Steven Malanga is a favorite columnist and he has an interesting article about the evolution and interconnection of free markets, work ethics and religion. He discusses how theologian John Wesley observed that paradoxically “wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion.” Malanga further expounds:
Today, we seem to be living out Wesley’s most feared version of the pursuit of affluence unencumbered by virtue. Scam artists perpetrate giant Ponzi schemes against their friends and associates. Executives arrange compensation packages that pay themselves handily for failure. Ordinary people by the hundreds of thousands seek a shortcut to riches by lying on mortgage applications. Heartless phony bailout schemes take the last dollar of people already in distress.
Involuntary Redistribution of Assets (IRA) actions – cases in which probate instruments such as wills, trusts or guardianships are used to divert assets in a manner contrary to the known wishes of the asset owner – also fall into this “pursuit of affluence unencumbered by virtue.” Estate disputes are certainly seen as a “shortcut to riches.” As evidence, take a look at a recent column by our friend Horace Cooper.
Increased affluence (or the desire) can encourage a sense of entitlement, an attribute strongly present in many cases followed at EstateofDenial.com. Combine an ascending desire for affluence with a decrease in religiosity (as popularity of today’s “feel good” churches shows a preference for style over theology) and dots begin connecting for some of the corruption seen in today’s society. Check out Steve’s column. It’s interesting reading.
Estate of Denial® provides news, analysis and commentary on abusive practices occurring in probate courts and via probate instruments (wills, trusts, guardianships, powers of attorney). We provide original perspective to educate the public regarding this growing threat to both individual freedoms and property rights.
