Have you ever experienced a transcendental state of purity, understanding, visions, or holiness during religious ceremonies or prayers? If you have, you are not alone. This feeling of reaching new heights and even conversing with the almighty is a common thread across many religions. In fact, the idea of getting high on God has led a young and engaging minister by the name of Brandon Barthrop, to lead his followers down a path of “Drunken Glory” and serenity.
A Past Shadowed by Drugs
Growing up in an unstable home, spending days running from the FBI and being kidnapped by his father, Brandon’s childhood scarred him for years. In the end, he turned to drugs as a vehicle of escapism. However, once his father realized the detriment Brandon was doing to his own body, he called the police, hoping time in prison would save his son from death. When Brandon was given the option of prison, or rehab, he chose to admit himself into the Teen Challenge rehab program.
A requirement of the program was to attend a daily church service. Shortly after beginning the program, Brandon experienced the highest of highs, minus any drugs. He felt as if his head was cracked open like an egg and he was filled with visions of the evil spirits that were leaving his body. He remembers hearing a voice telling him that Brandon did not need drugs to experience those feelings of ecstasy his body greatly craved. He was saved by a God that he never even believed in, and from that moment on, Brandon’s life changed forever.
A Growing Movement
The idea of being high on God is nothing new. In the 1990’s, Canada was home to the Toronto Blessing, where people attending a massive church service seemed to be high and drunk as they writhed around on the floor. Brandon’s own Red Letter Ministries is a continuation of this movement. He feels he is doing the Minneapolis area a great service as he helps recovering addicts to become sober and pure through the glory of God.
However, not everyone agrees with this YouTube sermons and “Drunken Glory” sentiment. Critics of his ministry feel that Brandon is leading people down a path toward the devil. His snorting of essential oils and Frankincense is seen as another form of drug addiction, despite Brandon’s statements that are pure and practically holy.
Why the Popularity?
Brandon’s success may be due to the following:
- Powerful presence on YouTube that features weekly sermons by Brandon
- Energetic music
- Christian DJs reaching out at local clubs to drug and alcohol addicts
- The acceptance of “Drunken Glory” by Teen Challenge
While the idea of being high on God may sound strange and unbelievable, it continues to spread across America and the world. Due to easy access to the Internet and video sharing sites, Brandon’s message is reaching thousands of worshipers wanting a taste of his holy ecstasy.
