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The '''House of Yahweh''' is an established multi-profit religious organization based in ] and officially recognized by the United States, Canada and Israel as a legitimate religion. The Pastor and Overseer over The House of Yahweh is ] (born Buffalo Bill Hawkins), who is a prolific author and speaker. The HoY is not exclusive but claims membership of all races from nations all over the globe welcoming all, they say, who will repent of sin and follow Yahweh's Law. The House of Yahweh should not be confused or associated with other groups that use the name of Yahweh such as The Assemblies of Yahweh, The Yahweh Nation or others.


{{short description|Religious group based in Texas, United States}}
===Beliefs===
{{for|the biblical term|House of Yahweh (biblical term)}}
The House of Yahweh believes, likes all religions, that they are the one true faith as revealed by the Creator from the beginning and reestablished again in what they believe are the prophesied end times.
{{pp|small=yes}}
Along with other sacred name groups, the HoY recognizes ] as the name of the Creator and Heavenly Father. They recognize ] as the name of Yahweh's Son and Messiah. Unlike other sacred name groups however, the HoY uses the names of Yahweh and Yahshua exclusively. The HoY teaches that all other titles, such as God (], ], Theos, Deus, etc.), Lord (], ], Kyrios, Dominus, etc.), Jesus and Christ are names and/or titles of pagan beings that were forced onto the true "Mighty One." (Hawkins refuses to even call Yahweh a god, teaching that their bible refers to Satan, not Yahweh, as "the god of this world"). The use of the names "Yahweh" and "Yahshua" are believed to be essential to salvation. The name "Jehovah" (and its variants) is also shunned as an error dating from the middle ages. ''See the article ] for more information.''
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| founder = {{nowrap|Yisrayl Hawkins}}
| founded_date = 1980
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<!--Merged content from ] to here. See ].-->
The '''House of Yahweh''' ('''HOY''') is a religious group based in ]. The assembly has been controversial and is referred to as a ] by former members.<ref>{{cite web|title=House Of Yahweh: A Darker Sect Than FLDS|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/house-of-yahweh-a-darker-sect-than-flds/|work=CBSNews|date=13 May 2008 |publisher=Associated Press|access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref>


==Founder==
To the casual observer The HoY appear simply to be "]" or some other combination of ] and ]. The organization makes no claim to be associated with either of these major faiths (or for that matter, any other faith) and that both of them (Christianity especially) are corrupt and false.
Yisrayl Hawkins (also known as "Buffalo Bill" Hawkins) is HOY's founder.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=Brian|title=Texas Doomsday Prophet Faces Bigamy Charges|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5018120&page=1|work=The Blotter|publisher=ABC News|access-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> In 1974, his brother, J. G. (Yaaqob) Hawkins, returned from a seven-year visit to Israel claiming he had "found proof of Yahweh's name". Shortly after, he formed the "first House of Yahweh" in ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Arnn|first=Philip|title=House of Yahweh|url=http://www.watchman.org/profiles/house-of-yahweh/|work=Watchman Fellowship|access-date=5 May 2012}}</ref> He preached distinct doctrines that his brother agreed with, such as the necessity of referring to the ] as ] and the ] as ], as well as following the ] and the ].


In 1980, Hawkins legally changed his first name to Yisrayl, and began The House of Yahweh ] at his home. Hawkins says he and his brother were prophesied in both the ] and ]s as the ], sent by Yahweh to prepare the world for the ] of Yahshua the Messiah.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|journal=The Prophetic Word|date=7 June 1991|pages=76}}</ref>
===Similarities to Judaism===
Like Judaism, The HoY teaches the keeping of the ] (consisting of the body of 613 laws and rules found in the ]). Members adhere to a ] diet, free of pork, shellfish and blood. They also wear garments similar to the Jewish ] and ] (but only in worship services and private prayer). Members regularly perform ritual ablutions and are baptized and blessed when they become a member (Christian baptism is seen as an Old Testament concept stemming from these ablutions). The keeping of these laws, they claim, is the answer to all the world's problems (sickness, poverty, war, hatred, crime etc.). HoY members strive to obtain a high standard of ethical and moral conduct defined by the 613 Laws and claim they cover every aspect of life. These laws, they say, promote true peace and teach true love for Yahweh and one's fellow man. The HoY teaches that "love" is not a feeling of affection, but instead "love" is obedience to the laws of Yahweh.


Hawkins has written numerous books concerning Yahweh's laws and prophecies. Some are
====Festivals====
''The Mark of the Beast'' Vol. 1 & 2, ''The Lost Faith of the Apostles and Prophets'','' Deceptions Concerning Yahweh's Calendar Of Events'', ''Devil Worship: The Shocking Facts!'', ''Unveiling Satan!'', ''The End'', ''In Search of a Savior'', ''There Is Someone Out There'', ''The Two Witnesses'', and ''The Peaceful Solution''. Hawkins was the primary editor<!--the book itself lists him as "author", so it is self referencing--> of ''The Book of Yahweh: The Holy Scriptures'', now in its 10th edition, which is, according to the House of Yahweh "the most correct and accurate translation of the Holy Scriptures that is available today."<ref>{{cite book |title=The Book of Yahweh: The Holy Scriptures |date=2012 |publisher=The House of Yahweh |location="Location 526" in the online Kindle e-book reader |isbn=978-1-937282-02-8 |edition=10th Edition, Ebook Version 1.0: 3-2012 |language=en |quote="... ''The Book of Yahweh'' is the most correct and accurate translation of the Holy Scriptures that is available today."}}</ref> With its use of the name Yahweh throughout the New Testament, it fits into the category of ].
Like Judaism (and some para-Christian groups), The HoY keeps the seventh day Sabbath as opposed to the Sunday "Lord's Day". ], ], and ] are not celebrated, but the House of Yahweh keeps the annual festivals of the Old Testament instead (Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost (Shabuot), The Feast of Trumpets (which Judaism calls "Rosh Hashana"), The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot).


Hawkins died on 8 October 2021.<ref>{{cite news |author=KTXS Staff |title=Yisrayl Hawkins, the leader of The House of Yahweh has died |url=https://ktxs.com/news/local/yisrayl-hawkins-the-leader-of-the-house-of-yahweh-has-died |access-date=15 October 2021 |work=KTXS |date=10 October 2021}}</ref>
In addition to these, once a year on the evening before Passover, members hold a solemn observance they call Yahshua's Memorial. This is their version of Communion or "The Lord's Supper" and they partake of unleavened bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Yahshua. It is not to be confused with the joyous Passover celebration on the following evening, but is observed on the night before when Yahshua was betrayed and is a time of quiet introspection. Members also wash one another's feet and Miriam (Mary) Magdalene is remembered on this night as well.


==Beliefs==
HoY members believe that The House of Yahweh Sanctuary, located in Abilene, Texas, is the place established by prophecy as the only place on earth where Yahweh's Feasts are to be observed at this time and three times a year they make a pilgrimage from all over the world to Abilene to celebrate Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
The House of Yahweh believes that it is the oldest and only true faith, as instituted by Yahweh, according to the Bible. Many of the groups teachings are similar to those of ] and the Sabbatarian ].<ref name="House of Yahweh a Dangerous Cult">{{cite web|title=House of Yahweh a Dangerous Cult|url=http://www.exitsupportnetwork.com/letters/ltrs01.htm|work=Exit and Support Network|access-date=17 January 2012|archive-date=14 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114163633/http://www.exitsupportnetwork.com/letters/ltrs01.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Similar to ], the HOY believes the world will soon experience the ] and that the Bible refers to ] as the god of this world, and that "she" has the entire world deceived.
===Similarities to Christianity===
Like Christianity, members believe in the Messiah, whom they refer to as Yahshua (Hebrew for "Yahweh is salvation"). They teach that Yahshua Messiah is the Son of Yahweh but was begotten in the flesh, being born a man. He became the son of Yahweh at the time he was baptized by Yahchanan the Immerser (John the Baptist). Yahweh confirmed this when He spoke from Heaven. He lived a perfect life as our example by keeping Yahweh's 613 Laws (sin is defined as the breaking of any of these laws and by keeping them Yahshua was without sin).


HOY believes Yahweh is the name of the creator of the world, and that Yahshua is the name of the Son of Yahweh, and that he is their messiah. They teach that any other titles—such as ] (], ]), Lord (], ]), ], ] and ]—are names or titles of ] beings or idols, or are mistakes, that have been falsely ascribed to Yahweh.<ref name=Watchman>{{citation |last= Arnn |first= Philip |title= House of Yahweh |url= http://www.watchman.org/profile/yahpro.htm |work= The Watchman Expositor | publisher= ] |access-date= 2012-03-28 |volume= 12 |issue= 3 |year= 1995}}</ref>
He was said to have been framed for insurrection but His true "crime" was the "heresy" of openly using Yahweh's Name (which by this time was considered too holy to say) and keeping the Laws while rejecting many of the popular traditions and customs. After an illegal trial where He was flogged and tortured, He was nailed to a pole (not a ]) and executed by the civil authorities. He died for our sins as a spotless sin/atonement offering, becoming a Passover Lamb (his execution is said to have taken place on the preparation day for Passover when the lambs were being slaughtered and prepared for the Passover Seder commencing after sunset). He was buried in the late afternoon on a Wednesday just prior to sunset. Three days and three nights later just prior to sunset on Saturday evening, he was resurrected from the dead. Subsequently, some 40 days later, he ascended into Heaven to sit as High Priest over the House of Yahweh. He is waiting until the prophesied "end-time" to return as King of Kings, establishing Yahweh's Kingdom on Earth and preventing humankind from ultimately destroying themselves.


