Unfortunately, in cults such as COG-PKG it works the opposite. “What” PKG members believe is determined by the latest statements of “Whom” they believe, their spiritual idol Ron Weinland. He tells them that Jesus did not exist prior to being born of Mary, they believe it. He tells them the timeline is changing, they believe it. He tells them the timeline is shortened by a redefinition of “times”, they believe it. And they’ll believe whatever explanation he comes up with for the non-return of Christ at Pentecost of 2012.

I am of the opinion it has less to do with the ‘who’ you believe and much more to do with the ‘what’ you believe. Because it is the latter which defines the former. Whether it is folks like Weinland, Armstrong or any person even Jesus Christ.

Mark, I don’t think I can remember someone putting it together as well as you have done with your comment. And even though your past it all, nevertheless, comments like yours are doing a very worthwhile service. My opinion.

People in Ron’s church who read this blog, and others who may be “sitting on the fence” regarding RW need to read from people like you who have “been there and done that”. And got the tee-shirt, I might add.

You said “This world IS a difficult world to navigate. It doesn’t help that we are “dumped” here knowing nothing and have to figure it out from teachers and parents and other influencial people.”

So true. And if I can add, although I’m sure it’s what you are saying; That after coming into this world, knowing nothing, and having our heads filled (or crammed) with all this “knowledge”, the day comes, to look at our teachers, mentors, “apostles”, and “prophets”, who we had the highest respect for, and the knowledge they gave to us, that we considered so very sacred; to have the courage to face them and call B.S. when and where we see it.

As Paul would say, “To no longer be children”.

I apologize if I’m sounding preachy. I just say that because I think that is probably the big lesson that Ron’s members need to learn.

I can empathize with you as the only reason I follow a blog like this is because I am an “Armstrong Survivor”. It took over 5 years once I gave it all up and washed my hands of it that I could say that I have “moved on”. Some may argue that posting on this blog says that I haven’t, but, I have stopped trying to figure out God’s will in my life or find “the truth”.
The “truth” is, I believe there’s only one revelation, and that is that Christ died for us that we may have life. Beyond that, I don’t claim special knowledge. Folks like Weinland, Armstrong, and all the other COG ministers (and some in the larger Christian community), claim knowledge but are woefully ignorant of even the basics of the Bible. They set themselves up as spiritual pillars, but are hollow empty tombs who can only feel useful when they are controlling others.

As for Weinland’s latest mathematical mystery, it should just underscore the depths of self delusionment that one can go to. This world IS a difficult world to navigate. It doesn’t help the we are “dumped” here knowing nothing and have to figure it out from teachers and parents and other influencial people. In the end, I believe that God has a special place for those who seek Him, but are misled. The kingdom is not about knowledge but a promise. That’s what I hang my hat on every day.