Hellfire and Brimstone Churches

Kenneth Hagin is recognized for his claim to have been “saved” by “visiting hell”, which is highly controversial. His conversion story was widely accepted by his cult of personality, though non-cult members recognize the theological issues and logical flaws with his tale. During the Post WWII Healing Revival, as Hagin began touring with other “divine healers”, this theme of curiosity about hell began to spread. People were actually curious to learn more about the torture, heat, and other environmental aspects of hell.

As early as December 1948, while Branham was the chief publisher of The Voice of Healing, Branham published articles helping to stir up this abnormal excitement about hell. In an article entitled “A Sermon From Hell”, readers could learn more about hell by comparing passages from the Bible to then current-day global conflicts, environmental disasters, and more.

This focus on hell, as it spread through the revival, transitioned Americanized Christianity from themes of the Good News of the Gospel to fear of hell. In some churches, the Gospel itself was not preached; ministers instead warned their congregants that hellfire and brimstone awaited them if they did not obey the rules, which were often extra-biblical. Now, years later, these churches are referred to as the “hellfire and brimstone” churches, and Christians are severed. Those in the “hellfire and brimstone” churches pride themselves to focus on hell, while others wonder why the focus is not on the Good News (Gospel).

You can learn this and more on william-branham.org

Kenneth Hagin:
https://william-branham.org/site/research/people/kenneth_hagin