Recovery from mind control and spiritual and emotional abuse is a difficult and painful endeavor. The following books offer help to aid exiters of Worldwide Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God, and all affiliated authoritarian splinter groups.
Also see our Links.
The following books may be purchased online at Amazon, major bookstores, or e-bay,
and in some cases obtained through an inter-library loan.
UNDERSTANDING THOUGHT REFORM / RECOVERING FROM ABUSE AND TRAUMA
HERBERT ARMSTRONG / WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD
SPIRITUAL COMFORT / INSPIRATION
THE OCCULT / SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLDS
NEW AGE MOVEMENT / FREEMASONRY
Understanding Thought Reform / Recovering From Abuse and Trauma
- CAPTIVE HEARTS, CAPTIVE MINDS (Freedom and Recovery From Cults and Abusive Relationships) by Madeline Tobias and Janja Lalich
- THE SUBTLE POWER OF SPIRITUAL ABUSE (Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church) by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen
- THOUGHT REFORM AND THE PSYCHOLOGY OF TOTALISM by Robert Jay Lifton, M.D.
- INFLUENCE: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSUASION by Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D.
- CULTS INSIDE OUT: HOW PEOPLE GET IN AND CAN GET OUT by Rick Alan Ross
- CHURCHES THAT ABUSE (Help for those hurt by legalism, authoritarian leadership, manipulation, excessive discipline and spiritual intimidation.)
By Ronald M. Enroth - RECOVERING FROM CHURCHES THAT ABUSE (The road back from spiritual abuse; healing for families who hurt; recovery for survivors of cults and sects; guidance for pastors and counselors.)
By Ronald M. Enroth (online PDF book) - ON THE THRESHOLD OF HOPE (Opening the Door to Healing For Survivors of Sexual Abuse) by Diane Mandt Langberg, Ph.D.
- TWISTED SCRIPTURES by Mary Alice Chrnalogar
- SCRIPTURE TWISTING (20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible) by James W. Sire
- WHEN PROPHECY FAILS (A Social & Psychological Study of a Modern Group That Predicted the Destruction of the World) by Leon Festinger
- SNAPPING (America’s Epidemic of Sudden Personality Change) by Flo Conway & Jim Siegelman
- TRAUMA AND RECOVERY by Judith Lewis Herman, M.D.
- NINETEEN EIGHTY-FOUR by George Orwell
- ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell
- WITHOUT CONSCIENCE (The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us) by Dr. Robert D. Hare
The following is important reading for anyone researching HWA and WCG:
Herbert Armstrong / Worldwide Church of God
NOTE: William Hohmann of Exit & Support Network™ scanned, formatted, and re-sized the first three books on this list in 2013 and 2014 in order to make them available in PDF format. A Spanish brother did the translations into Spanish.
- ARMSTRONGISM: RELIGION OR RIP-OFF? (An Exposé of the Armstrong Modus Operandi) by Marion J. McNair, 1977
As a former member and employee for over thirty years, McNair observed the degree of bondage to which many had fallen. His personal eye-witness testimony and documentation is unparalleled for presenting the true inside story of the Armstrong modus operandi. 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.
NOTE: We have this book available in PDF and you can download it on this page. This is also available for download in Spanish on same pages. Esto también está disponible en español. - HERBERT ARMSTRONG’S TANGLED WEB (An Insider’s View of the Worldwide Church of God) by David Robinson, 1980
David Robinson, a former WCG minister and employee in varied capacities, writes from firsthand knowledge with deep disappointment and has come to agree with Solomon who advised against putting trust in men. What is Herbert Armstrong’s real power base? Is he really backed by God as he claims? HWA’s absolute power beginning in the `70s can be read in Chapter IX. Chapter XVIII covers Petra and the Place of Safety. Chapter XX covers HWA and the incest story.
NOTE: This book also avaifacebom our PDF download page. Also available for download in Spanish on same pages as above. Esto también está disponible en español. - THE BROADWAY TO ARMAGEDDON by William B. Hinson, 1977
Hinson, a former WCG minister, exposes a system of bondage that enslaved the minds and bodies of its members. Lots of revealing information, including list of ministers who exited in the `70s, and threats and scare tactics used. Chapters include: “How I Got Involved,” “Don’t Be Ensnared,” “Ministers Leave the Armstrongs–Why?” “The Bondage of Tithing,” “Armstrong’s Belief & Practices on Medicines and Doctors,” “Marriage & Divorce–Armstrong Style, “We Must Get Back to the Faith Once Delivered.” “Herbert W. Armstrong The False Prophet” and more. Includes letters from former members and memos.
NOTE: This book also available from our PDF download page. Also available for download in Spanish on same pages as above (español). Esto también está disponible en español. - 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.
NOTE: John Tuit held to many of HWA’s doctrines (covered mainly in Chapter 20 of his book) and believed God “used HWA” in the beginning, but not later on. These doctrines are covered and refuted in ESN’s two critiques of Mystery of the Ages on our PDF download page. - THE ARMSTRONG EMPIRE (A Look at the Worldwide Church of God) by Joseph Hopkins, 1974
(Check your library or used book stores) - BEWARE “AMBASSADORS” BEARING GIFTS! by Des Griffin.
Covers the tragic story of Garnet Hill and what happened to him after he responded to HWA’s plea for more money. This story may be read on our site.
The following additional books are helpful in refuting Armstrong’s doctrinal errors (more titles under “Biblical Studies”):
- 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 used from Amazon.com (or check other used book dealers) - THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS by Walter Martin
NOTICE: Find the older editions (i.e. 1985 or earlier) of this book. It is now very hard to find, so check eBay and used bookstores. Note: The chapter on Herbert Armstrong which was taken from the book may be purchased in softcover through Alibris Used Books. The new versions of KOTC approve and participate in the deceptive Worldwide Church of God (GCI) New Age agenda. NOTE: Be aware that the late Walter Martin, founder of CRI in 1960, was also one of the founders of the EMNR (Evangelical Ministries to New Religions). See expose of the Christian Research Institute. - AMBASSADORS OF ARMSTRONGISM by Paul N. Benware, 1984
An Analysis of the history and teachings of the Worldwide Church of God.
Order from abebooks - THE PLAIN TRUTH ABOUT ARMSTRONGISM by Roger R. Chambers, 1972, 1988
Valuable background information about the teachings of Armstrongism; examines 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 Alibris Used books or Amazon.com - HERBERT ARMSTRONG: MR. CONFUSION by Roger F. Campbell
Small 7 page booklet, but very good.
Order from eBay (scroll down for title) Or read the booklet on our site. - ARMSTRONGISM: THE WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD EXAMINED IN THE SEARCHING LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE By Dr. Robert L. Sumner
This is a 424 hardbound book with carefully documented evidence of the WCG’s original teachings.
Order from The Biblical Evangelist (scroll down on page) or from Alibris or Thriftbooks - HERBERT ARMSTRONG, A FALSE PROPHET by Dr. Robert L. Sumner
Pamphlet.
Order from Amazon.com or search other used bookstores. - SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM RENOUNCED by D. M. Canright
Canright spent 28 years in Adventism. He was taught that to give up the Advent faith was to give up the Bible. 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 is not binding on N. T. Christians. (Important chapters are: “Did the Pope Change the Sabbath?” and “Forty-Seven Prominent Texts Used by Sabbatarians Examined.”)
This book may also be read online. (PDF) - SCRIPTURE TWISTING (20 Ways the Cults Misread the Bible) by James W. Sire
Spiritual Comfort / Inspiration
- SHADE OF HIS HAND (For the Comfort of the Sorrowing) by Victoria Booth Demarest (The Westminster Press,1944)
Very inspirational. Out of print; available through Barnes & Noble.com or used book stores. - DEATH OF A LITTLE CHILD by J. Vernon McGee
A very comforting booklet for any who have lost a child.
Order from: goodreads or check other thrift stores. Text version of the book can be read here. - ON COMFORT (Words of Hope for the Hurting) by J. Vernon McGee
Of special interest is Chapter 1: “The God of All Comfort”
Order from: thriftbooks; Alibris Used books, or check other thrift stores. - THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS by Andrew Murray, 2004
Classic book revealing the glorious power of the blood of Jesus and the wonderful blessings procured for us by it.
This book may also be read online in PDF. - GOD SO LOVED (John 3:16) by J. Vernon McGee
Shows God’s infinite, marvelous love and the length to which He has gone to demonstrate it.
Download this booklet free in PDF. - THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF GEORGE MÜLLER
Müller 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 Müller was old, God had shown Himself faithful to ten thousand children.
Order from Amazon.com - GEORGE MÜLLER OF BRISTOL (His Life of Prayer and Faith) by A. T. Pierson
A very inspiring classic biography on the life of George Müller. Shows that God is faithful to all who put their trust in Him and that He will not forsake those who rely upon Him. George Müller had 50,000 recorded answers to specific prayers.
Order from Amazon.com or this book may also be read online.
Biblical Studies
- THE TRIUMPH OF THE CRUCIFIED (A survey of the history of salvation in the N. T.) by Erich Sauer
Out of print; may be bought used. - THE DAWN OF WORLD REDEMPTION (A survey of the history of salvation in the O.T.) by Erich Sauer
Out of print; may be bought used - AN EVERLASTING LOVE (A Devotional Study of the Gospel of John) by John G. Mitchell.
Order from Alibris Used Books. - 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.”
Order from The Biblical Evangelist by phone (scroll down on page) or from abebooks - THE ETERNAL SONSHIP OF CHRIST by George W. Zeller and Renald E. Showers
This may be read online. - THE WORK OF CHRIST (HIS PAST WORK, PRESENT WORK, FUTURE WORK) by Arno C.Gaebelein
This may be read online. - CLASSIC CHRISTIANITY by Bob George
Helpful for anyone struggling under the weight of performance-based religion.
Order from Bob George Ministries - FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD by Bob George
Order from Bob George Ministries - A CLOSER LOOK AT LAW AND GRACE by Bob George
Order from Bob George Ministries - A CLOSER LOOK AT THE FINALITY OF THE CROSS by Bob George
Order from Bob George Ministries - HOLINESS: THE FALSE AND THE TRUE by H. A. Ironside
The fruitless struggle to attain holiness; covers true sanctification.
This book may also be read online. (PDF) - WHEN CRITICS ASK: A POPULAR HANDBOOK ON BIBLE DIFFICULTIES by Norman Geisler and Thomas Howe)
- SEVENTH DAY ADVENTISM RENOUNCED by D. M. Canright
Canright spent 28 years in Adventism. He was taught that to give up the Advent faith was to give up the Bible. 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 is not binding on N. T. Christians. (Important chapters are: “Did the Pope Change the Sabbath?” and “Forty-Seven Prominent Texts Used by Sabbatarians Examined.”) This book may also be read online. - THE SABBATH AND THE LORD’S DAY by H. M. Riggle
A classic book. Also covers “The Pope and the Sabbath.”
This book may also be read online (PDF) - REASONING WITH JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES by Kevin Quick
Since Jehovah’s Witness are one group Herbert Armstrong plagiarized and copied from, this study can be helpful in comparing a number of his teachings with Scripture. A collection of 800 Bible verses that objectively and soundly refutes the teachings of JWs on every major point of doctrine. In the Preface he tells the story of how he got in there and why he left.
This book opens as a PDF. - MAJOR BIBLE THEMES by Lewis Sperry Chafer
52 Vital Doctrines of the Scripture Simplified and Explained.
This book may also be read online. (PDF) - PAULINE DISPENSATIONALISM by Miles J. Stanford (PDF)
This study may be read online. - THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY: OLD & NEW TESTAMENT, 2 VOLUMES
Edited By: John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck
Order from Amazon [please give this page time t open] - UNGER’S BIBLE DICTIONARY
One of the bestselling Bible dictionaries on the market. Check eBay for the older version in hardback. - THE KJV DICTIONARY
Noah Webster’s 1828 definitions of all uncommon, doctrinal, and thematic terms in the King James Version Bible have been fully compiled into one easy to use soft cover book. Over 2000 Uncommon, Doctrinal, & Thematic Terms of the KJV Bible Clearly Defined.
Order from Amazon
THE OCCULT / SPIRITUAL STRONGHOLDS
- 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.
Order from Alibris Used Books - 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.
Order from Amazon.
Read a number of excerpts from the book. - MASONIC AND OCCULT SYMBOLS ILLUSTRATED by Dr. Cathy Burns
Uncovers the hidden meanings behind the symbols that we see around us every day. Hundreds of illustrations along with their explanations.
Order from Amazon. - THE BONDAGE BREAKER by Neil T. Anderson, 2019 (completely revised & expanded)
“You Can Break the Chains Holding You Captive.” Overcoming Negative Thoughts, Irrational Feelings & Habitual Sins.
Order from Amazon.
NEW AGE MOVEMENT / FREEMASONRY
- THE TITANIC AND TODAY’S CHURCH: A TALE OF TWO SHIPWRECKS by Warren B. Smith
- A “WONDERFUL” DECEPTION: THE FURTHER NEW AGE IMPLICATIONS OF THE EMERGING PURPOSE DRIVEN MOVEMENT by Warren B. Smith
- RUNNING AGAINST THE WIND (The Transformation of a New Age Medium and His Warning to the Church) by Brian Flynn
- THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF THE RAINBOW by Constance Cumbey
Much on the New Age movement; includes front organizations. - INSIDE THE NEW AGE NIGHTMARE by Randall N. Baer
Available on Amazon or may be purchased used. - NEW AGE CULTS & RELIGIONS by Texe Marrs, 1990
“This outstanding work carefully analyzes these groups, revealing substantial, detailed information to convincingly answer the questions most asked.” Covers almost every cult you can think of. (Note: The 1990 edition covers Worldwide Church of God.) - THE DEADLY DECEPTION (FREEMASONRY EXPOSED BY ONE OF ITS TOP LEADERS By Jim Shaw and Tom McKenney
- MASONIC AND OCCULT SYMBOLS ILLUSTRATED by Dr. Cathy Burns
Uncovers the hidden meanings behind the symbols that we see around us every day. Hundreds of illustrations along with their explanations.
