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 Charles discuss Billy Paul Branham’s role in the hostile takeover of the Branham Tabernacle and the resulting schisms. The discussion sheds light on power struggles, corrupt maneuvers, and the internal fractures that splintered the community. Key figures like Orman Neville and Joseph Branham, along with influential families and factions, reveal a tapestry of loyalty, betrayal, and manipulation within the message’s leadership. The hosts share personal anecdotes and historical records, delving into the implications of these events for the broader religious movements tied to the message.
As the conversation progresses, the hosts reflect on the larger historical and spiritual ramifications of these developments. They discuss the influence of authoritarian structures, the strategies employed to retain control, and the human cost of these power plays. The episode concludes with a broader examination of how these localized conflicts resonated across the wider Pentecostal and charismatic movements, contributing to the evolution of modern fringe religious sects.
00:00 Introduction 00:31 Reflections on Billy Paul and Personal Connections 04:41 Key Issues in the Schism After William Branham’s Death 09:22 Controversy Over Leadership Elections in 1966 14:57 Early Signs of Organizational Tensions and Manipulations 20:03 Resignation of Key Figures and Community Fallout 27:05 The Role of the Deity Cult in Centralizing Control 32:41 Shifts in Leadership Dynamics and Schisms in 1968 40:09 Broader Movement Implications and Missionary Outreach 47:13 Reflections on Leadership and Community Legacy
______________________ – 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
