Branhamism in New Zealand: Escape From A Message Cult - With Stephanie Bailey - Our Stories - 350

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
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John invites Stephanie to share her journey of growing up in a religious group in New Zealand that followed the teachings of William Branham. They begin by discussing Stephanie’s family history—her grandparents helped establish a Branham-affiliated church, giving her a kind of spiritual “royalty” status in the local community. She recounts the strict lifestyle they followed: homeschooling, long skirts, message books everywhere, and frequent services. The conversation highlights the cultural isolation felt by children growing up in these churches, including comparisons to exclusive groups like the Exclusive Brethren.

As the discussion continues, John and Stephanie delve into the contradictions and double standards within the movement. They talk about how church leaders and inner-circle families often lived differently from the strict standards they imposed on others—owning TVs, celebrating holidays, and permitting dress and grooming choices that were preached against. Stephanie shares her own story of being subtly targeted in sermons after cutting her hair at age 12 and her growing realization, especially during high school, that she was part of a group that she no longer believed in. The conversation ends with practical advice for others trying to rebuild their lives after leaving, emphasizing the importance of meeting new people, discovering personal interests, and building a life outside the constraints of controlling belief systems.

00:00 Introduction
02:11 Growing Up as Message Royalty in New Zealand
06:12 Cultural Isolation and Message Traditions
09:00 Christmas, Double Standards, and Cult Elites
13:17 The Cloud Controversy and Doctrinal Collapse
17:02 Favoritism, Shunning, and Emotional Control
20:04 Sunday School, Jezebel Sermon, and Appearance Policing
24:18 Photographs Reveal Cult Hypocrisy
27:05 Marriage, Divorce, and Message Misogyny
30:57 Billy Paul’s Divorce and the Origin of the Doctrine
34:42 Global Spread of Message Polygamy
39:01 Stephanie’s Journey Out of the Message
44:46 The Changing Culture of Her Former Church
49:42 Advice for Survivors Leaving the Message

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