Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God, The

by J. Michael Feazell

We believe in the life-changing influence of grace and truth. Rarely, however, do we see it demonstrated with such explosive power as in the case of the Worldwide Church of God. Told by one of its top leaders, here is the remarkable inside story of what happened when a well-known cult grappled with the truths of the New Testament. The Liberation of the Worldwide Church of God is far more than the fascinating account of a church’s journey from darkness to light and from bondage to grace. It is a blazing testimony to the gospel’s matchless power—a power able to transform hearts and lives that seem beyond reach . . . and fully capable of changing us.

Genres: Leadership

Hardcover

Published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fascinating (and now-dated) account of the transformation of the Worldwide Church of God from a legalistic, sectarian movement into an orthodox, grace-laden community of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was a great read. Dr. J. Michael Feazell, the author, grew up in this denomination and was deeply involved in the radical changes to the church after its founder, Herbert Armstrong, died in 1986. The movement has since changed its name to Grace Communion International. I was interested in the book because of my own tradition's movement from extreme sectarian exclusivism to openness and grace (a movement which continues today) and I wanted to note the factor's that brought health to WCG/GCI. The copyright on this work is 2001, so advances in the WCG/GCI have progressed even further than this book articulates. More information about the church's evolution can be found at www.gci.org

[Mac Conrad McHam · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book helped explain the theology changes after Armstrong’s death. My parents started attending the WCG when I was in 3rd grade. I remember our first Sabbath was literally the day that Armstrong’s funeral was telecast to the Churches. More likely it was a vhs tape played. Changes started happening gradually and by the time I was a senior in high school in 1995 it was an orthodox christian church instead of a torahism church. So much controversy and change that I didn’t understand as a kid, this book helped detail the WCG theology and the reasons for the changes, brought some healing to me, and displayed God’s providence.

[Colin Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and informative. Well written and useful for any Christian.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to come when I am not on mobile/can type. I'm also going to read the contrasting book from those who stayed believing "Armstrongism" before I fully review.