By Mark Pattison11/24/2007
Catholic News Service (www.catholicnews.com)
The six televangelists, all of whom have been accused of maintaining extravagant lifestyles, preach the "prosperity gospel."This theology is based on an interpretation of biblical passages that suggests God will provide believers with financial wealth.
WASHINGTON (CNS) - In November, U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, announced a probe involving six prominent Protestant televangelists: Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Paula White and Bishop Eddie Long. Grassley sent letters to each, asking detailed questions about purchases, gifts and "love offerings," demanding answers by Dec. 6 for an investigation into possible financial misconduct by these tax-exempt ministries. Grassley told the Des Moines Register, a daily newspaper in Iowa, that religion isn't the issue behind the probe. "Churches aren't any different from any other nonprofit organization, and they have to abide by the same tax laws," he said. The six televangelists, all of whom have been accused of maintaining extravagant lifestyles, preach the "prosperity gospel." This theology is based on an interpretation of biblical passages that suggests God will provide believers with financial wealth. One such passage is Chapter 8, Verse 18 of the Book of Deuteronomy, which says in part, "Remember then, it is the Lord, your God, who gives you the power to acquire wealth." Copeland, in his book "How to Prosper From the Inside Out," wrote: "As the seeds of prosperity are planted in your mind, in your will and in your emotions ... they eventually produce a great financial harvest." Grassley is questioning items such as a personal "gift" of $2 million to Copeland, the"love offerings" Bishop Long receives instead of a salary, and Meyer's purchase of a table, clock and vases for more than $60,000. Could such alleged improprieties happen in the Catholic Church? There have been instances but nothing on such an epic scale......
http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=25997&wf=rsscol
Monday, November 26, 2007
Probe of Protestant 'Televangelist' Salaries
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3 comments:
OK, what are we gaining by bashing these 6 people? I as a protestant and a Christian gladly call to task the doctrine of these people you mentioned. It is unbiblical.
We could look at what the pope lives like in Vatican City, and I wouldn't be suprised if their lifestyle pales in comparison to the pope. $60,000 tables are a dime a dozen in Vatican City. I'm sorry Adam, but you are the pot calling the kettle black.
I think that they are easy to point out when you see what they make, but I think that the Lord does want each of us to prosper spiritually, physically and financially. That concept can be taken out of context, financial prosperity does not mean that I will be a millionaire, but that i will be sound in my financial decisions and treat my finances as all things in life as God's property. We are but stewards. No one really needs all that they have. I heard a wondeful quote by a well known televangelist concerning prosperity that i agree with. T.D. Jakes said, "God does not mind you having things, God minds things having you!" The heart of the issue is not what these people make or spend, but their hearts and what they do to expand the kingdom of God on earth! Similar accusitions could be made of different clergy of all denominations and yes there are those that use their position for personal gain. That is wrong, but do not use that as a way to attack another denomination.
Why does the Lord WANT us to prosper financially? Where is that in the Bible?
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