Jeremiah Wright and the prophets of profit...
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Sara Robinson makes up half of the (highly recommended) blogsite ORCINUS.
She also posts at the 'Campaign for America's Future' where she just published a thoughtful article that locates Rev. Jeremiah Wright's ministry in the dispute between progressive 'Liberation Theology' and a consumerist 'Word of Faith'/ 'Prosperity Gospel' prevalent in those evangelical mega churches run by authoritarian-Republican-millionaire-preachers like McCain's, not-so-spiritual advisor, Rod Parsley, some excerpts:
'... whatever followers give to their preacher, God will return several times over. Forget the bank: if you need a thousand dollars, give the church a hundred, and wait for your supernatural return on investment. Forget the doctor: if you're sick or injured, a little extra in the bucket will incentivize God to restore your health.
In an unapologetic return to the glory days before the Reformation, the system even allows people to buy indulgences: you can atone for your sins by helping the pastor buy that new Palm Springs golf retreat his ministry so badly needs!
... Wright is very sharp thorn in these people's sides. As long as he and his friends [are] out there, their 30-year investment in the whole Word of Life movement is at risk. Obama's candidacy put him in the spotlight, and thus magnified the threat. So now he has very powerful enemies on the religious and political right.' READ THE ARTICLE
Fleecing desperate people without means is one thing- I'm surprised these characters aren't in the 'payday loan' business yet. But focusing on the shaky position of middle class believers, apprehensive about their economic future (or simply wanting more), provides a new perspective on the term 'value$ voter', doesn't it?
By-the-way, this trend also has a 'New Age' variant- 'The Secret'- promoted by Oprah and explored in this send-up by Australian comedy group: 'THE CHASERS'.
She also posts at the 'Campaign for America's Future' where she just published a thoughtful article that locates Rev. Jeremiah Wright's ministry in the dispute between progressive 'Liberation Theology' and a consumerist 'Word of Faith'/ 'Prosperity Gospel' prevalent in those evangelical mega churches run by authoritarian-Republican-millionaire-preachers like McCain's, not-so-spiritual advisor, Rod Parsley, some excerpts:
'... whatever followers give to their preacher, God will return several times over. Forget the bank: if you need a thousand dollars, give the church a hundred, and wait for your supernatural return on investment. Forget the doctor: if you're sick or injured, a little extra in the bucket will incentivize God to restore your health.
In an unapologetic return to the glory days before the Reformation, the system even allows people to buy indulgences: you can atone for your sins by helping the pastor buy that new Palm Springs golf retreat his ministry so badly needs!
... Wright is very sharp thorn in these people's sides. As long as he and his friends [are] out there, their 30-year investment in the whole Word of Life movement is at risk. Obama's candidacy put him in the spotlight, and thus magnified the threat. So now he has very powerful enemies on the religious and political right.' READ THE ARTICLE
Fleecing desperate people without means is one thing- I'm surprised these characters aren't in the 'payday loan' business yet. But focusing on the shaky position of middle class believers, apprehensive about their economic future (or simply wanting more), provides a new perspective on the term 'value$ voter', doesn't it?
By-the-way, this trend also has a 'New Age' variant- 'The Secret'- promoted by Oprah and explored in this send-up by Australian comedy group: 'THE CHASERS'.
