American Gospel: An Interview With Brandon Kimber - Podcast Episode 323

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
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John invites Brandon Kimber, director of the American Gospel series, to discuss his journey out of emotionally driven church cultures and into a clearer understanding of faith rooted in biblical doctrine. Brandon recounts how his upbringing in a charismatic environment shaped his early views, particularly under the influence of the Toronto Blessing and Word of Faith movements. John reflects on his background in a doomsday group and how he came to realize the performative nature of many spiritual experiences. Both highlight how emotional manipulation and fear were used to manufacture a sense of the divine.

The conversation then shifts into the historical roots and theological structures of the New Apostolic Reformation and related movements. They explore the influence of figures like John G. Lake, F.F. Bosworth, and William Branham, noting how much of their legacy is built on revisionism and folklore. Brandon shares his process behind the American Gospel series and the challenges of engaging dissenting voices, including a conflict with Dr. Michael Brown. Together, they emphasize the importance of exposing error, resting in grace, and recovering from spiritual systems that elevate man while obscuring the simplicity of the gospel.

00:00 Introduction
01:24 Brandon’s childhood, church background, and early media work
05:04 Toronto Blessing experience and emotional pressure
08:05 Leaving charismatic revivalism and discovering gospel clarity
13:04 John’s background in the message group and emotionalism in churches
17:42 Historical roots of modern revivalism: Lake, Bosworth, Dowie
23:20 Bethel Church, civic influence, and signs of decline
27:15 The burden of supernatural performance in faith movements
30:10 Why history gets covered up—and why it matters
33:06 False ideas about anointing and spiritual hierarchy
36:18 Todd Bentley and patterns of enabling false teachers
39:01 Seeking the supernatural vs. seeking God
41:30 Collaborating on American Gospel and its unexpected reach
42:42 From crime documentaries to theological exposé
45:10 Progressive Christianity and American Gospel Part 2
47:02 Scope of Part 3 and challenges documenting the NAR
49:07 Disagreements with Michael Brown and editorial control
54:03 The importance of honest storytelling and recovery
56:21 Final advice: rest in grace, not religious performance
58:54 Closing remarks and how to support the work
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