William Branham Historical Research

John and Hannah Joy examine Elim College and its role within Pentecostal and charismatic history, tracing how Latter Rain, shepherding ideas, and modern revival culture intersected without forming a clear authoritarian hierarchy. Drawing from lived experience and historical parallels, they explore how closed religious ecosystems can reward behavior, discourage outside influence, and unintentionally foster spiritual abuse even without explicit top-down control. The discussion addresses corporal punishment culture, insider libraries, favored speakers, mission programs built in-house, and the power of testimony over doctrine. Rather than offering simplistic labels, the conversation asks harder questions about accountability, community identity, and why some movements persist for decades while others collapse into open authoritarianism. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jenny unpack how racialized theology, Christian supremacy, and political extremism shaped everything from William Branham’s world to Youth With A Mission’s global footprint. Drawing on archival research and lived experience, they trace the line from British Israelism and Christian Identity theology through Bob Jones University, moral-majority politics, and Branham’s mentors into modern charismatic and New Apostolic Reformation networks. Along the way, they explore how “spiritual warfare,” end-times urgency, and talk of being the “true seed” of Abraham quietly merge race, nation, and faith into a single identity.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John Collins and John McKinnon examine how William Branham's teaching on adoption, authority, and "reading between the lines" laid conceptual groundwork later echoed in the New Apostolic Reformation. By tracing Branham's reinterpretation of Scripture, Roman adoption customs, and claims of hidden revelation, they show how extra-biblical theology quietly reappears today under new language such as fresh revelation, spiritual downloads, and apostolic authority. The discussion contrasts Paul's clear teaching on adoption as a finished act in Christ with Branham's two-stage model that promotes elite believers, future authority, and spiritual hierarchy. The episode also addresses the psychological and spiritual harm this framework causes, especially for survivors of high-control movements, and explains why these ideas continue to resurface in modern charismatic and apostolic streams. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham- Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ- Visit the website: https://william-branham.org- Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg - Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham- Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr- Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books

John and Chino discuss the rise of Hobart Freeman's divine healing doctrine, tracing how promises of perfect faith and freedom from medicine evolved into fear, control, and devastating outcomes. Through firsthand testimony, recorded sermons, and documented contradictions between teaching and practice, they examine how extreme theology reshaped lives, silenced questions, and reframed suffering as spiritual failure. This conversation explores the psychological and spiritual mechanisms that sustain high-control religious systems, including cognitive dissonance, leader immunity, and myth-making after a leader's death. By focusing on verifiable facts rather than speculation, the discussion challenges listeners to consider how doctrine should be tested by both Scripture and lived reality—and what happens when it is not. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Charles examine a newly surfaced transcript involving Paul Cain and Chuck Smith that exposes how leadership power functioned behind the scenes of the charismatic movement. The discussion traces how the same figures moved from Foursquare to Calvary Chapel, Vineyard, and ultimately the New Apostolic Reformation, carrying the same control structures with them. The conversation explores how recordings, private confessions, and reputation management became tools for enforcing silence, shaping narratives, and protecting movements at critical moments. By following the historical trail from the 1950s healing revival through the 1980s and beyond, the episode reveals how spiritual authority often operated less through doctrine and more through leverage. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John Collins speaks with Eve, a former participant in charismatic and deliverance movements, about her journey through healing ministries, prophetic practices, and ecstatic worship—and how those experiences ultimately led her out of Christianity and into shamanism before a slow, painful return to a simpler faith. Eve describes the psychological impact of trance-based worship, healing crusades, prophetic art, and deliverance practices, drawing parallels between modern charismatic experiences and ancient ritual techniques designed to suspend critical thinking. Together, John and Eve examine how figures associated with healing revivals and deliverance culture shaped expectations of miracles, identity, and spiritual success, and why those systems often collapse under real-world suffering, unanswered prayers, and unmet promises. The conversation explores cult markers, mind-control techniques, loaded language, and the long process of rebuilding faith after spiritual disillusionment, offering insight for anyone questioning charismatic theology or recovering from high-control religious environments. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Bob trace how modern prophetic culture shifted from discernment and accountability into a system driven by influence, status, and institutional power. Drawing from firsthand experience inside the Kansas City Fellowship and its evolution toward IHOP-KC, they examine how prophetic authority was consolidated, how failed prophecies were protected, and why unchecked spiritual influence inevitably produces conflict, control, and disillusionment. The conversation explores the historical through-line from William Branham and the Latter Rain to contemporary apostolic movements, showing how prophecy became systemic rather than spiritual. Along the way, they unpack biblical tests that were quietly abandoned, why flattery replaced discernment, and how religious systems mirror the same power dynamics found in politics and business. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Brantley discuss the hidden mechanics behind modern prophetic culture, sharing personal experiences from IHOPKC, Latter-Rain-influenced churches, and other charismatic environments. They explore why certain experiences feel supernatural, how communal expectation shapes perception, and why vague impressions often get elevated into authoritative messages. Together, they untangle the emotional, psychological, and spiritual factors that make prophetic systems so compelling for sincere believers.They also walk through the impact of prophecy rooms, cold-reading dynamics, performative spirituality, and the subtle pressure to speak "for God" even when nothing is happening. This conversation helps listeners understand how people can be drawn into these systems, why the language of spirituality becomes a tool for control, and how to reclaim a grounded, healthy perspective on faith, intuition, and the mystery of human experience.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino continue their in-depth examination of Hobart Freeman by tracing the medical, theological, and psychological factors that led to his death in 1984. Drawing directly from Freeman's own sermons, eyewitness testimony, coroner records, and contemporary reporting, they document a long-ignored progression—from childhood polio and traumatic injury, to chronic pain, untreated infection, and ultimately gangrene. Along the way, they expose how proof-texting and authoritarian faith-healing doctrine replaced sound hermeneutics and basic medical care. This episode confronts a central contradiction in destructive revival movements: leaders who demand radical faith from followers while quietly exempting themselves when reality intrudes. By examining Freeman's claims of healing, his refusal of medical treatment, and the aftermath within Faith Assembly, John and Chino show how cognitive dissonance, spiritual intimidation, and theological elitism persist even after a leader's death. The discussion places Freeman squarely within a broader pattern seen in Branhamism, Latter Rain, and modern apostolic movements.

John examines why Freemasonry alone cannot explain the theological problems inside modern charismatic and New Apostolic Reformation movements. Tracing the issue back to ancient Gnosticism, he explains how secret knowledge, spiritual elitism, and hidden revelation repeatedly resurface in Christian history. By comparing early church responses—especially Irenaeus' work Against Heresies—with post-World War II healing revivals, Branhamism, and modern NAR teachings, this episode shows how Gnostic ideas reshape salvation, authority, and church identity. The discussion exposes why mystery-driven Christianity thrives in times of fear and instability, and why the simple public gospel remains the antidote. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Amanda explore what it was like to grow up in the Message, from constant tape-listening and Cold War fear language to the lifelong weight of guilt, shame, and depression. They talk candidly about PTSD-like symptoms, emotional invalidation, controlling gender rules, racism, and the way fear of judgment shaped every decision--from hair and clothing to relationships and voting--while John connects these experiences to broader research on William Branham, Christian Identity, and Cold War-era apocalyptic preaching. Together they reflect on leaving a high-control group, facing the grief of lost family relationships, and learning to reclaim bodily, intellectual, and spiritual autonomy. Amanda shares how therapy, education, and curiosity about other cultures helped her heal, while John describes the long climb out of despair and into a life where faith is no longer weaponized. This conversation is for anyone wrestling with religious trauma, lingering fear about prophecies, or the question of whether a healthy, ordinary life is still possible after spiritual abuse. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jenny dive deep into the psychology of obedience in high-control religious movements, focusing on the global ministry Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Drawing from lived experiences and professional trauma recovery work, they explore how enforced obedience suppresses consent, erases personal agency, and stunts emotional and cognitive development in children and young adults. Jenny explains how somatic trauma responses like “fawning” emerge from chronic obedience conditioning, while John connects these behaviors to the broader cultic systems within Pentecostal and Latter Rain movements. Together they unpack the devastating effects of obedience-based discipleship, from the breaking of children’s wills to lifelong struggles with shame, identity, and self-trust. The conversation also exposes how spiritual manipulation can rewire developmental pathways, creating adults who fear mistakes and repress emotion. It’s an honest, insightful dialogue that challenges one of the most dangerous doctrines in modern evangelical missions—and calls for restoration of agency, growth, and healthy autonomy.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and John McKinnon examine how certain modern Christian teachings redefine salvation, adoption, and spiritual authority. Together they contrast biblical teaching on grace, adoption, and human inability with systems that emphasize pre-existence, spiritual hierarchy, and dominion, showing how these ideas reshape the starting point of the gospel. The discussion traces how language about power, manifestation, and authority replaces repentance, redemption, and resurrection, and why Scripture consistently presents salvation as God's work from beginning to end. By grounding the conversation in clear biblical texts, this episode helps listeners discern the difference between adoption by grace and systems that promise elevation through spiritual status. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John explains why Freemasonry becomes a fixation for people leaving high-control religious groups, especially movements tied to William Branham and the New Apostolic Reformation. Drawing on history, personal experience, and documented hoaxes, he separates conspiracy theory from verifiable evidence while showing how fraternal-order structures were quietly replicated inside modern charismatic and apostolic movements. This episode examines Albert Pike, the Taxil hoax, Lucifer language, Christian Identity, pyramid theology, and why secrecy, hierarchy, and "inner knowledge" do far more damage inside churches than Freemasonry ever did outside them. The result is a sober, historically grounded framework for understanding why cult survivors spiral into conspiracy thinking — and how to step out of it. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jedediah reflect on growing up inside elite families within high-control charismatic movements, comparing their experiences in Branhamism, IHOP-KC, and related networks. They explore how "secret knowledge," proximity to powerful leaders, and inherited status create rigid hierarchies that reward conformity while masking abuse, hypocrisy, and manipulation. Drawing on personal stories, they explain how elitism functions like a mystery cult—offering prestige and access while quietly demanding silence and loyalty. The conversation traces how these systems evolve over time, absorbing new prophecies, myths, and authority figures while discarding dissenters the moment they become inconvenient. From unpaid labor programs and prophetic grooming to shunning and reputational erasure, John and Jedediah unpack the psychological cost of leaving such environments. The discussion closes with reflections on rebuilding identity after exit, finding meaning beyond spiritual elitism, and learning to value ordinary life after years of extraordinary claims.______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John, Kevin, and Barbara examine how post-Latter Rain and Voice of Healing networks helped lay the groundwork for today's blend of Word of Faith teaching, New Apostolic Reformation ideology, and aggressive Christian nationalism. They trace lines from Gordon Lindsay and early identity-influenced revival culture to Andrew Wommack's ministry in Woodland Park, Colorado, highlighting how a seemingly gentle Bible teacher fronts a sophisticated dominionist project aimed at reshaping local government, education, and civic life through Charis Bible College and the Truth and Liberty Coalition. ______________________Pelligrino Walk:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPviIYcBQYTk491wXZWBYzw ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Bob trace the long, tangled lineage of modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements, showing how cycles of cultural upheaval, crisis, and disillusionment have shaped revival narratives for more than a century. Their discussion follows the relational "family tree" behind movements like Latter Rain, Kansas City Fellowship, IHOPKC, and the New Apostolic Reformation, revealing how claims such as the "billion soul harvest" evolved through repeated patterns of failed predictions, fear-based messaging, and institutional control. Drawing on historical examples, personal experience, and deep research, they explore why revival expectations persist, how technology has reshaped spiritual culture, and why authentic renewal requires honesty about past distortions. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Brantley discuss how authoritarian religious systems blur the lines between fantasy and faith, examining the strange doctrines, magical thinking, and psychological mechanisms that kept them trapped for decades. Using humor, honesty, and personal experience, they reflect on the cognitive dissonance required to believe in things like Branham’s “magic sword,” IHOPKC’s angelic warfare cosmology, and the Harry-Potter-style incantations normalized in modern charismatic culture. They also explore how money, secrecy, elitism, and militarized theology feed high-control movements—from Branhamism to IHOPKC to YWAM—shaping everything from personal identity to political attitudes. The conversation connects historical roots, cult dynamics, and lived experience to show how ordinary people can get swept into extraordinary (and sometimes absurd) belief systems, and what it takes to walk away. John and Brantley discuss how authoritarian religious systems blur the lines between fantasy and faith, examining the strange doctrines, magical thinking, and psychological mechanisms that kept them trapped for decades. Using humor, honesty, and personal experience, they reflect on the cognitive dissonance required to believe in things like Branham’s “magic sword,” IHOPKC’s angelic warfare cosmology, and the Harry-Potter-style incantations normalized in modern charismatic culture. They also explore how money, secrecy, elitism, and militarized theology feed high-control movements—from Branhamism to IHOPKC to YWAM—shaping everything from personal identity to political attitudes. The conversation connects historical roots, cult dynamics, and lived experience to show how ordinary people can get swept into extraordinary (and sometimes absurd) belief systems, and what it takes to walk away. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino examine the life and teachings of Hobart Freeman, tracing how a strict faith-healing theology collided with human aging, illness, and reality. Drawing from firsthand experience, recorded sermons, and historical context, the discussion explores how promises of guaranteed healing create cognitive dissonance, enable spiritual abuse, and leave families devastated when those promises fail. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John traces the long, unsettling history behind today's "Army of God" and Seven Mountains language, showing how Christian Identity, British Israelism, and early twentieth-century revival movements shaped the way many believers now talk about nations, elections, and prophecy. Walking through old sermons, newspapers, and political campaigns, he explains why it only feels like things are worse today, and how earlier generations used the same fear-based apocalyptic narratives around leaders, wars, and "holy nations" that we see recycled in modern prophetic politics. From King Cyrus rhetoric around presidents to end-times math, dominion language, and the blending of pulpit and campaign stage, John invites listeners to step back and examine where these ideas came from and what they do to real people and real countries. This journey through overlooked history is meant to equip thoughtful Christians, former members of high-control movements, and anyone watching the New ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Priit discuss how sincere faith slowly shifted into a pressurized, high-control environment shaped by elitist teachings, strict submission, and the pursuit of “deeper revelation.” Preet shares how performance-driven expectations, prophetic claims, and honor culture replaced the love, peace, and joy that had originally drawn him to church life. Together, they explore how subtle philosophical shifts created emotional strain, isolation, and the sense that one’s future was tied to a leader rather than to God. They also describe the breaking point—how political messaging, fear-based prophecies, and reactions to world events accelerated confusion within the congregation. As Priit regained stability outside the system, he discovered confidence, clarity, and the freedom to relate to God without pressure. This conversation highlights how people can recognize unhealthy dynamics, rebuild their faith, and find hope on the other side. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K______________________Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branhamVisit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jenny dive into the disturbing intersections between militarism, psychology, and religion within Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Drawing parallels to early Pentecostal cults and authoritarian movements, they examine how “spiritual warfare” language and practices condition young minds for obedience and control. Jenny shares her firsthand experience of life inside YWAM—where teenagers are sent on “target missions,” sleep-deprived prayer watches, and told demons lurk in everyday objects—while John connects these patterns to the mind control methods of Branhamism and early revival cults like those of Frank Sanford and John Alexander Dowie. Together they expose how hyper-spiritualized fear, trauma bonding, and dissociation produce lifelong anxiety and religious PTSD, even as participants believe they are serving God.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and John examine how twentieth-century revivalism helped construct the theological architecture behind today's apostolic networks. They trace how Branham's teachings--especially his denial of Christ's deity and promotion of adoption mysticism--created the framework later movements like the Latter Rain, Word-of-Faith, and NAR would amplify. The conversation highlights how these systems subtly redefine Jesus, elevate prophetic authority, and reshape Christianity into a hierarchy of "initiated" believers while retaining the language of orthodoxy. By exposing connections between Branham, Gordon Lindsay, British Israelism, and modern charismatic governance structures, they show how historic heresies continue to shape contemporary supernaturalism and distort the gospel.

John and Chi discuss the painful contradictions inside the divine healing movement: the promise of supernatural health contrasted with the hidden reality of chronically ill leaders and suffering followers. They revisit Hobart Freeman’s teachings, exploring why his doctrine collapsed under its own weight and how misapplied scriptures—especially Isaiah 53 and the “healing is easier” message—misled thousands. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on former members, the danger of tying salvation to physical healing, and the destructive power of pride within authoritarian religious systems. They also unpack how movements like British Israelism and the Latter Rain shaped modern healing theology, why context matters when reading prophetic texts, and how sincere but misguided leaders can still leave a trail of trauma. Through scriptural analysis and lived experience, John and Cheno show how peeling back the curtain—much like in The Wizard of Oz—reveals the human frailty behind grand spiritual claims. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K______________________Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branhamVisit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jed discuss the strange world of charismatic lore, looking honestly at how supernatural testimonies, miracle stories, and movement mythology shape the inner life of believers. Together, they explore how testimonies are created, how disassociation reinforces spiritual narratives, and why people inside revival culture often feel pressure to reinterpret reality through faith language. They also reflect on lived experiences--from IHOPKC to YWAM to the Branham movement--and how those environments formed patterns of belief, identity, and internal coping strategies. Through humor, honesty, and psychological insight, John and Jed offer a grounded, compassionate look at how people come to believe extraordinary stories and what it means to rebuild life on the other side of them.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and John Garvey discuss the strange evolution of Britain’s charismatic movement—from early Anglican involvement and university-era enthusiasm to the influence of Dennis Bennett, the Full Gospel Businessmen, and later John Wimber and the Kansas City Prophets. Garvey recounts firsthand experiences with failed prophecies, emotional manipulation, and the slow shift from Scripture-centered worship toward experience-driven spirituality. Together they trace how charismatic practices crossed the Atlantic, blended with British evangelical respectability, and created an environment where prophecy, spiritual gifts, and experiential worship were welcomed without adequate discernment. The conversation also explores how worship music, emotional highs, and the rise of celebrity “worship leaders” reshaped the culture of local churches, paving the way for modern movements tied to Bethel, Hillsong, and NAR-style theology. John and Garvey unpack concerns over the Alpha Course’s “Holy Spirit weekend,” imported American revivalism, the diminishing role of biblical teaching, and how addictive emotional experiences can blur the line between genuine faith and spiritual counterfeits. The discussion exposes the long arc that connects historical Pentecostalism to today’s global charismatic trends. John and John Garvey discuss the strange evolution of Britain’s charismatic movement—from early Anglican involvement and university-era enthusiasm to the influence of Dennis Bennett, the Full Gospel Businessmen, and later John Wimber and the Kansas City Prophets. Garvey recounts firsthand experiences with failed prophecies, emotional manipulation, and the slow shift from Scripture-centered worship toward experience-driven spirituality. Together they trace how charismatic practices crossed the Atlantic, blended with British evangelical respectability, and created an environment where prophecy, spiritual gifts, and experiential worship were welcomed without adequate discernment. The conversation also explores how worship music, emotional highs, and the rise of celebrity “worship leaders” reshaped the culture of local churches, paving the way for modern movements tied to Bethel, Hillsong, and NAR-style theology. John and Garvey unpack concerns over the Alpha Course’s “Holy Spirit weekend,” imported American revivalism, the diminishing role of biblical teaching, and how addictive emotional experiences can blur the line between genuine faith and spiritual counterfeits. The discussion exposes the long arc that connects historical Pentecostalism to today’s global charismatic trends.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John invites listeners into a thoughtful and compassionate reflection on Christmas, legalism, and spiritual recovery. He traces how high-control groups distort biblical interpretation, weaponize fear, and turn normal human celebrations into battlegrounds of shame. As John describes his own journey—from cult indoctrination to rediscovering faith—he shows how ancient Jewish and early Christian practices were far more similar to surrounding cultures than many modern legalistic teachings admit. He explores the historical overlap of festivals, solstices, agriculture, and worship, and explains how Paul’s writings in Galatians and Colossians reject judgmentalism and condemn attempts to bind believers to the Mosaic legal code. This segment offers hope for those navigating grief, estrangement, or uncertainty around Christmas. John reminds listeners that celebration is a human universal, not a spiritual trap; that the Bible does not forbid festivals; and that Christian liberty frees believers to celebrate—or not celebrate—without fear, shame, or condemnation. His story offers a gentle invitation to reclaim joy, gratitude, and authentic faith after religious trauma. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Brantley discuss the strange intersection between Christmas traditions and the theology of control that runs through movements like William Branham’s Message and the International House of Prayer. Their candid conversation explores how cult systems redefine holiness by stripping joy from human experience—right down to banning Christmas trees. The episode connects Branham’s mantle claims, the rise of Joel’s Army, and IHOPKC’s culture of overwork and spiritual abuse, tracing how authoritarian leadership transforms faith into fear. They unpack how stage personas, hero worship, and emotional addiction create a cycle of narcissism and trauma, then turn to healing, recovery, and the rediscovery of genuine community and humanity.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino discuss the lived reality of leaving Faith Assembly and similar high-control healing movements, focusing on emotional shunning, generational trauma, and the psychological toll of absolutist doctrine. Drawing from personal stories and interviews, they explain how sincere families were shaped by rules about medical care, "confessions," and spiritual status, and how those beliefs persisted decades after the leader's death. The conversation examines spiritual pride, fear-based control, and the harm caused when leaders discourage medical treatment, using real examples involving cancer, rapture anxiety, and family division. The goal is understanding and healing—inviting honest dialogue, accountability, and a healthier approach to Christian faith for those affected by authoritarian religious systems.

