Some might snicker
In his five-page letter, the senator asks Evangelist Joyce Meyer, one of the most prominent of prosperity ministers, for, among other things:
-- A "detailed accounting" of all her and her husband's expense-account items, including clothing and cosmetic surgery.
-- The tax-exempt purpose of items purchased for her ministry's headquarters, such as a $23,000 marble-topped commode, a $30,000 conference table and an $11,219 French clock.
Just wondering: If the IRS has given this ministry a green light, should Meyer (along with five other highly-paid ministers) also be the target of a Senate probe?
Comments (2)
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as long as Sen. Charles Grassley is not grinding some personal axe against these individuals and there is some legitimate reason for the investigations - these six religious figures are subject to the laws of the land. i can just hear Jesus say to joyce, "give up all you have and follow me" and wonder what her reply would be !?
Posted on November 7, 2007 5:19 PM
I suspect that, upon honest reflection - if Jesus himself asked her - she would say, "sure Lord - gladly." But if only a lowly senator asks, she may have a few rationalizations up her sleeve. But I think she's like many of the other prosperity hucksters: they themselves were sold a bill of goods by earlier charismatic promulgators of this doctrinal error.
Now, it seems, one's ministry is to be measured by how many millions you rake in and how many rooms your posh vacation villa has. If you're truly spiritual and favored by God, your bank account will show it. Otherwise, you're harboring secret sin or not preaching the right stuff.
They appear to do some good things; like feeding hungry children in Africa, adoption of otherwise aborted babies, prison minstries, et al. But it's really hard to rationalize personal opulence and excess. It seems that they have fallen into several of the pitfalls of "stardom." Again, it's the TV symdrome: the bane of many a poor boy.
Most seem to have grown up poor, or sacrificed for years on end. And sudenly there's loads of money flowing in - they desreve it! Well, as someone else said, I don't mind people living well if they've earned it. But there seems to be a problem with excess here, that undercuts the credibility of their message (whatever that is in some cases). For those who CLAIM to be servants of God;s people, one expects restraint and humility; not self-indulgence.
I sincerely belive that it's a modern phenomenon that will pass away in due time. (I pray) I'm reluctant to have the government inerfere in church-related affairs; but if there is illegal and abusive fundraising going on, it should be prosecuted. If they just don't like what they're saying; that would be an infingement of free-speech rights. In the end, it would seem that education and full disclosure might open eyes and help them get real without state intervention.
Posted on November 15, 2007 9:01 PM