Her wig makes me question the existence of God, frankly.

DjangoStonereaver: [images.catholic.org image 250x250]

Her wig makes me question the existence of God, frankly.


Dang. When did Tim Burton start creating programming for Christian tv?

Nope. No shock. It's the prosperity gospel, which is already about as far as you can get from Christianity anyway.

These people were always evil scam artists.

Some people get their mansions with floors of gold in Heaven. Others get them here on earth.

Hard to believe a business model of "Terrify an old lady into thinking she'll be cast into a pit of eternal torment for those handjobs she gave to the boys going overseas back in '44 unless she buys 'salvation and forgiveness' by handing over her life savings to a huckster" would attract the dishonest.

It's always been that way. It's in Revelations

Mr. Coffee Nerves: Hard to believe a business model of "Terrify an old lady into thinking she'll be cast into a pit of eternal torment for those handjobs she gave to the boys going overseas back in '44 unless she buys 'salvation and forgiveness' by handing over her life savings to a huckster" would attract the dishonest.

It's worse than that. They're not even using the fear of eternal torment as much as they are promising that donations to their church will be paid back tenfold.

They're convincing people that are already in financial trouble that if they just donate their heating oil money for the winter that God will immediately reward them. And then they're in an even worse spot.

SphericalTime: Mr. Coffee Nerves: Hard to believe a business model of "Terrify an old lady into thinking she'll be cast into a pit of eternal torment for those handjobs she gave to the boys going overseas back in '44 unless she buys 'salvation and forgiveness' by handing over her life savings to a huckster" would attract the dishonest.

It's worse than that. They're not even using the fear of eternal torment as much as they are promising that donations to their church will be paid back tenfold.

They're convincing people that are already in financial trouble that if they just donate their heating oil money for the winter that God will immediately reward them. And then they're in an even worse spot.

So they don't even have the common courtesy of being a pyramid scheme? They're just straight-up stealing people's money with the promise that God will be so happy He'll rig the lottery?

No matter one's personal theology (or lack thereof) I think we can all agree that scumbags that would do this should be immediately booked into the circle of hell where the "Small Wonder" reruns never end and Cialis prescription is always full for the octo-penised rapephant(s).

My gut reaction to these things is to let fools and their money be parted. But the fact is that the people who watch, listen, believe, and send their only few dollars to these hucksters are vulnerable. In blunt terms, they're vulnerable because they're stupid. They truly don't know any better. The sad thing is, nothing can be done to prevent that.

What we can do is remove the tax-exempt status on religious organizations, or at the very least place a cap on the amount that can be exempted. Our tax code is allowing you and I to be played for suckers.

Relevant

I am shocked. Shocked and appalled.

Next thing, they'll discover that the modern Nichiren are bilking Buddhists...

/which they are
//early and often
///f*cking Nichiren

these people are heretics. they should be purged with faith and fire.

I love the, "True Christians ^TM" in the comments. Who the f*ck are they to decide that those other people don't worship their fictional deity in the right way.

I wonder if these religions pervert/heretics have a political action committee?

Why does God need so many bank accounts?

Around here we've always labeled them the Christian Mafia

If you want to get rich, you start a religion.
L Ron

It's fun to smoke a bowl and watch these foolios with friends. Not so fun to think about the reality of these scam artists.

TBN:the blasphemy network

Woke up this mornin' turned on my TV set
There in livin' color was somethin' I can't forget
This man was preachin' at me.. yeah.. layin' on the charm
Asking me for 20 with 10,000 on his arm

He wore designer clothing and a big smile on his face
Selling me salvation while they sang Amazing Grace
Asking me for money when he had all the signs of weath
Almost wrote a check out.. yeah.. but then I asked myself...

Would He wear a pinky ring, would He drive a fancy car
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressing room have a star
If he came back tomorrow there's something I'd like to know
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show

Would Jesus be political if he came back to earth
Have his second home in Palm Springs.. yeah.. but try to hide his worth
Take money from those poor folks when He comes back again
And admit He's talked to all those preachers who said they'd been-a talking to Him

Would He wear a pinky ring, would He drive a fancy car
Would His wife wear furs and diamonds, would His dressing room have a star
If he came back tomorrow there's something I'd like to know
Could ya tell me - Would Jesus wear a rolex
Would Jesus wear a rolex
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show
Would Jesus wear a rolex on His television show

Yeah, but if the purpose of TV is to entertain then that network pays off in spades. I can't even begin to explain how hilarious it was after 9/11.

Here's their little slice of heaven in some expensive OC real estate.



/hot
//please give

I think these people should get a medal for their service. If the total fools who give them money still had that money, then they would do something with it that yields actual damage. At least this way it is just lost.

Lift up the receiver, I'll make you a believer....

While we're on the topic:

Pitchshifter - Subject to Status

There's a TBN broadcast building not far from where I live, and it's been built to look like The White House.

SevenizGud: I think these people should get a medal for their service. If the total fools who give them money still had that money, then they would do something with it that yields actual damage. At least this way it is just lost.

This is a huge component of my "Hootie and the Blowfish Social Pressure Valve Theory of Capitalism". Most people make stupid choices based on very silly reasoning. Capitalism gives them a million and one ways to spend their money foolishly instead of, say, supporting HItler. So far the system works.

It would not surprise this Christian one bit.

