We discuss the book "Broken Faith: Inside one of America's Most Dangerous Cults" by Mitch Weiss and Holbrook Moore, which examines the Word of Faith Fellowship in North Carolina. The group, led by Jane Whitley, is accused of various abuses, including physical and emotional manipulation, and has successfully evaded lawsuits and criminal charges. We’ll break down the BITE model (no, not vampires, but mind control), unpack how people escape high-control groups, and explore why lawsuits seem to bounce off this church like a rubber ball.

In this episode, we examine the key beliefs of ‘Name it and Claim it’ theology, including its origins and impact on Christianity. We also discuss the controversies it raises, such as claims of prosperity and its views on faith and healing.

John and Ken examine the overlap between Word of Faith teaching, prosperity preaching, healing lines, “honoring the prophet,” and high-pressure giving culture through Ken Barriger’s experience around World Harvest Church in Paducah, Kentucky. The discussion traces connections involving Amway-style motivation, The Way International, Ed and Nancy Dufresne, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, grave soaking, slain-in-the-spirit experiences, and the broader charismatic ecosystem. The conversation also explores how religious language can prepare people to give beyond their means, how miracle claims can become difficult to question, and why independent verification matters when evaluating spiritual leaders. Ken’s story offers a personal look at the tension between sincere faith, group pressure, healing expectations, and the need for discernment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:18 Amway, Motivation, And A First Cult-Like Experience 06:18 Returning To Kentucky And Joining Grace Church International 09:41 Ed Dufresne, World Harvest Church, And Father-In-The-Faith Language 12:20 Amway, Prosperity Thinking, And Money-Making Schemes 18:10 Ed Dufresne’s Death And Leadership Changes 22:23 Grave Soaking, Relics, And Spiritual Power Claims 32:44 Slain In The Spirit And Learning To “Respond” 36:00 Giving Pressure And “All The Money You Make Is Not Your Money” 39:27 Honoring The Prophet And Offering Psychology 42:07 False Teachers, Scripture, And Spiritual Abuse Patterns 45:07 Healing Lines, Miracles, And Unanswered Questions 48:21 Leg-Lengthening Claims And Miracle Verification 51:41 Advice For People Questioning Word Of Faith Churches ______________________ 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 – 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

Cult Babes, it’s finally time to discuss cult leader Jane Whaley and the Word of Faith Fellowship. Call the Hotline: 747-322-0273Buy my book: prh.com/obitchuaryMerch! Merch! Merch!: wonderyshop.com/cultliterCome see me on tour: obitchuarypodcast.com Write me: spencer@cultliter.comSpencer Henry PO Box 18149 Long Beach CA 90807 Follow along online: instagram.com/cultliterpodcast instagram.com/spencerhenryJoin our patreon: Patreon.com/cultliterCheck out my other show OBITCHUARY wherever you’re listening now! Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith_Fellowship#Support_for_political_candidateshttps://www.goupstate.com/story/news/1995/03/08/convicted-child-molester-at-word-of-faith-agrees-to-worship-at-another-church/29574065007/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2017/11/13/ex-members-say-wnc-church-uses-power-lies-keep-grip-kids/857581001/https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article242307531.htmlhttps://www.wspa.com/news/brazilians-funneled-as-slaves-by-spindale-church-ex-members-say/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/06/02/gay-man-says-church-members-beat-choked-him-for-hours-to-expel-homosexual-demons/https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdnc/pr/us-attorney-announces-closing-investigation-after-last-defendant-involved-unemploymenthttps://www.wspa.com/news/brazil-church-rejects-word-of-faith-abuse-claims-detailed-in-ap-stories/https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/local/2019/09/27/word-faith-fellowship-investigation-closed-us-attorney-says/3785638002/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/us/politics/trump-women-church-north-carolina.htmlhttps://apnews.com/article/nc-state-wire-north-carolina-ap-top-news-africa-latin-america-f3ce7b57d69d4194803e68a40f4c215chttp://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/11/17/3673039/word-of-faith-fellowship-sees.htmlhttps://people.com/crime/word-of-faith-fellowship-church-cult-survivor-speaks-out/https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/id-shows/people-magazine-investigates-the-word-of-faith-cultJane’s Testimony | Word of Faith Fellowshiphttps://www.reddit.com/r/timesuck/comments/1385bvj/a_list_of_rules_from_a_church_cult_near_me_called/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRbfbyf4-uYhttps://abc13.com/word-of-faith-fellowship-punishment-worst-sinners-disciples/1775455/https://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-word-of-faith-fellowship-abuse-20170226-story.htmlhttps://wlos.com/news/local/former-world-of-faith-member-charged-with-breaking-into-ministers-homehttps://apnews.com/hub/word-of-faith-fellowshiphttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9UPyWOnISohttps://www.youtube.com/@nowoff8902See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John and Chino trace the documented links between William Branham and Hobart Freeman, examining how Freeman referenced Branham, repeated Branham-adjacent themes, and operated within a broader network of healing revival and Word of Faith influences. The discussion explores how ideas moved across ministries, how borrowed doctrines were reframed as revelation, and why many followers failed to recognize the historical trail in plain sight. The conversation also examines claims about prophecy, restorationism, anti-denominationalism, serpent seed, California destruction prophecies, and the broader culture that elevated Branham as a prophet. Along the way, John and Chino show how theological cross-pollination, selective memory, and charisma-driven authority helped shape one of the most troubling religious influence chains of the twentieth century. 00:00 Introduction 00:57 Why The Branham-Freeman Connection Matters 04:17 How Chenn First Found John’s Research 07:30 Research Trails From Word Of Faith To Freeman 10:00 Freeman’s Early Exposure To Branham’s World 13:20 The Illusion Of Original Revelation 17:45 Branhamism As Borrowed Theology 20:11 Why The Timeline Points To Real Influence 23:32 Why Freeman Seemed Spiritually Unique 26:34 The First Cracks In Freeman’s Authority 30:09 Borrowed Ideas From Roberts, Prince, And Hagin 32:21 Sponsor Break 33:25 Cross-Pollination And The Problem Of Secondhand Doctrine 36:06 Freeman’s Praise For Branham As God’s Prophet 40:37 The Strongest Evidence Of Direct Influence 44:23 Babylon, Dress Codes, And Oneness Influence 48:57 Branham, Moses, And The Serpent Seed Contradiction 53:00 Stage Personas, Elijah Claims, And Escalating Extremism 54:46 The California Prophecy And Failed Predictions 59:47 Final Example Of Branham’s Influence 1:03:56 Why The Contradictions Eventually Fell Apart ______________________ 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 – 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

John examines how William Branham’s use of “the spoken word” became a key theological bridge into later Word Of Faith and charismatic teaching. The discussion focuses on Branham’s view of Jesus, the way his followers elevated sermon transcripts alongside Scripture, and how that language may have shaped later preaching in modern charismatic circles. The episode also explores claimed connections between Branham, Roy Davis, Gordon Lindsay, F. F. Bosworth, E. W. Kenyon, and Robert Morris, while arguing that Branham’s theology helped normalize ideas that later surfaced in Word Of Faith and New Apostolic Reformation settings. It is a critique of doctrinal development, influence, and the language used to frame divine power, revelation, and Christology. 00:00 The Meaning Of “The Spoken Word” 04:06 Branham’s View Of Jesus And Manifestation Theology 07:00 How The Doctrine Spread Through Revival Networks 09:56 Robert Morris And The Reappearance Of “The Spoken Word” ______________________ 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 – 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

John invites Kim to share her story of becoming involved in Word of Faith, New Apostolic Reformation, and Shepherding Movement circles during a vulnerable season of life. She describes relying on personal prophecies, attending meetings where leaders claimed spiritual authority, and struggling to process promises that did not come to pass. Kim also reflects on high-control church culture, public shaming, pressure to submit, family division, grief, and the long process of healing. The conversation focuses on the dangers of following human leaders as though they speak directly for God, and Kim’s central warning is simple: open the Bible, follow Jesus, and do not allow anyone to replace your relationship with the Lord. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Kim’s Background and First Prophetic Experience 05:42 Trusting Prophecies That Failed 11:53 Public Shaming and Spiritual Authority 18:12 Addiction, Recovery, and Starting Over 24:15 Returning to the Church and Leadership Control 29:30 Submission, Shunning, and the “Sufferings of Christ” 34:17 Angelic Visitations and Leaving the Movement 41:00 Family Tragedy and Reconnecting After Years Apart 47:15 Apologies, Loss, and Shunning at the Memorial 53:01 What Happened to the Movement’s Leadership 55:05 Kim’s Warning: Open the Bible and Follow Jesus ______________________ 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 – 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

John and Chino examine how modern deliverance teachings expanded beyond biblical categories into broad explanations for personality, trauma, illness, and everyday human struggles. They discuss Hobart Freeman's teachings on discernment, psychology, counseling, and spiritual warfare while exploring how these ideas influenced later charismatic movements and shaped the experiences of many followers. The discussion traces historical connections between earlier Pentecostal and Latter Rain influences, examines how doctrines evolved through later ministries, and considers the importance of careful biblical interpretation alongside appropriate professional expertise. The episode concludes by comparing these teachings with the New Testament's emphasis on Christian growth, spiritual maturity, and faithful study of Scripture. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 02:04 Hobart Freeman’s Deliverance Teachings 03:44 Adoption, Demons, and Psychological Harm 05:27 When Personality Traits Become “Spirits” 08:15 Nature, Nurture, and the Roots of Doctrine 11:05 Freeman as a Self-Proclaimed Expert 15:41 Incubi, Succubi, and Deliverance 20:14 Genesis 6 and the Biblical Justification 23:08 William Branham and Manifested Sons of God 26:45 The Appeal of “Deeper Truth” 30:00 Gimmicks, Kenneth Hagin, and Deeper Deliverance 32:18 Multiple Personalities and Demonic Influence 35:50 Dreams, Medical Science, and “Open Doors” 38:07 Why Healing and Prayers Were Failing 42:01 The Danger of Leaders Claiming Expertise 47:02 Why Professional Expertise Matters 49:02 Deliverance Versus Counseling 51:18 Is Deliverance Taught to Christians in Acts? 54:30 The Final Days of Hobart Freeman 58:18 When the Promised Healing Doesn’t Work ______________________ 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 – 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

John and Anita discuss life inside the UPCI, the culture of holiness standards, family dynasties, religious performance, shunning, and the painful process of leaving a high-control church environment. Anita shares how her upbringing in Oneness Pentecostalism, her years around Word of Faith television ministry, and her daughter’s experience forced her to reexamine grace, the gospel, and the difference between outward conformity and genuine love. The conversation explores UPCI modesty rules, television bans, hair standards, class systems around ministry families, the emotional cost of being excluded, and the healing that can begin when people find sound teaching and a loving church community. For anyone processing Pentecostal legalism, spiritual control, or the fear that comes after leaving, Anita’s story offers honesty, perspective, and hope. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:03 Anita’s Life Inside the UPCI 06:08 Growing Up With Holiness Standards 14:58 Learning to Hide What the Rules Forbade 18:16 From the UPCI to Word of Faith Television 23:05 How Pentecostal and Word of Faith Traditions Intersect 30:07 Family Dynasties, Privilege, and Religious Celebrity 38:01 Doctrine, Loaded Language, and Questioning What You Were Taught 42:16 Shunning and the Cost of Leaving 51:50 Anita’s Advice for Rebuilding Faith After Leaving ______________________ 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 – 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

John and Chino discuss the development of deliverance ministry through Pentecostal and charismatic history, focusing on Hobart Freeman, early healing revival influences, A.A. Allen, H.A. Maxwell Whyte, Derek Prince, Don Basham, and the Fort Lauderdale Five. The conversation compares biblical accounts of deliverance with later teachings, public demonstrations, self-deliverance methods, and the use of spiritual language in ministry settings. The discussion also examines how themes such as healing, authority, shepherding, spiritual warfare, and “pleading the blood” became connected in certain streams of charismatic teaching. John and Chino explore how these ideas spread through sermons, books, magazines, radio, television, and ministry networks, raising questions about biblical interpretation, accountability, and the long-term effects of deliverance-centered ministry. 00:00 Introduction 00:31 Deliverance Ministry as Stage Performance 02:15 Hobart Freeman's Early Deliverance Ministry 05:08 Gordon Lindsay and the 1966 Deliverance Seminar 08:47 A.A. Allen and the Rise of Deliverance Spectacle 12:37 Public Healing Shows and Private Deliverance 15:38 Maxwell Whyte's Influence on Hobart Freeman 21:17 "Pleading the Blood" and Formula Theology 25:25 Radio, Television, and the Spread of Deliverance Teaching 30:34 Derek Prince, the Fort Lauderdale Five, and Shepherding 36:33 Hobart Freeman's Teaching on Self-Deliverance 44:06 Why People Were Drawn into Deliverance Ministries 49:16 Hobart Freeman as a "Seed Picker" of Doctrines 53:08 Kenneth Hagin, Spiritual Warfare, and Borrowed Teachings 57:34 Demons as Scapegoats and Lasting Damage 59:30 Closing Remarks ______________________ 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 – 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

John and Chino examine the supernatural origin stories used by healing evangelists, prophetic ministers, and later charismatic leaders to authenticate their ministries. From William Branham’s birth-light story to Kenneth Hagin’s death-and-hell testimony, Oral Roberts’ 900-foot Jesus, and Hobart Freeman’s personal prophecy from Anna Schrader, the discussion traces how extraordinary claims became a substitute for character, study, accountability, and biblical qualification. The conversation also explores Hobart Freeman’s contradiction: he warned against personal prophecy, yet his own ministry was shaped by one — and he later gave personal prophecies to family members, including Bruce Kinsey. The result was a system where ministers validated one another, prophecy replaced discernment, and followers were left carrying the spiritual damage. This episode asks a hard question: when every preacher needs a supernatural origin story, who is checking whether the call is real? 00:00 Introduction 0:31 Called to Preach or Just Looking for a Platform? 3:38 Why Ministers Create Supernatural Origin Stories 7:16 Healing Revival Leaders and Their Fantastic Claims 12:02 Hobart Freeman and the Need for Prophetic Validation 15:45 What Should a Real Call to Ministry Look Like? 18:06 Three Types of People Who Claim a Calling 21:47 Chino’s Own Call to Ministry Without the Spectacle 24:49 Ministry as Work, Not a Golden Goose 28:16 Personal Prophecy and “A Word from the Lord” 31:18 Hobart Freeman’s Contradiction on Personal Prophecy 32:19 The “Road Home from a Nightclub” Conversion Story 36:51 How Outlandish Claims Distract the Listener 38:36 Fake Diamonds and Mutual Ministry Validation 41:07 Was Hobart Freeman Deceived, Dangerous, or Both? 44:24 Real Ministry Without Headlines or Money 47:00 Freeman Breaks His Own Rule on Personal Prophecy 49:05 Hobart Prophesies Over Bruce and Kathy Kinsey 53:05 Why the Bruce Kinsey Prophecy Mattered 56:10 When Personal Prophecies Fail 58:10 Experience-Based Ministry Turns Everything Backwards ______________________ 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 – 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

John Collins speaks with Christopher Green about his experience inside the Word of Faith movement, tracing its overlap with charismatic revival culture, healing teachings, prosperity doctrine, prophetic influence, and the pressure of positive confession. Together they examine how promises of miracles, physical healing, and spiritual power shaped real lives, and why those expectations often collapsed under the weight of scripture, suffering, and unanswered prayer. The conversation also explores links between Word of Faith, the Full Gospel Business Men, the Kansas City prophetic stream, and broader Pentecostal and charismatic trends. Christopher reflects on how Bible study, theological comparison, and lived experience helped him reevaluate the movement's claims and separate historic Christianity from teachings that placed authority in untouchable leaders, confession formulas, and unfulfilled prophecies. 0:00 Introduction 1:21 Christopher Green’s Word of Faith background 5:28 Early charismatic influence and Full Gospel Businessmen 9:15 Charismatic unity and a church split 12:41 Kenneth Hagin, Copeland, and positive confession 15:03 Branham’s spoken word and faith as a force 21:27 Failed prophecy and mental health concerns 24:12 Healing claims versus Scripture 29:03 The consequences of positive confession 33:13 Watching people suffer while claiming healing 37:14 Healing tricks and spiritual pressure 39:18 Seed faith and Oral Roberts 40:51 Kansas City Fellowship and prophetic abuse 42:14 Medicine, doctors, and religious pressure 44:36 Hank Hanegraaff and Word of Faith critique 48:04 John Wimber and Midwest charismatic influence 51:54 Advice for people leaving Word of Faith ______________________ 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 – 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

John traces the roots of the prosperity gospel through John Alexander Dowie, E.W. Kenyon, F.F. Bosworth, William Branham, Oral Roberts, T.L. Osborn, A.A. Allen, the Voice of Healing movement, and the rise of faith-healing fundraising. The discussion examines how religious claims, healing campaigns, donor networks, media platforms, and revival circuits helped shape the health-and-wealth message long before many modern audiences associate it with Word of Faith teachers. The episode also explores how postwar healing revivals, Full Gospel Business Men connections, televangelism, seed-faith teaching, and competing ministry brands turned prosperity theology into a powerful religious economy. For more research on Branham, Latter Rain, charismatic extremism, and the New Apostolic Reformation, visit william-branham.org. 00:00 Intro 00:48 The prosperity gospel as a converging stream 03:33 John Alexander Dowie and religious wealth 07:23 Healing homes, money, and control 10:43 F. F. Bosworth and the revival connection 14:05 Dowie as prototype for later movements 17:47 Wikipedia, sources, and prosperity history 20:26 E. W. Kenyon, Higher Life, and New Thought 22:23 Pentecostals and early prosperity teaching 24:53 Branham, faith, and “ask abundantly” 28:43 Website and book resources 29:40 Avak Hagopian and wealthy sponsors 31:29 Oral Roberts and sevenfold return 35:26 Revivalists as competing businesses 38:08 Prosperity ministers criticizing prosperity 42:38 Voice of Healing becomes Worldwide Revival 46:32 Televangelism expands the money machine 48:17 Word of Faith and prosperity gospel 51:36 The modern flood of prosperity giving 53:31 Final warning: don’t give them your money 54:18 Closing ______________________ 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 – 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

Bailee was raised as a pastor's kid in the Pentecostal church, where speaking in tongues, prophecies, and miraculous healing were part of everyday life. She was taught that God always wants to heal, so when her father was diagnosed with cancer, her family fully expected a miracle. After he passed away, she began to question some of the beliefs she had been taught. In this episode, we talk about growing up in the Word of Faith movement, the lasting impact of teachings on hell, her time at IHOP and Oral Roberts University, and what it looks like to embrace curiosity after years of having all the answers. Today, Bailee is the co-host of Praise Be To Pod, where she continues exploring religion, doubt, and deconstruction. - Resources for embodiment  - Cole Arthur Riley: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/colearthurriley/?hl=en⁠ - My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem  - Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates Resource for progressive christianity / deconstruction - Kristian Smith: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thekristianasmith/?hl=en⁠ - Bailee’s IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/paynebailee/⁠ Praise Be To Pod: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3XkmQGWnGRq7SalxjjtOmD⁠ Praise Be To Pod IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/praisebetopod/⁠ Praise Be To Pod Tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@praisebetopod⁠ - Patreon: ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/Healedish⁠⁠ Follow for more:   Jubilee’s TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jubileedawns⁠⁠  Jubilee’s IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jubileedawns⁠⁠  Healed-ish TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@healedishpodcast⁠⁠  Healed-ish IG: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/healedishpodcast⁠⁠  Apply To Share Your Story: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/23f8SPBX1VntsqUU8⁠⁠

John and Chino examine the Freeman Files, a major research archive documenting Hobart Freeman’s sermons, notes, correspondence, and connections to William Branham, Kenneth Hagin, Gordon Lindsay, Anna Schrader, and the wider healing revival world. They explain how Freeman credited Branham with launching the end-time charismatic movement and how Freeman’s own message borrowed heavily from earlier Pentecostal and charismatic figures. The discussion also challenges dramatic ministry origin stories involving angels, visions, prophecies, near-death experiences, and supernatural calls to greatness. Instead of building pyramids around celebrity prophets and revivalist stage acts, John and Chino argue for verified claims, careful biblical interpretation, and faithful local ministry that serves ordinary Christians rather than elevating spiritual elites. Hobart Freeman, William Branham, Freeman Files, Branhamism, Faith Assembly, Kenneth Hagin, Anna Schrader, Gordon Lindsay, Voice of Healing, Latter Rain, healing revival, charismatic movement, false prophets, angelic visitation, fivefold ministry 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Freeman Credits William Branham As The Source Of His Message 05:09 Preserving The Freeman Files And Historical Documentation 08:25 From The Freeman Files To The X-Files Of Charismatic History 13:26 Supernatural Call Stories In Pentecostal And Charismatic History 17:58 Angelic Visitations, Hype, And Inconsistent Testimonies 23:17 Kenneth Hagin, Hobart Freeman, And Borrowed Faith Teaching 27:41 Why Every Big Ministry Claims A Supernatural Calling 33:55 Minor Prophets, Major Prophets, And Prophetic Stagecraft 40:49 Miracles In Scripture Were Not Hidden Or Unverifiable 44:16 Anna Schrader, Failed End-Time Prophecy, And The Freeman Foundation 50:21 The One-Fold Ministry Calling Itself Five-Fold 53:39 The Value Of Ordinary Local Church Leadership 57:53 Revivalist Ministry Models Make Ordinary People Feel Inadequate 59:43 Closing ______________________ 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 – 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

