William Branham Historical Research Podcast

John and Bob trace the long, tangled lineage of modern Pentecostal and charismatic movements, showing how cycles of cultural upheaval, crisis, and disillusionment have shaped revival narratives for more than a century. Their discussion follows the relational "family tree" behind movements like Latter Rain, Kansas City Fellowship, IHOPKC, and the New Apostolic Reformation, revealing how claims such as the "billion soul harvest" evolved through repeated patterns of failed predictions, fear-based messaging, and institutional control. Drawing on historical examples, personal experience, and deep research, they explore why revival expectations persist, how technology has reshaped spiritual culture, and why authentic renewal requires honesty about past distortions. ______________________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 Brantley discuss how authoritarian religious systems blur the lines between fantasy and faith, examining the strange doctrines, magical thinking, and psychological mechanisms that kept them trapped for decades. Using humor, honesty, and personal experience, they reflect on the cognitive dissonance required to believe in things like Branham’s “magic sword,” IHOPKC’s angelic warfare cosmology, and the Harry-Potter-style incantations normalized in modern charismatic culture. They also explore how money, secrecy, elitism, and militarized theology feed high-control movements—from Branhamism to IHOPKC to YWAM—shaping everything from personal identity to political attitudes. The conversation connects historical roots, cult dynamics, and lived experience to show how ordinary people can get swept into extraordinary (and sometimes absurd) belief systems, and what it takes to walk away. John and Brantley discuss how authoritarian religious systems blur the lines between fantasy and faith, examining the strange doctrines, magical thinking, and psychological mechanisms that kept them trapped for decades. Using humor, honesty, and personal experience, they reflect on the cognitive dissonance required to believe in things like Branham’s “magic sword,” IHOPKC’s angelic warfare cosmology, and the Harry-Potter-style incantations normalized in modern charismatic culture. They also explore how money, secrecy, elitism, and militarized theology feed high-control movements—from Branhamism to IHOPKC to YWAM—shaping everything from personal identity to political attitudes. The conversation connects historical roots, cult dynamics, and lived experience to show how ordinary people can get swept into extraordinary (and sometimes absurd) belief systems, and what it takes to walk away. ______________________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 life and teachings of Hobart Freeman, tracing how a strict faith-healing theology collided with human aging, illness, and reality. Drawing from firsthand experience, recorded sermons, and historical context, the discussion explores how promises of guaranteed healing create cognitive dissonance, enable spiritual abuse, and leave families devastated when those promises fail. ______________________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 traces the long, unsettling history behind today's "Army of God" and Seven Mountains language, showing how Christian Identity, British Israelism, and early twentieth-century revival movements shaped the way many believers now talk about nations, elections, and prophecy. Walking through old sermons, newspapers, and political campaigns, he explains why it only feels like things are worse today, and how earlier generations used the same fear-based apocalyptic narratives around leaders, wars, and "holy nations" that we see recycled in modern prophetic politics. From King Cyrus rhetoric around presidents to end-times math, dominion language, and the blending of pulpit and campaign stage, John invites listeners to step back and examine where these ideas came from and what they do to real people and real countries. This journey through overlooked history is meant to equip thoughtful Christians, former members of high-control movements, and anyone watching the New ______________________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 Priit discuss how sincere faith slowly shifted into a pressurized, high-control environment shaped by elitist teachings, strict submission, and the pursuit of “deeper revelation.” Preet shares how performance-driven expectations, prophetic claims, and honor culture replaced the love, peace, and joy that had originally drawn him to church life. Together, they explore how subtle philosophical shifts created emotional strain, isolation, and the sense that one’s future was tied to a leader rather than to God. They also describe the breaking point—how political messaging, fear-based prophecies, and reactions to world events accelerated confusion within the congregation. As Priit regained stability outside the system, he discovered confidence, clarity, and the freedom to relate to God without pressure. This conversation highlights how people can recognize unhealthy dynamics, rebuild their faith, and find hope on the other side. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K______________________Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branhamVisit the website: https://william-branham.org