And what does he use to drive sales of those books? His tax free church. They are not separate. |
| I am baffled just how severely stupid some people are, to pay or buy anything from charlatans like Fallwell and Olsteen. |
It’s entirely reasonable to argue that the books draw attendees to the church. |
Your disagreement with their interpretation of the Gospel and your envy of their material wealth does not make them charlatans. |
It's not a disagreement. They couldn't be further from Jesus' teachings if they tried. Everyone knows they're thieving clowns, except the very stupid and naive (and shame on the charlatans for exploiting and taking advantage of those persons). |
He takes no salary from the church. He pays taxes (as much as any wealthy person does at least) on his book earnings. The church may be getting attendees and donations but those aren’t going to Joel Olsteen’s pocket. |
"And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24 |
That much quoted Biblical passage hasn't stopped a lot of religiously observant people from amassing great wealth. |
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This is the prosperity gospel. That is how they justify it. It is also part of what brought us Trump.
https://www.npr.org/2021/07/06/1013430166/capitalism-god-wants-you-to-be-rich |
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https://theweek.com/articles/875819/why-televangelist-paula-white-perfect-trump-administration-hire
"In the prosperity gospel's telling, God is a divine vending machine: You put in your coin of faith (check or credit also accepted) and out pops your health, wealth, and victory, the latter degraded from a cosmic triumph to positive feelings about your personal life. The New Testament speaks often of the necessity of self-denial, the reality of suffering (including suffering because of your faith), and the dangers and temptations of wealth. The prosperity gospel offers "your best life now," purchasable escape from pain, and wealth as proof of God's favor. God here is a means, not an end. The second problem with the prosperity gospel is its utterly inexcusable targeting of vulnerable people. This movement does not flourish among the upper class. Those who make $10,000 or less per year are twice as likely to adhere to the prosperity gospel as those making $35,000 to $50,000 per year. It is but a slight exaggeration to say the only people getting the promised wealth are those making the promises. The reality of poverty is not overcome by opportunistic religious lies." |
Yes, They say give in order to receive and we will take credit card. |
But it allegedly did cause Carnegie and Frick to enter into a competition to give away all of their earthly wealth before death out of fear of this passage. |