From Branham to Dictators: Sex, Lies, and Military Coups

In this episode, John and Charles discuss the origins, inner workings, and eventual crisis of the central institutions that define the main sect of the William Branham movement. They trace the roots of these organizations—Branham Tabernacle, Spoken Word Publications, and Voice of God Recordings—through the doctrinal framework known as "Church Order," laid out by Branham himself. Emphasis is placed on how these institutions became vehicles for deification of Branham, forming what the hosts call a "deity cult" that shaped global message churches. They highlight how governance at Branham Tabernacle excluded dissenting voices, enforced control through tithe-based voting, and set the stage for Billy Paul Branham's eventual takeover. The conversation shifts dramatically as Charles unpacks the disturbing history of the tape-recording franchise led by Gene Goad and Leo Mercer, which culminated in the formation of Voice of God Recordings. He recounts how this operation moved to Prescott, Arizona, forming a commune known as "the Park," where systematic abuse allegedly occurred. The death of Roy Borders and the collapse of the Park triggered a crisis in the 1980s, prompting a reorganization of leadership and infrastructure. The hosts argue that Voice of God Recordings was created in direct response to this implosion. They reveal efforts by senior message leaders to cover up abuse, pointing to firsthand quotes from Perry Green and Lee Vayle. The episode concludes by emphasizing how these organizational dynamics and cover-ups became the foundation for the modern message cult, influencing not only internal followers but also charismatic figures in broader evangelical circles. ______________________ 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 explore the hidden history and radicalization behind certain religious movements in America, focusing on how fringe ideologies have influenced modern groups. They begin by discussing recent events involving Vance Boelter and the media's framing of the situation, urging listeners to engage in critical thinking rather than reacting emotionally to politicized language. They trace connections between extremist movements of the 1920s and 1930s, such as Christian Identity and British Israelism, and modern offshoots like the New Apostolic Reformation. The conversation highlights how religious doctrines have been weaponized over time to serve authoritarian structures, brainwashing techniques, and political agendas. Throughout their discussion, John and Charles emphasize that radicalization stems not from a single doctrine but from a dangerous mixture of fringe beliefs, authoritarian leadership models, and brainwashing tactics like positive confession. They explore historical figures such as Gordon Lindsay and the ways in which institutions like Christ for the Nations evolved, at times denying their connections to problematic roots. The hosts encourage honesty about historical ties and stress the need for accountability within these movements. They conclude by calling for greater public awareness of how these radical elements continue to pose threats to society under the guise of religious 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 Jed discuss the role narcissism plays in religious leadership, particularly within high-control environments and prophetic ministries. Jed opens up about his own father's diagnosis with narcissistic personality disorder, using a compelling metaphor to describe the psychological burden and relational dysfunction that results. He shares personal stories that illustrate how narcissism is not just about ego or vanity, but a deeply dysfunctional need to remain at the center of all attention—even to the detriment of loved ones or the success of the ministry itself. As the conversation deepens, they explore how these narcissistic dynamics become institutionalized within spiritual movements, such as the International House of Prayer and others influenced by New Apostolic Reformation figures. They dive into the use of technology—past and present—in prophetic manipulation, including early paper-based data mining, microphone and speech-to-text hacks, and even speculative future uses of AI and augmented databases. John explains how con artistry evolves in step with technological advancement, and how AI could further entrench charismatic fraud. Jed closes with a revelation about his father's obsession with a "database" used for ministry manipulation, connecting it with a long history of fraudulent techniques used by traveling evangelists. ______________________ 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 Adam discuss the hidden roots of modern revival movements through the lens of Adam's personal journey. Adam shares his early involvement with Metro Christian Fellowship, a church tied to the Kansas City movement, and how its teachings and leadership structures set the foundation for later organizations like IHOPKC. As he traces his steps from Metro to All Nations and into international missions, he reflects on the theological and cultural elements that shaped his worldview—and how those same elements were used to control and harm. The conversation gradually deepens into Adam's raw experience of emotional and spiritual hardship while serving in Africa. He recounts being under the authority of a charismatic yet authoritarian leader, facing manipulation and mistreatment. The story explores the global reach of revival culture, the lack of institutional accountability, and the emotional toll of enduring harmful leadership structures. Adam reflects on the long-lasting effects and the difficult road to healing, while John adds insight into similar patterns across revival-driven ministries. ______________________ 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 dive deep into the growing entanglement between modern religious leadership and the culture of entertainment. They begin by exploring how charismatic figures use divine authority as a tool to justify behavior that contradicts traditional Christian teachings. Drawing from their personal experiences and research, they trace how religious performance evolved into spectacle—shaped by branding, narcissism, and a demand for attention. They also discuss how market-driven ministry, rooted in the postwar influence of fundamentalism and cultural narcissism, turned church leadership into celebrity and ministry into a monetized brand. As the conversation unfolds, they highlight how entertainment values overtook sacrificial service within spiritual life. The duo critiques the technological evolution from print to screen and the psychological manipulation baked into digital media and megachurch marketing. Bob reflects on church