Unconventional Religion

[Consilius]

And, DP, what about the early church exploiting the masses? Any evidence either way?

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Most of the world doesn't need a religion to tell them to be poor and humiliated.

Yes, it does. Without religion, they have no reason to remain poor and humiliated.

Christ said it was OK to be poor if you ARE poor. That suffering was a part of life that happens, and when it does, you should brave through it and let it pass. Not that poverty or pain should be sought out.
He didn't preach about making money because he taught that morals were of greater value. Life shouldn't be about making your life as comfortable as possible, because Christianity is not a meritocracy where you lose if your bank account isn't as large as you would like.