I appreciate the honesty, humility, and commitment to the Word of God you both bring to discussing "uncomfortable" scripture. When Anne used the word 'charlatan' it brought to mind Christ's temptation and how the Devil twisted scripture and Screwtape's perspective about keeping a "patient" in a church that innoculates with Scripture as being the best "remedy to salvation."
Regarding the Prosperity Gospel's growth in downtrodden areas: Lotteries came to mind. Lottery ticket purchases have been demonstrated to be disproportionately made by those who are poor, as those who are desperate are easy prey for exploitation. The poor can fall into worshipping mammon as well as the rich (as well as those who have moderate means.). The Give to Get Gospel is more comfortable for the carnal man than the humility required to receive Christ's free gift of salvation.
I appreciate the honesty, humility, and commitment to the Word of God you both bring to discussing "uncomfortable" scripture. When Anne used the word 'charlatan' it brought to mind Christ's temptation and how the Devil twisted scripture and Screwtape's perspective about keeping a "patient" in a church that innoculates with Scripture as being the best "remedy to salvation."
Regarding the Prosperity Gospel's growth in downtrodden areas: Lotteries came to mind. Lottery ticket purchases have been demonstrated to be disproportionately made by those who are poor, as those who are desperate are easy prey for exploitation. The poor can fall into worshipping mammon as well as the rich (as well as those who have moderate means.). The Give to Get Gospel is more comfortable for the carnal man than the humility required to receive Christ's free gift of salvation.