The problem I have with NeoConservatism;
 

In todays America, "Goodness" to a growing degree, is determined by material wealth. When we see a person is wealthy, we refer to them as "Blessed". A uniquely American form of Christianity* has arisen in this country that equates wealth with righteousness. "God" blesses the "righteous" with mansions, limousines, diamonds and jet airplanes. Of course it only follows that this mindset would view the poor and the wage laborer as somehow less "blessed" and therefore less righteous, deserving of less. Of course, the logical conclusion would be that anyone who demands the "Blessed" Plutocrat spread his wealth would be a blasphemer, attempting to thwart the will of God. Not only has this poisonous rot found it's way into a growing religious sect in this country, it is now reaching for the highest offices of government as well.

(*Prosperity Gospel)

I believe this was the basis for Church - State separation.

Thoughts?

The breathtaking scope of religious liberty in the USA has allowed an incredible amount of the worst sort of unethical hucksterism imaginable in the guise of religion. As mentioned in another thread, see the John Oliver segment and followups on televangelists, and also the article on Dominionism.


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reminded me of Al Frankens "Supply side Jesus " comic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gc-LJ_3VbUA

It is nothing new Dave...you are describing the tenets of John Calvin, who preached predestination (doesn't matter what you do here on Earth your fate is sealed either heaven or hell). This is what the Pilgrims brought with them to New England. It was believed however that manifestations of material wealth here on Earth were evidence of God's favor. The birth of the Protestant "work ethic".

Exactly, Robbin. There are people called "God's Elect" and you can identify them easily because they're the ones with all the money and all the power. Conversely, people who are poor and weak are not divinely favored.

As Robbin said, this is the birth of the Protestant work ethic. By working hard and strenously, though not necessarily ethically, one strives to realize the fruits God preordained for them. Success is proof of election and salvation.

What do ethics matter? You're either saved or you're not, and if you are, it isn't because you were good and obeyed the rules. The main thing for now is to gain the status of looking like you are saved, by being as rich as you can.

Rhythm and Blues Methodist here. We don't hold with predestination.

God is a topic that takes a lifetime to digest. At this stage of my life I think the song that gets the closest is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gx1Pv02w3Q

It is the concept of "Being Blessed" which operates.

Jacob stole Esau's blessing.

From Genesis 27, verse 28.

"From the dew of heaven
And the richness of the earth,

May God always give you abundance of harvests of grain
and bountiful new wine."

Even drug dealers, when they are successful, claim to be blessed. :D

"Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." Matthew 19:24