Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts: https://william-branham.org/podcast
Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962 Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
John and Jed discuss the inner workings of the International House of Prayer (IHOP) and its controversial “Bridal Paradigm” teaching. They delve into how Mike Bickle and IHOP use the metaphor of the Church as the “bride” of Christ, waiting to be united with Jesus, the “groom.” While inspired by biblical passages, this doctrine has been critiqued for its emphasis on purity, devotion, and apocalyptic anticipation, and some see it as taking on an unsettling, even sexualized, interpretation. Learn how the Bridal Paradigm shapes IHOP’s community ethos, with lasting effects on those who were immersed in this world.
They also explore the connections between IHOP’s teachings and the broader Latter Rain and New Apostolic Reformation movements, showing how shared themes like fasting, prophecy, and hierarchy create a complex network of influence. Through personal stories and historical context, Jed reveals how IHOP’s teachings have impacted individual lives and discuss the larger implications of unchecked religious authority. This is a deep dive into one of the most influential yet controversial corners of modern charismatic Christianity.
00:00 Introduction 01:31 Origins of the Bridal Paradigm in IHOP 03:51 Mystical and Controversial Elements of the Bridal Paradigm 07:33 The Ten Virgins Parable and Its Interpretation 09:03 Connections Between Latter Rain and Mainstream Christianity 12:09 Misogyny and Sexualization in Pentecostal Teachings 15:50 Evolution of Hierarchies in Pentecostal Movements 21:56 Revival Movements and British Israelism’s Influence 26:49 Hierarchies and Control in Modern Charismatic Churches 33:33 Fasting Practices and Their Historical Roots 44:00 Lack of Accountability in Splinter Groups 50:03 Fasting’s Physiological and Psychological Effects 1:00:00 Closing Remarks on Fasting and Manipulation ______________________ – 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 – Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg – Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham – Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr – Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books