The Man of La Mancha?

When you look closely at Johnson's actions, he was a lot like Don Quixote or the Man of La Mancha. After reading much about knights and chivalry, Don Quixote loses his mind and transforms himself into a knight. Even though it is a delusion, he sets out to fight injustice. In a similar manner, Johnson read about the many great church leaders before him and wanted to be like them. He called them "star members". So he went about creating the story for himself by interpreting the Scriptures to include himself as a major player in types and antitypes. He even admitted to having a mental breakdown (brain fag). He fought diligently those that disagreed with his interpretations and in so doing majored in the minor issues.

Along the way, so much of the truth and beauty of God's Word was distorted and lost. Instead of looking at God's Word as applicable to our daily lives, much of his writings focus on the history of a time period that has no practical value to our lives. During meetings, the focus is often on getting "the right answer" from the book instead of actually reading God's Word and seeing how it applies to us.

LHMMers today look back on Johnson as a hero. Even when many of his errors became evident at his death, his followers want to continue the delusion. An older sister that had actually met Paul S.L. Johnson, once said that "he was a man of tall stature and when he entered the room you could tell that he could be trusted and believed." Bill Clinton was also tall leader with a commanding presence. Do you believe everything that he has said? What about Eliab? He was an impressive Old Testament character who was tall and handsome. When comparing him to his little brother David (the future king of Israel), the prophet Samuel chose him. The Lord said to Samuel, however: “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

The facts are that Johnson abused and deceived people. He predicted the future like tarot cards or Nostradamus. He was delusional. He tried to make events work out or when they didn't he made up excuses for them. Johnson lacked good judgment in Britain. The examples are plentiful and many come from his own writings. When reading his writings with the idea that Johnson was God's chosen "Epiphany Messenger", LHMM adherents are able to make excuses and completely miss the truth of who he was.

Helpful Bible Study Information

There are many helpful and relevant Bible study resources available including podcasts, books, etc. Here are some great places to start...

North Point Community Church - Andy Stanley
Fellowship Church - Ed Young
Menlo Park Church - John Ortberg
Woodland Hills Church - Greg Boyd
Willow Creek Classes and Willow Leadership Summit - Bill Hybels
Answers in Genesis - Excellent infomation on various Bible topics and their relation to science
Heartlight - Daily devotional verse and prayer
YouVersion.com - Awesome online Bible including iPhone version
Online Bible or Online-Bible.com - Powerful and inexpensive electronic Bible.
CrossWalk Bible Study - Well-organized access to tools

Sifters

After the death of Pastor Johnson in 1950, Raymond G. Jolly led the movement, but there were quickly disagreements with other members. The people that started these disagreements are known as "sifters" because they were helping to separate the "wheat" (good Christ followers) from the "chaff" (bad Christ followers). [Matt. 3:12] Being labeled as a SIFTER by the LHMM means that you are basically disfellowshipped and that all good followers of Christ should avoid you. Another possible definition for a sifter would be anyone that disagrees with the movement and the teachings published in its journal. Being a sifter means you are on a path to destruction according to the LHMM.

Each splinter group that formed from the LHMM was led by someone that Johnson or the current executive trustee of the LHMM would label as a "sifter". Here are some:

• W.S. Stevens of Atlanta left in 1935 and circulated a letter claiming Johnson was dictatorial.
• S.A. Cater of Vancouver, B.C., departed in 1948 (Johnson implied Cater had gone into second death-everlasting oblivion. [PT 1949 May 1, p.79.])
• Thomas T. Ryde in Los Angeles left soon afterwards
• Cyril Shuttleworth, the British representative, left in 1951
• John Krewson of Fort Myers, Florida formed the Laodicean Home Missionary Movement in Philadelphia through which he published "The Present Truth of the Apocalypsis" journal. Krewson was suspended by R.G. Jolly 1954 Sept. 13 and disfellowshipped 1955 Aug. 21. Disfellowshipping was extended to some of his adherents.
• John Hoefle of Mount Dora, Florida, had left the Watchtower Society to join Johnson in 1928, and was disfellowshipped in 1956. He formed his own group, the Epiphany Bible Students Association. After he died in 1980 his wife continued his work. Hoefle taught that the elect of the church continued longer than the LHMM taught.
• Most recently, there have been others labeled as sifters by the LHMM. One of their websites is the following: Preserving the Parousia and Epiphany Truth - http://theepiphanyselect.blogspot.com Another is The Epiphany Truth Forum