Its beliefs are also similar to those of ], as the assembly follows the Torah, the ] and rules found in the ]. They believe the observance of these laws promotes peace and love, and is an answer to many problems in the world. Members adhere to a ] diet, strictly following the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, and wear garments similar to the Jewish ] and '']'' in worship services and private prayer. Members regularly perform ], and are baptized when they join the assembly.
====Yahweh's exclusivity====
The Pastor of the HoY, Yisrayl Hawkins/Hakahan is called “king”, “father”, and claims to soon receive full power of his mind when he will be able to read HoY members’ minds and answer their prayers. His name is used in opening and closing prayers now, and he claims to live a sinless life, and that he will be sitting on the “throne” next to Yahweh, with Yahshua. All prayers must go through the elders and then Yisrayl Hawkins before Yahweh will hear those prayers. Everything the members own is dedicated to the HoY. The HoY instructs members to not buy anything from the outside “world” to keep themselves from defilement. (stores, restaurants, etc.) So, the HoY has stores and restaurants for the members to spend their money on. All purchases (food, clothing, supplies, cars, meals, homes, property, medical, etc…) are recorded as donations to keep tax exempt.Yisrayl Hawkins told his members “If we don’t have it then you don’t need it!” to prevent the members from buying anything from anyone other than the HoY. Members must pay 3 tithes out of everything they own, receive, use. Even if a member uses toilet paper some place other than their home, they must pay a tithe on that amount of toilet paper. They also pay endless offerings (fees for several things), taxes, and other charges.
Females are the property of males in the HoY. Females are bought and sold, beginning at puberty and up, for wives, servants, concubines, and slaves, for up to tens of thousands of dollars. A man may buy as many as he wants. Yisrayl Hawkins himself has several wives of an undetermined amount. (He is a wealthy and powerful man, who owns a lot of property in Abilene, Texas and in Clyde, Texas.) A man may punish her any way he deems fit. She is not even allowed to speak without her “head’s” permission. Females’ prayers must go through their “heads” (owners), and then to the elders, and then to Yisrayl Hawkins, before Yahweh will hear their prayers. The males are the “heads”. A female is forbidden to say anything negative about her “head” to anyone. Females are not allowed to visit each other except in the sanctuary, at classes, and in meetings, when they are under the eyes and supervision of the elders and the elders’ wives. The elders’s wives are priestesses and judges of all females in the HoY. Females are taught that it is better to suffer under her “head” than to be judged unrighteous, rebellious, or unsubmissive. Females are told that if they do not completely submit to their “heads” then their children will die a horrible eternal death and the ten generations of children after them. Females will not tell the truths of the HoY because they are kept in constant fear of “judgment”. Marriage certificates are not given, so women cannot prove who they are married to to authorities. Many females are on welfare and foodstamps because their husbands (heads) do not provide for them or the children. Many females list father unknown on their children’s birth certificates because it is a law of Yahweh to also guard and protect their husbands, so they have to keep their private lives, and marriages, secret. They make vows unto death, at their marriage ceremonies, to not reveal their marriages to outsiders.
Members are forbidden to tell anyone on the outside about the activities of the HoY. Their “613 laws of Yahweh” command them to guard/protect the HoY, and forbids them to dishonor the HoY. Members are told that a lie is only a sin if the lie is a false accusation of evil, and that they should lie to outsiders to keep the law of guarding the HoY, or face eternal death. The members are instructed exactly what to say to outsiders and to social services and government authorities. Many members take vows unto death to not reveal anything about the HoY to outsiders. The HoY publishes several literature materials (magazines, pamphlets and books) to sell to the public. None of their secret activities are revealed in their literature. The literature is for attracting new members. The new members are not exposed to the secret activities of the HoY until the eldes are sure the new members are fully committed to the HoY and willing to make the vow unto death for the HoY. The new members must prove their commitment first before all is revealed to them.


HOY instructs its members to ] 10% of all their increases as said in the Bible.
In HoY theology, Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe. Yahshua Messiah gave all glory, honor and obedience to Yahweh Who is not a ], but one individual being with no equal or partners. (The trinity doctrine is seen as a horrible blasphemy with its origins not found in scripture, but in ancient pagan religions.) Yahshua is not seen as a divine being, nor did he preexist before his conception by Miriam (Mary). The ] is Yahweh's creative force, not a personal being.


===Feasts===
Unlike either Judaism or Christianity, they make no distinction between the "Old" and "New" Testaments, claiming the "New Testament" (or covenant) is not new but is a continuation and "renewal" of the Old Testament, reaffirming and reestablishing it, interpreting Yahshua's teaching that "I have not come to destroy the law but to fulfil it" in this way. In addition, The HoY rejects religious customs and traditions that conflict with their interpretation of the Torah.
Like Judaism and Armstrongism, HOY keeps the ]<ref>{{cite web|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|title=Sermons - Join us for Live Sabbath Services each week|url=http://www.yahweh.com/sermons.html|work=House of Yaweh|access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref> and the annual feasts of the ], including ], the ], ], ], and ], as well as the fast-day called ].<ref>{{cite web|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|title=Feast Information|url=http://www.yahweh.com/feast_info.html|work=House of Yaweh|access-date=17 January 2012}}</ref>


Once a year on ], members hold a solemn observance they call "Yahshua's Memorial" in memory of the ]. The assembly shares ] and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Yahshua, and members wash one another's feet. The following evening, the assembly celebrates ].
In the attempt to purify true religion from pagan elements, all "pagan" names, words, and concepts are eschewed. They also publish an edition of the ] (''The Book of Yahweh''), which removes any and all words or concepts which are thought to be pagan corruptions, including removal of God/Elohim in favor of "Yahweh", as well as changing names to remove these influcence (e.g. Yliyah for ], Yechetzqyah for ], Riyyah for ], Yahchanan for ] etc.). Their claim is that The Book of Yahweh is the most accurate English translation of the Bible available today.


], ] and ] are not celebrated, as they believe they are pagan rituals and customs in observance of other gods. Unlike Judaism and Armstrongism, HOY believes The House of Yahweh Sanctuary in ] is the only place on earth where celebratory feasts are to be observed, and three times a year they make a pilgrimage to Abilene to celebrate Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
] is seen as the founder of all the false religions, and anyone who praises any god is worshiping the devil. Satan is also a female, and was Yahweh's wife before she rebelled and tried to take His throne. This is not a teaching unique to The House of Yahweh (some scholars claim this was common knowledge prior to the Dark Ages and is reflected in early Christian art), but is considered by many outsiders as one of their distinctives.


===Rejection of Trinitarianism===
The HoY is ruled by a large body of Elders (who serve as priests) and assisted by Deacons and Deaconesses. These are all recommended and then chosen by lot.
Unlike ], the House of Yahweh teaches that Yahshua (Jesus) was born a man, and ], "the firstborn among many brothers", when he was baptized by ]. They believe that he was framed for insurrection, received an illegal trial, and was then flogged, tormented, nailed to a ] (not a ]) and executed by the civil authorities. Similar to Christianity, they teach that he died for the ]s of man as an ] offering or ], and in so doing he became a ]. The House of Yahweh teaches that he was buried at sunset, and three days later, he was resurrected from the dead, subsequently ascending into ] 40 days later. They believe that he is waiting until the prophesied ] to return to Earth, establishing Yahweh's Kingdom on Earth and preventing humankind from ultimately destroying themselves.<ref name=Watchman />


===Yahweh's exclusivity===
The House of Yahweh was established by Yisrayl Hawkins and his late brother Yaakob (Jacob) Hawkins who are said to be the two witnesses prophesied in the ] and Isayah (Isaiah) to restore the true worship of Yahweh before the return of Yahshua and the end of the world, which will happen soon.
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2018}}
According to the assembly, Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe. Yahshua (Jesus) is not believed to be a divine being, and is not thought to preexist before his conception. They believe that the ] in the original scriptures is "The every word of Yahweh, the Law and the Prophets".


Unlike either Judaism or Christianity, and similarly to Armstrongism, they make no distinction between the ] and the ], claiming the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament, reaffirming and reestablishing it. In addition, the House of Yahweh rejects religious customs that conflict with their interpretation of the Torah.
===Controversy===
Several experts have labelled the House of Yahweh as a ] because some of its beliefs and practices stray from those of mainstream Christianity. The HoY teaches that it is the only way to salvation in these "last days". Hawkins is accused of being a demagogue and having total control of the members of the house of Yahweh, as evidenced by many HoY members changing their last names to "Hawkins" (from the Hebrew "Ha Kohan" or "the priest") in honor of their leader. It should be noted however that the changing of names for religious reasons is nothing unique to the HoY. Hawkins is also said to teach in favor of polygamy and arranged marriages. Accusations abound of members of the HoY practicing polygamy, but there has been no proof of such allegations. While not claiming to practice polygamy,The HoY takes a strong stand in refusing to condemn the practice, since the Bible itself doesn't condemn it, but in fact makes provision for it. Former members have accused him and his subordinates of abuse, mind control, and similar authoritarian measures to keep his control over the membership. Both Hawkins and the HoY have been thoroughly investigated by the authorities, including the FBI, and the media. Many such accusations have been leveled against The HoY, mostly by disgruntled ex-members or sensationalistic media in the aftermath of the incident at the Branch Davidian Church in Waco, Texas. Investigative authorities say that no evidence supporting these allegations has been discovered. For more information on these controversies please see other sites listed below.


In an attempt to purify their religion of pagan elements, all pagan names, words, and concepts are eschewed. They also publish an edition of the ] (''The Book of Yahweh''), which removes any and all words or concepts which they believe are pagan corruptions, including removal of God/] in favor of Yahweh, as well as changing names to remove these influences (e.g. ''Yliyah'' for ], ''Yechetzqyah'' for ], ''Riyyah'' for ], and ''Yahchanan'' for ]).
The House of Yahweh points out frequently to its detractors that many made false accusations about Yahshua Messiah and ultimately executed him. Whatever the truth might be, in all fairness it should be noted that the word "cult" has come to be misused and abused in current usage and has taken on a negative connotation, being used to defame certain "non-conformist" groups who stray from conventional religious thought. By definition, all religions are cults.


