Portal:Controversies

William Branham, his message and the followers of his message are not without controversy.

The following is not an inclusive list and, if there is something that you feel should be dealt with on this page or information that will bring greater accuracy or clarity to this information, please contact us.

External Controversies

The Hagin Prophecy

Did Kenneth Hagin and Anna Schrader predict William Branham’s death in 1964? This question is addressed in the article on the Hagin Prophecy.

Controversies Relating Directly to William Branham

Visions that Failed, Incorrect or Changed Over Time

• The Municipal Bridge Vision
• The Vision of the Meetings in South Africa
• The Brown Bear
• The 1933 Prophecies
• The Marilyn Monroe vision

Unfulfilled Visions

Were there visions that William Branham had that were unfulfilled at the time of his death?

Cause of the Return Ministry Sect?

And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. (Dt 18:21–22)

He said here was the test of a prophet: if a prophet prophesied, and that what he said come to pass, then hear him. But if it don't come to pass, then God hasn't spoke. That's all. So don't--don't fear him. That's right. "If there be one among you who's spiritual or a prophet, I, the Lord God, will make myself known unto him in visions, speak to him in dreams. And if it comes to pass, then I--that's Me speaking." Sure, God ain't going to lie. You know He can't lie there's nothing in Him to lie. He's the Fountain of all purity, all truth, is God. So it can't be a lie come from God. He's perfect, pure. (The Signs of His Coming, April 7 1962)

If there were prophecies or visions which William Branham told that did not come to pass, what is the effect? How many false visions or prophecies can a prophet give?

Some message believers think that there are visions that were left unfulfilled at the time of William Branham's death. So if William Branham was a true prophet, how can there be unfulfilled visions? What if William Branham will return prior to the rapture to fulfill those unfulfilled visions? Wouldn't he still be a true prophet?

Were these visions fulfilled?

• The vision of the brown bear
• The vision of the meetings in India/Africa
• The tent vision

Doctrinal Controversies/Questions

These are doctrinal issues directly relating to William Branham's teachings.

Controversies Relating to Followers of the Message

The Doctrine of Progressive Revelation

What is the doctrine of Progressive Revelation? Is it supportable?

Sects within the Message

The followers of the message of William Branham are not a united group. There are varying interpretations which have formed into sects or groups which will have little or nothing to do with anyone in other message sects. The underlying theme is very similar to that of the message itself - that if you do not believe the "special revelation" that the specific sect holds you are not part of the "true bride" and you will not be part of the rapture. Those outside of a specific sect are viewed by the members of that sect as "foolish virgins" at best or simply as "pentecostals", a derogatory term used by those in the message.

• Return Ministry - Believing that William Branham will return to fulfill those visions that remained
• Josephism - Believing that Joseph Branham is a prophet carrying on the works of his father.
• Diety - Believing that William Branham was God in flesh
• Colemanism - The Seven Thunders Doctrine and the followers of Joseph Coleman
• Vaylism - The Followers of Lee Vayle

Books on Message Controversies

• The Legend of the Fall
• A Logical Refutation of Branham's Message
• Seek Ye The Truth