Herbert Plagiarise Allen?

The basic topic is the Identity Doctrine which states that modern day Britain and America is Ephraim and Manasseh of Genesis 48.

So to continue from page 11 of the February issue:

(1) it was one of the most widely circulated editions and is still in possession of many member and (2) it is an edition which I read and immediately saw the remarkable similarity to Allen's book. I have also read editions of the United States and British Commonwealth in Prophecy (US&BC) subsequent to the 1967 edition.

Notation Convention

So that the reader may prove the plagiarism (the copying of others books) for himself, I shall adhere to the following notation: Reverence will cite the author (HWA: Herbert W. Armstrong, JHA: J.H. Allen), page and paragraph upon the indicated page, including paragraph carried over form a proceeding page. Hence,

HWA 57:3 means Armstrong's 1967 US&BC, page 57, paragraph 3 as one counts whole or partial paragraphs from the top of page 57.

In some instances I will cite section or chapter headings, such as HWA 22 'How much land? /What size nations'.

I cannot state too emphatically that for the reader to fully appreciate the evidence brought forward below he must read Armstrong and then read Allen. The few notes I will provide with the references will not convey to the reader's mind the evidence of plagiarism as dramatically as will the reading.

I will proceed now to examine Armstrong and Allen's books. I will work methodically through Armstrong, referencing Allen, and the reader should note that as we move through Armstrong we also move naturally through the relevant sections in Allen. Watch how the page numbers for each author advance forward in all cases with but a few exceptions.

When reading Armstrong, we will find the same subject presented in Allen, albeit with perhaps more detail. We will see that as Armstrong is writing US&BC he is reading Allen. It will be quite evident.

To begin with, I would point out that Armstrong's illustrated book runs for roughly 212 pages, whereas Allen's non illustrated book runs for roughly 377 pages. Hence we can immediately deduce that whether or not there is plagiarism Armstrong will omit quite a lot of Allen's material, and where there is an identity of subject Armstrong's work will exhibit considerable compression. Thus, we should not expect to find long excerpts from Allen. By the same token, however, such compression will render the similarities between Armstrong and Allen that much more conspicuous.

US &B C Chapter 1

(1) HWA 3:1-3,4:1-2,6-7 = JHA 79:1 Armstrong and Allen cite Israel identity as a 'key' to correct understanding of the Scripture. Armstrong writes that prophecy is 'closed' without it, and Allen writes the Scripture is, "shut to one's understanding."

US & BC Chapter 3

(2) HWA 20:5-6 = JHA chapter 2 Armstrong's famous 'race vs. grace' or 'race and grace' concept is taken directly from Allen, who more fully develops the idea.

(3) HWA 22 'How much land? What size nations??' = JHA 23:2-24:1 Armstrong argues that Israel would spread around the world, eventually becoming 'heir of the world,' 30:2. Allen argues that the bounds of the nations were set from the foundation of the world according to God's foreknowledge of Israel's multitudinous size, and that Israel was fated to embrace the entire world.

US & BC Chapter 4

(4) HWA chapter 4 = JHA chapter 3 Armstrong and Allen devote a chapter to distinguishing between the Sceptre and Birthright promises.

(5) HWA 35:11

Armstrong's famous 'all Jews are Israelites, most Israelites are not Jews.' See (27) below.

(6) HWA 39-41 = JHA 28:4-29:2, 7:2-3

Armstrong discusses the promises in relation to Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac, Esau and Jacob. Allen discusses the promises in relation to Abraham, Isaac, Esau and Jacob, omitting mention of Ishmael.

(7) HWA 45:3 = JHA 41:2 Armstrong and Allen discuss the meaning of the name Israel.

(8) HWA 45:5ff = JHA 41:3-42:3 The rejection of Rueben.

(9) HWA 48:8 = JHA 43:4

Armstrong: "At the time of Jacob's death, he and his sons were living in Egypt."

Allen: "At the time of Jacob's death, all Israel was in Egypt living in the land of Goshen."

As we move through Armstrong this pattern will repeat; Armstrong will follow Allen's argument and proofs, and then quote directly from Allen. This demonstrates that as Armstrong was writing, he was reading Allen.

(10) HWA 49:2ff = JHA 43:4-44:1

Armstrong. "It was reported to Joseph that Jacob, his father, was ill. He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, sons of an Egyptian mother, and hastened to the dying patriarch's bedside."

Allen: "When it was reported to Joseph that his father was dying, he took with him his two sons, and hastened to the bedside of the dying patriarch."

(11) HWA 49:5 = JHA 44:1

Armstrong quotes Genesis 48:2-4; Allen references it.

