Global Financial Crisis Swelling Congregations

[The Atheist]

Seems like the financial crisis is the best thing ever for fundie churches,

From NYT (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/14/nyregion/14churches.html?pagewanted=1&hp):


At the Life Christian Church in West Orange, N.J., prayer requests have doubled — almost all of them aimed at getting or keeping jobs.

I guess that having worshipped Mammon for years, the sudden lack of money is making these deluded dolts turn to the sky-daddy.

Pathetic. (especially the picture of the clowns in touch with their god)

[Autolite]

This sort of ties in with the "Purpose of Religion" thread. When the Stuff HTF, people seek ways to dilute reality in order to cushion the blow...

[MattusMaximus]

I find nothing surprising in these reports. In fact, I predicted a few months back that this very phenomenon would come to pass. I think we could very well see a new religious movement get started as a result of a deep and lengthy economic meltdown. Hellfire and brimstone, end-of-the-world style religion is going to gather more and more people to its banner the longer the world economy is in the crapper.

Should be interesting, to say the least.

[Puppycow]

Wow.
Bad times are good for evangelical churches.

Rather pitiful, IMHO.

“It’s a wonderful time, a great evangelistic opportunity for us,” said the Rev. A. R. Bernard, founder and senior pastor of the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York’s largest evangelical congregation, where regulars are arriving earlier to get a seat. “When people are shaken to the core, it can open doors.”

What a vulture!

I would have thought people worried about their money would cut down on tithing. Here in Japan some people spend money on good luck charms sold by various shrines. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a relationship between economic anxiety and spending more money on these things.

[arthwollipot]

I thought that the relationship had already been conclusively demonstrated.

I don't remember where I read about it though.

[Sefarst]

I would have thought people worried about their money would cut down on tithing. Here in Japan some people spend money on good luck charms sold by various shrines. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a relationship between economic anxiety and spending more money on these things.

I should hope so. Woo could very well save the world economy. Time to invest in magic bracelets and good luck charms.

[arthwollipot]

It would at least get the money flowing.