Dr. Steven Hassan on John Collins and William Branham's Message Cult

From Freedom of Mind Foundation:

My friend and colleague, John Collins, has done significant work documenting the history of William Branham’s Message movement. A few years ago, Collins and I authored an article on Mind Control and Jonestown as Jim Jones had been influenced by Branham. Collins taught me about Branham and his influence with other authoritarian cult leaders. Cults can often share historical connections but try to mask and deny these connections to develop and maintain power, money and sometimes take advantage of vulnerable followers for sex, too.

Collins was born into the Branham Message cult. Ever since he escaped, he has worked tirelessly to understand its true history and development as well as freeing himself from the mental and emotional damage he suffered as a child growing up in that atmosphere. One of the tools Collins used in evaluating the Message was the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control and Influence Continuum.

Collins has written an important and excellent book about Branham, entitled Preacher Behind the White Hoods: A Critical Examination of William Branham and His Message. Yes, “White Hoods” refers to the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Collins also has a website devoted to informing people about the Message cult, as well as, other destructive religious cults. His website serves as a place for ex-members to find information and support in their journey toward freedom of mind.
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