(12) HWA 49:9 = JHA 44:2

Jacob adopts Joseph's sons

(13) HWA 49:9-52:1 = JHA 44:3

Ephraim is put before Manasseh. Armstrong writes 'supernatural guidance,' whereas Allen writes 'Holy Ghost.' Coincidence? The Scripture makes no mention of supernatural guidance by the Holy Ghost- it is Jacob that does the guiding. Armstrong borrowed from Allen.

(14) HWA 52:3-10 = JHA 45:2-46:1

Jacob says, 'Bless the lads,' guiding his hands wittingly by crossing them.

Note that Armstrong and Allen labour upon the detailed actions of both Joseph and Jacob. Armstrong and Allen take great pains to point out these actions.

Armstrong refers to the blessing as being 'jointly' received; Allen says the blessing is 'collective.' Same thought.

(15) HWA 53:11 = JHA 46:1 Armstrong and Allen: "collective blessings".

(16) HWA 53:12 = JHA 46:2

Armstrong. "But at this juncture Joseph noticed that Jacob's right hand was not resting upon the head of the firstborn. He endeavoured to remove it."

Notice Allen: "At this juncture Joseph noticed that Jacob's right hand was not resting on Manasseh's head, and he wanted to remove it..."

(17) HWA 56:1 = JHA 46:6

Armstrong and Allen both say: "separate blessings".

(18) HWA 57:3 = JHA 47:3

Armstrong. 'While still in the spirit of prophecy, Jacob called his twelve sons together to tell them what their posterity should become in the last days. "

Allen: "While the spirit of prophecy was still upon Jacob, he called all his sons together to tell them what their posterity should become in the last days."

US & BC Chapter 6

(19) HWA 76:1-79:4 = JHA 49:1-55:3

Armstrong and Allen relate the story of what preceded the rupture between Israel and Judah.

(20) HWA 78:5 = JHA 54:1

Armstrong and Allen call Jeroboam northern Israel's "spokesman".

(21) HWA 79:2 = JHA 55:1

Armstrong: "The challenge to the royal family was, 'Now see to thine own house!"'

Allen: "The challenge to the royal family was, 'Now see to thy own house!"'

(22) HWA 79:3-4 = JHA 55:3

Israel rebels from David; God says, 'This is of Me.' Armstrong compresses Allen.

(23) HWA 79:5-6 = JHA 56:2

Armstrong and Allen emphasize the distinction between 'House of Israel' and 'House of Judah.'

(24) HWA 79:5-82:2 = JHA 56:3-61:1

Armstrong and Allen labour to emphasize that Israel and Judah are separate and distinct.

(25) HWA 82:2-83:9 = JHA 62:1-78:2

Armstrong and Allen labour to emphasize that Israel and Judah are separate and distinct, and both authors bring forth the different names by which each kingdom was known.

(26) HWA 83:6 = JHA 67:6-69:3

Armstrong and Allen emphasize that the two kingdoms are referred to sometimes by their respective capitols.

(27) HWA 82:5 = JHA 71:2

Armstrong "Jews are Israelites, just as Californians are Americans. But MOST Israelites are not Jews, just as most Americans are not Californians."

Allen: "Understand us: we do not say that the Jews are not Israelites; they belong to the posterity of Jacob, who was called Israel; hence they are Israelites. But the great bulk of Israelites are not the Jews, just as the great bulk of Americans are not Californians, and yet all Californians are Americans..."

This similarity is important for I cannot recall any other British-Israel author making the analogy between Jew-Israelite and Californian-American (although my memory may err) before Allen.

Allen borrowed this idea from Rev. W. H. Poole who wrote in his 1880's Anglo-Israel; or the Saxon Race Proved to be the Lost Tribes of Israel in Nine Lectures the following: "All Jews are Israelites but not all Israelites are Jews, just as all Englishmen are Britons but not all Britons are Englishmen." Allen Americanized Poole.

US & BC Chapter 7

(28) HWA 94:7 = JHA 164:3

Armstrong and Allen point out that Jeremiah was one of only three men the Scripture declares to have been sanctified before their births.

(29) HWA 94:8-95:2 = JHA 165:3-6

Armstrong and Allen describe Jeremiah's calling.

(30) HWA 95:3 = JHA 166:1

Armstrong and Allen state that Jeremiah was placed over "nations".

(31) HWA 95:6-96:7 = JHA 166:2-167:1

Armstrong and Allen state that it is "well known" that Jeremiah was used to pull down the Davidic throne and replant it in Israel.

(32) HWA 100:5-9 = JHA 190:3-191:1

Armstrong and Allen relate that Jeremiah was freed from prison and went to Mizpah. Notice: 'Where did he go?"

(33) HWA 100:10 = JHA 191:2

Armstrong-. "Now this Gedeliah..."

Allen: "This Gedeliah..."

(34) HWA 100:10- 101:1 = JHA 191:2-193:1

Armstrong and Allen relate the assassination of Gedeliah and the carrying away of the people of Mizpah by Ishmael. Special note is made of Jeremiah and the king's daughters.

(35) HWA 101:5-102:5 = JHA 193:4-195:2

Armstrong and Allen relate Johanan's flight to Egypt.

(36) HWA 102:6 = JHA 195:3

Armstrong and Allen relate how Baruch's life is safeguarded by God.

(37) HWA 102:9 = JHA 197:4

Armstrong and Allen refer to the daughters of Zedekiah as "royal material."

US & BC Chapter 9

(38) HWA 11 2:1 = JHA 223:3

Armstrong and Allen relate that Israel was to abide many days without a king.

(39) HWA 11 2:2 = JHA 223:2

Armstrong and Allen quote the prophecy in 2 Samuel 7:10 saying, "Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them..."

(40) HWA 11 3:4 = JHA 225:3

Armstrong and Allen refer to Hosea 12: 1, "Ephraim... follows after an east wind."

(41) HWA 11 3:5 = JHA 226:2

Armstrong and Allen quote Psalm 89:25

(42) HWA 114:4 = JHA 227:1-2

Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah 49:3, 6, 12

(43) HWA 114:7 = JHA 226:3

Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah 49:1-3.

(44) HWA 114:8 = JHA 226:2

Armstrong and Allen refer to Jeremiah 31:9.

(45) HWA 114:9 = JHA 227:3

Armstrong and Allen refer to Isaiah 41:1.

(46) HWA 116 "Dan A Serpent's Trail" = JHA 250 "Dan-The Serpent's Trail"

Armstrong and Allen use a similar chapter/section heading

(47) HWA 11 6:9 = JHA 250:2

Armstrong and Allen quote Genesis 49:17

(48) HWA 11 7:2 = JHA 250:3

Armstrong and Allen discuss Dan's allotted territory in Palestine.

(49) HWA 11 7:2 = JHA 260:2

Armstrong and Allen mention how Dan took Mahaneh-dan.

(50) HWA 11 7:3 = JHA 260:3

Armstrong and Allen mention how 600 Danites took Laish and called it Dan.

(51) HWA 11 8:34 = JHA 263:3

Armstrong and Allen give lists of Dan-type place names.

Allen's list: Armstrong's list:

Danube

Dniester Dniester

Don

Danau Danau

Dan-inn Dan-inn

Dan-aster Dan-aster

Dan-dari Dan-dari

Dan-ez Dan-ez

Daci

Davi

Don Dan

Dan Don

Udon Udon

Eridon Eridon

Danes Danes

Denmark Dan-emerke

This list of place names is very important for it clearly demonstrates that Armstrong was copying out of Allen. Notice that the lists differ only in what Armstrong omits! This is quite important for the argument that both authors are making is that Europe and the British Isles are Eternally filled with Dan-" place names which mark the movement of the tribe of Dan. Yet Armstrong does not add any new Dan-type place name to his list despite the alleged abundance from which to choose.

(52) HWA 117:8 = JHA 266:1

Armstrong and Allen discuss the Tuatha de Danaan.

(53) HWA 117:8-118:1 = JHA 266:4-267:2

More Dan-type place names.

Allen's list: Armstrong's list:

Dan Laugh Dans-Lough

San Sower Dan Sower

Dan Monism

Dan dalke Dan Dalke

Dun drum Dun drum

Don-egal Bay Don-egal Bay

Don-egal City Don-egal City

Dun-glow Dun-glow

Lon-don-den-y Lon-don-derry

Dingle Dingle

Dun-garven

Duns-more Duns-more

Again, Armstrong only subtracts from the list does not add any new names in spite of the declared abundance. Note also that both authors relate that Duns-more means 'More Dans' without explaining the meaning of any other Dan placename,

(54) HWA 118:1 = JHA 267:1

Armstrong and Allen relate that Dunn in Irish means judge, just as Dan in Hebrew means judge.

(55) HWA 118:5 = JHA 267:2

More Dan-type place names.

Allen's list: Armstrong's list:

Dundee Dundee

Dunkirk

Dunbar

Dunraven Dunraven

See comment for (51) and (53).

(56) HWA 121:1 = JHA 228:4

In relating how Jeremiah came to Ireland, both authors give the different names by which Baruch is known in various histories.

Armstrong: "Simon Brach, Breck, Berech, Brach, Berach"

Allen: "Simon Brach, Breck, Brack, Barech, Berach"

(57) HWA 121:3 = JHA 228:4

Armstrong: "Jeremiah brought with them some remarkable things, including a harp, an ark, and a wonderful stone called 'lia-fail' or 'stone of destiny."'

Allen: "This royal party brought with them many remarkable things. Among these was the harp, an ark, and the wonderful stone called Lia-fail, or stone of destiny..."

