By John Q. Hosedrinker Colorado Pastor Accused of Pocketing $1.3M in Crypto Scheme Says ‘Lord Told Us To’
When I first heard about the Colorado pastor who was accused of pocketing $1.3 million in a crypto scheme and claiming that the ‘Lord told us to’, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of disbelief, disappointment, and frustration. It is disheartening to see individuals using religion as a shield to justify their deceitful actions and personal enrichment.
In his video update to INDXcoin followers, the accused pastor, Eli Regalado, stated that the Lord brought this cryptocurrency to him and instructed him to take it to his people for a wealth transfer. It is easy to be skeptical of such claims, as it appears to be an attempt to evade accountability by attributing his actions to divine guidance. As the saying goes, “I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”
As a biblical scholar, I am familiar with the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament writers, and it is clear that their message centered around providing for the poor and needy, rather than seeking personal enrichment. The Bible repeatedly speaks against the pursuit of wealth and warns about the dangers of greed. So, Regalado’s justification for his actions seems far from aligning with the core principles of Christianity.
It is not uncommon for people to mistake their internal monologue for a divine voice, especially when they hold deeply religious beliefs. This combination, coupled with mental gymnastics, can lead to dangerous and bizarre behaviors. However, it is crucial to remember that these actions are not representative of all religious individuals or communities. Many genuinely strive to live out their faith with integrity and compassion.
It is unfortunate that incidents like these often overshadow the countless churches and religious organizations that actively work towards caring for the poor and making a positive impact in their communities. While cases of fraud and exploitation make headlines, there are countless unsung heroes within religious communities who selflessly devote their time and resources to helping those in need.
Blaming criminal behavior on divine guidance is a cowardly deflection of responsibility. If individuals are not severely schizophrenic, they should be held accountable for their actions and face the consequences of their choices. Such cases need to be taken seriously and treated as examples to discourage others from using religion to justify illegal activities.
Furthermore, I cannot help but question why individuals like Joel Osteen, often associated with controversial financial practices, seem to elude legal consequences. This raises concerns about the potential influence and power that some religious figures hold, which allows them to avoid scrutiny or evade accountability.
In the case of Regalado, it is essential that justice be served, and his actions be met with the appropriate legal response. This sends a clear message that fraudulent behavior, regardless of the purported divine inspiration, cannot be tolerated.
We must remember that acts of deception and exploitation are not exclusive to any particular religion or religious community. It is a human failing, driven by personal greed and a disregard for ethical principles. Rather than allowing these incidents to tarnish our perception of religion as a whole, we should focus on promoting integrity, compassion, and genuine service to others.
Let us not allow the actions of a few to overshadow the many who work diligently to adhere to the true principles of their faith and make a positive impact on society. By recognizing and supporting the genuine acts of kindness and service within religious communities, we can strive to create a better and more inclusive world for all.