THEORY: What could possibly drive well heeled, influential people to make some of the horrible choices they make? The same thing that keeps most normal people from doing the same thing. Promise of immortality! Christians have a promise from Jesus Christ, these demon influenced people have an empty promise from satan but once they turn to him they must do his bidding or suffer the conseqences-Death. Money can buy things that can prolong life. Wealthy people seem to have a much longer lifespan than the greater populace BUT MONEY CAN'T BUY IMMORTALITY!
Couple of quotes that come to mind:
"For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his own soul? Or what exchange shall a man give for his soul?"
[Matthew 16:26]
"And again I say to you: It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven."
[Matthew 19:24]
I would also add that, more importantly, it is just as much the threat of ETERNAL DAMNATION than the promise of a heavenly reward.
@mudpuppy Yes, what one believes effects how they behave. If you believe that people who are not members of your tribe are the same or below animals and are created to serve you, then you will have no problem lying, cheating, stealing and committing murder against those people. If those beliefs are officially sanctioned by your religion (such as in the Talmud), then you have an ongoing, serious problem.
All points are well taken.