I must admit that at this point in the analysis I thoroughly lost interest in continuing. While it might be possible that one or two of the previous 57 points could be attributed to coincidence, it is unbelievable that all of the parallels of arguments and the numerous exact wordings could be coincidence.

The conclusion I reach, as I think the reader shall also reach, is that significant portions of Armstrong's work were taken from Allen's work. Armstrong follows Allen's arrangement of material, development of argument and, occasionally, even Allen's wording. Armstrong omits most of the historical material in Allen.

But is this plagiarism? Former member of The Beatles, George Harrison, was sued for plagiarism because his song My Sweet Lord closely resembled the much earlier song He's So Fine. To determine if Harrison plagiarized the earlier song, My Sweet Lord was compared to other songs that appeared to sound like He's So Fine. It was determined that although there may have been a surface similarity, the underlying musical forms were substantially different for the other songs, and only Harrison's song demonstrated such a close affinity to He's So Fine. The composer prevailed against Harrison.

Therefore, to settle the question as to Armstrong's plagiarism of Allen, in addition to the material presented above we must ask ourselves one final question: Does any other British-Israel writing demonstrate as close a relationship with Allen as does Armstrong? I have about 30 British-Israel books in my private library, and I have read an additional 50 or so other works at various libraries around the country. I have never found one book that demonstrates such a remarkable similarity to Allen as does Armstrong. I challenge anyone to find another British-Israel book that so closely resembles Allen.

In my opinion, point (3), from the beginning of this article, is proved. The only honest conclusion is that Armstrong plagiarized Allen.

Now for the obvious question: does the plagiarism matter?

My answer is, "no". Armstrong's plagiarism does not diminish the truth of what he wrote. It does not affect our responsibility to that truth. It does not alter our work. It does not change the fact, in my opinion, that God used him to restore many vital truths to His Church.

Did Armstrong intentionally plagiarize? Yes. Armstrong may have had a limited formal education, but it is inconceivable that a man who was capable of running his own advertising business, and who later ran a $200-million-a-year church, was too dull to know what he was doing. Mr. Armstrong was quite intelligent and very capable.

Moreover, we are all familiar with his ', six-month, intensive, day and night study" at the Portland library while he was trying to disprove several doctrines. Surely during that six month study he encountered things known as footnotes and bibliographies. But perhaps citing sources was not as critical then as now, someone will argue. That is simply not true-literary conventions regarding recognition of another's work and appropriate citation have not changed that dramatically in 60 years, and if they had Armstrong had opportunity to properly cite Allen with each new edition of the US&BC.

Editors comment.

One of the problems that people have is that, when they have heard a man speak with such authority as if he KNOWS; then it does become a mind blowing shock to find that the authority figure has LIED. A very powerful authoritarian figure does invariably attract people who are weak. When that idol has been dragged down, then at the extreme, people have committed suicide rather than admit they have been partly wrong; they simply cannot withstand the emotional trauma of it all. There is obviously people who still think Herbert wonderful but the numbers are dropping.

Armstrong clearly knew he was lying when he copied Allen and spent the rest of his life in a massive cover up. Armstrong recognised the brilliance of Allen in the way that Allen wrote things. Allen obviously recognised the cleverness of Poole. Rather than glorify Armstrong; Armstrong should have glorified God in the knowledge that was revealed to Allen.

We would like to thank the Servants News people and others for this exposure. Servants News are at P.O. Box 220, Charlotte, Michigan 48813-0220 USA.

The additional ideas that we have got hold of to date in association with the Identity Doctrine is that of the Dardanelles, coming from the line of Judah. Zarah of the scarlet thread (Gen 38:28); the Red Handed one is identified as the red hand of Ulster, Northern Ireland.

Both New Zealanders and Australians can refer to their girls as "Sheila's". This comes from the Irish Shelah the maker of fine linen. Origin, 1 Chronicles 4:21. Southern Ireland today is known as "Eire". The ancient Irish language was "Erse", from Er The ancient line of Kings was planted in Ireland about 1700 B.C.. In other words the tribes of Israel were in ALL of Ireland over a thousand years before Catholicism was a twinkle in its rotten fathers eye.

This latest data to us comes from Britain's Royal Throne by Foster, B.I.W.F 8 Blades Court Deodar Road, Putney, London SW15 2NU. UK.

President Bill (the age of terrorism in northern Ireland is over) Clinton, should now discreetly and quietly ride off into the sunset.

We would like to thank the people of Cove for help with clothing and Bibles for Ghana, and the people of UK for financial donations to start us moving forward. We are glad to say that the Church of God is moving forward in different parts of the world and more people are coming forward to be a part of the ministry. There are many readers in the Cove area taking the Countdown Magazine.

Alex Cain

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Copyright© Church of God 1999

We have all got to be prepared to change for the better, so next month, Jesus Christ was not a Jew - as Jews are now defined.