In the 1920’s and 30’s the cutting edge of technology was wireless telegraphy, better known today as radio.  Herbert W. Armstrong, an Adventist evangelist, saw the potential of this medium and used it to his advantage.  He began broadcasting his unique views of the Bible in 1933.  His abilities as a speaker won the minds and hearts of thousands of listeners.  Thus was born the Radio Church of God, a religious organization that initially consisted almost completely of a radio audience.  Eventually Armstrong’s following grew to become the Worldwide Church of God.[i]

The progression from a small radio broadcast to an on-air “church” to an organized religious body demonstrates the power of electronic media to effectively propagate a message and develop a committed group of adherents.   Thus, Armstrongism serves as a prime example of how cults can, and often do, effectively use technology and media to spread their own versions of the gospel. Continue reading →