What is the Worldwide Church of God/Armstrongism?

Origins and Foundational Beliefs

The Worldwide Church of God was founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in the early 20th century. Armstrong drew upon various religious and historical sources to formulate his doctrines, emphasizing what he believed to be the restoration of early New Testament Christianity. Among these concepts was a strong focus on the observance of biblical festivals, the seventh-day Sabbath, and ideas about national identity that centered on British Israelism (the view that the Anglo-Saxon peoples descended from the tribes of Israel).

Armstrong’s teachings also set him apart from many established Christian denominations. Traditionally, he promoted a view of God as a “Family” rather than teaching historic Christian Trinitarian doctrine. In earlier years, his Worldwide Church of God literature presented the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force rather than a coequal, coeternal Person. These doctrinal positions became hallmarks of Armstrong’s theology.

British Israelism and its Role

A cornerstone of Armstrongism was British Israelism. According to this view, passages in the Hebrew Scriptures that speak of Israel’s descendants (e.g., Genesis 48–49) are said to find their culmination in the English-speaking nations of the world, particularly the United States and Britain. Armstrong taught that this concept explained the modern prominence of these nations.

However, conservative critics point out that the New Testament redefines “Israel” in a way that hinges on faith in Christ rather than ethnicity (cf. Romans 9:6–8). The continuing fulfillment of God’s promises in the church universal (Galatians 3:28–29) challenges the rigid ethnic interpretation espoused by British Israelism.

Distinctive Doctrines and Practices

Armstrongism was notable for advocating observance of Old Testament holy days such as the Feast of Tabernacles, Passover, and the Day of Atonement. While these feasts are certainly part of the biblical narrative (e.g., Leviticus 23), the question of whether they remain binding on Christians has been debated. Many Christian scholars reference passages like Colossians 2:16–17, which underscores that these ordinances served as “a shadow of things to come,” the reality of which is found in Christ.

Historically, the Worldwide Church of God also taught that salvation involves adherence to Old Covenant regulations. Conservative critics emphasize that Scripture testifies salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9), without the requirement of any additional works.

Shifts and Reformation within the Movement

After Herbert W. Armstrong’s death in 1986, Joseph Tkach Sr., followed by Joseph Tkach Jr., gradually introduced significant doctrinal changes. By the 1990s, the Worldwide Church of God had begun affirming key mainstream Christian beliefs, including the Trinity, the full deity of Christ, and the personhood of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14; Acts 5:3–4).

These theological reforms caused considerable upheaval. Some members welcomed the changes as a realignment with biblical orthodoxy, while others departed to form splinter groups (such as the Philadelphia Church of God or the Restored Church of God) that retained Armstrong’s original doctrines. Eventually, the Worldwide Church of God changed its name to Grace Communion International, reflecting its shift toward more widely held Christian beliefs.

Controversies and Critiques

Armstrong’s original teachings on God’s nature conflicted with historic orthodox understandings. Early Worldwide Church of God publications often described the Holy Spirit as merely the power or essence flowing from God the Father and Christ, rather than a Person within the Godhead. Critics point to explicit references in Scripture where the Holy Spirit is shown to have a will, to speak, and to be grieved (e.g., Ephesians 4:30), illustrating personal attributes rather than an impersonal force.

Armstrongism’s prophecy-focused teachings, aligning end-times scenarios with specific nations, also drew scrutiny. Deuteronomy 18:22 is often cited by critics who ask for discernment toward all prophetic announcements that fail to come to pass.

Present-Day Landscape

Grace Communion International (formerly the Worldwide Church of God) now embraces many aspects of historic Christian theology, including the Triune nature of God. They also emphasize salvation by grace through faith. The organization does not require members to observe Old Testament festivals or dietary regulations, while still allowing personal freedom for those who find such observances meaningful.

Several offshoot groups continue to adhere closely to Armstrong’s original doctrinal framework, including Sabbath observance, Old Testament festival celebrations, and British Israelism. These splinter groups typically reject the later reforms, insisting that Armstrong’s teachings represented God’s final revelation to a modern audience.

Scriptural Assessment

When evaluating Armstrongism or splinter groups that follow Herbert W. Armstrong’s doctrines, one core question is whether these teachings align with the central tenets of the gospel taught in Scripture. Passages such as John 1:1, 14 highlight Christ’s eternal, divine nature. Matthew 28:19 affirms the threefold reference to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit for those being baptized. Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes that saving faith cannot be earned by works. Orthodox Christian theologians maintain that a proper understanding of God’s nature, the person of Christ, and the role of grace is crucial for a faithful biblical worldview.

Historical and Cultural Impact

The Worldwide Church of God had a considerable influence in religious broadcasting and publishing throughout the mid to late 20th century. From “The World Tomorrow” radio and television programs to the Plain Truth magazine, the organization disseminated its teachings widely. Armstrong’s emphasis on prophecy appealed to many who were seeking answers in tumultuous periods of modern history.

Over time, the dramatic doctrinal shifts led to an intriguing study in religious evolution. This transformation has been documented in various journals and books, revealing how a community that was once considered heterodox by mainstream Christianity gradually conformed to many orthodox biblical teachings.

Conclusion of the Matter

The Worldwide Church of God as originally established by Herbert W. Armstrong promoted doctrines that diverged from widely held Christian teachings on the nature of God, grace, and prophecy. Over the decades, however, a reformation in leadership progressively moved the main body of that church toward more orthodox positions. While some offshoots hold firmly to Armstrong’s original tenets, Grace Communion International today largely embraces central doctrines key to historic Christianity.

Investigating this movement underscores the importance of testing every theological claim against Scripture (Acts 17:11). Believers and seekers alike are called to pursue careful study, guided by biblical truth, to discern God’s revelation and preserve the integrity of the gospel.