William Marrion Branham

[Jewels]

Hello all. I have some very dear family members that have been following the teachings of William Branham for many years. From what I can see, they listen to many of his audio taped Sermons and read from something called "the message"
* no make up * no pants for women * I believe no shorts for men? Etc...
Anyway, was wondering if anyone here is familiar with this "prophet"?
Also, I’m just learning that the trinity is not taught either.

 

[athenasius]

Hello all. I have some very dear family members that have been following the teachings of William Branham for many years. From what I can see, they listen to many of his audio taped Sermons and read from something called "the message"
* no make up * no pants for women * I believe no shorts for men? Etc...
Anyway, was wondering if anyone here is familiar with this "prophet"?
Also, I’m just learning that the trinity is not taught either.

Yes, very familiar. VERY VERY BAD!

Apostate heretic teacher who started a bunch of heretical doctrines, including the "Serpent Seed" in which he claimed that Satan had sex with Eve, and fathered Cain along with many other "bad seeds". According to him most people are Serpent Seeds or completely evil. People who followed him are the righteous good ones, along with a few who come out of mainstream Christianity into his cult.

He died in 1965 but his teachings live on, among the many groups springing from his heretical teachings. "christians" who follow Branham either don't know their Bible or like many a cult that calls itself "christian" it elevates the leader to Christ like status and makes the leaders teachings (the message) equal to the Bible.

Just like the JW's, the Mormons, the Christian Scientists, Herbert W Armstrong's followers and the Seventh Day Adventists. (examples of groups that rise up following a special "anointed" leader who contradicts the Bible or adds to it.)

Jim Jones who killed his followers in the jungle of Guyana at Jonestown Nov 78 was an associate of Branham and followed many of his teachings. That should give people a warning. That's where the saying "drank the Kool Aide" came from.

The heretical Latter Rain movement used much of his teachings. I think he is considered the founder of the Latter Rain movement. That was firmly denounced by the Pentecostal churches such as the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. This quote comes from Deception in the Church's article on Branham. "In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

-- This teaching of "restoration" is a key element in the NAR movement (New Apostolic Reformation) and part of the whole Toronto Airport Vineyard movement that spawned things like Todd Bentley.

Some of the teachings he influenced or started include "Kingdom Now" which is a type of Dominionist Theology.

He was a "Oneness" teacher denying the Trinity which immediately puts him outside Christianity and into the cults. An example of that is Oneness Pentecostalism who teach that you can't be saved if you believe in the Trinity, the Tri-Une nature of God and the existence of the Godhead.

His teaching along with other Latter Rain teachers was common among the New Apostolic Reformation movement as well as the Kansas City Prophets, and Mike Bickles IHOP KC which is similar.

I spent a little time looking him back up, I hadn't heard of him or his teaching since the late 90s. I see according to some of the recent articles that there is some kind of resurgence in his teaching, on YouTube. That is BAD stuff. There are a lot of very dedicated Branham followers who are really angry with any criticism of Branham. I remember a few more unsavoury details, but those appear to have disappeared off the web.

He believed he was commissioned by God who sent a special angel that was with him always and helped him read minds. People who disagreed with him were of the devil, as were people who went to denominational churches like Baptists, Pentecostals etc. The only churches he approved of were the independent ones who agreed with him.

A mild biography is here: https://www.apologeticsindex.org/5870-william-branham

Al Dager's synopsis is more complete-- I found a copy of it over on Deception in the Church site. http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/williambranham1.html
Here are some quotes, including a more complete explanation of his hatred of women and the Serpent Seed doctrine he taught. Starting with his view that he himself was "the angel to the church of Laodicea".

Here's excerpts from Al Dager's article dated June of 86. Al's words are in italics, I'll interject some thoughts, bold a bit of stuff here and there!

"As indicated on his tombstone, Branham was thought to be the angel to the Church of Laodicea - the end-time Church."

That's kind of making the entire end of the Church Age all about him. Wow!

"In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

So church people who love the Lord and attend fellowship in a denomination have taken "the Mark". Pretty big contradiction to Rev 13:16-17 which says
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Guess Branham didn't read that bit.

And notice how neatly this removes Branham from any correction within the church. He declares that all within the denominations are evil, so he doesn't have to pay attention. And other independent churches have no authority over him either or his teachings. Another red flag.

