02 June 2008

Monetizing the Rapture

Thanks to Rick for tipping me off to this gem of Christian niche marketing. After browsing the long-winded sample "documents", what really caught my eye was this bit from the why section
In the encrypted portion of your account you can give them access to your banking, brokerage, hidden valuables, and powers of attorneys' (you won't be needing them any more, and the gift will drive home the message of love). There won't be any bodies, so probate court will take 7 years to clear your assets to your next of Kin. 7 years of course is all the time that will be left. So, basically the Government of the AntiChrist gets your stuff, unless you make it available in another way. 
Is this a nice bit of social engineering to collect identities and financials from credulous rapture hobbyists? Even if it's on the up and up, there might be an untapped market for financial services here. I'm thinking something along the lines of reverse mortgages to start. Ready for the rapture? Sign over everything to me (including clothes!) and I'll let you continue to use it for a limited time. Next up, derivates: rapture futures and options, maybe a rapture index and apocalypse-linked notes.

1 comment:

JustJoeP said...

This is an ingenious financial model! The $cientologists want your money before you can begin,
http://www.wikiality.com/%24cientology

the Rapturists want it "as soon as you're gone".

Phase II: convincing the flock they are one day away from being raptured =)