I remember as a child seeing John Hoefle come into the same elevator as me and being extremely fearful since everyone said that he was such a dangerous and evil man. In reality, maybe he had a minor difference of opinion on doctrinal issues that was not to be tolerated within the group. The types of doctrinal issues that cause someone to be considered a sifter by the LHMM are often centered around a simple date in assumed chronology or the authority of the present leadership. If such relatively minor theological issues can drastically change the fellowship of an individual within the group, it does not bid well for those that have even greater theological differences.

So are the writers of this BLOG sifters?
We would say not so. We can not be classified as sifters because we are not trying to draw away followers to our interpretations of the Bible. We do not have a group or organization that we are heading up. We are not following the teachings of Russell or Johnson with modifications as were others that left and started their own organizations.

We are simply stating the truth and freeing people to make an informed choice of who to follow. We beleive the facts speak for themselves. There is no one best church. All churches are imperfect because they are filled with imperfect people. We do believe that some churches are better than others regarding the freedoms and opportunities that they afford. If a church points you to Christ and encourages a personal relationship with Jesus then they may be a candidate.

The Real Issue

The real issue with the LHMM is not so much the doctrinal debate of the truth. In fact, Biblical doctrines are constantly debated today and so there is some ambiguity that is OK. There are some truths worth dying for, some worth defending, and others worth only discussing.

The main issue with the LHMM is following one individual as the final authoritiy and definitive answer to all Bible questions. Followers of the LHMM will state that they are reasoning from the scriptures and proving their faith. In some cases this is true, but many times the interpretations would never be a conclusion that could be drawn from scripture. In this case, the only answer is that the correct interpretation comes from following what Johnson (or the present leader of the LHMM) wrote. This is the danger. At this point, you must then establish the authority of that individual. How is this done? By studying their writings. So it is a completely circular argument.

Imagine that I said today: "I am the final authority for interpreting the Scriptures. I am the mouthpiece of the Lord. You can not interpret the Scriptures for yourself without going against the Lord's arrangements."

How would you know this is true?

"I can help you find some scriptures in the Bible to prove it....and you must believe those interpretations because I am the person that will provide you with the correct interpretation because God has given them to me."

This is exactly the argument on which the LHMM has founded so many of their Epiphany truths and beliefs. It is extremely dangerous as it puts the leader in a position of authority that is not Biblical and ripe for abuse. They are not accountable to anyone. If a present day pastor from some other church claimed this today, my advice (and that of many other Christians) would be to run away as fast as you can...now.

The unfortunate thing is that LHMM followers somehow have been blinded and cannot see this simple truth. Even if there are many beautiful and correct Biblical interpretations within the group, this one corrupt view cancels them out.

No One Asked Why

This blog is written primarily by those that left the LHMM in hopes that it will help others that are going through similar experiences possibly due to similar reasons. In the movie Shadowlands, C.S. Lewis says "We read to know we are not alone." Since the LHMM and their doctrines are so specific, it is easy to feel alone in your beliefs. You are not alone. Others have had similar thoughts and feelings.

There were reasons for leaving. It was not an overnight decision. For each of us, study and prayer went into the event. It was based on some of the things discussed on this blog and other reasons. One big reason for the separation was based on doctrine and beliefs. Ultimately, I had many questions that were never answered appropriately. In personal conversations with the executive trustee of the LHMM at the time, he acknowledged some of the errors I pointed out. His response was this: "I agree but I do not believe that the LHMM is strong enough to withstand this knowledge." So nothing was done. Continuing to preach things that are known to be incorrect is wrong. In essense, the response was similar to Col. Jessep in the movie "A Few Good Men" when he said "You can't handle the truth."

So one day it changed for me. Something that I had spent my entire life knowing became harmful and not the wisest course to continue following. I took a step in faith and separated myself from the system of belief put forward by the LHMM. The strange thing I found was that out of all the people that stayed in the LHMM...no one asked WHY? Over the years, I had built many close friendships as well as my closest family members. Yet, you just let me go without a question. No one even asked "Are you OK? Is there anything we can do for you?"

