Celebrity Christianity
J. Lee Grady writes:
Just when I thought we charismatics had finally taken enough abuse from the egomaniac ministers in our midst, I’ve learned that some of our leaders are taking things to a new extreme. We’ve moved beyond the red carpets, limousines and entourages of the 1990s. A new strain of the celebrity virus is spreading in large segments of the church.
One friend of mine in Texas recently inquired to see if a prominent preacher could speak at her conference. The minister’s assistant faxed back a list of requirements that had to be met in order to book a speaking engagement. The demands included:
* a five-figure honorarium
* a $10,000 gasoline deposit for the private plane
* a manicurist and hairstylist for the speaker
* a suite in a five-star hotel
* a luxury car from the airport to the hotel (2004 model or newer)
* room-temperature Perrier
This really makes me wonder how the apostle Paul, Timothy or Priscilla managed ministering to so many people in Ephesus, Corinth and Thessalonica. How did they survive without a manicurist if they broke a nail while laying hands on the sick?
[...]
What has become of the American church? What is this sickness spreading in the body of Christ? I don’t know whom to blame more for it: The narcissistic minister who craves the attention, or the spiritually naive crowds who place these arrogant people on their shaky pedestals. All I know is that God is grieved by all of this shameful carnality. (source)
#
That’s not a man of the lord — that’s a world class grifter. Best hang onto your wallet tightly if you’re even in the same state as that person.
Comment by Purple Avenger | July 30, 2007
Just an utter disgrace!! Its shameful how commercialized religion has become. And a manicurist and hairstylist? Jesus Christ Himself knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples so who the heck does this person think he is? I couldn’t imagine what my reaction would have been but I guarantee you it wouldn’t have been pretty.
Comment by Fed Up | July 30, 2007
Be outraged all you want. But if you think that some of those that you watch on TV (TD Jakes, Paula White, eddie Long, etc.. are not paid you are crazy. Religion is and always has been a business. Didn’t Jesus go into the temple and turn things up side down? As they say on the nightly news it is a sign of the times.
Comment by saudia | July 30, 2007
Saudia said:
“Religion is and always has been a business.”
To some extent that is true, however please do not get “Religion” confused with a Relationship with Jesus Christ. Religion can be anything including witchcraft, but when and if you have a true relationship with Jesus Christ it is just that, a one on one personal relationship (and all a relationship entails) with Him, not a business. Unfortunately that is what the modern day church has appeared to have done, made Christianity and Gospel music into big business. But as you stated about Jesus going into the temple and turning things upside down, it’s true, God’s word over and over again clearly proves that He is against making what He’s all about into big business, because His love and all that encompases that love is free.
Comment by VB | July 31, 2007