Uphill Trust and the Abuse of Authority

John and Jed discuss the issue of blind trust in cult leaders, using the recent defense of Mike Bickle as a case study. They explore how trust in healthy relationships is earned through honesty and integrity, but in cult settings it is demanded and weaponized. Drawing parallels from their own experiences in Branhamism and the International House of Prayer, they reveal how the same manipulation tactics keep followers trapped in circular reasoning and misplaced loyalty. The conversation also examines how defenders of Bickle dismiss victim testimonies, misuse scripture, and even deny the reality of grooming to protect leadership. John and Jed highlight how these patterns echo the broader history of abusive revivalist movements, and why recognizing the difference between genuine trust and coerced control is critical for healing and freedom. ______________________ Weaponized Religion: From Christian Identity to the NAR: Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735160962  Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCGGZX3K  ______________________ - Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/branham  - Visit the website: https://william-branham.org