[DouglasKC]

Thanks for the links. I'm working my way through parts. Your branch seems to have kept a great deal of Armstrongism. I wonder, do you personally believe this:

"Armstrongism" implies that he made it up whole cloth. All of the doctrine has existed for at least 2000 years and longer.

"When we understand that the modern descendants of Joseph are the people of the United States and Britain…"

I think of all the doctrine that this is the hardest to prove on strictly a biblical basis. God doesn't come right out and say this. I think though that the biblical support for this belief is sound. When coupled with historical and contemporary facts, then yes, I do believe this.

This isn't exactly a new thought. Many early Americans believed that America was the "new Israel". The "shining city on a hill". Manifest destiny, etc.

[D-fendr]

"Armstrongism" implies that he made it up whole cloth.

He had a good kick start from Seventh Day Adventists.

All of the doctrine has existed for at least 2000 years and longer.

Armstrong wasn't that orginal, but his combining and shaping of different pieces, Job and the pyramids for example, was original. Pretty much died with him, though his son gave it a good show for some time.

This isn't exactly a new thought. Many early Americans believed that America was the "new Israel".

That's a funny stretch to literal direct descendancy from Joseph.

God doesn't come right out and say this. I think though that the biblical support for this belief is sound.

Which goes to show how "scripture only and no tradition" can become quite meaningless.

[Quester]

"When we understand that the modern descendants of Joseph are the people of the United States and Britain …"

I think of all the doctrine that this is the hardest to prove on strictly a biblical basis. God doesn't come right out and say this. I think though that the biblical support for this belief is sound.

What scriptural evidence would you cite for this belief ?