So on this televangelist investigation…
In case you haven’t heard, six preach and fleece, or um, name it and claim it prosperity preachers are being investigated by Congress.
I am not a particular fan of the government interfering with how people practice religion. I believe it is the responsibility of denominations to hold their clergy in account. However, Americans seem to shun denominational accountability, so that’s not gonna happen.
Anyway, here’s my take. The preachers who are being investigated are more self-help people anyway, as such, they should just claim the status of motivational speaker and be honest. If they claim the mantle of “pastor,” or “preacher,” then they should align themselves with a doctrinal statement to better form accountability. Furthermore, I don’t really care what kind of a life style a particular person lives, however, if one is out to live a lavish lifestyle, then perhaps one should change their tax status from “non-profit” to “profit.” These fleecers, or um *teachers of the wor(l)d* need to understand that it does no good to gain the whole world of material goods but loose ones soul. Christians should shun those who refuse to hold themselves accountable to solid doctrine and those who refuse to behave themselves like non-profit ministers. If Christians refuse to hold their leaders to account, then we shouldn’t be surprised if the government feels it should. The authority we give up will be used against us one day.
I am not a particular fan of the government interfering with how people practice religion. I believe it is the responsibility of denominations to hold their clergy in account. However, Americans seem to shun denominational accountability, so that’s not gonna happen.
Anyway, here’s my take. The preachers who are being investigated are more self-help people anyway, as such, they should just claim the status of motivational speaker and be honest. If they claim the mantle of “pastor,” or “preacher,” then they should align themselves with a doctrinal statement to better form accountability. Furthermore, I don’t really care what kind of a life style a particular person lives, however, if one is out to live a lavish lifestyle, then perhaps one should change their tax status from “non-profit” to “profit.” These fleecers, or um *teachers of the wor(l)d* need to understand that it does no good to gain the whole world of material goods but loose ones soul. Christians should shun those who refuse to hold themselves accountable to solid doctrine and those who refuse to behave themselves like non-profit ministers. If Christians refuse to hold their leaders to account, then we shouldn’t be surprised if the government feels it should. The authority we give up will be used against us one day.
posted by Consecutive Odds @ 3:56 PM
4 Comments:
At 6:44 PM ,
Barb the Evil Genius said...
I'm not in favor of government interfering with religion, in general, either, but if taxes are involved, then the government will get involved. Render unto Caesar, and all that.
Unfortunately, there are lots of people out there who will fall for con artists, whether they are selling religion, "health" products, beauty products or whatever. How can Christians then hold their leaders to account? A fraud will always find an audience somewhere, even if he is rejected by some.
At 5:00 PM ,
Consecutive Odds said...
I think one way we can hold eachother into account is whether or not such things enter our church library... for example. But, you're right, it is the government's business to investigate fraud. I gues I didn't think of it from that angle.
At 6:07 PM ,
Barb the Evil Genius said...
Well, yes, we should definitely be avoiding the doctrine of these prosperity hucksters. I guess my point was there will always be some church that labels itself "Christian" that will go along with this kind of stuff. But of course we should make sure our own church is not a haven for false doctrine.
At 6:34 PM ,
Consecutive Odds said...
Makes one long for Christ's return.
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