Question:  Dear Greg,

            Having studied many of the questions and answers in “Ask Greg”, perhaps you could help me.  How would you advise a person like myself who has been strongly influenced by what you term ‘Armstrongism’?  I’m afraid I find myself with a certain amount of innate hostility against your views, which I tell myself is wrong.  Can you suggest where I might start to overcome any prejudice I may have?

            Thanking you in anticipation.

            Victor

Answer:  Dear Victor,

            Thanks for your question and for your refreshing honesty.

            What about the dilemma of prejudice and bias towards others and others’ view of the Bible?  Of course, we need to first ask, “What am I afraid of?”  Truth?  If there is more to know about God and about the gospel of Jesus Christ, why wouldn’t we want to know?

            Bias and prejudice rely, in large degree, upon untrue stereotypes.  When we disagree – or when those who lead us want us to disagree – the first step is often to stereotype another.  Dehumanize your opponent, so that those whom you are attempting to persuade will be willing to believe what you say about them.  Stereotype them.

            When anyone is seeking God we know that the Bible counsels that we pray, we seek Him, and we study His Word.  I am sure you are doing that.  Of course, it is possible when we seek God we are not actually seeking Him, but rather a confirmation of our already formed opinions, presumptions, and conclusions.  And that is the natural human response.  Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.”  By contrast, the natural human prayer is “Not your will, but mine be done.”  This holds true for all of us; whether we wrestle with Armstrongism or some other humanly constructed set of beliefs.

            When seeking God we would do well to ask Him to help us set aside our “baggage”, our preconceived notions, our prejudices and stereotypes, and the traditions that make us comfortable.  We would do well to ask Him to search us and try us, that we might be open to what He has to say to us.

            Having done this, we are more likely to look at the Bible afresh.  After all, if what we believe is biblical, then it should be able to stand the test of examination.  We should not fear any examination of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  On the other hand, if what we believe needs clarification, modification and change, we should desire to be taught by God.

            We of course know that Jesus told us that religions of his day believed “rules taught by men” (Mark 7:7) and therefore worshipped God in vain.  We humans can admire human leaders to the point that we allow human leaders to get in the way of what God wants to teach us.  Of course, each of us must look to our own heart and experience in this regard.

            Please feel free to E-mail me any specific question you might have.  S you have already seen, you will not be treated with dogmatism, threats or intimidation.  We simply wish to share to good news of Jesus Christ, and will do so as gently and carefully as possible – as God’s grace enables us.  We are here to serve you in any way we can.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht