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
Chino's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@chinodross
John and Chino discuss the legacy of Hobart Freeman, exploring how his doctrines evolved from an encouraging message of faith healing into an authoritarian system of legalism, fear, and disinformation. Drawing from personal experiences and deep historical research, they trace the development of Freeman’s theology and its devastating consequences, including tragic stories of people denied medical care in pursuit of what Freeman taught as “divine order.” Chino also reflects on his own past involvement in Freeman’s ministry and how critical thinking, biblical literacy, and historical context eventually helped him and others disentangle from these damaging teachings.
The discussion broadens to examine the role of extra-biblical sources in promoting fringe doctrines. John exposes how William Branham and others used apocryphal texts and misunderstood ancient literature—such as the Book of Enoch and Dead Sea Scrolls—to construct wild end-times narratives, including UFO teachings. Both hosts critique the fear-based manipulation common to Freeman, Branham, and similar groups, highlighting how false teachings often hinge on misused scripture and pseudo-research. The episode concludes with promises of future deep dives into doctrinal extremism, spiritual abuse, and the misuse of ancient texts to justify modern cult ideologies.
00:00 Introduction
02:51 Hobart Freeman and the Rise of Faith Healing Extremism
09:13 From Healing to Condemnation: Anti-Medicine and Sorcery Doctrines
16:07 Biblical Misuse and Legalistic Indoctrination in Freeman’s Teachings
24:05 Alcohol, Communion, and Doctrinal Hypocrisy in Branham and Pentecostal Circles
31:15 Fear, Control, and the Psychological Toll of Cultic Religion
36:52 Invented Scriptures and “Rapturing Faith” in Branhamism
45:11 Hobart Freeman’s Misuse of the Apocrypha and Fake Scholarship
54:03 Extra-Biblical Sources, UFOs, and the Path to Theological Absurdity
1:00:01 Final Reflections and the Reliability of the Biblical Text
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