Posted by Bob - the Alien on November 18, 2003 at 12:31:28:
In Reply to: A Thought posted by From Rhino's Couch To The Board on November 17, 2003 at 01:27:39:
The amazing thing about people who say such things is that they say it very carefully so that they actually are not lying.
For example:
"if you pray to God and learn about his blessing for you and oh " Buy this cassette tape " you will learn how to reap the blessings of Christ."
-This is actually true. It is also true that you will learn how to reap the blessing of Christ if -you pray to God and DO NOT buy the tape. But they do not say that.
" I am a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ " and Jesus will fullfill your needs. Oh yeah and if you by this tape and it's 35 subordanant tapes Jesus's "Blessing" will be upon you.
-Again, Jesus' blessing WILL be upon you. It will also be upon you if you DO NOT buy any tapes.
"Brothers and Sisters take this step of faith, put it in Gods hands ask the Lord about this, pray using Jesus as the lord of your finances."
-True. Prayer can guide you. Of course, anyone who actually gets down and prays will be told NOT to buy the tapes, but these guys rely on people who do not pray for that answer.
So ya see, these people manage to be deceptive while telling the truth. Which makes them all the more evil. Mis-used truths are so much more damaging.
And just to argue one more thing -- have you seen these tapes? Maybe they really do have such great lessons on them that they will lead people down the right path? I kinda doubt it, but imagine if Jesus were in the world today selling his teachings via tapes. Would he be put into the same boat just because of his choice of distribution method? What if he made millions and gave it all to noble causes?
Admittedly, the people about whom you are speaking usually keep the money and do not have great teachings, but be wary of rejecting things at face value. Reject them after careful thought. :)
With Love,
Bob - the Alien