Circle of Apostasy: Russian Mysticism & the Rise of Charismatic Extremes | Converging Apostasy | 385

John and Steve discuss the intersection of Russian mysticism and modern charismatic extremism, beginning with a humorous account of a road trip through Houston that leads into a serious exploration of converging apostasy from both the political right and left. They contrast bumper sticker slogans to introduce the overlap between nationalist rhetoric and esoteric spirituality. This opens a deep dive into neoplatonic angelology in music and pop theology, especially Trisha Yearwood’s “Bringing the Angels,” which Steve argues mirrors mystical beliefs about calling down supernatural powers through human will—a trend also observed in Latter Rain and NAR movements.

They trace how charismatic extremism mirrors historic Russian sects such as the Khlysts (Khlysty), led by figures who claimed to be Christ and used ecstatic rituals, self-flagellation, and euphoric dance. John connects this directly to William Branham and later figures in the NAR who blur the line between prophet and messiah. As they examine how these mystical movements migrated from Russia to the U.S. and Canada, they expose disturbing parallels—such as public nudity, arson, and authoritarian religiosity—while tying in American Christian identity teachings, Branham’s relationship with political figures, and occult influencers. The conversation ends with a preview of a future episode continuing this historical analysis.

00:00 Introduction
00:31 Houston Road Trip and Converging Apostasy
02:11 “As Above, So Below”: New Age Meets Nationalism
05:06 Neoplatonism in Pop Songs: Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood
07:41 Cloud of Witnesses and the Mythology of Angels
09:00 Super Apostles and Spiritual Deification
10:49 Russian Apostasy and Instability as a Breeding Ground
13:12 The Russian Dream and Anti-Scholastic Mysticism
14:35 Rasputin, Religious Extremism, and Government Infiltration
16:12 The Khlysty and Their Flagellating Messiah
18:27 Secret Rituals and Resurrection Myths
20:08 Khlysty vs. NAR: Comparing Doctrines and Practices
22:55 Fasting, Fire, and Ecstatic Worship
25:31 Drunk in the Spirit and “Spiritual Beer”
27:17 Whirling Worship, Pastries, and Psychological Manipulation
31:37 Influences from Jacob Böhme and Kuhlmann
33:11 Dominion Theology and Violent Eschatology
34:02 Carrie Nation and Religious Extremes in America
35:32 Manufactured Experiences and the Spirit of Bob
37:22 Rasputin’s Khlyst Ties and Thought Control
39:28 Sons of Freedom: Migration, Arson, and Protest
42:12 Violence and Public Nudity in Canadian Sectarianism
44:07 Sexual Proselytizing and the Legacy of David Berg
46:02 Systemites and the Ethics of Deception
48:03 Inochentism and the Heavenly Emperor
49:49 Fear, Urgency, and the Cult of the End Times
50:51 Levasor, Ascension, and Failed Prophecy
52:06 Stalin’s Purge and State Persecution
53:39 William Branham, Upshaw, and Stalin Outreach
54:51 Toward Part Two: Future Russian Mysticism Connections

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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
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Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
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