Dr. Steven Hassan Interviews John Collins About William Branham, and the Hidden Networks of Authoritarian Cults

Dr. Steven Hassan, founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center and one of the world’s leading experts on undue influence and authoritarian control, has recognized the importance of John Collins’ research into William Branham and the Message movement.

Hassan described Collins as a friend and colleague whose work has significantly documented the history and influence of Branhamism. Several years ago, Hassan and Collins co-authored an article on mind control and Jonestown, examining how Jim Jones was influenced by William Branham and the broader religious environment connected to Branham’s ministry.

According to Hassan, Collins helped him better understand Branham’s influence on other authoritarian religious leaders. Their collaboration highlights a broader concern in cult research: high-control groups may share historical roots, methods, and networks while later minimizing or denying those connections to preserve authority, financial power, and influence over vulnerable followers.

Collins’ work continues to provide important historical context for understanding Branham’s Message movement, its authoritarian patterns, and its connections to other destructive religious movements.