Drunken Glory

Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey into the realm of Brandon Barthrop, an enigmatic figure straddling the line between a joke and a savior. Enter the captivating world of the “drunken glory” movement—a modern, unconventional approach to spirituality that has been gaining momentum since the infamous “Toronto Blessing” in 1994. Join VICE as they delve into the intoxicating realm of Godly inebriation and attempt to unravel the mysteries surrounding this peculiar phenomenon.

Brandon Barthrop, a self-proclaimed “meth head” who claims to communicate with God, has become a hipster preacher with an astonishingly large following. With his online presence marked by constant intoxication, his peculiar rituals, such as smoking invisible spliffs and indulging in imaginary substances, leave many bewildered. However, the allure of his unconventional practices draws crowds of curious onlookers. While getting intoxicated on God’s glory is not entirely unprecedented, Brandon represents a new generation of fervent believers who have embraced this unorthodox approach to worship.

The “Florida Outpouring” of 2008, a similar event to the “Toronto Blessing,” solidified the growing trend of modernized religious experiences. Churches began incorporating modern media and technology, utilizing platforms like YouTube and God TV to reach larger and more enthusiastic audiences. Brandon, inspired by this newfound ability to connect with the masses, established his own media ministry, paving the way for his unique brand of spirituality to gain further exposure.

Venturing into the heart of Minneapolis, a city known for its abundance of churches, VICE set out to explore Brandon’s world and the “crack house” that serves as the epicenter of the “drunken glory” movement. Through encounters with Brandon’s friends, followers, and the locals, VICE aims to uncover the true essence of this unconventional phenomenon. As the internet continues to empower fringe preachers like Brandon, the landscape of Christianity becomes increasingly diverse and unexpected.

From an outsider’s perspective, the concept of the drunken glory movement may appear bizarre, but within the context of religious experiences throughout history, its peculiarity is not entirely unparalleled. Join VICE on this captivating journey, peeling back the layers of unconventional spirituality and reevaluating preconceived notions of religious devotion.