Support the show:

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962Tom's Website:

www.TomDooley.org

John invites Tom to share his story about a decades-long spiritual journey shaped by personal tragedy, intellectual rigor, and firsthand encounters with authoritarian religious systems. Their discussion begins with Tom’s early experiences in a fundamentalist evangelical campus ministry that began with countercultural fervor but evolved into a rigid and controlling community. Tom reflects on how the group’s authoritarianism and anti-academic mindset drove him away, sparking his ongoing commitment to critical thinking, integrity, and a faith rooted in individual agency. He contrasts this experience with his later involvement in charismatic and New Apostolic circles, where a similar authoritarianism—combined with emotional manipulation—continued to erode spiritual authenticity.

As their conversation deepens, John and Tom expose the common roots between fundamentalist control and charismatic spectacle. Both recount disturbing parallels: how revival movements evolved into profit-driven enterprises, how emotional highs replaced genuine transformation, and how false leaders exploited followers through mind control, theatrics, and severed consciences. They critique the toxic blend of performance-based religion and spiritual elitism, which trains people to silence their own instincts and replace them with obedience to personalities on a stage. Ultimately, they call for a return to discernment, grounded faith, and service to the marginalized—urging those ensnared in controlling systems to seek wise counsel, think critically, and walk away from religious theater masquerading as truth.

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K

John and Bob explore the growing trend of public religious criticism, focusing on those who expose flawed teachings and controversial leaders. They question whether such individuals, often labeled “heresy hunters,” are contributing to needed reform or simply adding to division. Bob expresses concern over a culture built on scandal and confrontation, suggesting that the real issue lies deeper—within the church’s cultural transformation. The discussion begins with personal reflections on technology, online interactions, and the widespread appeal of calling out wrongdoing, before diving into the heart of why institutional failure keeps repeating.

As the conversation unfolds, they explore three major shifts affecting modern faith communities: the rise of narcissistic culture, the shift toward entertainment-driven gatherings, and the urbanization of spiritual life. These transformations, they argue, have diluted the authenticity of spiritual leadership and created a consumer-driven faith. Drawing parallels to historical decline in empires and major corporate failures, John and Bob unpack how gradual societal changes have led to sudden breakdowns in religious trust. Throughout, they challenge listeners to critically evaluate what is truly shaping their beliefs and whether institutional pressures are suppressing the very growth they claim to foster.

Support the show:

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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/1735160962Come Out of Her My People Vol II:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNFN2XYR

John and Charles discuss the shocking criminal history of Perry Green, one of the most influential leaders in the William Branham “Message” cult. They expose a vast web of financial fraud, exploitation, and spiritual manipulation orchestrated by Green, revealing that he wasn’t merely a supporter of Branham’s teachings—but a scam artist who profited off message believers for decades. Drawing from court records, insider experience, and historical documents, the duo walk listeners through Green’s massive real estate and travel agency schemes, scams on widows and missionaries, and monetization of so-called “holy relics” and unreleased Branham recordings.

But the most chilling revelations come as they recount how Green used his position to push false prophecies and manipulate cult doctrine—including the infamous Marriage and Divorce tape used to justify polygamy in the movement. The hosts show how Green’s downfall only began when he started stealing from other message leaders—setting off a copyright war that ultimately fractured the main sect. With firsthand accounts and irrefutable documentation, the episode paints a damning portrait of corruption hidden behind the facade of religious devotion, concluding that the message was never about faith—but about power and money all along.

John and Chino discuss the damaging legacy of faith-healing movements by exploring their personal experiences and theological critiques of leaders like Hobart Freeman and William Branham. They recount bizarre, often tragic, stories of broken bones, cast removals, and faith-based neglect—offering a window into the consequences of extreme teachings on healing, medicine, and divine promises. Chino shares accounts from Freeman satellite congregations where even children were pressured to hide injuries, revealing the deep psychological programming present in these movements. John contrasts these experiences with theological insights that expose how Bible verses like Psalm 34:20 were taken far out of context and weaponized to manipulate followers into rejecting medical care.

Throughout their discussion, they expose the cult-like tendencies of ministers who claimed authority by distorting scripture—relying on “biblical hopscotch” and charismatic influence while dodging responsibility for the harm caused. Their dialogue is both deeply personal and sharply analytical, as they dissect not only the faulty hermeneutics of these preachers but also the cultural forces that allowed them to flourish. The episode culminates in a critique of how these doctrines spawned movements like Manifested Sons of God and Joel’s Army, where messianic delusions and miracle-chasing replaced sound doctrine and compassion. Their conversation ultimately urges listeners to return to biblical truth and discernment.

______________________

Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham

Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K

Support the show:

https://www.patreon.com/branham

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 rise of fake theological degrees in charismatic religious movements, connecting them to deeper issues of control, indoctrination, and hostility toward education. They explore how many leaders in Pentecostal or New Apostolic groups undermine formal academics while handing out unaccredited or self-bestowed doctorates to legitimize their authority. Jed shares his personal experience navigating education after leaving IHOPKC, describing how cult environments discourage critical thinking and instill fear around secular learning, leading many to fall behind professionally or intellectually.

