Little Gods: How a Dangerous Doctrine Shaped Charismatic Theology
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