Stephanie's Reviews > The World in Flames: A Black Boyhood in a White Supremacist Doomsday Cult

I had been a member of the Worldwide Church of God cult for almost 35 years, and so I approached reading Mr. Walker’s book (which I won in a Goodreads Giveaway) with some trepidation. Though I purposefully went through cult deprogramming 18 years ago, the deleterious effects of my involvement in the church were long lasting and deep and there was not one area of my life that it left untouched. Would reading this resurrect feelings from my own experience that would be better left alone, I wondered? However, my disquietude was soon dispelled, as this was the best and most telling reproof of the Worldwide Church of God (aka “Armstrongism”) I have ever read.

I attended two of the church’s college campuses, taught at Ambassador College, and held another influential position at the church’s headquarters for an additional 15 years. I sincerely thought I was doing good in the world, and so convinced myself to turn a blind eye to the miasma that swirled around me. I knew all the players from the top down, as well as the organization’s inner workings, and was privy to things I never should have ignored. This is all water under the bridge now, but I mention it because there are those who are or who have been associated with this church who refuse to accept Mr. Walker’s story as authentic. Though he “interprets” things from a child’s limited perspective (a remarkable literary achievement, by the way), it is not unlike the way many adult church members thought and felt. Critical thinking was adamantly discouraged, and simplistic unquestioning faith in the leadership was repetitively preached and taught (one of many trademarks of brainwashing). So, to me, Mr. Walker’s memoir rings entirely true.

I applaud the author for his even-handed treatment of the “WCG,” the identifying shorthand we members used to reference the church. His afflicted upbringing in the church by well-meaning African American parents who were both blind is heartbreaking. Mr. Walker did not attempt—or need to—garner sympathy or outrage with any embellishments because none were needed—the raw facts speak for themselves, loud and clear.

This book could well have been a bitter diatribe—justifiably so—but it is not. It could have been a cathartic invective meant to expiate the author’s angst and pain—but it is not. This is not to say that is it not a disturbing read—it most certainly is. My heart sank and my blood boiled many times while reading this. For anyone who knows nothing about cults, or who may find themselves interested in joining one of the slew that are out there, it is a must-read cautionary tale. Contrary to popular belief, anyone can be seduced into a cult—intelligence, education, success, emotional stability, or strong, healthy family ties are not absolute “protections” against getting drawn in. Why it can happen is a discussion for another time and place. But most importantly, if anyone coming across this book who suspects they may be caught up in a cult and is beginning to examine the wisdom of his or her allegiance (especially if children are involved), this is a vital read that should not be ignored.

Although this book only follows Mr. Walker into young adulthood, where his life begins to unravel, I was happy to learn that he has written subsequent accounts of his healing journey. The battles to reclaim one’s life after exiting a cult are arduous and hard won. Kudos to Mr. Walker for soldiering on and for having the courage to share his story.