I apologize for the provocative title, but I wanted to be sure that I would get views... I wanted to post a couple videos that I know for a fact will produce an outraged shared by the most atheistic and the most religious among us. I want to point out that this thread is not an attempt to suggest that this is what the fruits of religion are, as I am well aware that this is not the case. I would even go further and agree that these people are not religious at all, but conmen dishonestly using religion as an easy means of conning innocent victims out of their money. They very likely don't believe the crap that comes out of their mouths, and I have no problem accepting the statements of Christians here that these men are not "True Christians (TM)"... although I will argue with you if you try and suggest that they are obviously atheists based on their works alone, as this has nothing to do with atheism or theism, and everything to do with greed, thievery, and exploitation. Here are the videos: [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCXzKWWmIkU"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCXzKWWmIkU[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWVITd4_d0M"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWVITd4_d0M[/ame] What I'd like to discuss is why these conmen are so successful. What do you (especially those of you who are religious) think is the reason they manage to con so many believers in to giving up so much money at one time (money many of these victims likely don't even have)? In other words, why is it that the religious can appear to be such easy pickings for some?
I've been thru this gamut over many years. I've always had a prob with the Oral Roberts ministry, and know several grads of ORU who wont talk much about their disappointment with their 4 yrs there! What I see as happening, tho, is that many started off as 'well-intentioned' and desiring to 'serve God," but have got caught up in the Prosperity Gospel, and the acceptance & admiration as well by the 'highly-visible' TV Christian community leaders, and have decided in their hearts, per scripture, rather to 'be approved by men rather than God." They justify all their lavish living by their sacrifice of serving God with the Prosperity Gospel..which I never saw or heard of a rich early-church apostle or disciple..but God did 'provide' for them during their lives on earth. True prospertiy is having one's needs met as well as with their body, soul & their spirts. But of course, I have also seen & met some out-and-out charlatans as well, as doing it (under the guise of religion) for the $$$. It can be a profitable con..but to those who 'know' the scriptures, they can 'discern' the falsehoods. Unfortunately, many 'Christians know but Bible basics or their church's doctrines, and are ripe and easy prey..
I hear what you're saying. What amazes me though is how they get away with basically ignoring a whole swath of Jesus's teachings. He was not the biggest fan of the greedy, and yet here are the greedy claiming to be followers of Jesus...
Just a couple of several warnings of such 'men,' whom I call "scripture twisters! 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Timothy 3 1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 5(men) Having a form of godliness,..but from such turn away. 13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
