Converging Apostasy

William Branham Historical Research

Converging Apostasy tracks how modern Christian movements drift — often slowly, then all at once — when revival culture, celebrity influence, conspiracy thinking, political power, and spiritual experiences merge into a single force. Hosted by John Collins, each episode maps the intersections: where ideas originate, how networks spread them, and why "unity," "authority," and "signs and wonders" language can become cover for manipulation, abuse, and doctrinal collapse. Expect documented timelines, primary sources, and clear analysis designed to help listeners recognize patterns early and stay grounded in historic Christianity. Views expressed by guests or co-hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Derby Media Group LLC. Website: https://william-branham.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeavingtheMessage Legal: https://william-branham.org/legal

  1. 08/28/2025

    Converging Apostasy: Russian Mysticism Meets the NAR

    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. 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. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

    53 min
  2. 07/24/2025

    Circle of Apostasy: Russian Mysticism & the Rise of Charismatic Extremes | Converging Apostasy

    John and Steve discuss the intersection of Russian mysticism and modern charismatic extremism, beginning with a humorous account of a road trip through Houston that leads into a serious exploration of converging apostasy from both the political right and left. They contrast bumper sticker slogans to introduce the overlap between nationalist rhetoric and esoteric spirituality. This opens a deep dive into neoplatonic angelology in music and pop theology, especially Trisha Yearwood's "Bringing the Angels," which Steve argues mirrors mystical beliefs about calling down supernatural powers through human will—a trend also observed in Latter Rain and NAR movements. They trace how charismatic extremism mirrors historic Russian sects such as the Khlysts (Khlysty), led by figures who claimed to be Christ and used ecstatic rituals, self-flagellation, and euphoric dance. John connects this directly to William Branham and later figures in the NAR who blur the line between prophet and messiah. As they examine how these mystical movements migrated from Russia to the U.S. and Canada, they expose disturbing parallels—such as public nudity, arson, and authoritarian religiosity—while tying in American Christian identity teachings, Branham's relationship with political figures, and occult influencers. The conversation ends with a preview of a future episode continuing this historical analysis. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

    57 min
  3. 06/05/2025

    From Neoplatonism to Prophetic Madness: Why the NAR Isn’t Christian

    John and Steve explore how the teachings of Neoplatonism and ancient mystery religions have resurfaced in modern charismatic movements, particularly the New Apostolic Reformation. They trace a theological lineage from esoteric figures like Plotinus and Valentinus to revivalists such as William Branham and Jane Leade, showing how beliefs in angelic intermediaries, spiritual perfection, and mystical portals distort core Christian doctrine. Throughout the discussion, they examine how these ideas shaped doctrines of personal revelation, divine authority, and supernatural empowerment—often replacing the Holy Spirit with unbiblical concepts. The episode highlights how modern prophets, healers, and influencers draw from occult systems to claim divine status or command angelic beings. Branham’s pyramid theology, the Latter Rain’s esoteric symbolism, and the NAR’s obsession with angelic access are exposed as repackaged forms of ancient heresies. With clarity and historical depth, John and Steve demonstrate how these movements confuse emotional experience with biblical truth and how easily followers become trapped in a system where perfection comes not through Christ, but through secret knowledge and mystical encounter. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ – Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  – Visit the website: https://william-branham.org

    1h 5m
  4. 03/20/2025

    Endless NAR Tentacles: Unraveling Elitist Cults

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/branham 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   John and Steve discuss the intricate historical connections between various theological movements, focusing on the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its doctrinal roots. They delve into the influence of figures like T. Austin Sparks, Watchman Nee, and Jane Leed, tracing the evolution of key theological concepts such as the Manifested Sons of God, church authority, and elitist spiritual teachings. Their conversation highlights how these ideas were woven through movements like the Latter Rain, Pentecostalism, and the Shepherding Movement, shaping the landscape of modern charismatic theology. They explore how certain teachings, once considered controversial, have become widely accepted within evangelical circles, particularly regarding spiritual authority, submission, and the idea of a spiritually elite group within the broader Christian community. Throughout the discussion, they analyze the impact of historical figures and theological trends on contemporary movements, identifying patterns of spiritual hierarchy, exclusivity, and authoritarian leadership. They emphasize the dangers of extra-biblical teachings that prioritize submission to human authority over biblical doctrine, drawing parallels to cult-like structures. The conversation also touches on the role of media and literature in propagating these ideas, with figures such as Bill Hamon and William Branham reinforcing these themes. Ultimately, John and Steve advocate for critical examination and historical research to expose the origins and implications of these teachings, encouraging vigilance against manipulation within religious movements.

    53 min
  5. 01/30/2025

    The Elijah Company: Myths, Movements, and Messianic Claims - The Converging Apostasy

    Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/branham 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  John and Steve discuss the history and evolution of various religious movements that have influenced modern beliefs. They examine how figures such as William Branham, Ern Baxter, and Derek Prince contributed to the development of the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR) and its ties to the shepherding movement. Steve shares insights from historical documents, including the magazine People of Destiny, which continued the themes of the earlier shepherding movement under different branding. Throughout the discussion, they trace the influence of esoteric figures and concepts, such as Jane Leed and her teachings on spiritual perfection, as well as the corporate Elijah identity that has persisted in various forms through the centuries. The conversation also explores the role of certain individuals and theological ideas in shaping movements like the Latter Rain and charismatic teachings. They discuss figures such as James Watt, Paul Cain, and Jennifer Leclerc, linking their teachings to earlier influences like Joachim of Fiore and Origen. John highlights how some of these figures embraced metaphorical interpretations and mysticism, which led to controversial doctrines such as the pre-existence of souls and reincarnation. As they analyze the historical connections and doctrinal shifts, they emphasize how these ideas have converged over time to form the basis of many present-day movements.

    56 min

About

Converging Apostasy tracks how modern Christian movements drift — often slowly, then all at once — when revival culture, celebrity influence, conspiracy thinking, political power, and spiritual experiences merge into a single force. Hosted by John Collins, each episode maps the intersections: where ideas originate, how networks spread them, and why "unity," "authority," and "signs and wonders" language can become cover for manipulation, abuse, and doctrinal collapse. Expect documented timelines, primary sources, and clear analysis designed to help listeners recognize patterns early and stay grounded in historic Christianity. Views expressed by guests or co-hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Derby Media Group LLC. Website: https://william-branham.org YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LeavingtheMessage Legal: https://william-branham.org/legal