'It's not a law against riding in a Cadillac if you don't want to ride in a Volkswagen,' convicted preacher says.
I read an interesting commentary on BlackAmericaWeb.com this morning about Abraham Kennard a preacher who said he was building luxury Christian resorts (anybody remember Jim Bakker) and apparently persuaded 1,600 small black churches and their congregants to invest, raising millions of dollars in investment capital. He told them, apparently, they would get their money back many times over. Kennard has since been convicted on charges ranging from money laundering to theft.
Was it greed on the part of investors that helped Kennard's deception? Or did they think they were investing in the saving of souls? There are more ways than one to save souls. Personally, I think they could have done more good helping to tackle some of the problems in their communities than investing in Christian resorts. But that may be too pragmatic and not spiritual enough. How do you decide to spend money designated for "the church?"
Comments (3)
To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.
In my view, anyone who buys into a religion that promises infinite pleasure, such a Christianity, is very likely to fall for any other "deal" that comes down the pike, promising huge, unearned rewards. All a con artist has to do is clothe his scam in something that looks Christian, even if it is only superficially, and he'll have no trouble finding suckers.
You mentioned Jim Bakker. Guess what? There are literally hundreds of con artists just like him and Kennard out there, scamming well-meaning people for millions every year.
Posted on February 9, 2005 12:50 PM
Eric,
It is evident that your knowledge of religion is very lacking. To make a statement such as "anyone who buys into a religion that promises infinite pleasure, such a Christianity, is very likely to fall for any other "deal" that comes down the pike, promising huge, unearned rewards." certainly would indicate that.
Perhaps you have not read how Moslem suicide bombers are promised the pleasure of many virgins when they do their dastardly deed. You most certainly have not studied the teachings of Budda that promises pleasures beyond anything one can imagine after we have passed through our many life's journeys.
It is evident Eric that you seek every opportunity to take swipes at anything christian because in your circle it is the "politically correct" thing to do or is the acceptable behaviour of your strata of society.
Posted on February 16, 2005 11:12 AM
These kinds of practices are what keep me from practicing a specific faith -- men have too many flaws, and greed being one of the biggest. I mean did no one question this man's intent and yes, why were they willing to give him their money for a resort or what have you instead of focusing on missionary works and/or investing in their communities? As for Kennard, he's right, there is no law against riding in a Cadillac, but that doesn't make it right to take other people's hardearned money and squander it.
Posted on February 16, 2005 11:57 AM