I find this hard to understand. If you believe that the LHMM has the one and only correct truth, and desire to share it with everyone, and then someone leaves that purity and fellowship, then why are you not interested in "why?". Why are you not curious? Here are some possible reasons:
* It makes you uncomfortable.
* You don't want to know the answer because you are fearful it may influence your decision to stay.
* You were taught to disassociate with anyone that might possibly disagree.
* You see the leaving person as dangerous or a possible sifter.
* You don't care.

I don't think the reason is "because you don't care". in general, the people associated with the LHMM are good people with loving and caring hearts. If the reason is one of the others, then how did that come about? Where did you get the idea that talking with someone that has different beliefs would be harmful? Isn't your faith strong enough to handle real questions? Any system of belief that is built on truth should be able to withstand honest questioning. Many of the thoughts put forth on this blog remain undefended. How do you come to terms with your beliefs?

Study Results Are In...Knowledge is Less Important

The more you study in depth via multiple sources and with differing viewpoints, the more you realize how little we really know. There is some mystery and faith required in belief in God. This results in humility.

Those who study in depth via a single source with one viewpoint believing they have already determined it is truth, have closed their minds to actual truth. They may believe that the answer to all of their questions is contained somewhere in a set of certain books that explain the Bible correctly. Subconciously, they may fear that looking at something outside of their experience might disprove their views or they have been TAUGHT and CONTROLLED to not go outside of their literature boundary for study. The danger is that they may then believe that they know a lot about doctrines which may result in spiritual pride.

One main Scripture that appeals to study in the Bible is used by the LHMM to justify their focus on study...
2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Unfortunately, the word "study" here only appears in the King James Version. Other translations are "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved...", NIV and "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God..." NKJV So "study" isn't even the primary meaning of this text.

Another place in the Bible talks of the Bereans who did study the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was true...but the Paul they were verifying wasn't Paul S.L. Johnson.
Acts 17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Paul's message directly related to the Gospel "explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead." (Acts 17:3) He did not preach about types and antitypes and himself other than relating his personal story which was a powerful tool to reach people for Christ.

The LHMM focus is on knowledge. It is the thing that separates them from other Christians. "...Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." 1 Cor 8:1

Bible Study has it's place in a balanced Christian life, but the focus should not be on STUDY but LOVE. That is the greatest commandment.
"Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." - Ecc 12:12-13
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." -- Matthew 22:37-39
Some things are just not very complicated. Living for Jesus can be boiled down to two principles: (1) love God with everything I am and have and (2) love others and treat them like I would like to be treated. Not too hard to understand. Living it is the challenge.

Of what PRACTICAL value are the doctrines that you hold so tightly? Is it just about being right? Do you fear studying literature that may disagree with your assumptions?

More on Paul Johnson and LHMM History

It is at times difficult to gain the large perspective within the LHMM due to the minute studying of details. Here we lay out some more information about the LHMM and its history in an effort to sort things out as they occurred. We begin with some of the predictions that Paul S.L. Johnson (PSLJ) made about himself. Among them:
* That God knew ahead of time he would be faithful as the Epiphany Messenger and that he would be recognized as the Epiphany Messenger by the other Bible Student groups (like Joseph was recognized by his brothers). - This did not happen. Many Bible Student groups rejected him.
* That he would be the last of the Little Flock. - There is no way to know this.
* That he would die a violent death in October, 1956. - He died in 1950, instead of 1956....and his death was not violent.
* That he would write 21 volumes. - He did not.
* That he would expound the entire Bible. - He did not.

Here are a few of the other unfulfilled predictions that PSLJ wrote:
* That he would be in rank in the kingdom behind Bro. Russell, and the 12 apostles. - There is no way to know this. Possibly, God would reward false prophets with a high rank.
* That the time of trouble would end in 1956 and the Kingdom would be established with the collapse of society, anarchy, etc. - According to the LHMM, the time of trouble" is still going on.
* Before 1939, he said there would not be another World War. - When there was another World War, he said that it wasn't another war, but a continuation of the first one.
* He said that Germany would win World War Phase II. - They did not.
* That revolution would start in 1934. - When that didn't happen he said that revolution would start in 1949.
* That communism would overthrow the capitalist countries. - Didn't happen.
* That JWs would form a union with the state and grow to be the majority religion in America. - Not true.
* That labor unions would revolt against capitalists (based upon the types Jehu, etc.) Some of these predictions were just continuations of the ones Russell made. - No.
* That the end of Epiphany would be in 1954. - Unverifiable.

