When Nonsense Becomes Gospel: An Interview With Gabriel Landmark - Our Stories - Our Stories - 340

John invites Gabriel to share his story of growing up in a splinter group of the Faith Assembly sect—deeply rooted in William Branham’s influence. Gabriel describes a rural, insular upbringing where scientific curiosity collided with authoritarian doctrine. His early exposure to public education began unraveling the contradictions that his church had spiritualized as “divine mysteries.”

What begins as personal reflection quickly becomes a raw, revealing look into cultic thinking, failed prophecy, and spiritual abuse. From surreal teachings about space and the end times to shame-based control over health and modesty, Gabriel unpacks a system where leaders were worshiped, dissent was punished, and reality was redefined to fit doctrine. He speaks honestly about social pressure, marital compromise, and the burden of silence he carried—until now.

Together, John and Gabriel explore how authoritarian faith distorts scripture, erodes mental health, and fractures families. But the episode is also about healing—through critical thinking, honest dialogue, and finding community after escape. This conversation will resonate deeply with those deconstructing, doubting, or simply trying to make sense of the spiritual trauma they’ve endured.

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📘 Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Gabriel’s Background and Minnesota Roots
03:05 Conflicts Between Church Doctrine and Public School Worldview
06:24 Absurd Teachings About Space and Science
09:12 Rambling Sermons and Hero Worship
11:09 The Telephone Game of Doctrinal Inheritance
12:05 Splinter Groups and Contradictory Leaders
13:03 Borrowed Time and Failed Doomsday Predictions
15:16 Layers of Heresy and Worship of Leaders
17:04 Deity Claims and the Trinity Debate
20:26 Marriage, Compromise, and Leaving the Group
22:43 Discovering Charles and Researching the Claims
26:29 Pedophilia Accusation and Inner Circle Corruption
30:17 Protecting Secrets and Abuse Allegations
33:03 Digging in Deeper: Why People Stay
36:18 Overspiritualizing Suffering and Parenting Struggles
39:28 Divine Healing and Chronic Illness
41:15 Legalism, Sports, and the Shorts Controversy
43:50 Women, Modesty, and Sexualization in Doctrine
46:07 Legalism and Girding Up Loins
48:20 Social Pressure and Realizing It’s a Cult
49:06 Lack of Discernment and Showmanship
50:09 The Moment of Realization and Deconstruction
52:05 Defending the Indefensible and Klan Associations
53:40 Advice to Those Still Inside

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🎧 Listen to the Podcast
Available on Spotify, Google, and Apple Podcasts:
https://william-branham.org/podcast

📘 Book Mentioned
Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the N.A.R.
– Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
– Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K

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