John sits down with Jordan Roberts, a former Word of Faith member, to examine how healing claims, signs-and-wonders culture, and emotionally driven church environments shaped his faith and family life. Jordan traces his path through Kenneth Hagin influence, Pentecostalism, Vineyard, Foursquare, Brownsville-era revival culture, and prosperity-style teaching, explaining what first drew him in and what finally caused him to question it. The conversation explores failed healing expectations, the human cost of spiritual pressure, the contrast between hype-centered religion and compassionate church life, and the difficult process of separating biblical truth from religious fiction. Along the way, John and Jordan discuss Kenneth Hagin, John Wimber, revival culture, the New Apostolic Reformation, and why asking hard questions can be the first step toward spiritual clarity and healing. 00:00 Introduction 01:30 Jordan's Word of Faith Background And Kenneth Hagin Influence 10:20 A Sick Child, Divine Healing Pressure, And The Breaking Point 17:04 Cancer, Delayed Treatment, And The Cost Of Healing Expectations 19:07 How A Mainstream Church Responded Differently To Suffering 23:17 Vineyard, Worship Culture, And The Church-as-Venue Model 28:12 COVID, Church Shutdowns, And Cracks In The Signs-And-Wonders Framework 32:10 Leaving The Gospel Of Hype For Reality 35:04 Challenging Family Without Pushing Them Away 37:26 Foursquare, Aimee Semple McPherson, And Revival Lineage 40:05 Shared Patterns Across Word Of Faith, Foursquare, Vineyard, And Revivalist Churches 42:56 Deconstructing Old Interpretations And Learning To Read Scripture Again 48:12 The Lack Of Compassion And The Relief Of Verse-By-Verse Teaching 49:40 Looking Backward To Movement Heroes Versus Living Forward In Christian Practice 51:10 Being Christlike Versus Trying To Be Like Christ 52:35 Advice For People Still Inside Word Of Faith Or Similar Movements 53:45 Closing ______________________ 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 – 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

John and Ava talk through Ava Dawson’s journey from Colorado Springs charismatic networks into NAR-adjacent circles, including IHOPKC influence, high-control leadership dynamics, and the fear-based spirituality that frames outsiders as threats and insiders as the spiritual elite. They unpack “umbrella of authority” language, fivefold ministry claims, and how scandals get minimized through silence, spiritual warfare framing, and protection of leaders. They also examine how prosperity doctrine and Word of Faith assumptions reshape families, money, and conscience, plus how worship culture and conference ecosystems spread ideas across churches, missions, and training schools. The conversation ends with practical exit advice: leave the system, detox from fear, and return to Scripture without extra-biblical authority structures. 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Ava’s Background In Colorado Springs NAR Circles 05:17 Discovering The Mike Bickle Scandal And Researching NAR 08:10 Connections To Dutch Sheets, Cindy Jacobs, And C. Peter Wagner 10:13 Silence, Defense, And Repeated Church Scandals 13:01 Spiritual Elitism And Cult-Like Isolation 16:22 Fear, Objects, Spirits, And Christian Superstition 19:00 The Umbrella Of Authority And Submission Culture 22:14 Five-Fold Ministry And Authoritarian Structures 24:01 Colorado Springs As A Testing Ground For NAR Influence 28:02 Youth With A Mission And NAR-Style Ideas 33:11 How NAR Ideas Spread Through Missions, Music, And Schools 38:01 What Indoctrination Looked Like In Practice 42:07 Victim Blaming, Misogyny, And Spiritual Abuse 44:40 Prosperity Doctrine And Family Damage 49:00 Faith In Faith Instead Of Faith In Jesus 52:02 Advice For People Trapped In NAR-Influenced Movements 54:02 Closing Resources ______________________ 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 – 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