First, I would like to state that I consider myself to be a charismatic Christian, which basically means I believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and believe everything it says including Mark 16: 17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” I do not pick and choose certain parts that line up with my beliefs and discard those parts that do not. I have not always been a Christian and I have had to change certain beliefs since becoming one. For example, homosexuality, it was always my belief that if an individual was homosexual, it was fine with me as long as he didn’t bother me. Since I have given my life to Christ, I now know this is a sin against God and it is wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate homosexuals; I hate the sin, along with all other sin. Singling out a homosexual as a sinner while ignoring other sins such as greed, lust, sex outside of marriage, etc., doesn’t make any sense to me. The reason why I’m saying all of this is that in today’s society everyone is lumped into one of two categories; conservative or liberal.
The terms conservative and liberal are not easily defined. Conservatism by the classic definition is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. Liberalism by the classic definition is a term used to describe political philosophies that favor individual rights and equality of opportunity such as principles of freedom of thought and speech, limitations on the power of governments, the rule of law, the free exchange of ideas, a market or mixed economy, and a transparent system of government. If one uses the classic definitions of these terms our founding fathers would have certainly been considered liberal while someone holding onto those principles would have to be considered a conservative. The leaders of the Reformation would have to be considered liberal Christians while those holding onto principals of the Reformation would be considered conservative Christians.
Today, a conservative Christian is considered to be more “old school” while a liberal Christian doubts the authority of the Bible and is more apt to leave out parts of Scripture that do not fit into today’s society. If my religious beliefs have to be categorized into one of these two groups it would be conservative. Conservative in that I believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God and is still applicable fo
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Intimidation of the Church by government
I see in the indictments further encroachment by government on the church. Since when is a secular government morally invested in overseeing personal expenditures of individuals carrying out God's work? Whether these ministries are faithful to the call of God or not is not for the US government to decide. If Christians stand by or even applaud this action, we must know for a certainty that it is the beginning of the end of our freedom to minister and collect funds for this purpose.
This is a bad time in US history to have such encroachment, with such a socialist movement at work in upper levels of government. When a government comes to power that believes God is foolishness, it will also decide that the expenditure of funds for the furtherance of the Gospel is also the foolish and fiscally irresponsible spreading of superstition.
It saddens me that some of these ministries may or may not be acting fiscally responsible with God's money.
It's all about the money
You have to understand that everyone of these religous leaders have non-profit organizations and for-profit organizations. If they sell a book it must be done under the for-profit organization. If you send in a donation it goes to the non-profit organization. Since literaly billions of dollars are flowing through these organizations and several complaints have been filed, it is only natural for the government to look in to their practices.
The government has been intimidating the Church for years. Most churches maintain tax-exempt status, meaning they pay no taxes and it members get to write off their offering. Churches are only allowed to maintain this status if they follow the government's rules (no politicall preaching or endorsing canidates, etc.) Our churches are already under government control. We are free to do as we want as long as it does not pose a threat to the government. If it does, we loose are tax-exempt status and I don't know any pastors that would allow that to happen.
The people supporting thes ministries which the government is looking into should have looked into where there money was going before giving it. As Christians we must hold are leaders accountable as we our selves must be accountable. Our Church must be transparent as we must be as well. If your Church does not allow its members to know the exact details of where their money is going, its time to find a new Church.
Why people DON'T look into where the money is going
Paul, you suggest that people look into where the money is going before giving it. How can people do this effectively? I suppose it is hard work to do an audit on one of these ministries, and I am sure that they do not allow just anyone to do an audit on them.
Maybe I shouldn't have used the word "exact"
Michael,
I'm not suggesting people audit ministries prior to giving, but I do suggest they ask a few questions. What percentage of donations are used for missions? What percentage for operating cost, etc? That may be impossible with these television ministries, that is one reason why I don't support them. I support my local Church and a few other outreach programs. I know what percentage of my donation is used for operating cost, salaries and what percentage is reaching other people. If a ministry is unwilling to share with its members at least a brief overview of spending practices, I don't support them.
Good post
Yes, I believe that God is working to get the sin and stupidity out of the charismatic movement. What we need is a revival of the fear of God, combined with a zeal to serve those in this world with the least of this world's goods. Jesus said preach the gospel to the poor, and it always the poor who respond best to the gospel.
The message has become polluted when its designed to make rich people feel comfortable in self-indulgence. After all, if the preacher leads a self indulgent wasteful lifestyle, for example, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on worthless trinkets every year to adorn his or her house, then the rich and famous can feel pretty comfortable too.
We have not rebuked sin in its various forms widely and pointedly enough. Its not enough to pick on a couple of forms of sin, as you point out. Its not like Jesus spent all his time campaigning against homosexuality and abortion, for example. These things are wrong, but we should concentrate our attacks on the sins which are crippling THE CHURCH. Because if the church is full of the love, power and authority of Christ IN PRACTICE, and it flows, a lot of sinners are going to repent and God will bring showers of blessing.
Anyway thanks for a thoughtful post.
You get it
Michael,
I know it's been a long time since you posted this response, but I was just rereading it and I wanted to say that you "get it". Is it just me or is the prosperity gospel spreading faster than the gospel of Jesus? It seems all I hear about is how people are going to get blessed for either serving or giving money. I have been blessed with salvation. The Lord has seen fit to bless me financialy as well, but He has not blessed others more deserving than me with the same financial stability. We are not here to lay up treasures that rust and fade, but treasures in Heaven.
The prosperity gospel is spreading fast
I would say it is spreading faster than the gospel of Jesus because the proponents of the prosperity gospel do spend a significant proportion of their income on reaching millions of people through mass media, and then selling them books and tapes.
The truth is, that true preachers of the gospel who shun mass media are responsible for the fact that they have refused to use intelligent means to promote the truth. That is my view, anyway.
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