William Branham Historical Research

• Positive Confession Kills: Tragic Cost of the Cult Agenda

  John and Chino reflect on the emotional impact of belief systems that prioritize ideology over compassion. They examine a powerful listener response describing the loss of a parent due to strict adherence to teachings about healing and faith. Through this real-life account, they analyze the mental, emotional, and physical consequences of extreme doctrines, especially when people delay necessary medical treatment in favor of belief-based declarations. John and Chino explore the underlying fear-based control mechanisms in these movements and how these distortions can sever meaningful moments between loved ones. The conversation expands into historical roots, exploring figures like Hobart Freeman and William D. Upshaw, and connects their influence to broader ideological campaigns. They examine how agenda-driven teachings replaced biblical understanding, leading to painful outcomes for entire families. Drawing from both scripture and lived experience, they emphasize the importance of re-evaluating long-held beliefs in light of reality, compassion, and responsible faith. Their hope is to offer a path forward for those still wrestling with inherited doctrine, inviting reflection without condemnation. ______________________ 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

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• Cult vs. Religion: When Allegiance Replaces Orthodoxy

  John and Jed discuss the evolving relationship between doctrine, identity, and spiritual authority within modern charismatic movements, using the International House of Prayer and William Branham's followers as examples. They explore how central figures—be they prophets or institutions—create dependency structures that can supplant traditional Christian orthodoxy. Jed describes his realization that IHOP's identity was deeply intertwined with Mike Bickle, especially as scandals emerged. John explains how followers often unknowingly defer their spiritual identity to a central authority, making it difficult to break free when faced with disillusionment. They examine how doctrines often function not as theological beliefs but as tests of allegiance, with shifting teachings designed to maintain loyalty to a specific leader rather than to historical orthodoxy. They explore the lifecycle of cult-like movements: how anti-orthodoxy births extremism, which often mutates into new splinter groups when disillusionment sets in. Jed describes his journey of curiosity and rediscovery after leaving such a movement, highlighting the tension between the desire for fresh spiritual experience and the stability of time-tested orthodoxy. The discussion closes with a call for thoughtful, healthy leadership and a recognition of how many are still processing their spring-loaded exit from abusive religious systems. ______________________ 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

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• Submission and Control: From Shepherding to Charismania

  John welcomes Sam to share his story of involvement in the Shepherding Movement, setting the stage by describing how it emerged as an outgrowth of Branham's influence and helped shape what later became the NAR. Sam recounts how he first encountered the movement as a young believer in the early 1970s, describing Christian coffeehouses, Pentecostal fervor, and the excitement of discipleship, which soon shifted into rigid submission and authoritarian leadership. Together, they discuss the figures at the heart of the movement such as Derek Prince, Charles Simpson, Bob Mumford, and Don Basham, while exploring how teachings about demons and submission created an atmosphere of fear and control. John adds context by connecting the movement's roots to Branham, T.L. Osborn, and Christian Identity influences, showing how these networks interlinked. As the discussion deepens, Sam shares personal experiences of exorcism meetings, authoritarian control, and the emotional toll it took, leading to years of anxiety and mental health struggles. John and Sam connect this to broader patterns in Pentecostal and charismatic history, drawing lines from Branham to Shepherding, to the Jesus Movement, to later revivals like Toronto and Bethel. They reflect on how sincere intentions turned extreme, how networks amplified destructive ideas, and how control was often marketed as discipleship. The conversation ends on reflections about leaving behind controlling systems, the challenges of processing trauma, and the importance of finding healthier faith expressions. ______________________ 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

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• Islam and the NAR: A Study in Religious Dominion | Bob Scott

  John and Bob discuss the parallels between the New Apostolic Reformation and aspects of Islam, focusing on how both use structures of authority, wealth, and control. They highlight how religious movements throughout history have sought to dominate through institutions, often blending faith with political or cultural power. The conversation explores the danger of leaders who claim unique spiritual authority and the way these systems create dependency through fear and promises of blessing. They also examine historical events, such as oil politics in the Middle East, and how cultural misunderstandings helped shape modern dynamics. Drawing from personal experiences and historical knowledge, John and Bob compare themes of prosperity, population growth, and information control in both systems. They conclude by reflecting on Jesus' teachings as an alternative to domination, emphasizing compassion, humility, and authentic relationships over institutionalized control. ______________________ 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

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• Bill Johnson: Identity Theology & the Cult Connection | Adam Short

  John and Adam discuss a recent message from Bethel and analyze the language used in both the promotional email and Bill Johnson's sermon. They identify recurring themes such as "divine identity," "manifest wisdom," and "radical obedience," drawing connections between these phrases and older teachings rooted in Branhamism and other movements. They explain how subtle changes in wording can carry heavy implications, leading audiences toward elitist or cult-like mindsets. Adam notes how the sermon referenced Romans 5, while John highlights how the marketing framed it with additional loaded language not found in the original teaching. The conversation then turns toward broader concerns: the use of esoteric language resembling mystery cults, comparisons to cultural references like Men in Black, and the theological dangers of DNA-based identity teachings. They expose how concepts of perfectionism, obedience, and carnal-mindedness often serve to control rather than liberate followers. The discussion concludes with warnings about financial motivations, misuse of authority, and the risks when leaders adopt language historically tied to divisive or extremist beliefs. ______________________ 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

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