The problem is that the guides that are leading these people are mistaken.
I am not a liberation theologian. But I have read the Old and New Testaments often enough to see what Vatican II called "God's preference for the poor." The idea of hording such property that well exceeds the needs of life resonates strongly in my thinking. I live modestly by American standards, but by the standards of the world I am among the richest of people. I have seen the poor in El Salvador, in Mexico, in the United States. I have worked in places that have guaranteed that I will never be rich. I cannot help but to be dubious and even offended by the confusion of material prosperity with the blessing of God. The Old Testament had plenty to say on that issue.
As for my faith, I am and remain agnostic. I don't know whether I consider myself to be a Christian, though I am more orthodox than I care to admit. I suppose that the proof of redemption is that pain can be transformed into compassion and empathy. I try to live this and trust that whatever gods there are will further my redemption. I don't worry about heaven or hell: I am more concerned with living well in this life.
I still think that Pat is a hypocrite. May the gods forgive me for my judgment and grant me wisdom to live in the light that I have been given the grace to see.
Ah, but I am only a fool...
I usually avoid posting copyrighted materials... this one was too good not to share. Click on the graphic to bring it to full and readable proportions. Visit the "For Better or For Worse" webpage for more info. - tdf