Disappoint because I hoped that in their own gaudy, garish way these people were honestly ministering for Christ as best they knew how? Sure. But not surprised.

Weaver95: I wonder if these religions pervert/heretics have a political action committee?

It's called the Republican party. At least since the 80s or so.

For some reason, I thought of this.

Also relevant...

SphericalTime: These people were always evil scam artists.

THIS.

EVERYONE who claims to know what God wants you to do is an evil scam artist. You can tell because one of the things "God" invariably wants is for you to give them your money.

God doesn't need money any more than he needs a starship.

TBN may or may not be dealing with financial issues but remember this article was from MSNBC--which is dedicated to bringing socialism to America...are they to be trusted?

I GOT MY MIRACLE SPRING WATER SO IAM ON TEH WAY TO AND END TO MY FINANCAIL WOES PRAISE JESUS

hnealg: TBN may or may not be dealing with financial issues but remember this article was from MSNBC--which is dedicated to bringing socialism to America...are they to be trusted?

SphericalTime: Nope. No shock. It's the prosperity gospel, which is already about as far as you can get from Christianity anyway.

These people were always evil scam artists.

No question these are evil, but I sometimes make myself confused by trying to decide how far down it goes. This type of person is obviously a non-believing thief exploiting people. Leaders of many big churches probably are too.

But what about the priesthood in general? Do they all realize it's BS and choose to live off the misguided faith of the masses, or do some really believe? I go back and forth on this.

MrBallou: SphericalTime: Nope. No shock. It's the prosperity gospel, which is already about as far as you can get from Christianity anyway.

These people were always evil scam artists.

No question these are evil, but I sometimes make myself confused by trying to decide how far down it goes. This type of person is obviously a non-believing thief exploiting people. Leaders of many big churches probably are too.

But what about the priesthood in general? Do they all realize it's BS and choose to live off the misguided faith of the masses, or do some really believe? I go back and forth on this.

I would wager it's a little of both as I have pondered the same question. Then again, there could be some who started with good intentions, but got sucked in by the easy money.

DjangoStonereaver: [images.catholic.org image 250x250]

Her wig makes me question the existence of God, frankly.

MY EYES!!!

I am always amazed that people send these clowns money. I wonder how much her followers paid for that cosmetic surgery? The lord loves a plastic surgeon.

Does this mean my Love Gift prayer shawl and antediluvian water are NOT blessed by the Holy Spirit and imbued with special healing powers?

I guess I'll have to lay my Piece of the True Cross* upon them.

*Free with a love gift of $50 or more

AbbeySomeone: I am always amazed that people send these clowns money. I wonder how much her followers paid for that cosmetic surgery? The lord loves a plastic surgeon.

As am I. Could they be more obvious?

I made a mistake on my taxes a couple years ago. When the IRS finally contacted me, they said I owed them 6k, and threatened to garnish my wages and plunder my bank account. It was an honest mistake, but that didn't matter. These people can rake in 93M in one year, have several houses, an RV for the farking dogs, and the IRS doesn't bat an eye? WTF?

Can't leave out their friends across town at the crystal cathedral. I'm sure god needed this.

DecemberNitro: I GOT MY MIRACLE SPRING WATER SO IAM ON TEH WAY TO AND END TO MY FINANCAIL WOES PRAISE JESUS

[www.topsecretlabs.com image 640x480]

what comes to mind:

AbbeySomeone: I am always amazed that people send these clowns money. I wonder how much her followers paid for that cosmetic surgery? The lord loves a plastic surgeon.

They prey on little old ladies who spend all day waiting to die so they get to meet jesus. I really wish hell was real and satan had a special place to put these scammers.

Midnight Rambler: The sad thing is, nothing can be done to prevent that.

Wrong.

Teach critical thinking starting in elementary school.

Hold purveyors of religious products and services to the same truth in advertising standards as any other product or service. Prosecute anyone for fraud who sells a product or service on false or unproven claims. Invoke RICO against groups that engage in organized fraud; seize their assets and use the proceeds for anti-fraud education.

Treat religious delusions like any other delusional belief and involuntarily commit a person when their delusions make them a danger to themselves or others.

Revoke the tax-exempt status of all religious organizations. Tax clerical/pastorial income at the same (or higher) rate than honest work.

clyph: Midnight Rambler: The sad thing is, nothing can be done to prevent that.

Wrong.

Teach critical thinking starting in elementary school.

If you do that, you can't mold them into being corporate drones, when they reach adult-hood.

clyph: Midnight Rambler: The sad thing is, nothing can be done to prevent that.

Wrong.

Teach critical thinking starting in elementary school.

Hold purveyors of religious products and services to the same truth in advertising standards as any other product or service. Prosecute anyone for fraud who sells a product or service on false or unproven claims. Invoke RICO against groups that engage in organized fraud; seize their assets and use the proceeds for anti-fraud education.

Treat religious delusions like any other delusional belief and involuntarily commit a person when their delusions make them a danger to themselves or others.

Revoke the tax-exempt status of all religious organizations. Tax clerical/pastorial income at the same (or higher) rate than honest work.

Good luck on that. At the very least, they should lose their tax exempt status. How the IRS hasn't done so for these megachurch preachers is beyond the pale.

Well, they're only raping people's wallets, so that's a step in the right direction, I guess.