Monday, July 18, 2016

David F. Ruccio — Trump and the Prosperity Gospel

Many observers of the 2016 campaign have been surprised by Donald Trump’s popularity with Christian voters.
But they shouldn’t be.
Chris Lehmann, like Jeff Shalet [sic*] before him, explains the key role the Prosperity Gospel has played in white evangelical Protestants’ making their peace with Trump.
Occasional Links & Commentary
Trump and the Prosperity Gospel
David F. Ruccio | Professor of Economics, University of Notre Dame

* Typo. Should be Jeff Sharlet, author of The Family.

8 comments:

Andrew Anderson said...

The movement is propelled by preachers who manage to convince people that, if they believe they control their own destiny, as long as their hearts and faith are in the right place and they fork over a large share of their income to demonstrate their commitment, they can overcome psychological and physical obstacles and achieve financial success.

Of course if God exists then He exists and I have had my own faith rewarded so often that I know He does exist. But even the demons know that God exists so I should not be complacent.

That said, one should give to the poor, not to the rich. And in secret as much as possible.

Proverbs 22:16 He who oppresses the poor to make more for himself or who gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

Matt Franko said...

Andrew they were operating under a silver standard....

Andrew Anderson said...

And that matters how, Franko?

Or is it now proper to oppress the poor and give to the rich?

Matt Franko said...

It matters because under metals we cannot provide legal financial guarantees to each other... we are ultimately subject to the real availability of the metals so no guarantees...

Guarantees/warranties among us can only be issued if we recognize our full authority... which being under the metals does not...

Financial guarantees among the Israelites were not possible... they could only hope they all would comply with the law then this would lead to just/righteous economic outcomes... which obviously didnt take place...

Those outside the Israelite laws could become a law unto themselves...

Matt Franko said...

Here:

"For whenever they of the nations that have no law, by nature may be doing that which the law demands, these, having no law, are a law to themselves,
15 who are displaying the action of the law written in their hearts, " Rom 2

We dont need those garbage laws...

Andrew Anderson said...
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Andrew Anderson said...

We dont need those garbage laws... Franko

1) Romans 7:12:
So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

2) I'm not talking about laws, I'm talking about principles such as not stealing from or otherwise oppressing the poor.

From the New Testament:

3) Revelation 9:21:
and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts. [bold added]

Ryan Harris said...
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