The episode unpacks the historical roots of this distrust in education—tracing it through white supremacy, fundamentalist opposition to evolution, and anti-Catholic rhetoric. John explains how this led to the development of parallel education systems, many of which are not recognized outside their own communities. They expose specific figures like Lance Wallnau, who awarded himself a doctorate from a school accredited by an institution he co-founded. While parts of the conversation are lighthearted and sarcastic, the hosts emphasize the real harm caused by these fake credentials, especially to young people who invest time and money into programs that limit their future options.

Support the show:

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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.

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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

Chino's YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@chinodross

John and Chino discuss how religious teachings from figures like Hobart Freeman and William Branham distorted the concept of faith, especially in relation to physical health. They explore how these teachings discouraged medical and dental care, even in cases of severe pain or deformity, emphasizing instead a rigid, unbiblical faith doctrine. Chino shares personal and listener stories, including one about a survivor who suffered years of dental neglect due to these harmful teachings, and how basic care like orthodontics or false teeth were condemned as worldly or fleshly. The conversation also touches on Branham’s contradictions—criticizing cosmetic enhancements while secretly using them himself—and how both Branham and Freeman emphasized immediate physical restoration over biblical hope in eternal life.

The discussion expands into the broader theology of hope, faith, and love, critiquing how cultic environments weaponized faith while suppressing biblical virtues like hope. Chino contrasts Freeman’s harsh teachings with Paul’s encouragement of love as the greatest virtue. The two reflect on the cognitive dissonance created when followers are taught to deny reality—aging, illness, or personal suffering—in pursuit of unrealistic faith outcomes. They advocate for returning to scripture with fresh eyes, letting the Bible speak plainly, and rejecting destructive religious frameworks. Ultimately, they urge listeners to let go of harmful teachings, seek healing, and embrace a grounded, biblical faith centered on hope and love.

Support the show:

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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 and Adam discuss the deep historical connections between William Branham’s movement and modern charismatic expressions like Bethel Church. They explore how practices rooted in Branham’s blend of spiritualism and showmanship—including supposed miracles and manipulations—have evolved into contemporary revival rituals and doctrines. Adam shares personal experiences from his time at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM), reflecting on how books like God’s Generals, Branham’s “blue books,” and John G. Lake’s biography were once central to the curriculum. Together, they critique how performance-based religion, experience-driven spirituality, and New Age terminology have crept into charismatic movements under the guise of Christian revivalism.

A major focus of their conversation is Bethel’s April 5 “Communion Revival,” an event presented as a prophetic ritual meant to spark a national awakening through declarations and symbolic acts. They draw eerie parallels between Bethel’s actions and Branham’s ceremonies, including theatrical communion services and hierarchies of spiritual authority. The discussion moves through topics like levitation stunts used to deceive, psychological manipulation in revival culture, the Manifest Sons of God doctrine, and controversial teachings like “eating the scroll.” Throughout, John and Adam expose how old doctrines have been repackaged in modern settings while maintaining their manipulative roots.

Support the show:

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K

John and Steve discuss a deeply personal and intense journey through family history, loss, musical achievement, and involvement in a high-control religious group. Steve shares stories of his grandfather’s legacy, tragic family losses, and his musical career performing with notable figures. He then recounts his unexpected entanglement in a non-traditional religious environment, prompted by roommates connected to Word of Faith teachings. This segment transitions into the heart of his experience with psychological influence, isolation, and spiritual manipulation, eventually leading to a forced intervention arranged by his family.

As Steve continues, he reveals the process of recovery and healing after the intervention, which included time at a recovery home and participation in counseling groups. He goes on to assist with other interventions, sharing stories from his involvement with groups of various backgrounds. The narrative explores the moral and legal complexity of such interventions, highlighting moments of danger, emotional trauma, and eventual liberation. Throughout, Steve emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, maintaining relationships, and recognizing the signs of coercive control. The discussion ends with reflections on how isolation and the suspension of rational thought enable group influence, offering cautionary wisdom for others who may find themselves caught in similar situations.

Support the show:

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962

Some Say They Blundered:

https://a.co/d/2cEkDyF

John and Bob dive into the deep roots of dominionist theology, comparing its modern expression with ancient history and Christian scripture. They examine how efforts to merge religion with government power have consistently failed throughout time. From biblical kings to American prohibition, the discussion underscores that without internal transformation, external laws fail to produce lasting change. The hosts critique contemporary movements attempting to legislate morality, drawing parallels to movements like the New Apostolic Reformation and even historical regimes.

Through a historically grounded discussion, they trace dominionist ideology from early Christian persecution, through Constantine’s Rome, to modern evangelical politics. They highlight the parallels between dominion theology and authoritarian structures, revealing how pride and the pursuit of status often drive these movements more than genuine faith. Along the way, Bob shares personal stories from his past involvement in religious and music institutions, while John offers critical insight into the legacy of groups tied to prohibition, religious nationalism, and authoritarian youth programs. The conversation closes with reflections on spiritual authenticity and a challenge to critically rethink what genuine faith looks like.