Deaths on January 16

Herbert W. Armstrong, American evangelist, author, and publisher (b. 1892)

Herbert W. Armstrong (July 31, 1892 – January 16, 1986) was a highly influential American evangelist and religious leader, best known as the founder of the Worldwide Church of God (WCG). His ministry spanned decades, leaving a significant imprint on the landscape of religious broadcasting and non-denominational Christianity.

An early and visionary pioneer in the realm of electronic media, Armstrong effectively leveraged the burgeoning technologies of radio and, later, television for widespread religious outreach. His signature program, 'The World Tomorrow,' became a globally syndicated broadcast, reaching millions of listeners and viewers across North America, Europe, and other continents. Through this powerful platform, he presented a unique theological perspective, which he maintained was the 'restored true Gospel' – a comprehensive synthesis of doctrines purportedly found throughout the entire Bible, interpreted particularly in light of the New Covenant scriptures. This distinctive approach, diverging significantly from mainstream Protestant theology, aimed to unveil what he believed were profound spiritual truths previously obscured or forgotten over centuries.

Core Tenets and Doctrines of Armstrongism

Armstrong's unique teachings, which non-adherents often referred to collectively as 'Armstrongism,' were characterized by several core tenets that profoundly differentiated them from conventional Christian denominations. These included:

• Observance of Mosaic Law: Unlike most Christian churches, Armstrong's doctrines mandated adherence to specific aspects of the Old Testament Mosaic Law. This notably included strict observance of the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) as the designated day of rest and worship, rather than Sunday.
• Biblical Dietary Prohibitions: Followers were also required to observe biblical dietary laws, often referred to as 'clean and unclean meats,' similar to the Kashrut laws found in Leviticus 11. This meant abstaining from pork, shellfish, and other foods deemed unclean by Old Testament scripture.
• Annual Holy Days: The WCG celebrated the annual 'Holy Days' outlined in Leviticus 23, such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Armstrong taught that these festivals represented a divine plan for humanity and held prophetic significance, contrasting sharply with traditional Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, which he considered to be of pagan origin.
• British Israelism: A foundational interpretative framework for Armstrong's eschatology and understanding of prophecy was British Israelism. This belief posited that the Anglo-Saxon peoples (including those in the United States and the United Kingdom) are literal descendants of the 'lost ten tribes' of ancient Israel. This perspective profoundly influenced his interpretations of contemporary world events and biblical prophecy, leading to specific predictions about geopolitical shifts and end-time scenarios involving these nations. He often linked the decline of these nations to a failure to keep God's laws.

Global Diplomacy and the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation

Beyond his extensive spiritual leadership, Herbert W. Armstrong also engaged actively in international relations, establishing himself as a unique figure on the global stage. In 1968, he founded the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation (AICF), an organization ostensibly dedicated to fostering peace, understanding, and cultural exchange among nations. Through the AICF, and in conjunction with Ambassador College (the WCG's renowned educational institution), Armstrong and his advisors embarked on numerous diplomatic missions.

He met with an extraordinary number of world leaders, including emperors, kings, presidents, and prime ministers across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Notable figures he reportedly met include King Hussein of Jordan, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines, and President Anwar Sadat of Egypt. These high-level interactions led him to describe himself as an "ambassador without portfolio for world peace," a title reflecting his self-appointed role in promoting global harmony and presenting his understanding of God's plan for peace directly to world leaders. The AICF sponsored significant archaeological digs in Jerusalem and cultural events worldwide, aiming to build bridges between diverse cultures and nations, often bringing prominent artists and performers to its Pasadena campus for public concerts.

Legacy and Impact

Herbert W. Armstrong's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He successfully built a global religious organization with millions of followers, pioneered modern media evangelism, and developed a distinct theological system that continues to influence various splinter groups that emerged following significant doctrinal shifts within the Worldwide Church of God after his death. His life and work remain a subject of considerable interest and study within religious and sociological circles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Herbert W. Armstrong

Who was Herbert W. Armstrong?

Herbert W. Armstrong was an American evangelist and religious leader who founded the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) and pioneered radio and television evangelism, most notably through his program 'The World Tomorrow.'

What was the Worldwide Church of God (WCG)?

The Worldwide Church of God was a Christian denomination founded by Herbert W. Armstrong. Under his leadership, it grew into a global organization with a distinct set of doctrines, including the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath and Old Testament Holy Days.

What is 'Armstrongism'?

'Armstrongism' is a term used by non-adherents to refer to the unique doctrines and teachings promulgated by Herbert W. Armstrong. Key tenets included adherence to parts of the Mosaic Law, such as the seventh-day Sabbath and dietary prohibitions, and the interpretative framework of British Israelism.

What was 'The World Tomorrow' program?

'The World Tomorrow' was Herbert W. Armstrong's flagship radio and later television broadcast. It became a widely syndicated program that reached millions globally, presenting his theological interpretations and prophetic analyses of world events.

What is British Israelism?

British Israelism is a belief that the Anglo-Saxon peoples (including those in the United States and the United Kingdom) are the literal descendants of the 'lost ten tribes' of ancient Israel. Herbert W. Armstrong heavily incorporated this doctrine into his prophetic interpretations of world events.

What was the Ambassador International Cultural Foundation (AICF)?

The Ambassador International Cultural Foundation was an organization founded by Herbert W. Armstrong in 1968. It aimed to promote peace and cultural exchange worldwide, facilitating Armstrong's meetings with numerous heads of state and sponsoring various cultural and archaeological projects.