hmmm …. the fruit of a worldview rooted in prosperity theology?

Senate Panel Probes 6 Top Televangelists

The Senate is “trying to determine whether or not these ministries are improperly using their tax-exempt status as churches to shield lavish lifestyles. The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Three of the six - Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar - also sit on the Board of Regents for the Oral Roberts University.”

Time for me to detonate a megaton nuclear bomb in the blogsphere. This is sure to rile some folks - I’ve long believed that one of the best things that could happen with respect to the health of the contemporary church and the spread of the true gospel, is for the FCC to suddenly ban all religious programming on television. While there are a few worthwhile programs on the air that seek to truly supplement the local church, the vast majority do far more harm than good. Televangelist con artists abound fleecing the poor and widows out of their social security. Theological anarchy is rampant. Virtual congregations are nothing more than an excuse for believers to skip the local church with their time and contributions. “Christian” television shows are mostly meaningless entertainment with no real challenges for growth.

Check out this blistering attack on the growing crop of arrogant preachers/teachers in the church demanding rock-star treatment. And remember that this is not an anti-charismatic rant; it’s an editorial from the editor of Charisma magazine! And while Lee Grady may be gracious enough not to mention names, I have no such qualms. Check out these televangelist lifestyles. What’s really sad, is that so much of the rest of the world perceives this garbage as the “gospel” because of the increasing proliferation of satellite TV. (While it’s not limited to televangelists, that certainly is where it seems to be concentrated. Probably because of the power/allure of television?)