Branhamism
Founder: William Marrion Branham (1909–1965)
Overview:
William Marrion Branham (April 6, 1909 – December 24, 1965) was a Christian minister, usually credited with founding the post World War II faith healing movement. Whilst many Pentecostal Christians welcomed his evangelistic and healing ministry, and some even considered him to be a prophet, a minority have accorded him an even higher status, believing that "his ministry and teachings were supernaturally vindicated by God." Some observers refer to this as "Branhamism," however, adherents prefer the name "Message Believers." He believed Christians needed to return to the original apostolic faith of the Bible, often referring to Malachi 4:5-6 and Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
William Branham had been hearing voices since he was seven years old. Finally, in May of 1946, Branham was commissioned by an angel from God to be the forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ. He was given two gifts: healing and the word of knowledge. His healing ministry was started.
William Branham had been hearing voices since he was seven years old. Finally, in May of 1946, Branham was commissioned by an angel from God to be the forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ. He was given two gifts: healing and the word of knowledge. His healing ministry was started.
Cult Beliefs:
Branhamism is a sect for it split from the Pentecostal Movement in the late 1950s when Branham began preaching strange doctrines.
The followers of William Branham believe that he is a prophet sent from God and that we are living in the Age of Laodicea or the final church age. God revealed his word through William Branham (called Brother Branham), Brother Branham is the Voice of God to we who are living in the end-time. The beliefs of the "Branhamites" center around the teachings and revelations of William Branham, especially "The Revelation of the Seven Seals" and "The Seven Church Ages" (these texts can be accessed at http://www.themessage.com/). They do not believe in the Trinity and feel that the denominations do not have the full revelation of Jesus Christ. One of the more radical beliefs of the group is that of Serpent Seed which states that the first sin committed occurred when Eve engaged in sexual activities with the Serpent in the Garden of Eden thus causing "the fall of man."
William Branham's credibility (in the eyes of his followers) comes from his miraculous healing ministry and his visions. Despite the fact that Branham is supposed to be the voice of God, he falsely predicted the end of the world to occur in 1977. He stressed that this was a "prediction" and not a "prophecy," however, he never explained the difference between the two terms. Followers of Branham do not view his failure as a sign of his failure as a prophet. They feel that Branham was not speaking the words of God, but his own. Since man is fallible and Branham was a man, his failure does not merit grounds for disbelief of his mission from God. Branham claims that the angel which commissioned him was present with him for his entire life and his followers claim that he fulfills the Biblical prophecy of Malachi 4, 5 and 6 and Revelation 10:7.
The followers of William Branham believe that he is a prophet sent from God and that we are living in the Age of Laodicea or the final church age. God revealed his word through William Branham (called Brother Branham), Brother Branham is the Voice of God to we who are living in the end-time. The beliefs of the "Branhamites" center around the teachings and revelations of William Branham, especially "The Revelation of the Seven Seals" and "The Seven Church Ages" (these texts can be accessed at http://www.themessage.com/). They do not believe in the Trinity and feel that the denominations do not have the full revelation of Jesus Christ. One of the more radical beliefs of the group is that of Serpent Seed which states that the first sin committed occurred when Eve engaged in sexual activities with the Serpent in the Garden of Eden thus causing "the fall of man."
William Branham's credibility (in the eyes of his followers) comes from his miraculous healing ministry and his visions. Despite the fact that Branham is supposed to be the voice of God, he falsely predicted the end of the world to occur in 1977. He stressed that this was a "prediction" and not a "prophecy," however, he never explained the difference between the two terms. Followers of Branham do not view his failure as a sign of his failure as a prophet. They feel that Branham was not speaking the words of God, but his own. Since man is fallible and Branham was a man, his failure does not merit grounds for disbelief of his mission from God. Branham claims that the angel which commissioned him was present with him for his entire life and his followers claim that he fulfills the Biblical prophecy of Malachi 4, 5 and 6 and Revelation 10:7.