==Failed "end times" predictions==
===The Jewish Temple Rebuilt===
* 1999–In a ] documentary entitled ''Welcome to Armageddon'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idfa.nl/en/film/1ba48c14-a4d5-4cb6-ae20-57191f9b90dc/welcome-to-armageddon?filters=60 |title=Welcome to Armageddon |website=] |date=1999}}</ref> Hawkins stated: "Four fifths of the world's population is going to be wiped out between now and about the middle of the year 2002. Mark it on your calendar. Four fifths of the world's population." When the interviewer asked: "What if what you're saying doesn't happen?", Hawkins replied: "There is no possibility that it could not take place just as I have told you."
* September 12, 2006–Hawkins announced in the House of Yahweh newsletter (February 2006) that a nuclear war would begin on September 12, 2006. He claimed that it was a part of HOY's commission to warn the nations and the people of the world. Hawkins was interviewed on the Channel 4 web show "thisisaknife" about his apocalyptic predictions. Among other things, he claimed that Abilene, Texas, would be saved from the impending destruction, and invited the show's presenter to join him there so he would be safe.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|title=Nuclear War Starts 9-12-2006|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK36gJH0PHI|work=YouTube|date=8 September 2006 |publisher=House of Yaweh|access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref>


:]n followers of the House of Yahweh believe that ] began on or before September 12, 2006, and that members of the House Of Yahweh would have survived the coming ]. The specific prophecy appeared on the front page of HOY's website prior to the date. It is also addressed in the publication ''The End'' by Yisrayl Hawkins. That same year, the leaders of the sect in Kenya were arrested, and subsequently released on bail after giving assurances that they would refrain from inciting fear in the local population. Following the predicted ] date predicted by the Kenyan sect, leaders of the group have reportedly fled Kenya.<ref></ref>
Since its establishment in 1979, The House of Yahweh has been actively involved in a peaceful solution to rebuilding the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. They have maintained open dialogue with Jewish and Palestinian leaders, both religious and political, promoting their plan. They have patented blueprints and models of the proposed temple which they say will be built on the current Temple Mount. This temple would be situated just north of the Muslim Dome of the Rock Mosque. Prophecy, they say, shows that the Jewish Temple and the Muslim Mosque will share the Temple Mount standing side-by-side and that the Mosque need not be destroyed as is believed by many Christians and Jews. Their proposed plan, they say, will go a long way in establishing peace in the war-torn Middle East.


* June 12, 2007–Hawkins amended his prediction to state that a nuclear war was only conceived on September 12, 2006, and that it would follow the natural birth cycle of a woman, finally being "born" nine months later on June 12, 2007. On May 7, 2007, a new counter was put up on his website, counting down to the June 12 birth date of the "Nuclear Baby". Whether the entire nuclear event was to take place on that date, or in the months leading up to it as well, was never made clear. He also stated that by October 13, 2007, four-fifths or 80% of the human race would be dead from nuclear war.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|title=July 14, 2007 sermon|url=http://www.yahweh.com/MediaDownloads/Audio/Sermons/MP3/2007-07-14.mp3|work=House of Yaweh|access-date=26 January 2012}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Publications===
* June 12, 2008–Hawkins stated that nuclear war would begin on June 12, 2008. Since the passing of this date without incident, Hawkins has yet to predict another date for a nuclear war.
* December 24, 2016–The group claimed that nuclear destruction would occur before Christmas 2016, so members attended and watched, but nothing happened.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ross|first=Brian|title=Texas Sect Leader: Doomsday Begins Next Thursday, June 12|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=5008225&page=1|work=ABC News|publisher=ABC|access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref>
* In the book ''Birth Of the Nuclear Baby: The Explosion Of Sin'', the group claims that nuclear war did start on September 12, 2006, but that it did not start with bombs dropping.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hawkins|first=Yisrayl|title=ARE NUCLEAR WARS REALLY COMING?|url=http://www.yahweh.com/NUKEBABY/WhatIsTheBabyAl%20About.htm|work=House of Yaweh|access-date=17 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090928025806/http://www.yahweh.com/NUKEBABY/WhatIsTheBabyAl%20About.htm|archive-date=28 September 2009}}</ref>


==Legal issues==
Other than the aforementioned ''Book of Yahweh'', the House of Yahweh publishes many books, pamphlets, and tracts, as Elder Hawkins is a prolific writer. Included among his works are ''Did Yahshua Messiah Pre-Exist'', ''Unveiling Satan: Her True Identity Revealed'', ''The Two Witnesses'' and editorship of ''The Prophetic Word'' magazine. He also has a television broadcast found on the House of Yahweh website, as well as on some ] stations.
In October 2006, a former HOY member pleaded guilty to injury to a child by criminal negligence for performing surgery on her seven-year-old daughter, which led to her death, according to authorities.{{where|date=August 2023}}{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}


