From listening to a European history podcast, I have concluded that it might be safe to compare the selling of indulgences back in the 15th and 16th centuries to modern televangelists asking for money.
The Catholic church sold indulgences under the guise that people can buy salvation for themselves and their deceased loved ones (a verse in the book of Acts actually PROHIBITS this).
Televangelists separate fools from their money under the guise that they (those being parted from their money) are going to have a "better" relationship with God.
Anyone agree with me or disagree or care to add more commentary?
For the record, I am a Christian.
2006-09-19 06:38:35 · 6 answers · asked by chrstnwrtr 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That's a pretty interesting comparasion. It's got some merit, but I am not sure the modern version is quite as bald-faced as the medieval Catholic version. Medieval Catholic indulgences essentially offered to "wipe away" sins for money. Maybe I haven't seen the right televangelists, but I've never heard them claim to forgive X sins for Y donations like the Church did. I also think the Church's version was more devious because in the Middle Ages, your standing in the Church and your standing in society were very intertwined. Catholic officials could more or less demand indulgence payments from prominent citizens and threaten to expose their sins publically/excommunicate them etc, thereby basically destroying their public life. I don't think Jerry Falwell can excommunicate anyone for not sending him a check--but maybe he can!
2006-09-19 06:53:30 · answer #1 · answered by Mark M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, i think this is an excellent comparison and a great modern parallel. it's much like the selling of relics in the old times as well as talismans of protection.
as our society is based increasingly on capitalism it seems that we need to codify our religious experiences this way, and to be honest, it also seems that some of these televangelists might best be compared to purveyors of snake oil. money talks and always has but it's remarkable that we are so comfortable as a society with it infiltrating all aspects of our lives (faith, spirituality, meditation, etc.).
are you doing this for a class? it sounds really interesting. i studied theology as well and think that we don't look at this enough in modern times.
good luck!
2006-09-19 13:46:23 · answer #2 · answered by zobo 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as there is one hungry mouth to feed in the world, anything that goes past a shelter that keeps the elements out and some benches for people to sit, shows most churches still do not get the point......
2006-09-19 13:46:01 · answer #3 · answered by elwoodo0oo 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Anybody who asks for money doesn't have your best interest at heart. No diety has EVER needed some quick cash. At best, people who are trying to sell religion are misguided themselves or at worst con artists.
2006-09-19 13:42:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a christian too. I love God. And yes, especially that guy who gives away little pouches of holy water. They are an embarrasment to the church and to God I'm sure.
2006-09-19 13:42:40 · answer #5 · answered by jp 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I completely agree.
2006-09-19 13:43:03 · answer #6 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