Cult or Religion? Exploring How Allegiance Shapes Modern Faiths 🤔

John and Jed discuss the evolving relationship between doctrine, identity, and spiritual authority within modern charismatic movements, using the International House of Prayer and William Branham’s followers as examples. They explore how central figures—be they prophets or institutions—create dependency structures that can supplant traditional Christian orthodoxy. Jed describes his realization that IHOP’s identity was deeply intertwined with Mike Bickle, especially as scandals emerged. John explains how followers often unknowingly defer their spiritual identity to a central authority, making it difficult to break free when faced with disillusionment.<br /><br />They examine how doctrines often function not as theological beliefs but as tests of allegiance, with shifting teachings designed to maintain loyalty to a specific leader rather than to historical orthodoxy. They explore the lifecycle of cult-like movements: how anti-orthodoxy births extremism, which often mutates into new splinter groups when disillusionment sets in. Jed describes his journey of curiosity and rediscovery after leaving such a movement, highlighting the tension between the desire for fresh spiritual experience and the stability of time-tested orthodoxy. The discussion closes with a call for thoughtful, healthy leadership and a recognition of how many are still processing their spring-loaded exit from abusive religious systems.<br /><br />00:00 Introduction <br />00:31 The Other Christian Identity and British Israelism <br />01:50 Mike Bickle and the Identity of IHOP <br />04:51 Abuse Allegations and the End Times Prayer Movement <br />07:59 How Prophecies Shape IHOP’s Identity <br />09:55 Central Figures vs. Institutions in Cults <br />12:00 Doctrines as Allegiance and Dividing Lines <br />15:28 The Problem of Doctrinal Splits <br />18:16 Allegiance to Traditions vs. Allegiance to Leaders <br />20:19 IHOP Doctrines and Allegiance to Mike Bickle <br />23:05 Cult vs. Religion: When Does It Mature? <br />26:35 Orthodoxy, Anti-Orthodoxy, and Doctrinal Shifts <br />32:00 Pentecostalism, Latter Rain, and New Apostolic Reformation <br />36:55 Why IHOP Doctrine Cannot Mature <br />38:24 Deception, Splinter Groups, and Cult Cycles <br />41:04 The Bethany Deon Mini-Cult and IHOP’s Role <br />46:00 Why Cult Members Jump from Group to Group <br />49:01 Returning to the Gospel and Cult Hijacking <br />51:40 Why Anti-Orthodoxy Appeals to Some Groups <br />55:04 Curiosity, Itching Ears, and Healthy Outlets <br />59:19 Leadership, Control, and Healthy Alternatives <br />1:03:13 Untethered Springs: What Happens After You Leave <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: