Senate Panel Probes 6 Top Televangelists
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billiefan2000
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http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/69956.php
Are televangelists fleecing the flock?
JOHN W. WHITEHEAD
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
- Jesus
Acting on complaints from the public, Sen. Charles Grassley, the top
Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six high-profile televangelists, all of whom run "nonprofit" organizations.
The allegations involve governing boards that are not independent and which allow exorbitant salaries, housing allowances and luxuries such as private jets and Rolls Royces.
Creflo Dollar, pastor of World Changers Church International, is one of those under investigation. He has several Rolls Royces, private jets, a million-dollar home in Atlanta and a $2.5 million Manhattan apartment.
Best-selling author and televangelist Joyce Meyer, known for her candid, self-effacing speaking style, is also under investigation.
Her office headquarters, with its 158,000-square-foot, three-story building and furniture estimated at $5.7 million, was built for $20 million in 2001.
Since 1999, Meyer's ministry has reported spending at least $4 million on five homes for Meyer and her four children,
the largest of which is Meyer's 10,000-square-foot Cape Cod style estate that spreads over three acres and includes a private putting green, a gazebo, a pool and a pool house.
Among the items under Senate investigation are a $23,000 "commode with marble top," a $30,000 conference table and an $11,219 French clock, all purchased for Meyer's ministry headquarters.
Meyer seems unapologetic for her accumulated wealth.
As she blatantly acknowledged: "If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid. I am living now in my reward."
Although Paul Crouch and Jan Crouch, founders of TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), are not under investigation by the Senate Finance Committee, they epitomize what it means to wallow in materialism.
With a combined annual salary of more than $700,000, the Crouches are some of the highest paid in any of the major religious nonprofit organizations.
Since launching TBN in 1973, this husband and wife team has raised millions through buoyant telethon fundraising and appearances of popular personalities such as Creflo Dollar.
TBN raises more than $120 million a year from its viewers and continues to tell these viewers that they are "robbing God" if they are not giving to the network.
Unfortunately, because many of TBN's financial statements have not been made public, it is difficult to ascertain exactly how its viewers' donations are being spent.
However, the Crouches live lavishly and reap the benefits of donations to TBN.
The Los Angeles Times reported that TBN owns 30 homes across the country, including a couple of mansions in Newport Beach, Calif., and a Texas ranch home, which they make available to the Crouches.
As Crouch sums up his philosophy: "If my heart really, honestly desires a nice Cadillac … would there be something terribly wrong with me saying,
'Lord, it is the desire of my heart to have a nice car . . . and I'll use it for Your glory?'
I think I could do that and in time, as I walked in obedience with God, I believe I'd have it."
This belief that God blesses people with wealth, which has gained in popularity over the years, is known as the "prosperity gospel."
The prosperity gospel emerged in the 1970s in response to dwindling church attendance. Hoping to appeal to the masses and increase their numbers, many pastors and influential Christian speakers changed their style of preaching and broadened their messages.
Indeed, attempting to project a less "established religion" feel, many mega-churches today mirror the tactics of Wall Street and Madison Avenue and have adopted a more generic look.
Some have even expanded their facilities to include such general consumer attractions as bowling lanes, NBA regulation basketball courts, exercise gyms and spas and even food courts complete with Starbucks and McDonald's franchises.
Unfortunately, with its promises of success and materialism, the prosperity gospel tends to lure Christians away from the real message taught by Jesus - that is, one that eschews riches and focuses on helping the poor.
Instead, broad, distorted ideas are substituted for a message that appeals to as many as possible.
And many prosperity gospel preachers eventually find themselves swimming in the so-called "blessings" of material success, which are derived from their ministry.
Yet materialism, pleasing the crowds and jet-setting have nothing to do with Christianity.
Jesus was an itinerant preacher who preferred the company of the lowly and despised the rich and powerful.
As a cabinet-maker's son, Jesus chose his followers from the lower classes or from a despised trade (tax collectors).
However, Jesus not only favored the homeless but was himself homeless during his public life. His entire focus was self-denial and helping the poor.
Indeed, Jesus said that it was the meek and the poor who would be blessed - but not with material possessions. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth," he admonished.
Jesus also urged his followers that if they practiced true Christianity, they would suffer as he did. But as one commentator notes, suffering as a Christian virtue is not part of the prosperity worldview.
"Some call it Christianity Lite - you get all the benefits, but don't pay attention to the fact that Jesus called for suffering." And you don't tackle many of the problems of the world - such as poverty, suffering and war.
Thus, too often, the prosperity preachers disregard Jesus' message to present the illusion that if those listening will send money to them, they - the poor - can be rich also. This is a lie.
Influential pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren goes so far as to call the prosperity message "baloney."
As he said, "It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty. Why isn't everyone in the church a millionaire?"
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/69956.php
Are televangelists fleecing the flock?
JOHN W. WHITEHEAD
"What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?"
- Jesus
Acting on complaints from the public, Sen. Charles Grassley, the top
Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, has launched an investigation into alleged financial wrongdoing involving six high-profile televangelists, all of whom run "nonprofit" organizations.
The allegations involve governing boards that are not independent and which allow exorbitant salaries, housing allowances and luxuries such as private jets and Rolls Royces.
Creflo Dollar, pastor of World Changers Church International, is one of those under investigation. He has several Rolls Royces, private jets, a million-dollar home in Atlanta and a $2.5 million Manhattan apartment.
Best-selling author and televangelist Joyce Meyer, known for her candid, self-effacing speaking style, is also under investigation.
Her office headquarters, with its 158,000-square-foot, three-story building and furniture estimated at $5.7 million, was built for $20 million in 2001.
Since 1999, Meyer's ministry has reported spending at least $4 million on five homes for Meyer and her four children,
the largest of which is Meyer's 10,000-square-foot Cape Cod style estate that spreads over three acres and includes a private putting green, a gazebo, a pool and a pool house.
Among the items under Senate investigation are a $23,000 "commode with marble top," a $30,000 conference table and an $11,219 French clock, all purchased for Meyer's ministry headquarters.
Meyer seems unapologetic for her accumulated wealth.
As she blatantly acknowledged: "If you stay in your faith, you are going to get paid. I am living now in my reward."
Although Paul Crouch and Jan Crouch, founders of TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), are not under investigation by the Senate Finance Committee, they epitomize what it means to wallow in materialism.
With a combined annual salary of more than $700,000, the Crouches are some of the highest paid in any of the major religious nonprofit organizations.
Since launching TBN in 1973, this husband and wife team has raised millions through buoyant telethon fundraising and appearances of popular personalities such as Creflo Dollar.
TBN raises more than $120 million a year from its viewers and continues to tell these viewers that they are "robbing God" if they are not giving to the network.
Unfortunately, because many of TBN's financial statements have not been made public, it is difficult to ascertain exactly how its viewers' donations are being spent.
However, the Crouches live lavishly and reap the benefits of donations to TBN.
The Los Angeles Times reported that TBN owns 30 homes across the country, including a couple of mansions in Newport Beach, Calif., and a Texas ranch home, which they make available to the Crouches.
As Crouch sums up his philosophy: "If my heart really, honestly desires a nice Cadillac … would there be something terribly wrong with me saying,
'Lord, it is the desire of my heart to have a nice car . . . and I'll use it for Your glory?'
I think I could do that and in time, as I walked in obedience with God, I believe I'd have it."
This belief that God blesses people with wealth, which has gained in popularity over the years, is known as the "prosperity gospel."
The prosperity gospel emerged in the 1970s in response to dwindling church attendance. Hoping to appeal to the masses and increase their numbers, many pastors and influential Christian speakers changed their style of preaching and broadened their messages.
Indeed, attempting to project a less "established religion" feel, many mega-churches today mirror the tactics of Wall Street and Madison Avenue and have adopted a more generic look.
Some have even expanded their facilities to include such general consumer attractions as bowling lanes, NBA regulation basketball courts, exercise gyms and spas and even food courts complete with Starbucks and McDonald's franchises.
Unfortunately, with its promises of success and materialism, the prosperity gospel tends to lure Christians away from the real message taught by Jesus - that is, one that eschews riches and focuses on helping the poor.
Instead, broad, distorted ideas are substituted for a message that appeals to as many as possible.
And many prosperity gospel preachers eventually find themselves swimming in the so-called "blessings" of material success, which are derived from their ministry.
Yet materialism, pleasing the crowds and jet-setting have nothing to do with Christianity.
Jesus was an itinerant preacher who preferred the company of the lowly and despised the rich and powerful.
As a cabinet-maker's son, Jesus chose his followers from the lower classes or from a despised trade (tax collectors).
However, Jesus not only favored the homeless but was himself homeless during his public life. His entire focus was self-denial and helping the poor.
Indeed, Jesus said that it was the meek and the poor who would be blessed - but not with material possessions. "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth," he admonished.
Jesus also urged his followers that if they practiced true Christianity, they would suffer as he did. But as one commentator notes, suffering as a Christian virtue is not part of the prosperity worldview.
"Some call it Christianity Lite - you get all the benefits, but don't pay attention to the fact that Jesus called for suffering." And you don't tackle many of the problems of the world - such as poverty, suffering and war.
Thus, too often, the prosperity preachers disregard Jesus' message to present the illusion that if those listening will send money to them, they - the poor - can be rich also. This is a lie.
Influential pastor and bestselling author Rick Warren goes so far as to call the prosperity message "baloney."
As he said, "It's creating a false idol. You don't measure your self-worth by your net worth. I can show you millions of faithful followers of Christ who live in poverty. Why isn't everyone in the church a millionaire?"
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/69956.php
billiefan2000
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Paula White Fakes it on Larry King Live
By Grant Swank on Nov 27, 07
Larry King’s interview with evangelist Paula White revealed what is so common. It was the uncovering of a rich televangelist actress who uses Jesus for her own luxurious lifestyle.
This is sickening. It is so because it is so often repeated throughout televangelists’ histories.
Now the government is checking into Christian ministries to figure out who is true and who is fake. Paula White is one of the fakes.
On Larry King Live there were numerous visual excepts of her platform ministerial style. It is raucous, unladylike, pandering to the revved up audience of thousands and just plain religious showmanship.
Paula White is now divorced from her televangelist husband, Randy. I don’t want to get into all that for that surely is another chapter of intricacies.
But what was shown on Larry King Live via Paula White’s own visuals and verbiage uncovered a slippery tongue from a wealthy, money-hungry woman.
When Larry asked her pointedly about money and ministry, she was as smooth tongued as any mobster. She did not answer his questions. She slid all around them, smiling all the while.
This woman is not trustworthy. She is clever. She is intelligent. She has come from poverty and childhood pain; but that does not excuse for one moment that she is a religious charlatan out for the dollar.
And the dollar has certainly come her way—jet, homes, wardrobes and the rest of the materialistic closet set up for too many televangelists.
Jesus must grieve. He is the One who had no place to lay His head. He promised His disciples that their reward was in heaven. He did not preach a health-wealth “gospel” that was due His own.
Jesus was sold out to emptying Himself of heaven’s coffers in order to take on the scorned redemptive ministry. It cost Him His life. It was a journey fraught with betrayal and taunts from the foes—those from His own temple and religion.
Jesus never displayed the opulent lifestyle that too many televangelists today are known for. There is no theological game playing that they can manufacture to condone their materialistic obscenities.
And Paula White on Larry King Live this evening displayed herself as one of those prancing, shouting, microphone-carrying hawkers for her own purse. God help her. She needs it.
Judgment Day will reveal her ministry motives to have fallen far short of Calvary’s broken body.
http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=10348_0_1_0_M
By Grant Swank on Nov 27, 07
Larry King’s interview with evangelist Paula White revealed what is so common. It was the uncovering of a rich televangelist actress who uses Jesus for her own luxurious lifestyle.
This is sickening. It is so because it is so often repeated throughout televangelists’ histories.
Now the government is checking into Christian ministries to figure out who is true and who is fake. Paula White is one of the fakes.
On Larry King Live there were numerous visual excepts of her platform ministerial style. It is raucous, unladylike, pandering to the revved up audience of thousands and just plain religious showmanship.
Paula White is now divorced from her televangelist husband, Randy. I don’t want to get into all that for that surely is another chapter of intricacies.
But what was shown on Larry King Live via Paula White’s own visuals and verbiage uncovered a slippery tongue from a wealthy, money-hungry woman.
When Larry asked her pointedly about money and ministry, she was as smooth tongued as any mobster. She did not answer his questions. She slid all around them, smiling all the while.
This woman is not trustworthy. She is clever. She is intelligent. She has come from poverty and childhood pain; but that does not excuse for one moment that she is a religious charlatan out for the dollar.
And the dollar has certainly come her way—jet, homes, wardrobes and the rest of the materialistic closet set up for too many televangelists.
Jesus must grieve. He is the One who had no place to lay His head. He promised His disciples that their reward was in heaven. He did not preach a health-wealth “gospel” that was due His own.
Jesus was sold out to emptying Himself of heaven’s coffers in order to take on the scorned redemptive ministry. It cost Him His life. It was a journey fraught with betrayal and taunts from the foes—those from His own temple and religion.
Jesus never displayed the opulent lifestyle that too many televangelists today are known for. There is no theological game playing that they can manufacture to condone their materialistic obscenities.
And Paula White on Larry King Live this evening displayed herself as one of those prancing, shouting, microphone-carrying hawkers for her own purse. God help her. She needs it.
Judgment Day will reveal her ministry motives to have fallen far short of Calvary’s broken body.
http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=10348_0_1_0_M
rdaneel
Illuminator
Billiefan: I just thought I'd make you aware that quoting entire articles is against the forum rules. You need to limit your quotes to a part of the article and then link to the rest of it.
billiefan2000
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I will remember that in the future.
billiefan2000
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It does sound like a cooking oil
BTW Creflo was on Larry King's show the other day
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0711/27/lkl.01.html
Quote:
KING: Dr. Creflo Dollar, pastor of the World Changers Church International and of Creflo Dollar Ministries.
my opinion:
This should read:"
KING: Dr. Creflo Dollar, pastor of the MONEY Changers Church International and of Creflo Dollar Ministries."
2 Timothy 4:3-4
For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Aa6xadR6fkU
This Guy
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Some responses from the Senator's inquiry-
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071205...ts_finances;_ylt=ApQMKn3vDt6Q1NYC7vvYXk1H2ocA
I can't imagine why Mr. Dollar is concerned about the privacy of the information concerning his ministries salary's
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071205...ts_finances;_ylt=ApQMKn3vDt6Q1NYC7vvYXk1H2ocA
I can't imagine why Mr. Dollar is concerned about the privacy of the information concerning his ministries salary's
This Guy
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Aren't these organisations supposed to be PUBLIC not-for-profits? Like JREF? With MANDATORY reporting requirements?
Educate us, please!
PS. I still can't get over that name...Creflo Dollar! *snort!*
While I'm sure a quick Google search would give a better answer, I'll give my understanding
Church's are not required to file income statements with the IRS (Again, as I understand it!). There is a voluntary form they CAN submit that list some income/expense details. I'm not sure how much detail, or what degree of accuracy is required.
Many religious groups file the voluntary forms as a sign of openness, and to go on record with their income/expenses to show those that donate to them where their donations go. Again, this is not a requirement, as I understand it.
On the other hand, Corporations routinely disclose the salary and bonus options offered to CEOs. These are, I believe public record, at least for publicly traded companies (those with stock offered to the public).
The only reason I can imagine Mr. Dollar objecting to his income being disclosed, is that it is so outrageous that his supporters might die of shock, and thus not be around to fatten his coffers. But I'm sure there are other valid reasons that escape me
ETA: If I wasn't getting ready for work, I'd try to get more valid information for this reply. If no one else has by the time I get home in the AM, I'll try to follow up with some links
Last edited:
This Guy
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From the horses mouth (well, from the IRS anyway)
Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, such an organization must meet the following requirements(covered in greater detail throughout this publication):
■ the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes,
■ net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder,
■ no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation,
■ the organization may not intervene in political campaigns, and
■ the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.
Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status Automatic Exemption for Churches.
Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because such recognition assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.
From http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cach...rch+tax+requirements&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us
An interesting bit of info (IMHO) - Congress has imposed special limitations, found in IRC section 7611, on how and when the IRS may conduct civil tax inquiries and examinations of churches. The IRS may only initiate a church tax inquiry if the Director, Exempt Organizations, Examinations reasonably believes, based on a written statement of the facts and circumstances, that the organization: (a) may not qualify for the exemption; or (b) may not be paying tax on an unrelated business or other taxable activity.
Bolding mine.
As I understand this, from a quick skimming over, it's only required that Churches file tax forms related to earnings of it's employees (not necessarily including ministers!) for the purpose of tax/Social Security and what have you.
They are required to keep records, and are subject to civil audits, but only if there is reason to believe they may not be in compliance with the exemption rules, in one way/area or another.
I suspect that many of these mega-Churches, that are concerned with this investigation/inquiry, are at best borderline on the exemption clause that says -
"net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder"
Depending on the definition of a "private individual". Where these preachers fall in light of that definition is where I'm not clear.
If you skim through the link you'll see that ministers don't have to report the "fair market value" for a ministry provided home. I suspect this is why these folks are living in mansions, and in some cases have several at their disposal.
