God Wants You...To Make Me Rich!: The Crimes of John Alexander Dowie
Summary
Hosts Elizabeth Dutton and Zarin Burnett discuss the absurdity of Coors Light-flavored Cheez-Its before diving into the life of John Alexander Dowie, America’s first faith healer. They explore how Dowie pioneered the prosperity gospel, built a theocratic company town called Zion City, and amassed a fortune through tithes and staged miracles. The episode details his eventual move to New York, where he led a massive "Restoration Army" to evangelize the city, highlighting his criminal fraud and outrageous lifestyle.
Topics discussed
Intro and UnitedHealthcare sponsorship
Cheez-It Beer Cheese dip discussion
Prosperity Gospel and modern televangelists
John Alexander Dowie's early life and fraud
Dowie's rise in Chicago and founding of Zion City
Life and rules in the company town of Zion
The failed New York crusade and riots
Dowie's downfall, stroke, and legacy
Talkbacks, credits, and final ads
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