Support the show:<br />https://www.patreon.com/branham <br /><br />Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts:<br />https://william-branham.org/podcast <br /><br />Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:<br />Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962<br />Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K<br /><br />John invites Rachel to share her experiences growing up in a religious movement where teachings and traditions heavily centered around William Branham. Rachel recounts how her family immersed themselves in the teachings, often elevating Branham to a central figure of devotion, which caused internal conflicts for her from an early age. She describes how the group’s strict rules dictated daily life, especially for women and children, and reflects on the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced as she questioned the teachings. Through personal stories, Rachel illustrates the depth of the movement’s influence and its impact on family dynamics, identity, and faith.<br /><br />The conversation explores themes of healing, forgiveness, and personal growth as Rachel recounts her journey of leaving the group, finding her voice, and rediscovering her relationship with God. Both John and Rachel discuss the broader issues of religious structures that prioritize control over compassion, as well as the harm caused by rigid and isolating belief systems. By sharing her story, Rachel hopes to encourage others to seek healing and freedom, while offering insights into the importance of love, acceptance, and understanding in navigating complex spiritual journeys.<br /><br />00:00 Introduction<br />00:31 Growing Up in the Message<br />02:05 Strict Rules and Fear-Based Teachings<br />04:16 Realizing the Extent of Worship Toward Branham<br />06:08 Gender Expectations and Restrictions<br />07:46 Processing Childhood Anger and Forgiveness<br />11:29 Memories of Conventions and Church Gatherings<br />15:09 The Influence of Branham’s Teachings on Daily Life<br />16:48 Questioning Doctrinal Contradictions<br />19:47 Recognizing Abuse and Seeking Justice<br />25:30 The Psychological Impact of Cult Upbringing<br />29:01 Social Rejection and Shunning in the Community<br />31:59 Coming to Terms with Identity<br />36:57 The Stigma Against Same-Sex Attraction in the Church<br />40:07 Finding a Faith Community That Accepts Everyone<br />46:06 The Broader Issue of Control in Religious Structures<br />50:09 A Message of Hope and Encouragement<br />______________________<br />– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham<br />– Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ<br />– Visit the website: https://william-branham.org<br />– Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg <br />– Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham<br />– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr<br />– Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books
