John and Steve discuss the connections between Russian mysticism, Persian Sufi thought, and the modern New Apostolic Reformation. They explore how figures like Jacob Boehme, Emmanuel Swedenborg, and ancient Persian mystics shaped theological concepts such as angelology and union with the divine. The conversation highlights how mystical and esoteric streams have influenced various Christian movements, from Orthodox traditions to charismatic groups, drawing parallels between historic syncretism and contemporary trends. Along the way, Steve stumbles on a few phrases, restarting his sentences with humor, and both hosts use these light moments to transition into deeper analysis.<br /><br />The discussion covers major Russian thinkers like Vladimir Solovyev, Alexander Dugin, and Nikolai Berdyaev, examining how their visions of unity, dominion, and eschatology intersect with themes in Western religious movements. They trace historical and ideological links through Henry Corbin’s synthesis of Orthodox and Islamic mysticism, the blending of Illuminism with Neoplatonic thought, and the adaptation of these ideas in modern movements. John and Steve also reflect on how such converging streams can create unstable alliances and influence political and spiritual landscapes worldwide, while cautioning about the dangers of these theological mergers.<br /><br />00:00 Introduction<br />01:07 Russian mysticism, Sufism, and Swedenborg’s influence<br />05:06 Weaponized religion in Russian Orthodoxy and Branhamism<br />08:12 Vladimir Solovyov and Sophia mysticism<br />11:03 Ecumenical movements and cult parallels<br />13:24 Esoteric Nazism and divisions in extremist groups<br />14:40 Alexander Dugin and Russian political mysticism<br />16:29 Branham’s prophecy and U.S. as Antichrist<br />18:07 White supremacists and Russian power connections<br />18:47 Nikolai Berdyaev and Russian Orthodoxy<br />21:34 Trump–Putin meeting and religious justifications for conflict<br />23:52 Dominion thinking and the sacred purge<br />24:42 Henry Corbin and Shiite Sophiology<br />27:04 Angelomorphosis and angelic union<br />28:23 Mahdi expectation and parallels in science fiction<br />30:27 Cult parallels in sci-fi and modern apostasy<br />32:18 Corbin uniting Russian Orthodoxy and Islamic mysticism<br />34:30 The Green Angel, Hermes, and esoteric guides<br />36:27 William Branham’s greenish angel and light phenomena<br />38:08 Fedorov’s utopian resurrection and deification<br />39:38 Joachim of Fiore and the Third Testament<br />40:46 Tuberosky’s militant church and heavenly union<br />42:30 Pagan roots of Christian Identity and Latter Rain heresies<br />43:49 Layers of apostasy foundations<br />44:56 NAR and Russian Orthodoxy as political weapons<br />47:28 New Jerusalem parallels in Dowie, Jane Leade, and NAR<br />49:45 Reflections on personal beliefs and reexamination<br />50:28 Preview of research into Latter Rain’s influence in Ghana<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 />– Suppor