"The Serpent's Seed
In spite of his apparent humility and consecration, Branham had great difficulty controlling a strident, hateful attitude toward women. In his own poor English, transcribed from a sermon, Branham stated, "But I remember when my father's still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn't over seventeen, eighteen years, up there with a man my age now, drunk. And they'd have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get them home to cook their husband's supper. Oh, something like that, I said, 'I...This was my remarked [sic] then, THEY'RE NOT WORTH A GOOD CLEAN BULLET TO KILL THEM WITH IT.' That's right. And I hated women. That's right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing." 25

This attitude toward women may have played a part in the development of Branham's bizarre "Serpent Seed" teaching. This was based on a twisted interpretation of Genesis 3:13, where Eve is recorded as saying, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." The word "beguiled" Branham defined as "seduced sexually." He claimed that Satan and Eve engaged in an adulterous affair out of which Cain was born. Since that time evil has passed from generation to generation through women, who keep the seed of the serpent alive. 26 He seemed to think that women are responsible for the evil in the world because of their enticements.

The "Serpent's Seed" teaching obviously indicated that Branham didn't take the Scriptures literally, where we read, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bare Cain..." (Genesis 4:1).

His animosity toward women led to the preaching of a rigid moral code that lambasted them on their manner of dress, and may have been responsible for his "revelation" that allowed for divorce. 27"

The numbers refer to the quotes that Al Dager took straight from Branhams writings.

His hatred of women betrays him, that is a sign of the enemy at work. Who hates the seed of the woman? The enemy. His war on women has gone on since the beginning. Where the Bible is followed properly women have rights, and freedoms. To the degree that a culture follows the Bible in it's laws and operation (which means it's foundations, not necessarily how the descendants believe a century or two later) that culture will have rights and freedoms. Contrast that to Branham.

"Many of Branham's followers believed that he had truly come in the spirit of Elijah; some believed him to be God, born of a virgin.37
They fully expected him to rise from the dead and come back to them at the end of three days.
Five days after his passing, William Branham was buried, and his grave was soon marked by the pyramid-shaped tombstone."

That is textbook for a heretical cult that pretends to be Christian but replaces or denies Christ. If his followers believed that, they had to get it from somewhere, and that means during his life Branham was hinting or teaching these things.

This is by no means comprehensive, just pointing out the big elephants in the room dealing with William Branham. And just a little comment, I don't think I've EVER heard of solid Christians wanting a pyramid on their grave to mark their spot. He believed that God didn't just give His Word in the Bible, but also in Pyramids (yup) no kidding. New Agers everywhere would love this guy.

Oh and btw, this too from that DITC article: "Despite the fact that Branham is supposed to be the voice of God, he falsely predicted the end of the world to occur in 1977. He stressed that this was a "prediction" and not a "prophecy," however, he never explained the difference between the two terms. Followers of Branham do not view his failure as a sign of his failure as a prophet."

So he died in 1965, and his 1977 prophecy/prediction did NOT come true. In typical fashion, his followers excuse this by saying he was only human, therefore prone to error. So they give him a pass on something GOD put in his word about false prophets. And Jesus DID warn us about false prophets as do the apostles. (the REAL apostles)

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

 

[Xyeth]

His followers also slept at his grave site since they believed, or more accurately were taught, that he was going to rise again in 3 days.

Perry Stone is a HUGE believer in this guy. He even wrote an article in his monthly magazine defending Branham. Stone said that Branham was just slightly off of on his teachings of the (small letters) "gospel" (which as Paul says, is no gospel at all) only near the end of his life. Perry, like many others, apparently isn't able to do any internet searches to see what this guy said and taught throughout his life. Honestly there is no excuse for this level of ignorance these days unless it's deliberate, which it is.

Copeland also points to Branham as a huge influence in his life....and it shows.

 

[AnewcreationinJesus]

I have some Branham quotes in my big NAR research folder which show just how off this guy actually was ....so useful to have quotes to then be able to say - yup this guy definitely isn't sound ....

Will pull out my folder when ds is back in school tomorrow and find the quotes ....

Just slightly off haha - try complete off the map loony toons stark raving totally and utterly off!!

 

[Jewels]

Yes, very familiar. VERY VERY BAD!

Apostate heretic teacher who started a bunch of heretical doctrines, including the "Serpent Seed" in which he claimed that Satan had sex with Eve, and fathered Cain along with many other "bad seeds". According to him most people are Serpent Seeds or completely evil. People who followed him are the righteous good ones, along with a few who come out of mainstream Christianity into his cult.

He died in 1965 but his teachings live on, among the many groups springing from his heretical teachings. "christians" who follow Branham either don't know their Bible or like many a cult that calls itself "christian" it elevates the leader to Christ like status and makes the leaders teachings (the message) equal to the Bible.

Just like the JW's, the Mormons, the Christian Scientists, Herbert W Armstrong's followers and the Seventh Day Adventists. (examples of groups that rise up following a special "anointed" leader who contradicts the Bible or adds to it.)

Jim Jones who killed his followers in the jungle of Guyana at Jonestown Nov 78 was an associate of Branham and followed many of his teachings. That should give people a warning. That's where the saying "drank the Kool Aide" came from.

The heretical Latter Rain movement used much of his teachings. I think he is considered the founder of the Latter Rain movement. That was firmly denounced by the Pentecostal churches such as the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. This quote comes from Deception in the Church's article on Branham. "In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

-- This teaching of "restoration" is a key element in the NAR movement (New Apostolic Reformation) and part of the whole Toronto Airport Vineyard movement that spawned things like Todd Bentley.

Some of the teachings he influenced or started include "Kingdom Now" which is a type of Dominionist Theology.

He was a "Oneness" teacher denying the Trinity which immediately puts him outside Christianity and into the cults. An example of that is Oneness Pentecostalism who teach that you can't be saved if you believe in the Trinity, the Tri-Une nature of God and the existence of the Godhead.

His teaching along with other Latter Rain teachers was common among the New Apostolic Reformation movement as well as the Kansas City Prophets, and Mike Bickles IHOP KC which is similar.

I spent a little time looking him back up, I hadn't heard of him or his teaching since the late 90s. I see according to some of the recent articles that there is some kind of resurgence in his teaching, on YouTube. That is BAD stuff. There are a lot of very dedicated Branham followers who are really angry with any criticism of Branham. I remember a few more unsavoury details, but those appear to have disappeared off the web.

He believed he was commissioned by God who sent a special angel that was with him always and helped him read minds. People who disagreed with him were of the devil, as were people who went to denominational churches like Baptists, Pentecostals etc. The only churches he approved of were the independent ones who agreed with him.

A mild biography is here: https://www.apologeticsindex.org/5870-william-branham

Al Dager's synopsis is more complete-- I found a copy of it over on Deception in the Church site. http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/williambranham1.html
Here are some quotes, including a more complete explanation of his hatred of women and the Serpent Seed doctrine he taught. Starting with his view that he himself was "the angel to the church of Laodicea".

Here's excerpts from Al Dager's article dated June of 86. Al's words are in italics, I'll interject some thoughts, bold a bit of stuff here and there!

"As indicated on his tombstone, Branham was thought to be the angel to the Church of Laodicea - the end-time Church."

That's kind of making the entire end of the Church Age all about him. Wow!

"In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

So church people who love the Lord and attend fellowship in a denomination have taken "the Mark". Pretty big contradiction to Rev 13:16-17 which says
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Guess Branham didn't read that bit.

And notice how neatly this removes Branham from any correction within the church. He declares that all within the denominations are evil, so he doesn't have to pay attention. And other independent churches have no authority over him either or his teachings. Another red flag.

"The Serpent's Seed
In spite of his apparent humility and consecration, Branham had great difficulty controlling a strident, hateful attitude toward women. In his own poor English, transcribed from a sermon, Branham stated, "But I remember when my father's still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn't over seventeen, eighteen years, up there with a man my age now, drunk. And they'd have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get them home to cook their husband's supper. Oh, something like that, I said, 'I...This was my remarked [sic] then, THEY'RE NOT WORTH A GOOD CLEAN BULLET TO KILL THEM WITH IT.' That's right. And I hated women. That's right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing." 25

This attitude toward women may have played a part in the development of Branham's bizarre "Serpent Seed" teaching. This was based on a twisted interpretation of Genesis 3:13, where Eve is recorded as saying, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." The word "beguiled" Branham defined as "seduced sexually." He claimed that Satan and Eve engaged in an adulterous affair out of which Cain was born. Since that time evil has passed from generation to generation through women, who keep the seed of the serpent alive. 26 He seemed to think that women are responsible for the evil in the world because of their enticements.

The "Serpent's Seed" teaching obviously indicated that Branham didn't take the Scriptures literally, where we read, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bare Cain..." (Genesis 4:1).

His animosity toward women led to the preaching of a rigid moral code that lambasted them on their manner of dress, and may have been responsible for his "revelation" that allowed for divorce. 27"

The numbers refer to the quotes that Al Dager took straight from Branhams writings.

