Once, on a 2,000-mile auto trip across the American West, I made it a point to listen to Christian radio all along the way. What I heard revealed much about the secret motivations that drive many Christians. Some of the broadcasts would have been hilarious if they weren’t exploiting the gullible–hawking health, wealth and success in the name of Christianity.

– Some speakers offered holy oil and lucky charms to those who sent in money and requested them.

– Some speakers offered prayer cloths that had blessed believers with $70,000 to $100,000, new cars, houses and health.

– One speaker said he would mail holy soap he had blessed. If used with his instructions, it would wash away bad luck, evil friends and sickness. Again he promised “plenty of money” and everything else the user wanted.

– K. P. Yohannan