Among the many conservative Christians who feel misunderstood by the general public, the six televangelists under investigation by a Senate committee are an embarrassment.
The ministers' on-air faith healings and fundraising, backed by self-serving misinterpretations of Scripture, reinforce offensive stereotypes of greedy preachers and put their followers at spiritual risk, critics say.
But traditional Christians aren't universally celebrating the inquiry. Some are wondering whether the investigation led by Republican Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa is the right way to end any wrongdoing, especially if the result is more government oversight of all ministries.
2007-12-04 00:19:44 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with the critics, it's not normal for a preacher to have a private jet paid by his church and 6 Mercedes in his mansion's garage.
2007-12-04 00:24:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Televangelists are for the most part con-artist that have found a way to get rich by preying on the beliefs of others. Usually people who don't read the bible for themselves for attend church regularly. People that are desperate for something to believe in or a reason to live.
True Evangelists do not seek to get rich they only want to spread the Word of God and help others in any way they can without thought of profit. They don't promise to pray for you if you send them money. They pray with you even if you're homeless and can't give them anything. They are doing the work of GOD not of themselves.
However I think that the Senator is using this as a way to get the government more involved in the church and that is also wrong. There are reasons that a church needs to raise money especially Churches that fund missionaries overseas or provide private schooling/daycare for children.
Televangelists use the money to line their on pockets and not to help those in need. So while I agree that they need to be investigated and shut down I do not agree that the government should become more involved in the affairs of all ministries.
2007-12-04 00:42:57 · answer #2 · answered by KountryAngel 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
i absoluately must say that i do not believe born-again Christians, televangelists, or those who follow such people to be true Christians. True, they attend church and all. However, i do not think that there is any problem investigating televangelistics... they almost know their peak airtime audience, just listen to who they do on air healings for... late night tv: a man battling alcholism, a loney women, a diabetic, etc. Point is they never say a first and last name in a particular state. It is a crock. These 'conservative' Christians make normal Christians, who do not believe in this crap look bad.
Remember when Jimmy Swagert got in trouble for picking up prostitutes and more? Or when Jim and Tammy Fay Baker where found to have even an air conditioned dog house? These people are running a business preying on desperate people who are up late thinking about all their troubles.
2007-12-04 00:40:34 · answer #3 · answered by sherman supporter 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
We don't exactly dance in the streets when the frauds are exposed, but we are glad the truth comes out. I know I speak for the people I know and myself.
They make Christianity look fraudulent. They fleece the people and really damage them.
When you are trying to convince one of the people that believe these guys just how phony they are, they don't listen. It's frustrating. Afterwards, when they do find out how badly they had been taken, you cannot say I told you so, all you can do is help them put together whatever faith they have left by showing them what went wrong, but lovingly.
I knew men that died waiting for their healing from Hinn, people that are poorer because they fell for it.
The fact is, no one would ever be a victim, if they knew what the Bible really says, and remained inside their local church where there is more accountability, and less chance for gross distortions. A fraud can't pull anything off if he's in front of a church full of people that can challenge him because they know what's right.
2007-12-04 00:50:57 · answer #4 · answered by Jed 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Personally, I do not feel I'm at any 'spiritual risk' by these developments.
I do think it is sad that some anti-christians will use this as 'fodder' for their stance. However, if these televangelists are crooked and are 'scamming' people in the name of religion, I believe these people should be prosecuted just like anybody else who decieves people for money....even if the result is less seperation of church and state.
2007-12-04 00:28:39 · answer #5 · answered by Mr. Know It All 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a proponent of the separation of church and state, such an investigation makes me very uneasy. However, if the church were overseeing and disciplining itself as the New Testament writers directed, a congressional investigation would not be considered necessary.
2007-12-04 02:08:44 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They're not Christian televangelists. They just say they are.
True Christians would not have a government granted 501(c)(3). In taking this corporate status, they put themselves under the headship of the State and ceased being under the headship of Yahshua who is head over the true Ekklesia.
These are just corporate businessmen answering charges made by the head of their religion, the State.
.
2007-12-04 00:23:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋
First of all I don't go for these TV preachers, I have seen my share in my 37 yrs of being a Christian, & I have always said God will expose all wrong doing in those churches, But there is a people on the earth today called the BRIDE of Christ That will have ignored all these TV preachers & they will only stand for truth, Rev. 19:7 -------And his wife hath made herself ready. The word Hath lets me know it did not take place overnight, But over a period of time.
2007-12-04 00:27:41 · answer #8 · answered by birdsflies 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Betty,
I am opposed to government censorship in many areas but I believe that this needs to be addressed. There are topo many crazy people out there taking advantage of unknowing citizens. Have a great week.
Thanks,
Eds
.
2007-12-04 00:25:09 · answer #9 · answered by Eds 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
bottom line..in ministry...money can be the root of all evil
Jesus did not get a salary....the apostles did not either........
the priests in the old testament where not to be paid either...just live off what people gave them....they could not even own land.....
maybe the modern preachers should read the bible more, and follow the examples of those they represent....
i am a christian too , by the way
2007-12-04 00:26:51 · answer #10 · answered by Angel wings 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