Just thought I’d write in and tell you how exhilarating it was to
celebrate
my first year out of the miserable
Philadelphia Church of God. I'm
pleased
to say I also recently celebrated a "pagan" holiday, Christmas,
with my
family for the first time in many years and what a joyous and emotional
day
I had. It saddened me to think what I have been avoiding and missing out
on
all these years. I have come to realized that spending time like that
with
family is more important then fellowshipping with weak-minded sheep from
the
PCG. I feel ashamed that I distanced myself from my loved ones in the
name
of a false God.
Last year, after contemplating leaving PCG, for some time after discovering
some
of their false teachings, and while surfing the net, I decided that enough
was
enough and found the courage to leave. I really had an uneasy feeling,
for
example, watching certain people slowly deteriorating and/or passing
away
simply because they refused to seek medical treatment they so
desperately
needed. It’s such a terrible thing to encounter. The leaders should be
held
accountable for the unnecessary loss of lives that could have been
prevented
with proper medical intervention. This is what made me a little
skeptical as
I did not see any sort of miraculous healing whatsoever. Another
concern I
had was with "that prophet" and
the titles Gerald Flurry has appropriated for
himself
over the years. They just keep getting more ludicrous. Someone needs to
tell
this poor deluded soul that it's more likely to be a demon and not Jesus
"in
his flesh."
Quitting the PCG has been the best decision I have made. It's so
wonderful
to be out of that horrible place once and for all and to finally know
the
truth. It feels like a giant weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
Not
having to attend the feast is also a great relief. My biggest regret,
however, was
loosing my virginity to another member at the feast and while, not
surprisingly, alcohol was involved. Many of the members drank, some
quite
heavily. Ironically, this seemed to be less of a concern to the ministry
than "loud music" was, for instance, although it doesn't come as a
surprise
if Flurry's police record is anything to go by. There are a lot of
double
standards in this "church." You don't have to be there long to recognize
that.
I look back and wonder why I wasted so many years of my life following
and
obeying a man--and a deceptive and callous one at that. They take your
money and
control your life. This is not God's way and the Bible tells us to "let
no
man take your crown." How much clearer can it be? It makes me sick to my
stomach when I think about how gullible I was for getting messed up in a
Bible based cult to begin with. Unfortunately, the majority of people
don't
want to scratch the surface of the religion they are indoctrinated to,
because they have been taught that to question the doctrine is wrong, as
it's an "absolute." But the Bible warns us to prove all things. Why do I
think
the PCG is so evil? Because it is a lie, knowingly created and
perpetrated to withhold information and exploit those within the
congregation. It gives people an incorrect view of the world, among other
things, and this is done with selfish and malicious intent.
When you leave the PCG you quickly find out who your real friends and
family
are. Being shunned by the members is a true example of how brainwashed
and
fearful they all are. There really is no love in that place despite what
they would have everyone believe. In fact, in my observation during
services, there were quite a few brethren who clearly didn't get along
or
disliked each other. How is that for "thou shall love thy neighbor as
thyself?" I've never met such a bunch of hypocritical, self-righteous
people
in my life. It's painful to admit that I was neglecting my relationship
with
my real family and friends for a life of fear, shame and guilt. This new
"no-contact rule" they have is just absolutely absurd. I am in disbelief,
and
I’d hate to think what they’ll be doing next. I really hope it will help
raise suspicion in some members and their families, as there hidden
agenda is
rather obvious. I am lucky that my family have stuck by me through thick
and
thin. I really feel sorry for those who have loved ones still attending
the
PCG who will no longer associate with them.
I will never get those years I wasted back, but I do look forward to a
PCG
free future and I couldn't be happier about that--and oh how gratifying
it
is to not have to "bow down" to Russell Williams any longer. Seeing him
being put on a pedestal and being treated like royalty was just wrong.
No man can dictate to me how I should
live my life. That is between God and me. I suppose by
writing
this, it
makes me a "demon possessed, Satan worshiping Laodicean" destined for the
"Lake of Fire." Well, I’ve finally got my life back on track
and
have had so many blessings since leaving that it is unbelievable. God is
certainly
not the head of that "church." I learnt that the hard way. Your site,
among
others, has helped me escape the PCG and I pray more and more members
continue to wake up and turn their back on this spiritually and
emotionally
abusive group. I wouldn’t recommend joining to anyone. It could
potentially
ruin all aspects of your life. Educate yourself, don't become sucked-in
like
I was.
By Roanna
January 31, 2006
Where Do I Find
the "One True Church"?
Articles
For Those Who Were Emotionally and Spiritually Abused
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