Physical Abuse

William Branham advocated for the physical beating of women and children as disciplinary actions against those who did not adhere to his cult rules. In most cases, this was limited to corporal punishment. In extreme cases, however, Branham advised men to hit their wives with boards until the skin was blistered.

Now, you can take some of these little two-by-fours if you want to, but that's what God said. That's what Christ said. Now, that's the truth. Oh, God be merciful. What must the great Holy Spirit think when He comes before the Father? You say, "Why you picking on us women?" All right, men, here you are. Any man that'll let his wife smoke cigarettes and wear them kind of clothes, shows what he's made out of. He's not very much of a man. That's exactly right. True. He don't love her or he'd take a board and blister her with it. You know that's the truth. Now, I don't say that to be smart. I'm telling you the truth. That's right. [1]

In some instances, Branham praised those who supported physical beating and mutilation of the bare skin of unclothed children. In multiple instances, Branham urged his listeners to strip the clothes off of young women to properly beat them.[2] According to former members, [3] these instructions were put into action by parents or guardians. [4]

You would find out how illiterate they were. She'd beat her till she'd be so full of welts, you couldn't get the clothes over the top of them. That's what needs to be done tonight. [5]