SPECIAL INTEREST
- FOLLOW THE SCIENCE: HOW BIG PHARMA MISLEADS, OBSCURES, AND PREVAILS by Sharyl Attkisson, 2024
Through blatant lies, deep cover-ups, and high-level collusion with government and media, Big Pharma has continuously put profits over people with dangerous results. - ZERO ACCOUNTABILITY IN A FAILED SYSTEM: HOW BIG PHARMA WEAPONIZES VACCINES, PUBLIC HEALTH, AND THE LAW by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, 2025
In this explosive exposé, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny unveils the sinister blueprint behind pandemic profiteering, vaccine corruption, and the weaponization of public health. - FORBIDDEN FACTS by Gavin de Becker, 2025
Have Government agencies and big corporations ever created and promoted outright lies and cover-ups? Internationally recognized criminologist, Gavin de Becker, investigates how the Government ‘debunks’ inconvenient and unwanted truths. Real time access to original source material. - MEDICATION MADNESS (THE ROLE OF PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS IN CASES OF VIOLENCE, SUICIDE, AND CRIME) by Peter Breggin, M. D., 2009
There are hundreds of millions of psychiatric drug prescriptions written annually. Are they doing more harm than good? More than fifty true stories of violence, suicide, and psychosis from America’s leading critic of the psychopharmaceutical industry. - CHEMTRAIlS EXPOSED: A NEW MANHATTAN PROJECT by Peter A Kirby, 2026
One of the most controversial topics of our time—geoengineering and weather control. … This book presents the evidence that the government and the mainstream media ignore. - 7 MEN WHO RULE THE WORLD FROM THE GRAVE by Dave Breese
These men have altered the thinking of society. They generated philosophies that have been ardently grasped by masses of people but are erroneous and antiscriptural. Today these ideas pervade our schools, businesses, homes, and even the church. The author warns of the dangers of believing unreservedly the ideas of these seven men and reminds us of the only man whose life and words we can trust completely–Jesus Christ. - Hell – A Final World by Edward William Fudge
Is it possible that the view of hell as conscious everlasting torment is not the teaching of the Bible after all? Edward Fudge believes that a careful study of the Bible from cover to cover shows the traditional view of hell to be wrong.
Order from Amazon. - THE GREAT EVANGELICAL DISASTER by Frances Schaeffer
Have Christians compromised their stand on truth and morality until there is almost nothing they will speak out against? Has the evangelical church itself sold out to the world? - NEW NEUTRALISM II: EXPOSING THE GRAY OF COMPROMISE by John E. Ashbrook
New evangelicalism has proven to be an enemy of the sound doctrine, reverent worship and holy living which marked Biblical Christianity fifty years ago. The author sees new evangelicalism as taking former fundamental ministries back to a reunion with the apostasy which their forefathers left in the 1930’s.
Order used from Goodreads.com. - THE CODEPENDENCY CONSPIRACY (How to break the recovery habit and take charge of your life.) by Dr. Stan J. Katz and Aimee E. Liu
The first hard hitting and constructive expose` of America’s recovery movement. reexamines the theory of codependency; reveals the psychological damage that self-help methods can inflict; explores the similarities between the codependency movement and fundamentalist religions and cults. - MY JOURNEY INTO CALVINISM (PDF) By Brenda Nickel
Brenda’s Testimony: Her 14 years in Calvinism.
This book may be read online here. - THE GOD MAKERS: A Shocking Expose of What the Mormon Church Really Believes by Ed Decker and Dave Hunt
Reveals the true nature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its hidden worldwide agenda. - DRAGONS OR DINOSAURS? CREATION OR EVOLUTION? by Darek Isaacs
This book confirms biblical authority and greatly weakens the theory of evolution; brings forth many new theories and evidence that are sure to fascinate the reader
Available used through Amazon. - UNTOLD SECRETS OF PLANET EARTH: DIRE DRAGONS by Vance Nelson
Stunning evidence that the ancients saw dinosaurs and depicted them, calling them “dragons.” One of the best books on the subject ever produced.
Order from Amazon. Click on “used and new” and order from Sermon on the Mount Publishing to get it new. - THE WORLD THAT PERISHED by John C. Whitcomb (revised edition)
Whitcomb maintains with vigor that the Bible declares and affirms a supernatural, catastrophic flood of worldwide proportions, a declaration corroborated by scientific observations that are not warped by a uniformitarian bias in geology.
Available used on Amazon or order through Tyndale Theological Seminary. - 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
Order from: Evolution Facts
This book may also be read online. Note: If the book link does not open for you, go to “Evolution Facts” above, scroll to the bottom links and click on: Ev. Handbook TOC.]Back to Resources (Includes link to PDF books & OIU Newsletters)