Overview

Pew Research released a study showing that 92% of American adults hold some spiritual beliefs. Most Americans believe in God, Jesus, Buddha, an afterlife, or the supernatural. While exploring the spiritual realm is fascinating, it also presents a dimension that has long been exploited by high-demand religions, con artists, criminal networks, and other predators.  

“Monetizing Jesus” highlights the problem of predators who exploit Jesus or other esteemed figures as bait to lure victims. These predators pretend to promote noble values but shift from a healthy view of “mind, body, and soul” to their true focus on “power, sex, and money.” In "Monetizing Jesus," we examine these “predator-prey” traps.

The problem is that predators, behind their facades, cause significant harm through their religious, charity, political, and business schemes. These egocentric and sociocentric worldviews contribute little to solving real problems. Members often prioritize their loyalty to these predatory organizations over honesty and ethics.  

Jesus was world-centric. He was concerned with a world full of people who are hungry, thirsty, poor, sick, imprisoned, marginalized, and neglected. He specifically condemned hypocritical church leaders and child abusers.

The solution lies with principled, world-centric people and groups. The principled person values critical thinking, systems theory, epistemology, and research methods. They avoid logical fallacies, cognitive biases, and undue influence. They develop sound reasoning by recognizing and rejecting predatory organizations of all types. They engage with new evidence, and always “reserve the right to change their minds.”

Principled organizations fully disclose their history and agenda, are transparent about their finances, and report any allegations of crime or abuse to law enforcement. Principled people call out predators when they see them and then, without any selfish motives, go beyond their inner circles and do something constructive for humanity.

“Monetizing Jesus” examines rational worldviews and seeks evidence from all sides of an issue. It is about thinking independently, taking on the big questions, sharpening our intellect, examining our ethics, and having a heart. Refining these skills allows us to navigate this maze we call life.

About the Author

Glen Bell, PhD, is a socio-economist specializing in disaster research and recovery projects. No stranger to how predators operate, Dr. Bell has been consulted on the World Trade Center, the Heaven’s Gate Cult, the Sandy Hook school shooting, O.J. Simpson, and Jeffrey Epstein.

Dr. Bell has computed billions of dollars to recover damages and help rebuild lives and communities. He has also worked to defend against numerous spurious legal claims. He has qualified as an expert witness in federal and state courts and international tribunals.

Drawing on his research in 50 states and seven continents, Dr. Bell has lectured nationwide on critical thinking, logical fallacies, complex valuation, and junk science. He reveals the tricks predators use and how to outsmart them in the courtroom, boardroom, and living room.  

A frequent speaker, Dr. Bell’s career has been profiled in People Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, ABC’s 20/20, and NBC’s Today Show. He resides in Laguna Beach, California.