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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 invites Gabriel to share his story about growing up in a splinter group of the Faith Assembly sect connected to the William Branham movement. Gabriel describes a rural upbringing, blending scientific curiosity with deeply entrenched belief systems. He reflects on early suspicions, contradictions in doctrine, and how his exposure to public education and outside perspectives sparked internal questions. The conversation dives into doctrinal quirks, like apocalyptic timelines and celestial misinformation, showing how Branham’s followers justified inaccuracies as divine mystery rather than error.

As the dialogue deepens, Gabriel recounts the social and psychological cost of cultic control—ranging from dress codes and spiritual guilt to the mental toll of health-related shame. John and Gabriel explore broader cult dynamics, including splintering leadership, pressure to conform, and the spiritualization of everyday events. With raw honesty, Gabriel opens up about past experiences he’s never shared publicly, encouraging others who feel alone in their doubts. The exchange ultimately sheds light on the healing power of critical thinking and community beyond spiritual authoritarianism.