The Message vs. the Gospel: What Defiles You?

Last updated on: July 3, 2014 at 11:29 am by Sierra Phoenix

The Message vs. the Gospel: What Defiles You? 2014-07-03T11:29:56-04:00 Sierra Phoenix

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

William Branham’s life story is published in a book series called Supernatural (no relation to the TV show, although they’d make an interesting combination!). Branham’s story is about growing up as the son of a moonshiner and a 15 year old girl, impoverished, wearing corn husks for shoes, and being conscripted from an early age for service in God’s army. Below is Branham’s description of his first encounter with the “Angel of God” with whom he claimed to communicate for the rest of his life:

While sitting there by the tree, something took place which I can never forget. Seemingly, there was the sound of the blowing of the wind through leaves, but, looking up, I saw no leaves being shaken nor any sign of a wind…. As I looked back to see what had happened, I noticed that about half-way up in the tree there seemed to be a whirlwind, out of which an audible voice spoke these words: “Don’t ever smoke, drink, or defile your body in any way, for there will be work for you to do when you get older.” I was so frightened I didn’t know what to do. … It was the angel of God, and later in years, I met him face to face and talked with him.

It makes sense that Branham would disapprove of drinking and smoking. His father was known for doing the at least one of those in excess. But Branham’s claim that he was told by an angel not to “defile” his body with smoke or drink rings alarm bells.

Consider this passage from someone who ought to be a greater authority than William Branham, even to people in the Message:

And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

Jesus’ words, Matthew 15:10-11.

Who was this “angel of God”? Why would he directly contradict Jesus’ own words? Whose idea of defilement do you accept: Branham’s or Christ’s?

Uncategorized

the message

Previous Post

August 7, 2011

Hatred and Modesty

Next Post

August 10, 2011 You Aren't What You Eat

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category abortion birth control chastity christian culture economy eschatology families fear feminism graduate school homeschooling islam LGBTQ issues love marriage media men modesty music patriarchy phoenix preaching quiverfull race sexuality project skirts-only submission Uncategorized william branham witnessing women

Select a Month July 2013 April 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz