Miracles For Sale

by cofty 36 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  cofty

  New Derren Brown documentary this evening on Channel 4 (UK) 9-10:30pm

  His insights into human psychology is astonishing, some of his previous docs have been jaw-dropping.

  "The entertainer investigates the reality behind America's faith-healing phenomenon, and chooses an unsuspecting member of the British public who is prepared to adopt the guise of a pastor. The selected person then tries to perform healing `miracles' in Texas after six months of learning, in an experiment to see whether he will be accepted"
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  sabastious

  I watched him do a thing on seances, it actually changed my life a bit.

  -Sab
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  Deputy Dog

  cofty

  It doesn't take much "insight" to see how these are among the worse types of charlatans, they are right up there with quack doctors.
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  cofty

  Have you seen any of his work DD?

  I remember watching him "preaching the gospel" to a group of around 20 or so non-christians and by the end of it many of them were "giving their life to Jesus". Derren is an atheist; he then counseled the people involved and explained them how he had manipulated them.

  On another occasion he did a written psychic reading for a group of people who had each supplied him with a sample of their writing and an object of personal significance. Every one of them, with one exception, was amazed at how incredibly accurate and specific his readings were. Then he revealed that every person in the group had been given identical readings.

  In another program he worked with a group over an extended period teaching them self-help and assertiveness techniques. In the final scene 3 of the 4 members of the group individually held up a secruity van in a set up that they totally believed to be real. He then described the psychological cues he had used to control their reactions.

  In a recent program he took a woman to a large toy shop in London and invited her to choose any toy she wished as a gift. He predicted exactly what she would select and then showed the TV audience all the techniques he had used to manipulate her choice.

  I think the real highlight of tonight's show will be the way he coaches a volunteer to become a convincing "healer".
• 

  mythreesons

  very interesting...
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  leavingwt

  When this becomes available online, please post a video link. I'm looking forward to seeing it. His previous films were very entertaining.
• 

  cofty

  Part 1 just finished.

  They set up a phoney production company and advertised for people who would like to audition for their own show. Derren watched the auditions secretly and chose a final 4 who he then met and taught to perform stage hypnotism. From these he has now chosen one a young man who also happens to be a believer and has just told him what he really wants to do with him. The plan is to coach him in faith healing and then take him to Texas to perform for real.
• 

  cofty

  Part 2

  He begins to work with his chosen candidate, Nathan - a scuba-diving instructor who has agreed to take part.

  Nathan is now Pastor James Collins (JC) with a website and a history of ministry "Gifts of The Spirit Minstry" with a background in Africa (please check out the very convincing website)

  Now Pastor James is working with a number of tutors who are teachng him basic Swahili, christian jargon, how to manipulate the bible, and method acting.

  Derren is performing healing on a genuine deaf woman and a blind man who have been asked to respond honestly to what happens. It looks astonishing. Now he explains how candidates are selected by the team of "catchers" and how amazing looking results are obtained.

  Now he is doing the amazing trick that you can find on youtube of making a leg grow that was supposedly shorter than the other. The leg lengthening trick is absolutely the mark of a charlatan.

  Film now of Popoff being exposed by Randi for using an earpiece so his wife could feed him information; he is back in business.

  Derren is using a christian PR company in USA to build Pastor James' credibility and there is a long conversation between Nathan and Peter, the head of the PR company. They now have a crisis of consience as Peter's business would be ruined when their real Identity is revealed. They like Peter and decide to break ties with him to save his business and are going it alone with Derren posing as a member of the TV crew
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  cofty

  Part 3

  Arrived in USA and began promoting his healing event with a week to go.

  They have gone to meet an organisation called "Trinity Foundation" who exposes fraud in evangelical ministries and advise the US Senate on these issues. They are explaining the dreadful the effects of TV Evangelists on vulnerable people and offer their support to Derren and Nathan who delivers a very convincing sermon for them.

  Now they visit a healing service deliverd by Pastor Shaun who uses all the tricks Derren taught Nathan earlier, and of course they hand over lots of money.
• 

  cofty

  Part 4

  They have gone to the property of multi-millionaire prosperity preacher Kenenth Copeland but get stopped by the local sheriff and given a criminal trespass notice - doh!

  They interview a former faith healer who has given up the fraud and got an honest job. He confirms how they select their victims and how adrenelin is the main factor in temporary pain relief.

  Nathan is feeling conflicted as he gets to know individuals he is about to expose.

  They are having a rehearsal with the band who is going to be his worship leader, Derren pushes him to do his sermon and he gets angry and says "un - f~~~ing-believable" in front of the christian band - oops!