William M. Branham, American minister and theologian (d. 1965)

The Life and Ministry of William Marrion Branham: A Complex Legacy

William Marrion Branham (April 6, 1909 – December 24, 1965) was a highly influential yet deeply controversial American Christian minister and faith healer whose ministry left an indelible mark on 20th-century religious movements. Often credited with initiating the post–World War II healing revival, Branham presented himself as a modern-day prophet, claiming to bear the anointing of Elijah, whose biblical role was to herald Christ's second coming. This self-proclaimed prophetic mantle, while drawing immense adoration from many, also led to some of his followers being characterized by critics as adhering to a "doomsday cult," highlighting the polarizing nature of his impact.

Regarded by some Christian historians as "a principal architect of restorationist thought" for charismatics and even lauded as the "leading individual in the Second Wave of Pentecostalism," Branham's dynamic presence undeniably shaped the burgeoning movements of his era. His influence extended significantly into televangelism and the modern charismatic movement, with his captivating "stage presence" often described as legendary and unparalleled within the history of charismatic Christianity. At their zenith, his inter-denominational meetings drew unprecedented crowds, becoming the largest religious gatherings ever held in some American cities. Branham was also a pioneer on the international stage, notably becoming the first American deliverance minister to conduct a successful campaign in Europe, thus expanding his ministry's reach to global audiences through major campaigns across North America, Europe, Africa, and India.

The Ascent and Decline of a Revivalist

The catalytic moment for Branham's widespread ministry, according to his own account, occurred on May 7, 1946, when he claimed to have received an angelic visitation. This divine encounter, he asserted, commissioned him for a global ministry, propelling him into a campaigning career by mid-1946. His fame skyrocketed as large crowds were captivated by his compelling stories of angelic visitations and the numerous reports of miracles occurring at his meetings. His unique approach and success inspired a multitude of emulators, effectively setting in motion the broader healing revival that later evolved into the modern charismatic movement. During the peak of his popularity in the 1950s, Branham enjoyed widespread adoration, with many in the burgeoning neo-Pentecostal world believing him to be a prophet uniquely appointed for their generation.

However, beginning in 1955, Branham's campaigning activities and overall popularity experienced a gradual decline. This shift was largely attributed to Pentecostal churches beginning to withdraw their support from the large-scale healing campaigns, primarily due to financial reasons. By 1960, Branham adapted his ministry, transitioning from a focus on mass revival campaigns to a more concentrated teaching ministry, a phase that would introduce increasingly contentious theological views.

Theological Divergence and Lingering Controversies

Branham's theological journey diverged significantly from that of his contemporaries, most of whom adhered to the widely accepted Full Gospel tradition. Instead, he developed an alternative theology, an intricate blend primarily of Calvinist and Arminian doctrines, overlaid with a strong emphasis on dispensationalism and his own distinctive eschatological views. While the restoration doctrine he championed during the healing revival gained wide acceptance, his post-revival teachings proved far more divisive. These later doctrines were increasingly deemed controversial by his charismatic and Pentecostal peers, many of whom subsequently disavowed them, labeling some as "revelatory madness."

Particularly alienating were his racial teachings, notably the "serpent seed" doctrine, and his belief that membership in a traditional Christian denomination was linked to the "mark of the beast." These specific theological interpretations caused many of his former supporters to distance themselves. Despite this, his closest followers remained steadfast, accepting his sermons as oral scripture and referring to his collective teachings as "The Message." During his final years, and despite Branham's own objections, some followers cultivated a distinct "cult of personality" around him. Throughout his career, Branham claimed to have converted over one million people. His teachings continue to be actively promoted today by the William Branham Evangelistic Association, which reported reaching approximately 2 million people with its materials in 2018. Tragically, Branham’s life came to an end following a car accident in 1965.

Accusations, Legal Challenges, and Troubling Associations

Throughout his impactful healing revivals, William Branham faced persistent accusations of fraud from various sources, including investigative news reporters, fellow ministers, host churches, and even governmental agencies. Disturbingly, numerous individuals who were publicly declared healed at his meetings reportedly died shortly thereafter. Investigations uncovered evidence suggesting that some "miracles" may have been staged, and Branham himself was found to have significantly embellished and outright falsified numerous stories that he presented to his audiences as factual accounts.

These practices led to significant legal problems for Branham. The governments of South Africa and Norway felt compelled to intervene directly, successfully stopping his healing campaigns within their borders. In the United States, Branham was charged with tax evasion for failing to properly account for the substantial donations received through his ministry. He ultimately admitted liability and settled the case out of court. Beyond these legal entanglements, news media outlets have linked Branham to multiple other notorious figures. Notably, he was baptized and ordained a minister by Roy Davis, who was the National Imperial Wizard (leader) of the Ku Klux Klan, and the two men maintained a lifelong relationship. Branham also played a role in launching and popularizing the early ministry of Jim Jones, who would later lead the infamous Jonestown cult. Furthermore, individuals like Paul Schäfer and Robert Martin Gumbura, among other followers of William Branham's teachings, have frequently made headlines due to the serious crimes they committed. The dark history of Branham's followers in Colonia Dignidad, a notorious cult in Chile, was dramatically portrayed in the 2015 film Colonia, further underscoring the enduring and often disturbing aspects of his legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Marrion Branham

Who was William Marrion Branham?

William Marrion Branham (1909–1965) was an American Christian minister and faith healer who gained global prominence in the mid-20th century. He is widely recognized for initiating the post-World War II healing revival and significantly influencing the charismatic movement.

What were William Branham's key claims?

Branham claimed to be a prophet with the anointing of Elijah, sent to herald the second coming of Christ. He also reported receiving an angelic visitation in 1946 that commissioned his worldwide ministry, which he attributed as the source of his healing abilities and insights.

How did Branham influence the charismatic movement?

He is considered a principal architect of restorationist thought for charismatics and a leading figure in the "Second Wave of Pentecostalism." His dramatic stage presence, reports of miracles, and mass healing campaigns inspired many emulators and helped define the modern charismatic movement.

Why did Branham's popularity decline?

His popularity began to wane after 1955, largely due to Pentecostal churches withdrawing financial support from his campaigns. He then transitioned into a teaching ministry, during which some of his doctrinal views became increasingly controversial.

What were some of Branham's most controversial teachings?

His later teachings included an alternative theology blending Calvinist and Arminian doctrines, with a strong focus on dispensationalism and unique eschatological views. His "serpent seed" racial doctrine and the belief that Christian denomination membership was linked to the "mark of the beast" were particularly divisive, causing many former supporters to distance themselves.

Was William Branham accused of fraud or legal issues?

Yes, he faced numerous accusations of fraud regarding his healing campaigns, with some investigations suggesting staged miracles and embellished stories. He also encountered legal problems, including governmental interventions in South Africa and Norway to halt his campaigns, and a tax evasion charge in the U.S. which he settled out of court.

What controversial figures was Branham associated with?

Branham maintained a lifelong relationship with Roy Davis, the National Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, who had ordained him. He also helped launch the ministry of Jim Jones, who later led the Jonestown cult. Additionally, some of Branham's followers, such as Paul Schäfer and Robert Martin Gumbura, have been implicated in serious crimes.

Do Branham's teachings still have followers today?

Yes, his teachings, often referred to as "The Message," continue to be promoted by the William Branham Evangelistic Association. In 2018, the association reported that approximately 2 million people received its materials, indicating a continued, albeit often insular, following.