I hadn’t even heard of the man until today, so I’ll provide a bit of background.
William Branham was born in 1908, and died in 1965. He became a preacher, apparently “healed” people under circus-tents money-vangelist style, and had seven major visions. He claimed the doctrine of the Trinity was of the devil, all denominations are of the devil, and that Eve got down with the serpent in the Garden of Eden, predestining some souls to hell.
What I want to know is, is this man a nut case? I’m guessing he’s crazy, and if anyone can really debunk him, Dopers can. Is there any evidence of his miraculous healings? There is apparently a photograph of him with a halo above his head - a fake? He claimed that America would be destroyed by 1977… which I’m thinking didn’t happen :P. He also “predicted” Mussolini’s invasion of Ethiopia and Hitler’s rise to power. Did he make these public before or after they happened?
The man was a false prophet but its more fun to call him a bonehead.
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
THE TRINITY IS TRUE!
Act 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Actually, a better case for the Trinity might be made with this:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Jesus, Matthew 28:19
Erm, if he really was the Prophet Elijah (“The Messenger”) who was to appear before the Second Coming, huccome I didn’t get the memo? Not to mention, literally, all the other Christians I know, and have known, all my life, since this is the first time I ever heard of him, too.
Gaijin, this is MAJOR Christian fringe stuff, okay? I’m about as mainstream Fundamentalist/Conservative Christian as they come, and I’ve never heard of this guy.
Thanks for the info, fellas. Main reason I’m in need of it is because someone I’m very close to has more or less been brainwashed by Branhamans. I’ve tried appealing to her logic, but at this point they’ve got her believing that you can’t trust your mind and you’ve just got to feel. What crap.