Bottom line answer to the question - "Aren't these organizations supposed to be PUBLIC not-for-profits? Like JREF? With MANDATORY reporting requirements?"
It appears to me (I'll certainly yield to those with better knowledge on the subject!) that for the most part they are not required to file income statements with the IRS, and I ASSUME the only other requirements would be those decided by the controlling body of the church (Elders, Board of Trustees, Aunt Sally, whoever controls/dictates what goes on).
I'd like to know how these folks being investigated are actually paid, who actually controls the respective organizations, and who actually decides how much the ministers in question get paid, and what dwellings are made available to them.
My suspicion is that the ministers are the ones calling the shots, along with boards that are staffed by family/friends of the ministers.
I will tip my hat to Joyce Meyer. It appears she is the only one to submit the requested information so far. I think that is a good thing. Not to make it a backhanded compliment, I do believe she would have been less willing to do this if she had not just recently "cleaned" things up a bit in her ministry, after several negative ratings from Ministry Watch. Still, the fact that she is willing to disclose the information is a good sign. Even if she is still peddling snake oil to the sheep.
)Churches and religious organizations, like many other charitable organizations, qualify for exemption from federal income tax under IRC section 501(c)(3) and are generally eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. To qualify for tax-exempt status, such an organization must meet the following requirements(covered in greater detail throughout this publication):
■ the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, educational, scientific, or other charitable purposes,
■ net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder,
■ no substantial part of its activity may be attempting to influence legislation,
■ the organization may not intervene in political campaigns, and
■ the organization’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.
Recognition of Tax-Exempt Status Automatic Exemption for Churches.
Churches that meet the requirements of IRC section 501(c)(3) are automatically considered tax exempt and are not required to apply for and obtain recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS. Although there is no requirement to do so, many churches seek recognition of tax-exempt status from the IRS because such recognition assures church leaders, members, and contributors that the church is recognized as exempt and qualifies for related tax benefits. For example, contributors to a church that has been recognized as tax exempt would know that their contributions generally are tax-deductible.
From http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cach...rch+tax+requirements&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us
An interesting bit of info (IMHO) - Congress has imposed special limitations, found in IRC section 7611, on how and when the IRS may conduct civil tax inquiries and examinations of churches. The IRS may only initiate a church tax inquiry if the Director, Exempt Organizations, Examinations reasonably believes, based on a written statement of the facts and circumstances, that the organization: (a) may not qualify for the exemption; or (b) may not be paying tax on an unrelated business or other taxable activity.
Bolding mine.
As I understand this, from a quick skimming over, it's only required that Churches file tax forms related to earnings of it's employees (not necessarily including ministers!) for the purpose of tax/Social Security and what have you.
They are required to keep records, and are subject to civil audits, but only if there is reason to believe they may not be in compliance with the exemption rules, in one way/area or another.
I suspect that many of these mega-Churches, that are concerned with this investigation/inquiry, are at best borderline on the exemption clause that says -
"net earnings may not inure to the benefit of any private individual or shareholder"
Depending on the definition of a "private individual". Where these preachers fall in light of that definition is where I'm not clear.
If you skim through the link you'll see that ministers don't have to report the "fair market value" for a ministry provided home. I suspect this is why these folks are living in mansions, and in some cases have several at their disposal.
Bottom line answer to the question - "Aren't these organizations supposed to be PUBLIC not-for-profits? Like JREF? With MANDATORY reporting requirements?"
It appears to me (I'll certainly yield to those with better knowledge on the subject!) that for the most part they are not required to file income statements with the IRS, and I ASSUME the only other requirements would be those decided by the controlling body of the church (Elders, Board of Trustees, Aunt Sally, whoever controls/dictates what goes on).
I'd like to know how these folks being investigated are actually paid, who actually controls the respective organizations, and who actually decides how much the ministers in question get paid, and what dwellings are made available to them.
My suspicion is that the ministers are the ones calling the shots, along with boards that are staffed by family/friends of the ministers.
I will tip my hat to Joyce Meyer. It appears she is the only one to submit the requested information so far. I think that is a good thing. Not to make it a backhanded compliment, I do believe she would have been less willing to do this if she had not just recently "cleaned" things up a bit in her ministry, after several negative ratings from Ministry Watch. Still, the fact that she is willing to disclose the information is a good sign. Even if she is still peddling snake oil to the sheep.
Beerina
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While I like the idea of these guys being investigated, I wonder if its truly welcome, or is it just a symptom that it's more wise for the power hungry to go into politics instead of religion, since politics-as-path-to-power is winning over religion, as evidenced by the age-old battle of the top dogs in one group beating on the top dogs in the now smaller group.
