Does the gullibility of most Christians make them easier targets for financial scams?

Question

I am not trying to be mean - but look at how many obvious Christians were willng to accept this story without question:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnrSFmEQ3IgBr7KKSOii0_zsy6IX?qid=20070227005619AAGa0Y8&show=7#profile-info-ece6c5aa182362a53b49d92de9fb8fd7aa

... or maybe should I ask is it harder to separate a skeptic from his money?

Ent: no, it's better to approach all things in life with the proper amount of skepticism. If belief is then warranted, it is all the more authentic and fervent.

if God B4 me: So, Jim Jones, David Koresh, Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Bakker, Peter Popoff, Ted Haggard and Lonnie Latham would be examples of what you're talking about?

Answer 1

why are you asking, start thinking of scams!

Answer 2

That all depends on the level of knowledge the christian has about the bible. While We Christians generally have confidence in others and want to think the best about everybody. Repeatidly in the bible it mentions trusting God, Praying for the true path (James 1:5) In the bible the following scriptures basiclly say trust not in the arm of flesh or don't trust those scam artists.
2 Chr 32:8, Ps. 20:7, 44:6, Prov 3:5, 11:28, 28:26, Isa 2:8, 2:22, 30:2, 59:4, Jer 17:5, Micah 7:5, Rom 8:1, Philip 3:3

Answer 3

People will want to believe any story that enforces a belief they already have. That is human nature. It is not just Christians who are like that.

For example if I already believe UFO's have landed in America, I'll believe any lame story from someone who says they saw one.

People who are gullible haven't been fooled by anyone before. Sadly sometimes you have to wise up the hard way. Then you'll never let anyone rip you off again.


I like what you said about skepticism coming first and then belief will be more fervent. I hope someday you find something to believe fervently in . You would then have more faith than most.

Answer 4

...My Christian friends are frugal and wise in the use of money, and not gullible as you suggest. For you to ask such a question makes it sound like you know most Christians, and I'm sure that you don't know most Christians.
...We had excellent instruction in our former church re: principles of finance from the Scriptures, and their is much sage advice (because it is God's) to be found in the Bible, like staying out of debt. In 21 years of marriage, we have always had good vehicles, and never had a monthly car payment - we save and pay cash for our vehicles, and God has honored that.
...As one gets older, one can see through scams, telephone solicitors, and other schemes that seek to take your money. I do not buy over the telephone, nor give over the phone, and my telephone answering machine filters out most telemarketers. I do not subsidize people begging money on the street, and very seldom do I buy anything from a street seller (except maybe flowers). I have learned to say "no", which is part of being a good steward of God's resources.
...We support our local church, trusted missionary friends, and honorable charities, like some that help needy kids - and these have a good record and good reputation. I do not support TV evangelists - most I cannot support, I believe they err in their teaching, and some have been caught in sin. I will not be fleeced by them; they can fleece someone else (too bad).
...Crown Ministries has some jim dandy advice for money management, if anyone needs help. Larry Burkette's group joined with them, and those people are sharp - check them out.
...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. (Acts 16:31)
...Whosoever will, may come.

Answer 5

With likes of Jim Bakker, Jim Swaggart of the past who prey upon the need for money. Today with the prophets of Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson , James Dobson and others they are todays modern day versions of Elmer Gantery.

Answer 6

I don't know if this is an adequate answer to your question, but it sure seems to me that we've all heard several stories about elderly couples being swindled out of lots of money, because they were persuaded to send in "faith donations" to various evangelists and televangelists.

I personally did some work for a wonderful older couple that ran a farm, and seem to remember them sending money to one of the major religious TV shows.

I believe in benevolence, but these folks were by no means rolling in money, and probably could have put the $$ they sent in to good use themselves.

Answer 7

Of course not! You think just because someone is a Christian they are totally clueless and ignorant? Maybe you should listen a little closer to Christians, they just might know what they are talking about. If we as Christians are wrong in our beliefs, we don't have much to lose according to most philosophies being taught today. If we are right, and you are wrong.. You have a lot to lose. Eternity in hell is a HUGE price to pay for being unwillful and stubborn.

Your choice, free will.

Answer 8

Give and it shall be given back to you. Giving is a blessing to somebody and the more you give the more you receive. Therefore whoever taught you the principle of giving is the one you should start giving to. Yes there are scams out there but not all preachers are doing that.

Answer 9

That story is well within the possibility of reality.
I have not been scammed out of anything after coming to Christ.

Shalom

Answer 10

I dunno... I consider myself a skeptic, but I'm a Christian, and come to think of it, I know more Christian skeptics than I do Christians who aren't skeptics. I test, examine, and re-examine my faith. I want to read The God Delusion sometime in the near future...

Answer 11

A christian and his money are not easily parted unless it is a pastor/preacher/televangilist asking. Money almost seems to be a status symbol for them as it is or was at my church a sign you have been blessed by god.