhaustively researched Dr. Graham's ministry and his association with many other leaders in the Christian community. Very detailed; many footnotes. 
Order from: Liberty to the Captives

The Deadly Deception by Jim Shaw & Tom McKenney
Freemasonry exposed by one of its top leaders. Also reveals the 33rd Degree initiation ceremony.

The Secret History of Alcoholism: The Story of Famous Alcoholics & Their Destructive Behavior by James Graham.
A relevant book given the fact that Herbert W. Armstrong was known to be an alcoholic. The author asserts that alcoholism causes egomania, displayed in such behaviors as denial, lying, overachievement, ethical deterioration, false accusations, rejection of friends, grandiosity, aggressive sexual behavior, multiple marriages, unreasonable resentments, and superficial emotions (all traits HWA had).

The Evolution Handbook by Vance Ferrell
Thousands of solid scientific facts, disproving every basic area of evolutionary theory. Most complete refutation of evolution available in a single book.
Read the book online. 

Talking in Tongues! by J. Vernon McGee
The tongues movement is given a prominence today that it never had in the apostolic church. This booklet is a compilation of three messages. Each are presented in a non-controversial manner to aid those who are confused about the subject and presents scriptural teaching.  
Order from: Thru the Bible Radio Network
(see our Links for more on TTB Radio)

Attack on the Bible by John R. Rice
LIFE magazine, on December 25, 1964, tried to prove that the Bible was not the Word of God, Christ was not deity, and the Christian religion was based on myth and legend, folklore and tradition. These were unscholarly articles, lacking humility, scholarship, documentation and common honesty. This small, inexpensive booklet answers that review and shows the folly of unbelief.
Order from: Sword of the Lord

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The New Age Movement/Occult:

Understanding Deception: New Age Teaching in the Church by Roy Livesey
Covers many subjects. (New Wine Press, England)
Order used copy in the United States.
Order used copy in the United Kingdom.

Deceived on Purpose: The New Age Implications of the Purpose Driven Church
by Warren Smith
When former New Ager Warren Smith began reading The Purpose-Driven Life, he was shocked to discover language, ideas, terms and philosophies that he learned as a New Ager. Is Purpose-Driven Life leading the majority of the Christian church down a path that leads to New Age deception? (Note: Rick Warren was mentored by Robert Schuller, who is tied in with New Age leaders and philosophies, and Warren's theology is likewise pantheistic.)

Running Against the Wind: The Transformation of a New Age Medium and His Warning to the Church by Brian Flynn
Through a series of events in his life, Brian was saved out of darkness, only to find that some of the same practices he experienced as a medium were being introduced in the Christian church as forms of legitimate meditation and spirituality. From the emerging church movement to the Purpose Driven Life and the seeker friendly movements, this mystical spirituality has made significant inroads that can no longer be ignored.

The Hidden Dangers of the Rainbow by Constance Cumbey
Much on the New Age movement; includes front organizations.

Between Christ and Satan by Kurt E. Koch
The dangers of fortune-telling, magic, spiritism, occult literature. Includes case histories of healing and freedom and how Christ is the Victor. 

Nobody's Angel by Gregory Reid
A story of occult bondage, abuse and redemption; riveting testimony to the power of God to deliver and heal even the most shattered of lives.

Occult ABC: Exposing Occult Practices and Ideologies by Kurt E. Koch
Discusses 71 occult practices and ideologies of today in light of Scriptural principles. Includes the effects of occult practices and how liberation comes through Christ. Also covers extreme movements of today. Numerous case histories.
Read a number of excerpts from the book.

Christian Counselling and Occultism by Kurt E. Koch
The counseling of the psychically disturbed and those oppressed through involvement in occultism. Many case histories. Includes the way of liberation through Christ.

New Age Cults & Religions by Texe Marrs
Millions are unwittingly dabbing and experimenting in the occult through direct or indirect involvement with New Age religious and political organizations. Contrasts the false--sometimes bizarre--and unorthodox teachings and practices of the New Cults. Also covers Worldwide Church of God (Herbert Armstrong)

Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns
Discover the most fascinating and in-depth meanings behind the symbols used by the Masons, occultists, witches, New Agers, satanists, and others. Includes 728 illustrations. (552 pages)
Order from: Liberty to the Captives

Alcoholics Anonymous Unmasked by Dr. Cathy Burns
Details the occult beginning of AA.
Order from: Liberty to the Captives

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