It has to be said that all religions are based on spurious claims, speculation, and fraud. I think that everyone knows this, but some still enjoy the comfort of a mutual 'believers club'. Frankly, if a belief is based on a handful of 'invisibles', it's for a reason; and it usually means they don't exist.
From the Shroud of Turin, to apparitions at Lourdes, the fakery continues apace, and each bit of nonsense has its devotees.
One of the more recent 'miracles' has been The Madonna di Trevignano; a small statue of the virgin Mary, the owner of which claims to regularly cry tears of blood. Since 2016 the small figure has been placed in front of the much bigger statue (below) once a month, and devotees are invited to witness the 'miracle' (and presumably make donations).
Gisella Cardia who owns the statue has been accepting donations since she revealed the miraculous 'bleeding', and has been under investigation as a result. The Vatican has already declared it a fraud. The fragrant Ms Cardia had previously been found guilty of bank fraud. Naughty!
It was originally thought that the blood was Pig's blood, but recent DNA investigations have revealed that it was, in fact, Gisella's own. Visitors (donors) were invited to see the statue on the 3rd day of every month. Probably what she saw as her 'pay day'.
Local police who went to arrest her have now revealed that Ms Cardia has miraculously disappeared. I wonder why?
Religion's got a lot to answer for hasn't it!
ReplyDeleteBut it's only 'outsiders' who reveal the truth.
DeleteThere is so much I could say about this. But I won't.
ReplyDeleteHow many pieces of the 'true cross' are there? 'Found' by Empress Helen 300 years after the 'event'.
At least the Vatican does look into these fraudulent cases. The same happens here.
Yet all these frauds have their supporters. I suppose it gives them something to hang on to.
DeleteQuite an inventive way to rip off more guillable members of the public.
ReplyDeleteSuch scams only exist because the scammers know that the believers are gullible. Vey sad!
DeleteI am a humanist - which means I am an atheist. I would never say that all those you say they believe knows that their religion is based on fraud and false claims. You cannot know what others believe.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was at school there was a Theological College in the school grounds, and none of the students believed in gods and devils. They were there to get a job that was respected, and hopefully live in a nice old village rectory.
DeleteYou have mentioned that before. I wouldn’t tar the millions of people who say they believe with your experience of 70 years ago.
DeleteIf you really think there are millions who believe in some nonsensical bearded old man sitting on a cloud, then good for you.
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