David Terrell: A Survivor’s Story of Faith, Fear, and Freedom

Victoria joins John to share her story of growing up in the teachings of David Terrell, exploring her early life within the group, her college years, and the gradual unraveling of her belief system. She describes the tension between what she had been taught and what she began to experience among other Christians, especially during her time in Japan. Her journey through studying apologetics and exploring doctrinal differences, particularly the concept of the Trinity, led her to re-evaluate the foundational teachings of Terrell’s ministry.As the conversation unfolds, Victoria describes how discovering literature like Holy Ghost Girl and court records about Terrell’s financial misconduct shook her perception of him further. John and Victoria explore how Terrell’s ministry was influenced by William Branham, including the adoption of the manifested sons of God doctrine, end-times survivalism, and isolationist teachings. They also contrast these authoritarian environments with healthier church models based on mutual edification. The interview ends with reflections on how indoctrination shaped emotional development and practical life choices, and how healing is ongoing for those leaving such 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 – Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

John Collins and McKinnon discuss the spiritual confusion and theological dangers caused by William Branham's teachings, particularly his misinterpretation of Acts chapters 18 and 19. They explore how Branham's use of scripture helped construct a belief system that led followers to elevate his voice above the Bible, often resulting in bondage and disconnection from broader Christian fellowship. The conversation opens with an invitation for others to share their own stories of escape from groups influenced by Branhamism, and gradually unfolds into a scriptural critique showing how Branham manipulated biblical texts to validate his own authority and prophetic role. They explain how Branham's theology—centered on distorted doctrines such as the "manifested sons of God" and a segmented salvation process—undermined the simple gospel of Christ. The episode connects Branham's misuse of scripture to modern charismatic and New Apostolic Reformation teachings, highlighting how these ideologies propagate exclusivist interpretations and spiritual elitism. Through careful scriptural analysis, John and John show how Branham's teachings ultimately led believers away from Christ and into a system of doctrinal entanglement that promotes confusion, fear, and a fractured sense of salvation. ______________________ 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 discuss the unraveling of a foundational supernatural claim within the William Branham movement: the mysterious 1963 Arizona cloud. They trace how early researcher Peter Doer uncovered evidence that contradicted the message's narrative, discovering that the cloud was not divine but instead caused by a U.S. Air Force rocket launch. This sparked a cascading crisis of faith among leaders who privately acknowledged the deception but publicly denied it. The hosts explore how integrity—or the lack of it—determined how individuals responded to this revelation, contrasting those who changed course with those who doubled down on falsehoods to preserve power. The conversation also examines the pattern of suppression and character attacks against whistleblowers, including a targeted harassment campaign that contributed to a scientist's suicide. As more leaders began quietly conceding the hoax, the message evolved, gradually phasing out the cloud narrative and shifting its focus to "unique revelation." But John and Charles argue that this evolution was built on compounded dishonesty. Ultimately, they call for transparency, highlighting how cult-like systems depend on hiding the truth and punishing those who expose 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 Chino explore the transformation of healing ministries from sincere belief into constructed mythology. They begin by examining how large revival crowds, particularly in developing nations, can be misleading—offering a sharp critique of the assumption that attendance equals spiritual legitimacy. They recall firsthand experiences and documented reports showing the absence of verifiable healings despite claims of supernatural events. Chino emphasizes how the charismatic framework often elevates unverifiable testimonies above truth, with peer pressure and group psychology reinforcing unproven narratives. As the discussion deepens, they critique high-profile figures like Hobart Freeman and TL Osborne, dissecting the culture of exaggeration, borrowed authority, and unverifiable claims. They reflect on the distinction between biblical healings and modern faith-based claims—especially how real miracles in Scripture were visible, verifiable, and often witnessed by many. The conversation ends with a sober warning against the danger of constructing belief systems around emotional testimony rather than truth that can be tested. ______________________ 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 Laura-Lynn to share her story about discovering hidden links between her former church and the teachings of William Branham. As the conversation unfolds, Laura-Lynn reflects on a powerful moment of realization after learning from an elderly church member that Branham had been connected to their ministry. This leads to a larger discussion about Branham's relationship with controversial figures like Roy E. Davis and the foundational role Branham played in shaping later charismatic and revivalist movements in Canada and beyond. The discussion also uncovers how spiritual authority was weaponized to enforce control and suppress critical thinking. The conversation then moves into a deeper examination of specific movements and individuals who promoted questionable teachings and practices. From the Latter Rain revival in North Battleford to the rise of figures within the New Apostolic Reformation, John and Laura-Lynn trace how authoritarian structures, unverifiable miracles, and showmanship have played a role in shaping many modern ministries. They expose how performance tricks, alleged prophecies, and controlling tactics often replaced true spiritual leadership, with significant harm done to individuals and families. Laura-Lynn shares personal experiences of recovery, courage, and her continued effort to uncover truth for the sake of others still impacted. ______________________ 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 Chris to share his story about his experience in the charismatic movement and his time working with a prominent international missions organization. Chris recounts his journey from conversion in 2012 to his involvement in emotionally-driven revivalism and controversial teachings within charismatic circles. The conversation explores how emotionally manipulative practices, doctrinal distortions, and revival marketing tactics affected both personal faith and psychological stability. John and Chris compare experiences from the U.S. and Germany, highlighting the global spread of charismatic doctrines and their psychological and theological implications. They delve into historical roots of modern revivalism, tracing them to figures like John G. Lake, Alexander Dowie, and Charles Fox Parham. The conversation highlights troubling teachings on blood transfusions, spiritual elitism, and Word of Faith theology. Chris emphasizes how radicalization becomes embedded in personal identity, making recovery more difficult. The conversation concludes with a sobering discussion of the emotional aftermath many face after leaving such movements, especially young adults who invested financially and emotionally into mission work with little long-term support or healing. ______________________ 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

