How a SQUIRREL Spawned the Word of Faith Movement | John McKinnon | Episode 390

John Collins and John McKinnon explore the roots of a controversial belief system that traces back to the unusual claims of a 20th-century preacher. They begin by examining how William Branham’s story of speaking squirrels into existence became a pivotal doctrine in his ministry, known as the “third pull.” This event, though seemingly bizarre, laid the groundwork for significant teachings that would later appear in various spiritual movements. The conversation connects Branham’s experiences and theology to the formation of belief structures within later groups, especially those emphasizing supernatural speech and manifestations.

As the discussion continues, John and John expose the influence of Branham’s doctrine on the development of what would become Word of Faith and New Apostolic movements. They highlight the way Branham’s “spoken word” ideas mirrored the future practices of speaking healing or wealth into reality. The story also becomes a case study in how spiritual leaders sometimes revise or reinterpret their own prophetic claims when outcomes don’t match the declarations. The episode closes with a reflection on how these ideas contributed to larger patterns of authority, control, and suppression of critical thinking in spiritual communities.

00:00 Introduction
01:02 Branham’s influence on Word of Faith and early revival movements
04:12 Introduction to the squirrel story and its connection to “spoken word” theology
06:00 Theological significance of the third pull
10:06 Rejection by Pentecostal groups and reinvention through new miracles
14:50 The squirrel hunting story begins
22:23 The contradiction of four squirrels vs. the prophetic word of three
30:01 Attempts to rationalize the extra squirrel and protect the narrative
38:46 Tony the deacon’s doubt and Branham’s reaction
44:54 The broader impact on Word of Faith and NAR movements
50:06 Authoritarianism, suppression of doubt, and the legacy of “spoken word” ministries
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Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR:
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K
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