As I said, the distressed are more easily duped. Perhaps "suckers" is a bit strong for some.
Example: years ago my stepdayghter in the USA had a boyfriend dying of luekemia. Someone gave her the address of a scam atrist who promised to cure or you get your money back (there is enough of a percentage of people getting better or dying quietly that this scam becomes profitable). Normally, she would have dismissed this, but because of her distress, she considered it. And the day she gave in and left his side to pay the scammer, the boyfriend died. She felt bad for quite some time. Maybe if she had gone to the healer earlier. Maybe.
Where is the messiah? Oh, you say he came? Will he be back soon? What do I need to do? It's my fault he hasn't arrived? I am sorry? What can I do?
I would say that today is no different than 2000 years ago. People mourn and are easily manipulated when they do. Hence my story about Rabbi Birnbaum and his fear of scammers taking advantage.
Example: years ago my stepdayghter in the USA had a boyfriend dying of luekemia. Someone gave her the address of a scam atrist who promised to cure or you get your money back (there is enough of a percentage of people getting better or dying quietly that this scam becomes profitable). Normally, she would have dismissed this, but because of her distress, she considered it. And the day she gave in and left his side to pay the scammer, the boyfriend died. She felt bad for quite some time. Maybe if she had gone to the healer earlier. Maybe.
Where is the messiah? Oh, you say he came? Will he be back soon? What do I need to do? It's my fault he hasn't arrived? I am sorry? What can I do?
I would say that today is no different than 2000 years ago. People mourn and are easily manipulated when they do. Hence my story about Rabbi Birnbaum and his fear of scammers taking advantage.
“I've done everything the Bible says — even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff!"— Ned Flanders
