I was just on KSL.com catching up on the days news and came across this ad:
Where to begin with this.
First, there are honest and dishonest people in every community, including religious communities. Picking a real estate agent, attorney or accountant because they have the same religious beliefs you do (or purport to) is a really stupid idea. Hire professionals based upon their credentials. If the most qualified person to get the job done has religious views that are diametrically opposite of your own, so what?
Second, this is how people get ripped off. I’m not saying this particular service is a scam. What I am saying is that people let their guard down. They assume that they can trust someone from their religion. That’s what happened with Bernie Madoff. He deliberately targeted fellow Jews. That’s also what happened with Rick Koerber who shamelessly used Mormonism to pander to Utah County Mormons in his alleged ponzi scheme. (I realize that by mentioning Rick Koerber and the “p” word, I risk having Rick write another psychotic, rambling rant about me. Have at it Rick!).
Of course this doesn’t just happen with Mormons & Jews, it’s common with all religions including your run-of-the-mill Christians. Take for example a used car dealership I often drive by here in Lincoln. Now, I am not saying these guys are frauds. I don’t know them. I am just pointing out the shameless way they use religion to build trust with potential clients. “Simply the Best Autos” is at 4650 Cornhusker Highway in Lincoln. I get a kick out of their sign:
In case you can’t tell, that’s a cross between the two cars.
Check out their website:
“Trust us. We’re a Christian used car dealership!”
Isn’t that a relief to know that they are Christian? I mean, the last thing any of us would want is to do business with a secular humanist or some untrustworthy unbeliever. You’re a Christian used car dealership? Well what could possibly go wrong?
Whenever I see someone using their religion to promote their business, I become immediately suspicious. As you noted, it is the tool of the fraudulent far too often to be a reliable indicator of trustworthiness. I once had a bishop who said he would never do business with fellow church members again after getting burned several times.
I hope Rick Koerber is comforted knowing he can become a used car salesman after he’s convicted and is released from prison.
I have been under the impression that using religion in real estate is a no-no in the association of realtors. Any insight?