John and Laura-Lynn take a hard look at the dark side of modern religious movements, exposing how hero worship has protected predators and corrupted churches. They trace these patterns back to Pentecostal history, revealing scandals, manipulation, and false doctrines that set the stage for today’s abuses. Laura-Lynn shares her firsthand experience confronting leaders like Art Lucier, while John outlines how figures from Parham to Branham laid a foundation of deception and exploitation. Together they reveal how political tactics, misplaced loyalty, and distorted discernment continue to harm believers and protect abusers. <br /><br />This conversation shines a light on the danger of elevating leaders beyond accountability, the misuse of spiritual authority, and the urgent need for courage and true biblical discernment. They also expose the rising tide of Christian nationalism, its corrosive impact on love and outreach, and how celebrity culture in the church has replaced authentic discipleship. The call is clear: stand for righteousness, protect the vulnerable, and refuse to idolize leaders who exploit their position.<br /><br />Recent Latter Rain Sexual Abuse Research:<br />https://youtu.be/Mj_4WOnTFBs<br /> <br />00:00 Introduction <br />00:31 The Problem of Hero Worship in Religion <br />02:54 Laura-Lynn on Exposing Abuse in the Church <br />05:34 Art Lucier Scandals and Grooming Allegations <br />11:17 Historical Roots: Pentecostalism and Sexual Misconduct <br />13:25 Smith Wigglesworth, Branham, and the Latter Rain Spark <br />16:15 Abuse and Predators in Early Pentecostal Movements <br />20:05 Assemblies of God and the Independent Assemblies Split <br />23:47 Why Predators Seek Pulpit Power <br />30:04 The Political DNA of Pentecostalism <br />34:35 Sean Feucht, Celebrity Culture, and Exploitation <br />39:11 Twisted Discernment: How Branham Redefined It <br />40:18 Christian Nationalism and the Political Spirit in the Church <br />47:27 Us vs. Them Religion vs. the Way of Christ <br />49:55 Speaking Out Despite Opposition <br />54:11 Rebuilding After Attacks and Paying the Price for Truth <br />57:02 Conclusion and Resources <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 />– 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