This Guy
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IMO, most of these mega church types aren't in it for the power, other than that power they have over the relatively few sheep that allow themselves to be sheared. I think it's more about money. The more I think about the whole "Prosperity" religion the more I see it as a truly brilliant idea. What better way to make money than to get it from people that you have convinced they are "planting seed money that will return to them in a virtual harvest of great proportions". They aren't likely to see your extravagances as anything more than you reaping the benefits of your planting, a reaping they have hopes of also receiving. If these Prosperity preachers just maintain some control, and prevent themselves from getting so big they attract attention (like the unlucky 6 of the OP) they can go on forever, shearing the gullible and enjoying the finer things in life, all in the name of god.
Getting back to the question of power, I'm sure there is the same attraction for these folks as entertainers have for the power to control the emotions of, and to a degree control the whole person of those in the audience. I'm sure they also get that same exhilaration felt by any speaker/teacher. Anyone that has conducted a class or training session has probably felt that exhilaration. I don't think it's about power overall though.
I'll even concede that some of these folks might actually believe they are doing a good thing for their sheep.
Again IMO, the bible is a powerful book, in the hands of the deluded. It's very easy, once you are convinced it is the only path to truth, to convince yourself that you have discovered some hidden truth that will right all the wrongs of the world. With such a delusion, I think it would be easy to justify taking money from folks that are barely making it financially, if you believe what they give you will in fact return to them multiplied.
That being said, I think the majority of these folks are simply in it for the money.
But, as always, I could be wrong
billiefan2000
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http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/3131/Jan_Markell
Jesus Didn’t Ride a Rolls-Royce, but a Donkey
By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org
Quote:
This weekend on air I am interviewing Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) about his investigation into six ministries and their use of donor funds. The six include Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, David and Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar. The investigation he is heading is not based on theology. It is based upon possible abuse of donor money to tax-exempt organizations and was further prompted by public complaints and statements from whistleblowers who were once associated with the ministries mentioned.
Grassley says to ministries and churches, “You are a trustee of the people’s money.” And he is right and as a ministry leader I take the words seriously.
Lee Grady from Charisma Magazine has made the following comments. One would think Charisma might be leading a campaign against Grassley but just the opposite. Due to space limitations, I am shortening Grady’s comments.
He writes in a column, “In Defense of the Good Senator,” Grassley is a Bible-believing Christian and is not behind a devilish conspiracy. Judging from some, you’d think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another inquisition.”
Lee Grady chastises Paul Crouch for stating that the probe is similar to the probe of Hitler of Christians in the 1930s.
more..
http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/3131/Jan_Markell
Jesus Didn’t Ride a Rolls-Royce, but a Donkey
By Jan Markell
www.olivetreeviews.org
Quote:
This weekend on air I am interviewing Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) about his investigation into six ministries and their use of donor funds. The six include Benny Hinn, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, David and Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White, and Creflo and Taffi Dollar. The investigation he is heading is not based on theology. It is based upon possible abuse of donor money to tax-exempt organizations and was further prompted by public complaints and statements from whistleblowers who were once associated with the ministries mentioned.
Grassley says to ministries and churches, “You are a trustee of the people’s money.” And he is right and as a ministry leader I take the words seriously.
Lee Grady from Charisma Magazine has made the following comments. One would think Charisma might be leading a campaign against Grassley but just the opposite. Due to space limitations, I am shortening Grady’s comments.
He writes in a column, “In Defense of the Good Senator,” Grassley is a Bible-believing Christian and is not behind a devilish conspiracy. Judging from some, you’d think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another inquisition.”
Lee Grady chastises Paul Crouch for stating that the probe is similar to the probe of Hitler of Christians in the 1930s.
more..
http://www.christianworldviewnetwork.com/article.php/3131/Jan_Markell
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grayman
Happy-go-lucky Heretic
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Another article found in the February 15th edition of U.S. News and World Report.
PixyMisa
Persnickety Insect
Creflo and Taffi Dollar?! They sound like they just stepped out of a Carl Hiassen book.
Tricky
Briefly immortal
In case some of you cretins don't know who Carl Hiassen is. I hate crime novels, but I've read every one of his, and I laugh every time I think about them. Yes, the characters, especially the bad guys, have... erm... unusual names. Some of the heros too. Ms. Tricky is in love with Skink.