Philadelphia COG Newspaper Advertisement

This advertisement appeared in a New Zealand newspaper on Saturday January 31. (You can click on it for a larger image.)

It is disappointing that there is some deception in the advertisement. There isn't any indication that the New Zealand organization is affiliated to the Philadelphia Church of God. That would seem to be obvious (to you and me!) when you see that the book Raising the Ruins is written by Stephen Flurry (son of Gerald Flurry, pastor general of PCG), and the Trumpet magazine (supplied as a free subscription) is published by the PCG.

Overall it seems very much like a thinly disguised recruitment drive for the church. There is further disappointment to be found in the coupon. The last sentence is, "I understand this is provided as a free educational service in the public interest and there is never any cost or obligation." Ex-COG people would no doubt argue that it can't be an 'educational' service in the true (secular) sense of the word, and 'in the public interest' is highly debatable to say the least! The phrase 'never any cost or obligation' would only apply to the book and magazine. We know very well that after new people have been indoctrinated there are regular substantial costs or tithes that have to be paid. In some cases, people cannot afford to pay the tithes, and they lose their life-savings in the process.

If you are thinking about being recruited by the PCG, or similar churches, please check these blog posts :-
Armstrongism/Church of God/Ronald Weinland
WCG splinters - modern day cults ??
Key Points About Cults
.