John explores how modern prophetic leaders such as Cindy Jacobs trace directly back to the numerology-driven theology of William Branham, Gordon Lindsay, and the Voice of Healing movement. The episode unpacks how Jacobs’ 5777 prophecy, her connection to the International Coalition of Apostles, and her political messaging around Donald Trump mirror the same manipulative patterns embedded in early Latter Rain teachings. John explains that these networks merge fortune-telling techniques, authoritarian apostolic structures, and political propaganda into a system designed to influence followers through confusing numerology and claims of divine insight. By tracing Jacobs’ involvement with Christ for the Nations and her reliance on later-rain numerological frameworks, the episode shows how today’s NAR “prophecies” are recycled patterns from Branham-era cult dynamics rather than authentic expressions of biblical prophecy. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branhamVisit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Lael open up about the hidden cost of growing up under religious control. Lael McKay, a former member of Hobart Freeman’s Faith Assembly, shares her life story—from an idyllic Indiana childhood shadowed by legalism and fear, to years of silence about physical pain, sexual abuse, and her father’s preventable suffering under faith-healing teachings. Together, John and Chino explore how purity culture, fear of hell, and denial of medical care shaped entire families. Through raw honesty and reflection, Lael describes her path through therapy, rediscovering safety, compassion, and spiritual balance. This conversation offers hope for survivors of high-control religious movements and insight into the lifelong impact of spiritual abuse and recovery.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jenny discuss how purity culture in evangelical and high-control Christian spaces turns bodies into commodities, fuses "holiness" with racial anxiety, and leaves survivors carrying crushing shame. They trace the roots of modern purity teaching through abstinence-only campaigns, racialized myths about "protecting" white women, and high-demand groups shaped by Branhamism and Christian identity rhetoric, highlighting how fear-based sermons and public shaming deform both faith and embodiment.Drawing on Jenny's therapeutic work and John's historical research, they talk about consent, autonomy, and why healthy boundaries are different from rigid rules, offering language for people who still value faith but are done with spiritualized control. Whether you grew up in modesty talks, pledge rallies, or holiness churches--or you love someone who did--this conversation names the harm, honors survivors' stories, and points toward practical pathways for healing in "really good bodies" that are never damaged goods.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John Collins and John McKinnon explore the destructive evolution of William Branham’s “little gods” doctrine and how it reshaped the nature of Jesus into something unrecognizable to historic Christianity. They trace how Branham’s shifting revelations, internal contradictions, and reliance on mystery-language gradually moved his followers into Arianism and deep theological confusion, creating a belief system where multiple versions of Jesus circulated at the same time. This discussion highlights how these teachings fractured families, eroded biblical clarity, and set the stage for modern charismatic excesses rooted in Branham’s ideas. Together they examine the internal logic of the doctrine, the manipulation of John 1:1, the diminishing of Christ’s deity, and the way Branham’s ideas empowered authoritarian leadership models that continue into today’s New Apostolic Reformation. With careful clarity, they unpack how these heresies developed, why they were historically rejected, and how they still shape ministries, identity, and belief inside and outside the movement. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino explore the hidden cost of life inside Faith Assembly and similar high-control churches, unpacking the difference between first- and second-generation members, how utopian promises slowly harden into authoritarian control, and why so many survivors carry more emotional baggage than they realize. Drawing on years of conversations with former members, they talk through holiday taboos, "negative confession," fear-based teaching, and the long shadow of legalistic Pentecostal culture on work, family, and identity. Along the way, they examine how Bible verses were repeatedly pulled out of context, how that misuse of scripture fuels magical thinking and self-destructive choices, and why counseling and safe relationships are so vital in recovery. John shares how people can be talked back from the brink when they feel utterly alone, while Chino emphasizes humility, honesty, and re-learning what genuine Christian faith looks like outside of performance, control, and fear. This conversation offers both language and hope for anyone trying to make sense of life after a controlling religious environment. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Laura-Lynn discuss the surprising historical trail behind Daystar and the broader apostolic media world, showing how today’s networks were shaped by earlier healing-revival publicity, Gordon Lindsay’s Voice of Healing magazine, and the institutions that grew out of that era. They trace how a revived “Elijah for the last days” narrative became the connective tissue linking early Pentecostal personalities to later charismatic platforms and schools. They also unpack how the Elijah/messenger expectation, blended with older covenant thinking, end-times date-setting, and rising leader-centric authority, gradually displaced a Christ-centered focus with celebrity “generals” and their followers. The conversation highlights why these ideas kept reproducing across generations—and why understanding that lineage matters when evaluating modern Daystar-adjacent apostles, prophets, and movements. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Joey reveal how devotion to Jesus can slowly be entangled with authoritarian control inside the New Apostolic Reformation. Joey describes how constant pressure to obey “apostles,” secrecy around finances, plagiarism from the pulpit, and emotional manipulation led to a crisis of trust in leadership—yet not in Christ. The conversation continues to discuss how spiritual abuse thrives wherever human power replaces biblical accountability, yet freedom and healing are possible. This testimony offers hope to anyone escaping high-control churches: you can leave toxic authority behind without leaving Jesus. Your faith can survive—and grow stronger—after the NAR. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________ – Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Bob unpack the phenomenon of hero worship inside Christianity, tracing it from the ancient world to modern megachurch culture. They compare the charisma of today’s revivalists with mythological demigods and discuss how emotional euphoria, dopamine highs, and the hunger for significance can turn spiritual leadership into idolatry. Together they explore how Pentecostalism’s “man of God” model, stage personas, and the social-media influencer mindset have created a new kind of religion—one driven by power, performance, and addiction to admiration. They also dig into the psychological mechanics behind revival culture: the cycle of emotional highs, the crash that follows, and how the congregation becomes addicted to the same sensations. Drawing parallels from William Branham to Mike Bickle and beyond, they reveal how both leaders and followers are trapped in the same system of hero worship that blurs the line between faith and self-exaltation. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Christian discuss the rise of miracle-centered Christianity and how modern charismatic culture often replaces the gospel with spectacle. Drawing from historical patterns, revival culture, and first-hand experiences, they explore why movements focused on signs and wonders drift away from Scripture and toward emotionalism, hype, and manipulative faith-building tactics. They compare the biblical purpose of miracles with how theatrics, staged healings, and personality-driven leadership have created confusion, dependency, and spiritual harm. The conversation also examines William Branham’s revival era, fraudulent “manifestations,” the psychological pressure behind positive confession, and how charismatic environments can open the door to hero worship and authoritarian leadership. John and Christian reflect on the dangers of creating a false dichotomy between cessationism and continuationism, reminding listeners that the true gospel is not found in supernatural showmanship but in Christ Himself. ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John explores the shocking hidden history of the “Billion Soul Harvest” movement, revealing how its roots stretch far deeper than the New Apostolic Reformation. Drawing from Cold War politics, postwar psychological experiments, and William Branham’s authoritarian theology, he traces how government fear tactics and revivalist propaganda merged into a global dominionist agenda. Along the way, he connects the dots between the Milgram obedience studies, Nixon’s “battle for the mind” speech, and the rise of prophetic generals who promised to win the world for Christ through control, not compassion. This episode exposes how the language of revival became the language of psychological warfare, transforming faith into a weapon.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jed examine the rise of manufactured signs and wonders in charismatic culture, using Bethel’s “gold dust” phenomenon as the clearest modern example. They trace the pattern from Branham-era Voice of Healing testimonies to contemporary Bethel practices, showing how trivial, low-stakes miracles—gold teeth, leg-lengthening tricks, glitter clouds—become part of a weekly spiritual environment. Jed reflects on growing up in the International House of Prayer and how exaggerated or invented testimonies created a world where deception became normalized, even expected. Together, they explore why these miracles continue to gain traction, connecting them to deeper psychological needs, theological distortions, group reinforcement, and the modern crisis of digital trust. They warn that with AI-generated images, videos, and text, the NAR’s long-standing dependence on sensational signs now intersects with technology capable of manufacturing “evidence” indistinguishable from reality. Their conversation challenges listeners to reconsider the role of signs in spiritual identity, the danger of counterfeit validation, and the urgent need to return to grounded, ethical faith practices.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John Collins and McKinnon continue their in-depth exploration into William Branham's “Adoption” doctrine and its influence on modern charismatic movements. They expose how Branham's teaching of a “word for the age” replaced salvation through faith in Christ with loyalty to new revelation. Drawing direct lines from Branham to the New Apostolic Reformation, they analyze how a theology rooted in mysticism, pantheism, and esoteric thought evolved into the cultic systems seen today. The discussion compares scriptural truth with Branham's distortions, examines the idolization of tapes and prophets, and reveals how persuasive charisma led countless believers to substitute emotional fervor for biblical faith.00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode00:32 How Branham's “Word for the Age” Replaced the Gospel02:25 Cultic Authority and Fear of Outside Information05:20 Doctrinal Problems: Diminishing Christ and Changing the Gospel07:01 Tape-Only Churches and Movement-Wide Confusion10:40 Internal Message Criticism: A Minister Challenges Tape Worship13:25 Emotional Manipulation and the Power of Persuasion17:03 “Not Every Word Is Thus Saith the Lord”: Rising Internal Doubt20:55 Infallibility Contradictions in Branham's Teachings23:17 The Shift Toward Mysticism and Pre-Existence Doctrine29:56 Platonic and New Thought Roots Behind Branham's Ideas35:51 Blending Ancient Mysticism With Christianity38:18 A Different Gospel: Recognition Theology and Loss of Biblical Salvation44:00 Modalism in the Message and the Denial of Christ's Deity51:01 Closing Thoughts and Preview of Next Episode______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham– Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ– Visit the website: https://william-branham.org– Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg – Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr– Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books