On October 16, 2007, Yedidiyah Hawkins, an Elder at HOY, was arrested for sexual assault of his fourteen-year-old stepdaughter. During a forensic interview at the Abilene Police Department's Child Advocacy Center, the child disclosed that the abuse began when she was eight. Documents released by the Callahan County District Attorney's Office following the arrest allege that Hawkins was preparing to marry the unnamed stepdaughter, although the group says that was not true.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2007/oct/18/hawkins-arrested-on-sexual-assault-charge |title=Hawkins arrested on sexual assault charge : Big Country : Abilene Reporter-News<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-10-22 |archive-date=2007-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071023051720/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2007/oct/18/hawkins-arrested-on-sexual-assault-charge/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was subsequently indicted by a Callahan County, Texas Grand Jury on December 12, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2007/dec/12/police-fire-blotter/ |title=APD responds to brief standoff : Police & Fire Blotter : Abilene Reporter-News<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2007-12-25 |archive-date=2007-12-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225070532/http://reporternews.com/news/2007/dec/12/police-fire-blotter/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> On October 27, 2008, a jury for the ] found him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schoenewald|first=Daralyn|title=House of Yahweh's Hawkins sentenced to 30 years for sexual assault|url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/dec/10/house-yahwehs-hawkins-sentenced-30-years/|work=Abilene Reporter-News - December 10, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182536/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/dec/10/house-yahwehs-hawkins-sentenced-30-years/|archive-date=April 16, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Schoenewald|first=Daralyn|title=House of Yahweh's Hawkins sentenced to 30 years for sexual assault |work=The Abilene Reporter - December 10, 2008}}</ref> A motion for a new trial was rejected by a 42nd District Court judge on February 18, 2009. Several other charges are pending until all appeals have been exhausted.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schoenewald|first=Daralyn|title=New trial denied for Yahweh elder Yedidiyah Hawkins|url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/feb/19/new-trial-denied-yahweh-elder-yedidiyah-hawkins/|work=Abilene Reporter-News - February 19, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182540/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/feb/19/new-trial-denied-yahweh-elder-yedidiyah-hawkins/|archive-date=April 16, 2014}}</ref> On July 29, 2010, the Eleventh Court of Appeals in the State of Texas affirmed his conviction.<ref name=Final>{{cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/eleventh-court-of-appeals/2010/9766.html|publisher=Justia.com|date=July 29, 2010|access-date=March 26, 2024|title=Trial Court Cause No. 6641, Memorandum Opinion}}</ref>
===Television===
As of the start of ], ], House of Yahweh's the Prophetic Word Program transmits via ] 24-hours per day to homes in ], ], the ], ] and ].


On February 12, 2008, Yisrayl Hawkins was arrested and then moved to the Taylor County Jail on four counts of bigamy. His bail was set at $10 million, later reduced to $100,000.<ref>{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On October 29, 2009, bigamy charges against him were dismissed after he, following what he believes is the example of the Savior, pleaded no contest to child labor charges. Hawkins was given a fine and probation.<ref>{{cite web|last=Emison|first=Celinda|title=Bigamy charges against House of Yahweh leader Yisrayl Hawkins dropped|url=http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/oct/29/bigamy-charges-against-house-yahweh-leader-yisrayl/|work=Your Abilene Online|publisher=Reporter News|access-date=17 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315063103/http://www.reporternews.com/news/2009/oct/29/bigamy-charges-against-house-yahweh-leader-yisrayl/|archive-date=15 March 2012}}</ref>
===See also===
*]


==See also==
===References and links===
* * ]
* ]
* (Critical)
* ]
* paage on the House of Yahweh (Critical)
* by the Ontario Consultation on Religious Tolerance


==References==
]
{{reflist|2}}
]

==External links==
* {{official website|http://www.yahweh.com/}}
*

{{House of Yahweh}}

]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 04:01, 5 January 2025

32°22′54″N 99°32′14″W / 32.3817°N 99.5373°W / 32.3817; -99.5373

Religious group based in Texas, United States For the biblical term, see House of Yahweh (biblical term).

House of Yahweh
TypeNew religious movement
ScriptureBible
RegionUnited States
HeadquartersEula, Texas
FounderYisrayl Hawkins
Origin1980

The House of Yahweh (HOY) is a religious group based in Eula, Texas. The assembly has been controversial and is referred to as a cult by former members.

Founder

Yisrayl Hawkins (also known as "Buffalo Bill" Hawkins) is HOY's founder. In 1974, his brother, J. G. (Yaaqob) Hawkins, returned from a seven-year visit to Israel claiming he had "found proof of Yahweh's name". Shortly after, he formed the "first House of Yahweh" in Odessa, Texas. He preached distinct doctrines that his brother agreed with, such as the necessity of referring to the Creator as Yahweh and the Messiah as Yahshua, as well as following the Torah and the Jewish festivals.

In 1980, Hawkins legally changed his first name to Yisrayl, and began The House of Yahweh Abilene at his home. Hawkins says he and his brother were prophesied in both the Old and New Testaments as the two witnesses, sent by Yahweh to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Yahshua the Messiah.

Hawkins has written numerous books concerning Yahweh's laws and prophecies. Some are The Mark of the Beast Vol. 1 & 2, The Lost Faith of the Apostles and Prophets, Deceptions Concerning Yahweh's Calendar Of Events, Devil Worship: The Shocking Facts!, Unveiling Satan!, The End, In Search of a Savior, There Is Someone Out There, The Two Witnesses, and The Peaceful Solution. Hawkins was the primary editor of The Book of Yahweh: The Holy Scriptures, now in its 10th edition, which is, according to the House of Yahweh "the most correct and accurate translation of the Holy Scriptures that is available today." With its use of the name Yahweh throughout the New Testament, it fits into the category of sacred name Bibles.

Hawkins died on 8 October 2021.

Beliefs

The House of Yahweh believes that it is the oldest and only true faith, as instituted by Yahweh, according to the Bible. Many of the groups teachings are similar to those of Herbert W. Armstrong and the Sabbatarian Churches of God.

Similar to Armstrongism, the HOY believes the world will soon experience the Great Tribulation and that the Bible refers to Satan as the god of this world, and that "she" has the entire world deceived.