Bob shares the powerful story of the Community of Reconciliation, a racially integrated Christian farming community established in Zimbabwe during the 1980s. Formed in response to violent civil conflict and racial injustice, the community was an experiment in peace and forgiveness between former enemies—black and white Zimbabweans. Bob describes how the vision originated with Jerry Keatley, who, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, challenged the apartheid theology of the time. Over time, Bob became personally involved, inspired by their practical pursuit of justice and reconciliation through shared agrarian life rather than religious spectacle. The story tragically culminates in a massacre of community members, an event that left Bob deeply traumatized. He recounts the emotional impact of seeing the aftermath and how that grief later transformed into action. After years of silence and political suppression, Bob eventually published a book about the community, which was later recognized and validated by Zimbabwe's national Peace and Reconciliation Commission. The conversation also distinguishes this grassroots movement from exploitative religious influences that flooded Africa, highlighting the purity of intent and lasting spiritual impact of the New Adams Farm.  ______________________ 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

Charles and John discuss Sarah Branham, daughter of William Branham, whose story has been one of the most concealed and controversial in the sect's history. The episode outlines the financial exploitation Sarah suffered after the death of her mother and the subsequent mishandling of her inheritance by sect leaders. Particularly, Perry Green allegedly defrauded Sarah of her money while she was working as a missionary in Central America. As her situation worsened, Sarah attempted to use the sensitive knowledge she held about inner workings and scandals within the sect as leverage. She moved from one sect to another seeking support, inadvertently alarming leadership across the board. Her alleged revelations included forged documents, financial misconduct, and deeply troubling accusations against key figures in the main sect. Eventually, Sarah disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Her story is framed not as one of greed but of desperation for her family's survival. The episode ends with a somber reflection on the cover-ups and the lingering mystery of what ultimately happened to her. ______________________ Help Find Sarah Branham: https://helpfindsarahbranham.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 explore the emotional and theological aftermath experienced by individuals leaving high-control religious movements. They reflect on the confusion many face when their spiritual "anchor" is removed, often resulting in wandering between movements in search of truth. Chino shares a story of someone who humorously called herself a "cult hopper," illustrating how the desire for spiritual authenticity can lead to disillusionment and repeated entanglements. They emphasize the importance of returning to Scripture personally, without intermediaries claiming exclusive insight or power. As the discussion deepens, the two unpack the flawed hermeneutics behind faith healing and miracle claims made by former leaders like Hobart Freeman and William Branham. They challenge literalist readings of verses such as Mark 11:24 and expose how metaphorical language is often distorted for doctrinal control. They stress the need for honest, humble, and context-aware Bible interpretation. Stories of unverified miracle claims, spiritual manipulation, and doctrinal borrowing from prior movements are used to highlight the dangers of constructing belief systems on unverifiable traditions rather than clear biblical teaching. ______________________ 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