John and Jed discuss the issue of blind trust in cult leaders, using the recent defense of Mike Bickle as a case study. They explore how trust in healthy relationships is earned through honesty and integrity, but in cult settings it is demanded and weaponized. Drawing parallels from their own experiences in Branhamism and the International House of Prayer, they reveal how the same manipulation tactics keep followers trapped in circular reasoning and misplaced loyalty.
The conversation also examines how defenders of Bickle dismiss victim testimonies, misuse scripture, and even deny the reality of grooming to protect leadership. John and Jed highlight how these patterns echo the broader history of abusive revivalist movements, and why recognizing the difference between genuine trust and coerced control is critical for healing and freedom.
00:00 Introduction
00:31 Opening Thoughts on Trust
02:15 The Cult’s Demand for Blind Faith
05:00 Inside the Defenders’ Rhetoric
08:06 How Trust Flows Uphill
12:26 Manifested Sons of God and Authority
19:05 Unaddressed Accusations Against Bickle
23:41 Grooming Dismissed as “Temptation”
25:21 Cult Mindset and Mental Health
31:02 The Cost of Questioning Leaders
36:01 Speaking as “God’s Voice”
43:44 Manipulation of Scripture and History
50:03 Failures Framed as Proof of Calling
55:41 The Santa Claus Analogy
58:51 Continuing Efforts to Prop Up Bickle
59:58 Closing Remarks
______________________
Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
______________________
– 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