His hatred of women betrays him, that is a sign of the enemy at work. Who hates the seed of the woman? The enemy. His war on women has gone on since the beginning. Where the Bible is followed properly women have rights, and freedoms. To the degree that a culture follows the Bible in it's laws and operation (which means it's foundations, not necessarily how the descendants believe a century or two later) that culture will have rights and freedoms. Contrast that to Branham.

"Many of Branham's followers believed that he had truly come in the spirit of Elijah; some believed him to be God, born of a virgin.37
They fully expected him to rise from the dead and come back to them at the end of three days.
Five days after his passing, William Branham was buried, and his grave was soon marked by the pyramid-shaped tombstone."

That is textbook for a heretical cult that pretends to be Christian but replaces or denies Christ. If his followers believed that, they had to get it from somewhere, and that means during his life Branham was hinting or teaching these things.

This is by no means comprehensive, just pointing out the big elephants in the room dealing with William Branham. And just a little comment, I don't think I've EVER heard of solid Christians wanting a pyramid on their grave to mark their spot. He believed that God didn't just give His Word in the Bible, but also in Pyramids (yup) no kidding. New Agers everywhere would love this guy.

Oh and btw, this too from that DITC article: "Despite the fact that Branham is supposed to be the voice of God, he falsely predicted the end of the world to occur in 1977. He stressed that this was a "prediction" and not a "prophecy," however, he never explained the difference between the two terms. Followers of Branham do not view his failure as a sign of his failure as a prophet."

So he died in 1965, and his 1977 prophecy/prediction did NOT come true. In typical fashion, his followers excuse this by saying he was only human, therefore prone to error. So they give him a pass on something GOD put in his word about false prophets. And Jesus DID warn us about false prophets as do the apostles. (the REAL apostles)

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

Yes, all of this sounds so familiar. I was sent "the message" booklets from them to read. I guess they were trying to get me to be part of the bride by following Branham. There are pictures of Wm. Branham With a halo over his head in their homes and church :/ We are viewed as evil or to be pitied because they believe that Branham was the last days prophet sent to us, so if we reject his teachings, we are not the bride.

 

[Jewels]

His followers also slept at his grave site since they believed, or more accurately were taught, that he was going to rise again in 3 days.

Perry Stone is a HUGE believer in this guy. He even wrote an article in his monthly magazine defending Branham. Stone said that Branham was just slightly off of on his teachings of the (small letters) "gospel" (which as Paul says, is no gospel at all) only near the end of his life. Perry, like many others, apparently isn't able to do any internet searches to see what this guy said and taught throughout his life. Honestly there is no excuse for this level of ignorance these days unless it's deliberate, which it is.

Copeland also points to Branham as a huge influence in his life....and it shows.

Boy, anything that nut Copeland follows is a HUGE red flag.

 

[Jewels]

Yes, very familiar. VERY VERY BAD!

Apostate heretic teacher who started a bunch of heretical doctrines, including the "Serpent Seed" in which he claimed that Satan had sex with Eve, and fathered Cain along with many other "bad seeds". According to him most people are Serpent Seeds or completely evil. People who followed him are the righteous good ones, along with a few who come out of mainstream Christianity into his cult.

He died in 1965 but his teachings live on, among the many groups springing from his heretical teachings. "christians" who follow Branham either don't know their Bible or like many a cult that calls itself "christian" it elevates the leader to Christ like status and makes the leaders teachings (the message) equal to the Bible.

Just like the JW's, the Mormons, the Christian Scientists, Herbert W Armstrong's followers and the Seventh Day Adventists. (examples of groups that rise up following a special "anointed" leader who contradicts the Bible or adds to it.)

Jim Jones who killed his followers in the jungle of Guyana at Jonestown Nov 78 was an associate of Branham and followed many of his teachings. That should give people a warning. That's where the saying "drank the Kool Aide" came from.

The heretical Latter Rain movement used much of his teachings. I think he is considered the founder of the Latter Rain movement. That was firmly denounced by the Pentecostal churches such as the Assemblies of God and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. This quote comes from Deception in the Church's article on Branham. "In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

-- This teaching of "restoration" is a key element in the NAR movement (New Apostolic Reformation) and part of the whole Toronto Airport Vineyard movement that spawned things like Todd Bentley.

Some of the teachings he influenced or started include "Kingdom Now" which is a type of Dominionist Theology.

He was a "Oneness" teacher denying the Trinity which immediately puts him outside Christianity and into the cults. An example of that is Oneness Pentecostalism who teach that you can't be saved if you believe in the Trinity, the Tri-Une nature of God and the existence of the Godhead.