HOY believes Yahweh is the name of the creator of the world, and that Yahshua is the name of the Son of Yahweh, and that he is their messiah. They teach that any other titles—such as God (El, Elohim), Lord (Ba'al, Adonai), Jehovah, Jesus and Christ—are names or titles of pagan beings or idols, or are mistakes, that have been falsely ascribed to Yahweh.

Its beliefs are also similar to those of Judaism, as the assembly follows the Torah, the 613 laws and rules found in the Pentateuch. They believe the observance of these laws promotes peace and love, and is an answer to many problems in the world. Members adhere to a kosher diet, strictly following the dietary laws in Leviticus 11, and wear garments similar to the Jewish yarmulke (kippah) and tallit in worship services and private prayer. Members regularly perform ritual ablutions, and are baptized when they join the assembly.

HOY instructs its members to tithe 10% of all their increases as said in the Bible.

Feasts

Like Judaism and Armstrongism, HOY keeps the seventh-day Sabbath and the annual feasts of the Old Testament, including Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, The Feast of Trumpets, and The Feast of Tabernacles, as well as the fast-day called The Day of Atonement.

Once a year on the evening before Passover, members hold a solemn observance they call "Yahshua's Memorial" in memory of the crucifixion of Jesus. The assembly shares unleavened bread and wine as symbols of the body and blood of Yahshua, and members wash one another's feet. The following evening, the assembly celebrates Passover.

Christmas, Easter and birthdays are not celebrated, as they believe they are pagan rituals and customs in observance of other gods. Unlike Judaism and Armstrongism, HOY believes The House of Yahweh Sanctuary in Eula, Texas is the only place on earth where celebratory feasts are to be observed, and three times a year they make a pilgrimage to Abilene to celebrate Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.

Rejection of Trinitarianism

Unlike Trinitarian Christianity, the House of Yahweh teaches that Yahshua (Jesus) was born a man, and became the son of Yahweh, "the firstborn among many brothers", when he was baptized by John the Baptist. They believe that he was framed for insurrection, received an illegal trial, and was then flogged, tormented, nailed to a pole (not a cross) and executed by the civil authorities. Similar to Christianity, they teach that he died for the sins of man as an atonement offering or blood sacrifice, and in so doing he became a Passover Lamb. The House of Yahweh teaches that he was buried at sunset, and three days later, he was resurrected from the dead, subsequently ascending into Heaven 40 days later. They believe that he is waiting until the prophesied end time to return to Earth, establishing Yahweh's Kingdom on Earth and preventing humankind from ultimately destroying themselves.

Yahweh's exclusivity

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According to the assembly, Yahweh is the only one who deserves worship or adoration, and is the sovereign and only creator and ruler of the universe. Yahshua (Jesus) is not believed to be a divine being, and is not thought to preexist before his conception. They believe that the Holy Spirit in the original scriptures is "The every word of Yahweh, the Law and the Prophets".

Unlike either Judaism or Christianity, and similarly to Armstrongism, they make no distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament, claiming the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament, reaffirming and reestablishing it. In addition, the House of Yahweh rejects religious customs that conflict with their interpretation of the Torah.

In an attempt to purify their religion of pagan elements, all pagan names, words, and concepts are eschewed. They also publish an edition of the Bible (The Book of Yahweh), which removes any and all words or concepts which they believe are pagan corruptions, including removal of God/Elohim in favor of Yahweh, as well as changing names to remove these influences (e.g. Yliyah for Elijah, Yechetzqyah for Ezekiel, Riyyah for Ruth, and Yahchanan for John).

Failed "end times" predictions

  • 1999–In a Channel 4 documentary entitled Welcome to Armageddon, Hawkins stated: "Four fifths of the world's population is going to be wiped out between now and about the middle of the year 2002. Mark it on your calendar. Four fifths of the world's population." When the interviewer asked: "What if what you're saying doesn't happen?", Hawkins replied: "There is no possibility that it could not take place just as I have told you."
  • September 12, 2006–Hawkins announced in the House of Yahweh newsletter (February 2006) that a nuclear war would begin on September 12, 2006. He claimed that it was a part of HOY's commission to warn the nations and the people of the world. Hawkins was interviewed on the Channel 4 web show "thisisaknife" about his apocalyptic predictions. Among other things, he claimed that Abilene, Texas, would be saved from the impending destruction, and invited the show's presenter to join him there so he would be safe.
Kenyan followers of the House of Yahweh believe that the end of the world began on or before September 12, 2006, and that members of the House Of Yahweh would have survived the coming nuclear catastrophe. The specific prophecy appeared on the front page of HOY's website prior to the date. It is also addressed in the publication The End by Yisrayl Hawkins. That same year, the leaders of the sect in Kenya were arrested, and subsequently released on bail after giving assurances that they would refrain from inciting fear in the local population. Following the predicted doomsday date predicted by the Kenyan sect, leaders of the group have reportedly fled Kenya.
  • June 12, 2007–Hawkins amended his prediction to state that a nuclear war was only conceived on September 12, 2006, and that it would follow the natural birth cycle of a woman, finally being "born" nine months later on June 12, 2007. On May 7, 2007, a new counter was put up on his website, counting down to the June 12 birth date of the "Nuclear Baby". Whether the entire nuclear event was to take place on that date, or in the months leading up to it as well, was never made clear. He also stated that by October 13, 2007, four-fifths or 80% of the human race would be dead from nuclear war.
  • June 12, 2008–Hawkins stated that nuclear war would begin on June 12, 2008. Since the passing of this date without incident, Hawkins has yet to predict another date for a nuclear war.
  • December 24, 2016–The group claimed that nuclear destruction would occur before Christmas 2016, so members attended and watched, but nothing happened.
  • In the book Birth Of the Nuclear Baby: The Explosion Of Sin, the group claims that nuclear war did start on September 12, 2006, but that it did not start with bombs dropping.