scandals, the illusion of prophetic authority, and the use of staged drama to maintain crowds and income. John exposes the shifting narratives behind so-called prophecies and how modern religious media outlets repackage failed predictions for popular appeal. They close with an indictment of modern prophetic performance, where spectacle has replaced repentance, and entertainment has replaced humility. ______________________ 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 open with a discussion on the controversial nature of fringe sects that broke off from William Branham's teachings, defending their decision to highlight them by pointing to the consistent pattern of extremism born from the main sect. They argue that the "main sect" of the movement is directly responsible for the rise of extremist figures and practices, even as it publicly disassociates from them. The episode takes a deeper look at how these splinter groups emerged, tracing their roots back to failures in leadership and accountability within the central institutions of Branhamism. John recounts his own upbringing in the main sect, sharing personal stories about the culture of tape churches, where Branham's recordings replaced live preaching, often leaving congregants spiritually neglected. Charles walks listeners through the organizational evolution of the main sect, especially in the decades following Branham's death. He outlines the central institutions—William Branham Evangelistic Association, Branham Tabernacle, Voice of God Recordings, and Spoken Word Publications—arguing they were controlled by a faction known as the "Deity cult," a group that worshipped Branham as God. Billy Paul Branham's role as a behind-the-scenes power broker is explored in depth, along with his leadership style and the subsequent transition to his successor, "Prophet Junior." The hosts assert that the main sect's failure to confront misconduct, combined with the cultic reverence for Branham's words, created fertile ground for abuse and manipulation. ______________________ 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 contradiction between Hobart Freeman's radical teachings on divine healing and the reality of his untreated foot injury. Although Freeman claimed healing by faith and told others to throw away their medical aids, he secretly wore an orthopedic shoe for a leg damaged by polio. When his shoe supplier closed, he wore an ill-fitting substitute that caused an ulcer, which ultimately led to his death. The episode exposes how Freeman's public teachings were at odds with his private actions and how this dissonance was hidden from his followers through visions, dreams, and declarations of healing. They also explore the psychological and spiritual toll of living under rigid legalism and "faith formulas." By dissecting Freeman's messages and theology, John and Chino show how misplaced faith can become harmful when believers are told to deny reality in the name of belief. They introduce the concept of cognitive dissonance as a way to explain why followers defend ideas that consistently fail them, and how entire communities can police themselves to maintain the illusion. The result is a sobering reflection on the cost of loyalty to broken systems and a call for honesty, reason, and integrity. ______________________ 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 explore Lance Boelter's background, his education at Christ for the Nations Institute, and his involvement in the broader network known as the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Drawing on personal experiences and insider perspectives, they examine how leadership structures, spiritual rhetoric, and ideological frameworks shaped his worldview. As the conversation unfolds, Jed shares deeply personal insights—including his family's experience at a mission commune linked to early Kansas City Fellowship leadership. The hosts reflect on how some modern religious movements blur the lines between spiritual and political spheres. Their discussion highlights the challenges of accountability within loosely affiliated networks and raises important questions about the influence of charged language and unchecked authority. ______________________ 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 Cora Eppinga to share her story about growing up as the granddaughter of Jock Troup, the preacher behind the Fisherman's Revival. Their discussion opens with her family's deep ties to revivalist movements in Scotland and later America, detailing how spiritual fervor intertwined with fear-based theology and strict religious rules. As Cora reflects on her grandfather's ministry, she reveals how early exposure to doomsday messaging, harsh religious discipline, and emotionally charged conversion experiences shaped her mother's childhood—and ultimately her own. Her family's commitment to religious performance masked a darker emotional toll, leaving Cora to wrestle with contradictions between outward faith and private suffering. As their conversation deepens, Cora describes her own upbringing marked by fear, spiritual pressure, and personal trauma under a stepfather who presented himself as a preacher. Despite this, she maintained a quiet, personal belief in God, even as she endured years of instability and abuse. Eventually, she entered adulthood struggling with addiction, spiritual disillusionment, and rejection from religious circles. Her journey through various charismatic and Word of Faith ministries led to more questions than answers. In time, she began critically investigating the teachings she had grown up with, leading her to a simple and personal understanding of the gospel that was free from manipulation and fear. ______________________ 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 discuss the origins and unraveling of one of the most significant stories in Branhamism: the 1963 mystery cloud. They explore how the image of a circular cloud featured in Life magazine became a central symbol for followers who viewed it as divine validation of Branham's teachings. Drawing from eyewitness testimony, military records, and Branham's own evolving accounts, they unpack the inconsistencies and mythology built around this event. The discussion moves through the buildup of the cloud's legend, the role of photo manipulation and misinformation, and the logical contradictions in Branham's sermons. As John recounts his personal journey from believer to skeptic, he reveals how the doctrine surrounding the cloud was used to shape a theology of exclusivity and end-time revelation. Together, they highlight the importance of critical thinking and the consequences of accepting unverifiable claims as divine truth. ______________________ 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