His teaching along with other Latter Rain teachers was common among the New Apostolic Reformation movement as well as the Kansas City Prophets, and Mike Bickles IHOP KC which is similar.

I spent a little time looking him back up, I hadn't heard of him or his teaching since the late 90s. I see according to some of the recent articles that there is some kind of resurgence in his teaching, on YouTube. That is BAD stuff. There are a lot of very dedicated Branham followers who are really angry with any criticism of Branham. I remember a few more unsavoury details, but those appear to have disappeared off the web.

He believed he was commissioned by God who sent a special angel that was with him always and helped him read minds. People who disagreed with him were of the devil, as were people who went to denominational churches like Baptists, Pentecostals etc. The only churches he approved of were the independent ones who agreed with him.

A mild biography is here: https://www.apologeticsindex.org/5870-william-branham

Al Dager's synopsis is more complete-- I found a copy of it over on Deception in the Church site. http://www.deceptioninthechurch.com/williambranham1.html
Here are some quotes, including a more complete explanation of his hatred of women and the Serpent Seed doctrine he taught. Starting with his view that he himself was "the angel to the church of Laodicea".

Here's excerpts from Al Dager's article dated June of 86. Al's words are in italics, I'll interject some thoughts, bold a bit of stuff here and there!

"As indicated on his tombstone, Branham was thought to be the angel to the Church of Laodicea - the end-time Church."

That's kind of making the entire end of the Church Age all about him. Wow!

"In his teachings on Joel 2:23, Branham defined the "latter rain" as the Pentecostal Movement of his day. God's promise to restore what the locust, cankerworm, caterpillar, and palmerworm had eaten, he defined as the "restoration" of the Church out of denominationalism (which he equated with "the Mark of the Beast")."

So church people who love the Lord and attend fellowship in a denomination have taken "the Mark". Pretty big contradiction to Rev 13:16-17 which says
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Guess Branham didn't read that bit.

And notice how neatly this removes Branham from any correction within the church. He declares that all within the denominations are evil, so he doesn't have to pay attention. And other independent churches have no authority over him either or his teachings. Another red flag.

"The Serpent's Seed
In spite of his apparent humility and consecration, Branham had great difficulty controlling a strident, hateful attitude toward women. In his own poor English, transcribed from a sermon, Branham stated, "But I remember when my father's still up there running, I had to be out there with water and stuff, see young ladies that wasn't over seventeen, eighteen years, up there with a man my age now, drunk. And they'd have to sober them up and give them black coffee, to get them home to cook their husband's supper. Oh, something like that, I said, 'I...This was my remarked [sic] then, THEY'RE NOT WORTH A GOOD CLEAN BULLET TO KILL THEM WITH IT.' That's right. And I hated women. That's right. And I just have to watch every move now, to keep from still thinking the same thing." 25

This attitude toward women may have played a part in the development of Branham's bizarre "Serpent Seed" teaching. This was based on a twisted interpretation of Genesis 3:13, where Eve is recorded as saying, "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat." The word "beguiled" Branham defined as "seduced sexually." He claimed that Satan and Eve engaged in an adulterous affair out of which Cain was born. Since that time evil has passed from generation to generation through women, who keep the seed of the serpent alive. 26 He seemed to think that women are responsible for the evil in the world because of their enticements.

The "Serpent's Seed" teaching obviously indicated that Branham didn't take the Scriptures literally, where we read, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived and bare Cain..." (Genesis 4:1).

His animosity toward women led to the preaching of a rigid moral code that lambasted them on their manner of dress, and may have been responsible for his "revelation" that allowed for divorce. 27"

The numbers refer to the quotes that Al Dager took straight from Branhams writings.

His hatred of women betrays him, that is a sign of the enemy at work. Who hates the seed of the woman? The enemy. His war on women has gone on since the beginning. Where the Bible is followed properly women have rights, and freedoms. To the degree that a culture follows the Bible in it's laws and operation (which means it's foundations, not necessarily how the descendants believe a century or two later) that culture will have rights and freedoms. Contrast that to Branham.

"Many of Branham's followers believed that he had truly come in the spirit of Elijah; some believed him to be God, born of a virgin.37
They fully expected him to rise from the dead and come back to them at the end of three days.
Five days after his passing, William Branham was buried, and his grave was soon marked by the pyramid-shaped tombstone."

That is textbook for a heretical cult that pretends to be Christian but replaces or denies Christ. If his followers believed that, they had to get it from somewhere, and that means during his life Branham was hinting or teaching these things.

This is by no means comprehensive, just pointing out the big elephants in the room dealing with William Branham. And just a little comment, I don't think I've EVER heard of solid Christians wanting a pyramid on their grave to mark their spot. He believed that God didn't just give His Word in the Bible, but also in Pyramids (yup) no kidding. New Agers everywhere would love this guy.

Oh and btw, this too from that DITC article: "Despite the fact that Branham is supposed to be the voice of God, he falsely predicted the end of the world to occur in 1977. He stressed that this was a "prediction" and not a "prophecy," however, he never explained the difference between the two terms. Followers of Branham do not view his failure as a sign of his failure as a prophet."

So he died in 1965, and his 1977 prophecy/prediction did NOT come true. In typical fashion, his followers excuse this by saying he was only human, therefore prone to error. So they give him a pass on something GOD put in his word about false prophets. And Jesus DID warn us about false prophets as do the apostles. (the REAL apostles)

Deuteronomy 18:21-22
21 You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?” 22 If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed.

Matthew 7:15 - Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 24:24 - For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2 Timothy 4:3 - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

2 Peter 2:1 - But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

There really is no way to get through to Branham followers. Our entire family of believers have tried. They are such a close knit, small group, that it is suicide for them to depart...or if they question anything he said, their Salvation is in question. I never, in my wildest dreams, would’ve thought these family members would fall for something this blatantly "off". I just don’t get the hold this Branham guy had/ has on people? His ignorance is so clear from his manner of speech, for just a start. very sad.

 

[Xyeth]

There really is no way to get through to Branham followers. Our entire family of believers have tried. They are such a close knit, small group, that it is suicide for them to depart...or if they question anything he said, their Salvation is in question. I never, in my wildest dreams, would’ve thought these family members would fall for something this blatantly "off". I just don’t get the hold this Branham guy had/ has on people? His ignorance is so clear from his manner of speech, for just a start. very sad.

It's mostly fear of losing their Salvation. My family came from the Church of Christ in Kentucky and they were always in fear of that. It turns out that the Church of Christ is a branch off of the 7th Day Adventists and, at least the ones that my family attended, told their followers that THEY alone, as a member of the Church of Christ, were going to be saved. It took a long time for my parents to be deprogrammed from that belief.

 

[Jewels]

I love these family members so much...I feel so bad that they think we are probably not saved and will miss the rapture. I know they feel bad for us, thinking we have rejected their last days "prophet" that God gave to the world. A long time ago, I tried to show them some of the false teaching about Branham from articles online written by former Branham church members...,but they said the internet has so many evil people on it trying to tear Branham down....I think they won't, or are strongly discouraged to, look at anything negative about him.

 

[athenasius]

There really is no way to get through to Branham followers. Our entire family of believers have tried. They are such a close knit, small group, that it is suicide for them to depart...or if they question anything he said, their Salvation is in question. I never, in my wildest dreams, would’ve thought these family members would fall for something this blatantly "off". I just don’t get the hold this Branham guy had/ has on people? His ignorance is so clear from his manner of speech, for just a start. very sad.

Big hugs Jewels! The only thing, and it's the best thing is to pray that God opens their blinded eyes that they might see and flee!

 

[YeshuaFan]

Hello all. I have some very dear family members that have been following the teachings of William Branham for many years. From what I can see, they listen to many of his audio taped Sermons and read from something called "the message"
* no make up * no pants for women * I believe no shorts for men? Etc...
Anyway, was wondering if anyone here is familiar with this "prophet"?
Also, I’m just learning that the trinity is not taught either.

he held to Oneness doctrine, and also had a false angel that gave to him his "revelations and healing powers"

 

[YeshuaFan]

Big hugs Jewels! The only thing, and it's the best thing is to pray that God opens their blinded eyes that they might see and flee!

The god of this age has blinded them, but the Holy Spirit can undo their blindness!

 

[Trudy Wingate]

Hello all. I have some very dear family members that have been following the teachings of William Branham for many years. From what I can see, they listen to many of his audio taped Sermons and read from something called "the message"
* no make up * no pants for women * I believe no shorts for men? Etc...
Anyway, was wondering if anyone here is familiar with this "prophet"?
Also, I’m just learning that the trinity is not taught either.

he held to Oneness doctrine, and also had a false angel that gave to him his "revelations and healing powers"

My in-laws are "Branhamites." It's without a doubt a cult group; steer clear of them.