John invites Martin and Sarah from the UK to share their story of escaping a controlling, charismatic fellowship tied to shepherding-style authority inspired by Derek Prince and the Shepherding Movement. They describe how subtle shifts — from house-church "body ministry" to centralized power — opened the door for predatory leadership to operate unchecked.Their journey reveals why spiritual covering doctrines, personality cults, and authoritarian structures can create the perfect environment for silence and fear. Despite deep wounds and the loss of community, Martin and Sarah share how healing, truth-telling, and faith brought post-traumatic growth — and why others suffering in similar systems deserve to be heard.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jenny dive deep into the psychology of manipulation within pseudo-Christian movements, using Youth With A Mission (YWAM) as a case study. Jenny, founder of the Indwell Movement, explains how spiritual leaders exploit trust, empathy, and worship to bypass critical thinking and enforce obedience. Together they explore concepts like mind control, cognitive dissonance, and consent—examining how emotional manipulation, purity culture, and the "always maintain the witness" mentality condition believers to suppress their own intuition.John connects these patterns to historical cult behavior and even ancient paganism, tracing how fear and fabricated "divine wrath" are weaponized to secure loyalty. They also uncover the neurological side of manipulation—how music, repetition, and performance-based spirituality deactivate the brain's critical centers. This powerful conversation invites listeners to question how spiritual systems use psychology, fear, and belonging to shape faith, identity, and submission.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino explore how the “little gods” doctrine emerged, evolved, and spread through Pentecostal, Latter Rain, Word of Faith, and modern charismatic movements. They trace the development of these ideas from William Branham’s distorted view of Christ as a “thought expressed,” through Hobart Freeman’s charismatic reinterpretations, and into the broader landscape of dominionism and modern spiritual power claims. Along the way, they highlight how proof-texting, misused Greek terms, and theological shortcuts created a framework that encouraged believers to see themselves as small deities capable of commanding reality, weather, sickness, and even God Himself. The discussion also exposes the psychological and spiritual consequences of this theology—how it fostered hierarchies of “manifested sons,” opened the door to manipulative ministry culture, and blurred the line between biblical faith and occult-like practices. John and Chino connect these historical teachings to current religious-political movements, examining how ideas about dominion, authority, and spiritual control continue to shape contemporary charismatic expressions. This episode gives listeners a clear historical roadmap of how these ideas took root and why they still matter today. John and Chino explore how the “little gods” doctrine emerged, evolved, and spread through Pentecostal, Latter Rain, Word of Faith, and modern charismatic movements. They trace the development of these ideas from William Branham’s distorted view of Christ as a “thought expressed,” through Hobart Freeman’s charismatic reinterpretations, and into the broader landscape of dominionism and modern spiritual power claims. Along the way, they highlight how proof-texting, misused Greek terms, and theological shortcuts created a framework that encouraged believers to see themselves as small deities capable of commanding reality, weather, sickness, and even God Himself. The discussion also exposes the psychological and spiritual consequences of this theology—how it fostered hierarchies of “manifested sons,” opened the door to manipulative ministry culture, and blurred the line between biblical faith and occult-like practices. John and Chino connect these historical teachings to current religious-political movements, examining how ideas about dominion, authority, and spiritual control continue to shape contemporary charismatic expressions. This episode gives listeners a clear historical roadmap of how these ideas took root and why they still matter today.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Laura-Lynn discuss the authoritarian structures and doctrines that connect Branhamism, the Latter Rain, and today’s New Apostolic Reformation. They explore how William Branham’s reinterpretation of Malachi, the Elijah motif, Christian Identity influences, and mystical elements helped form a theological framework that still shapes major NAR figures and institutions. Through examples involving Jim Jones, Christ for the Nations, Gordon Lindsay, Dutch Sheets, and others, they illustrate how these ideas created a parallel “kingdom” with its own prophecy-driven hierarchy. They also examine how these movements subtly redefine the gospel, elevate human leaders, and inject mysticism and esoteric narratives into Christian belief. John and Laura-Lynn reflect on cult dynamics such as elitism, shunning, secrecy, and the pursuit of spiritual power, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and grounding in the plain reading of Scripture. The conversation highlights why awareness, historical accuracy, and careful theological evaluation remain crucial as these movements continue to influence mainstream charismatic spaces.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Laura-Lynn discuss the authoritarian structures and doctrines that connect Branhamism, the Latter Rain, and today’s New Apostolic Reformation. They explore how William Branham’s reinterpretation of Malachi, the Elijah motif, Christian Identity influences, and mystical elements helped form a theological framework that still shapes major NAR figures and institutions. Through examples involving Jim Jones, Christ for the Nations, Gordon Lindsay, Dutch Sheets, and others, they illustrate how these ideas created a parallel “kingdom” with its own prophecy-driven hierarchy. They also examine how these movements subtly redefine the gospel, elevate human leaders, and inject mysticism and esoteric narratives into Christian belief. John and Laura-Lynn reflect on cult dynamics such as elitism, shunning, secrecy, and the pursuit of spiritual power, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and grounding in the plain reading of Scripture. The conversation highlights why awareness, historical accuracy, and careful theological evaluation remain crucial as these movements continue to influence mainstream charismatic spaces.______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Caleb explore the complex story of Pentecostalism—its roots, its divisions, and its evolution from the Azusa Street revival to today's movements. Caleb shares his experiences growing up in the United Pentecostal Church and contrasts moderate and extremist versions of holiness culture. John connects the dots between early Branhamism, Roy Davis, and Pentecostal sect formation, while exposing historical cover-ups like the Prescott tragedy. Together, they discuss race in early Pentecostalism, the Assemblies of God's segregation, the impact of figures like Jim Jones and Gordon Lindsay, and how prophetic showmanship corrupted genuine faith. They also debate whether true healings occurred in Branham's campaigns and how faith, culture, and control have shaped modern Pentecostal identity. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Jesse discuss the emotional recovery process following the departure from high-control religious movements and the steps toward rebuilding a healthy sense of identity. Jesse shares his involvement in the documentary "See Through the Darkness," which explores how people find hope and renewal after years in controlling environments. Together, they talk about the impact of spiritual manipulation, the loss of community, and the journey of rediscovering self-worth. They share practical strategies for emotional wellness, building supportive relationships, and cultivating inner peace through healthy boundaries and positive thought patterns. This is an uplifting conversation focused on recovery, empowerment, and finding light after leaving an oppressive belief system. John and Jesse discuss the emotional recovery process following the departure from high-control religious movements and the steps toward rebuilding a healthy sense of identity. Jesse shares his involvement in the documentary "See Through the Darkness," which explores how people find hope and renewal after years in controlling environments. Together, they talk about the impact of spiritual manipulation, the loss of community, and the journey of rediscovering self-worth. They share practical strategies for emotional wellness, building supportive relationships, and cultivating inner peace through healthy boundaries and positive thought patterns. This is an uplifting conversation focused on recovery, empowerment, and finding light after leaving an oppressive belief system.______________________Please check out an excellent suicide prevention film by Carl David and Frank X Panico title, See through the Darkness. Join us in our battle to help save lives. The trailer and film could be seen at seethroughthedarkness.org ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Christian dive into the State of Theology 2025 survey and uncover surprising contradictions in what American Christians believe about God, the Bible, and salvation. From the question "Is Jesus God?" to debates about sin, gender, and truth itself, the results expose a growing divide between biblical foundations and cultural Christianity. John reflects on how Pentecostal and Charismatic teachings have reshaped people's view of God, while Christian connects the trends to the loss of a biblical worldview and the rise of subjective truth. Together, they discuss how theology has shifted from reverence to relativism—and what it means for the future of faith.______________________State of Theology:https://thestateoftheology.com______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________- Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John and Chino dive deep into one of the most confusing and destructive doctrines taught within Branhamism and Faith Assembly: eternal security—or, as many lived it, eternal insecurity. They unpack how William Branham and Hobart Freeman twisted the gospel of grace into a doctrine of fear, confusion, and control. Drawing from firsthand experiences, personal stories, and archived recordings, the hosts reveal how both leaders contradicted themselves, manipulated scripture, and redefined salvation to keep followers dependent on their authority. Together they examine how Branham’s shifting messages on salvation, election, and damnation evolved through the Pentecostal, Latter Rain, and Charismatic movements, shaping Freeman’s authoritarian theology. Chino shares insights into the psychology of cult obedience, while John traces how Branham’s legacy of doctrinal chaos still influences modern fringe movements. This episode challenges listeners to discern between faith rooted in Christ and fear imposed by cult leaders. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John explores the origins of Joel’s Army—a militant spiritual ideology that emerged from the strange crossroads of Pentecostalism, Christian Identity, and post-WWII fear. He traces its development from early influences like Helena Blavatsky’s esoteric teachings, New Thought metaphysics, and British Israelism to William Branham’s “spoken word” theology and Roy Davis’s ideological orphanages. The episode exposes how the Sharon Orphanage in North Battleford, Canada, became a model for youth indoctrination under the guise of revival and prophecy. John connects the rise of Joel’s Army to the political and apocalyptic climate after the atomic bomb—when fear of a coming world war fueled a militant form of faith. He explains how these doctrines laid the groundwork for movements like the Latter Rain revival and today’s New Apostolic Reformation. With historical depth and theological clarity, this episode uncovers how mysticism, nationalism, and spiritual warfare blended into a single, radical ideology that continues to shape modern charismatic movements. ______________________Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K ______________________– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org