Derek Prince, Branham, and the Spirit of Deception

John and Charles discuss the excitement surrounding their Q&A format, contrasting it with William Branham's staged "question and answer" sermons that often advanced hidden agendas. They explain how real questions from their listeners differ from Branham's scripted ones, and they set boundaries around sensitive topics like the disappearance of Sarah Branham. Much of the conversation centers on Derek Prince, his work with Branham, and his influence on the Shepherding Movement. They emphasize how Prince's teachings about Christians having both good and evil spirits twisted scripture and opened doors to abuse. The hosts also connect these issues to the rise of authoritarian leadership structures in the Fivefold Ministry model, showing how such frameworks often evolve into cult-like systems. They further explore how Branham's influence extended into movements like the Shepherding Movement, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), and the spread of worship music through Vineyard, Bethel, and Hillsong. The discussion highlights how entertainment models, from tent revivals to contemporary worship, became tools for church growth while often minimizing the biblical message. They also address the Toronto Blessing and Wimber's struggles with excesses in the Vineyard movement, showing how blurred boundaries between biblical authority and spectacle produced long-term problems. Throughout, John and Charles stress the importance of recovering erased histories, noting how sympathetic historians often whitewash Branham's role in the second wave of Pentecostalism. They close by reflecting on their research process, recommending scholarly sources, and reaffirming their goal of documenting hidden or neglected history so future generations can learn from past mistakes.______________________ 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