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View Full Version : `Gospel of wealth' facing scrutiny from Senator


jones4stangs
12-29-2007, 09:34 PM
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/24/us/24church.html?ref=us

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/nov/07/senator-seeks-financial-data-of-tv-preachers/

the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee said Tuesday he's investigating the finances of six well-known TV ministers.

Grassley sent letters to the half-dozen Christian media ministries earlier this week requesting answers by Dec. 6 about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities, including use of fancy cars and private jets.

In a written statement, he claimed he has "an obligation to donors" to find out that the money is being spent as intended.

In a statement, Grassley said he was acting on complaints from the public and news coverage of the organizations.

The list:

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas

Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, Ga

Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas

Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia, Ga

Joyce and David Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo

Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla


Sure, I think these folks are probably lining their pockets, however, is it the job of a Senator to get involved?

jones4stangs
12-29-2007, 09:36 PM
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/columnists.nsf/billmcclellan/story/18415567DB3D82038625739300185024?OpenDocument

As far as I'm concerned, her lifestyle might be too lavish for a preacher, but that is not the concern of the government. Churches and religious organizations are required to file certain forms with the Internal Revenue Service regarding their tax-exempt status. If those papers are in order, that ought to be the end of the government's involvement.

Phillystang
12-31-2007, 01:26 AM
Although I also don't like the government meddling in what any religion is doing (unless breaking a law), I don't sympathize with any of those particular entertainers/teachers mentioned ;) .

In Paul's pastoral epistle to Timothy, do any of those 6 qualify biblically?

1 Timothy 3:1-3
1Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer,he desires a noble task. 2Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.