It’s not credulity, it’s predation. They know all of the psychological tricks to manipulate and hold captive their marks. This sh*t is not religion. It’s a conniving cult masquerading as a religion to leach off the public (avoid taxes).
Make unfounded claims Collect money (pay now, rewards later) Never be responsible when people buy into the claims, no matter what the outcome is when people follow the religion.
Religion is one of the oldest, most established and protected sources of fraudulent scams. It has been a scam from the first shaman who figured out he could get a gig shaking beads and making up stuff to the present day preacher who presumes to know what God wants everyone to be doing.
Agreed, but it's going to force some information out there that many people need to see. Kay Burningham is a very, very smart woman too - it will be interesting to see how she handles this. Her book was excellent.
The fact that the church is trying to reinvent itself shows that they don’t really believe their own doctrine. It’s about what did they know and when did they know it. Oaks is big on CYA, but did it work?
Not many other so-called "Religions" have tried to surreptitiously change their foundational narrative as often & as boldly & blatantly as has LDS-Inc.
& they've been caught-in-the-act red-handed.
This litigation may have some merit and traction.
& I'm genuflecting in prayer towards the Flying Spaghetti Monster that it indeed does.
But whatever your feelings are about it...you can be dang sure that if it proceeds it's gonna make ALL of the Q-15 Geriatric Boys Club more than a bit nervous.
I think religions are free to believe anything they want as long as they don’t harm anyone. But, just as yelling “fire” in a crowded theater isn’t protected by the First Amendment, harmful beliefs shouldn’t be either. Cult-like methods and manipulation tactics don’t deserve First Amendment protection let alone tax free status.
I remember when the cigarette companies were untouchable. They weren’t.
They will successfully claim this individual volunteered everything.
However, this case may earn national media exposure which will be very tough to counter, particularly if LDS financials, and the secrecy of their financial empire gains traction.
There is gaining national discussion for the taxation of churches. Pressure could come from other powerful religious institutions because they also want to avoid financial transparency.
I agree that of course this will go nowhere, but I think they know that. But I just had a thought: what would happen if we all collectively as ex-mormons sued the Mormon church? Would it go further or at least receive a lot of publicity. Perhaps this is a ridiculous thought but I would love to give them hell. Unfortunately I can’t ask my lawyer brother because he is a mormon.