None of these statements are true and he was not coerced into making any of the statements. They were just a product of his imagination and wishful thinking. The confusion that resulted from the lack of fulfillment gave rise to differences of opinion about what happened, which caused splits and siftings. The fact that these predictions did not come true made his followers wonder about the other predictions. They said that it was a "trial of faith" and by this they meant it was a trial of their faith is Paul Johnson AS THE EPIPHANY MESSENGER.

Johnson said also that the Great Company would recognize themselves as Levites (those in lower rank than the priests) and they would leave Babylon (other churches). He said that Raymond Jolly was the leader of the Good Levites, and that he should succeed him. Jolly took over as the Executive Trustee, as Bro. Johnson had planned, but he also said that the Little Flock would last until 1956. Some people then said that there were Little Flock members remaining, including themselves, and that Jolly shouldn't be leading them. Jolly was teaching that it was the time for the Great Company members to recognize themselves and cleanse themselves. Some denied that they were in the Great Company and there were classes that split over this issue.

When 1954 arrived, it was to be the end of the call of the Youthful Worthies, and the LHMM taught that there was a new class forming called the "Consecrated Epiphany Campers", and a new period called the Basileia. The controversies with Krewson and Hoefle and other so-called sifters were over these points and over who the leader should be. They would quote without ceasing PSLJ's own statements and try to make sense of them. PSLJ made predictions that could not be harmonized in light of the events. This was similar to the case of Charles Taze Russell (CTR) dying with some of his predictions not occurring, and causing confusion and division.

By 1956, the kingdom had not come, nor had world revolution or anarchy, nor had the other predictions been fulfilled. The Epiphany was to be the period when the world would recognize that Christ was present, but during the period 1914-1954, the world never recognized this. Even today, the world still does not recognize that Christ is present as taught by the LHMM, and the kingdom has not come, and the timetable has not been realized.

There are further reinterpretations that lead to contradictions such as:
* The Great Company converting Israel - Did not happen.
* Babylon falls, and the Great Company recognize themselves, and give the message that Babylon has fallen - Did not happen.
* The planning stage of the Revolution began in 1949 - Did not happen.
* The lease of the Times of the Gentiles expired in 1914, and the kingdoms of this world are being destroyed. - Many more new countries have been established since then.

There are about 11 books that Johnson wrote that contain his typing, predictions, and controversies with others, disagreeing with their types and predictions. These instances are not isolated and stray points, but something he did constantly. The LHMM is still selling these books AS TRUTH without apology or corrections. PSLJ was likely influenced in his typing, predictions, and personal claims by Russell's typing, predictions, and personal claims. Charles Taze Russell predicted the time of trouble during 1874-1914, and the Kingdom in 1914. This did not occur, and these predictions are false statements, or error. They did not come from God, because God is truth. He was not God's messenger in making these statements, and it is wrong for Christians now to be studying in depth these erroneous statements.

It is apparent now that PSLJ was presumptuous and an unreliable leader. The siftings and controversy and confusion were all unnecessary, and caused by his own foolish statements. Some of the predictions are still "on the books", but others have been reinterpreted like the CEC class, and Basileia, etc. There is a folly in the belief in "God's messengers", of dogmatically predicting the future, of establishing doctrines based on types, and of classes studying at a snail's pace books that teach these things.

As evidenced by the history shown here, the present day troubles within the LHMM and manifesting of certain people as "sifters" is nothing new. It is more of the same. It amounts to spiritual abuse and overstepping bounds in incorrect Biblical interpretation.

The big question is: Can Paul S.L. Johnson and the LHMM be trusted? You must answer and make a choice for yourself what is true. If your conclusion is no, then everything is up for grabs. How do you decide what he wrote was true? In his view, you don't have a choice. You must take it all on faith that he was the Epiphany Messenger. Do you put your faith in man or God?