Legal issues

In October 2006, a former HOY member pleaded guilty to injury to a child by criminal negligence for performing surgery on her seven-year-old daughter, which led to her death, according to authorities.

On October 16, 2007, Yedidiyah Hawkins, an Elder at HOY, was arrested for sexual assault of his fourteen-year-old stepdaughter. During a forensic interview at the Abilene Police Department's Child Advocacy Center, the child disclosed that the abuse began when she was eight. Documents released by the Callahan County District Attorney's Office following the arrest allege that Hawkins was preparing to marry the unnamed stepdaughter, although the group says that was not true. He was subsequently indicted by a Callahan County, Texas Grand Jury on December 12, 2007. On October 27, 2008, a jury for the 42nd District Court found him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child. The judge sentenced him to 30 years in prison. A motion for a new trial was rejected by a 42nd District Court judge on February 18, 2009. Several other charges are pending until all appeals have been exhausted. On July 29, 2010, the Eleventh Court of Appeals in the State of Texas affirmed his conviction.

On February 12, 2008, Yisrayl Hawkins was arrested and then moved to the Taylor County Jail on four counts of bigamy. His bail was set at $10 million, later reduced to $100,000. On October 29, 2009, bigamy charges against him were dismissed after he, following what he believes is the example of the Savior, pleaded no contest to child labor charges. Hawkins was given a fine and probation.

See also

References

  1. "House Of Yahweh: A Darker Sect Than FLDS". CBSNews. Associated Press. 13 May 2008. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  2. Ross, Brian. "Texas Doomsday Prophet Faces Bigamy Charges". The Blotter. ABC News. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  3. Arnn, Philip. "House of Yahweh". Watchman Fellowship. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
  4. Hawkins, Yisrayl (7 June 1991). The Prophetic Word: 76. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  5. The Book of Yahweh: The Holy Scriptures (10th Edition, Ebook Version 1.0: 3-2012 ed.). "Location 526" in the online Kindle e-book reader: The House of Yahweh. 2012. ISBN 978-1-937282-02-8. ... The Book of Yahweh is the most correct and accurate translation of the Holy Scriptures that is available today.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  6. KTXS Staff (10 October 2021). "Yisrayl Hawkins, the leader of The House of Yahweh has died". KTXS. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  7. "House of Yahweh a Dangerous Cult". Exit and Support Network. Archived from the original on 14 November 2011. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  8. ^ Arnn, Philip (1995), "House of Yahweh", The Watchman Expositor, vol. 12, no. 3, Watchman Fellowship, retrieved 2012-03-28
  9. Hawkins, Yisrayl. "Sermons - Join us for Live Sabbath Services each week". House of Yaweh. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  10. Hawkins, Yisrayl. "Feast Information". House of Yaweh. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  11. "Welcome to Armageddon". IDFA. 1999.
  12. Hawkins, Yisrayl (8 September 2006). "Nuclear War Starts 9-12-2006". YouTube. House of Yaweh. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  13. BBC NEWS | Africa | Kenyan joy as world fails to end
  14. Hawkins, Yisrayl. "July 14, 2007 sermon". House of Yaweh. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  15. Ross, Brian. "Texas Sect Leader: Doomsday Begins Next Thursday, June 12". ABC News. ABC. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
  16. Hawkins, Yisrayl. "ARE NUCLEAR WARS REALLY COMING?". House of Yaweh. Archived from the original on 28 September 2009. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  17. "Hawkins arrested on sexual assault charge : Big Country : Abilene Reporter-News". Archived from the original on 2007-10-23. Retrieved 2007-10-22.
  18. "APD responds to brief standoff : Police & Fire Blotter : Abilene Reporter-News". Archived from the original on 2007-12-25. Retrieved 2007-12-25.
  19. Schoenewald, Daralyn. "House of Yahweh's Hawkins sentenced to 30 years for sexual assault". Abilene Reporter-News - December 10, 2008. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014.
  20. Schoenewald, Daralyn. "House of Yahweh's Hawkins sentenced to 30 years for sexual assault". The Abilene Reporter - December 10, 2008. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  21. Schoenewald, Daralyn. "New trial denied for Yahweh elder Yedidiyah Hawkins". Abilene Reporter-News - February 19, 2009. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014.
  22. "Trial Court Cause No. 6641, Memorandum Opinion". Justia.com. July 29, 2010. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  23. Corpus Christi, TX | KRISTV.COM |Head of religious sect charged with bigamy
  24. Emison, Celinda. "Bigamy charges against House of Yahweh leader Yisrayl Hawkins dropped". Your Abilene Online. Reporter News. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2012.

External links

House of Yahweh
Background
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