[robel]

Typically, when Christianity has periods of growth, the opposition is usually in direct proportion. Unfortunately, that also includes the money grubbers who take advantage of the gullible.

[boatbums]

Unfortunately, gullible people are nothing new. Before the health/wealth/prosperity gospel preachers there were relic and pilgrimage people. Even in the first century, the Apostles had to deal with such as Simon Magus:

Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost." But Peter said unto him, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee, for I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity." Then answered Simon, and said, "Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me." — Acts 8:9–24

Nothing new under the sun.

[redleghunter]

The tares always grow among the wheat.