Weaponized Religion: Avak Hagopian - the NAR's Narcissist Prototype - Episode 206 Branham Podcast

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 Collins and McKinnon examine the impact of Avak Hagopian on the Latter Rain movement and, ultimately, the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The conversation highlights the intertwining of personal charisma, alleged divine encounters, and the manipulation of religious followers for personal gain. The narrative suggests that these figures were pivotal in establishing a framework where experience and spectacle in religious gatherings often took precedence over genuine spiritual outcomes. The discussion also touches on the questionable ethics and integrity of these leaders, particularly in the context of financial and moral controversies that surrounded their ministries.

The early faith healers laid the groundwork for the theatrical and often exploitative nature of later religious movements, such as the NAR. The focus on building large followings through claims of divine healing and prophetic abilities, coupled with the strategic use of media and public relations, created a powerful but often deceptive religious phenomenon. The conversation implies that the legacy of these figures continues to influence modern charismatic movements, raising questions about the authenticity and motivations behind such ministries.

00:00 Introduction
01:05 Overview of Weaponized Religion and NAR
03:43 Discussion of Avak Hagopian's Influence
06:16 Comparison Between Branham and Hagopian
10:02 Role of Wealthy Sponsors in Promoting Faith Healers
13:43 Decline of Hagopian's Ministry
17:03 Narcissism in Religious Leaders
21:04 Manipulation and Stagecraft in Faith Healing
24:37 Transition of Followers from Hagopian to Branham
30:00 Financial Motivations Behind Religious Movements
35:02 Ethical Issues in Faith Healing Ministries
41:02 Connection Between Hagopian and Christian Identity
47:03 Legacy and Influence of Early Faith Healers

______________________
– Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham
– Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBSpezVG15TVG-lOYMRXuyQ
– Visit the website: https://william-branham.org
– Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamBranhamOrg
– Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@william.m.branham
– Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wmbhr
– Buy the books: https://william-branham.org/site/books