By Michael Morrison
AZUSA, California--Pastor General Joseph Tkach gave a presentation titled "From Jerusalem to Antioch" at Azusa Pacific University's President's Luncheon Feb. 28.
In his address Mr. Tkach summarized the church's transition from an unorthodox group, with doctrines reminiscent of Judaism, toward orthodox evangelical Christianity.
The presentation to representatives of several denominations was videotaped to be used in church history classes at Azusa Pacific.
Mr. Tkach described some of the church's former teachings and noted internal inconsistencies and belief in contradictory doctrines. The church also had errors involved in interpreting the Bible and in understanding church history.
Mr. Tkach explained that most of the church's erroneous doctrines originated from within Protestant circles, although they were typically unpopular minority views that were discredited at various times in church history.
In the past eight years, the church has reformed many of its doctrines to bring them into conformity with New Testament teachings.
These reforms have been joyfully received by many of the church's members, but not by all. Four major groups and numerous smaller ones have splintered off from the Worldwide Church of God. Each group preserves some of the old doctrines. Most of them still hold a ditheistic (two Gods) view on the nature of God and believe that the true church of God must observe the Saturday Sabbath.
Mr. Tkach thanked the many Christians who have been praying for the church, and he encouraged them to pray not only for those within the Worldwide Church of God but also for those in splinter groups who still believe erroneous doctrines.
On Feb. 29, Mr. Tkach and J.M. Feazell, director of Church Administration, appeared on the Los Angeles area radio program Christian Commentary.
The host of the program is Pastor Harold Helms of the Angelus Temple Church, headquarters of the International Church of the Four Square Gospel.
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