"Prosperity gospel" preachers under investigation by the Senate

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Comments: 8

Washington D.C., Nov 8, 2007 / 11:29 am (CNA).- A top Republican on the U.S. Senate Finance Committee is investigating the finances of televangelist preachers after allegations of corruption, the Associated Press reports.

The investigation by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa is a response to reports of extravagant spending by preachers, whose purchases include Rolls Royces and a $30,000 conference table. Senator Grassley said in a statement he was acting on complaints from the public and news coverage of the organizations, which enjoy tax exemptions.

Those under scrutiny include faith healer Benny Hinn, Georgia megachurch pastor Creflo Dollar, and one of the nation's most prominent women preachers Joyce Meyer.

Most of the organizations under investigation adhere to a variation of the "prosperity gospel" which teaches that God will reward faithful followers with material wealth.

Earlier this week Senator Grassley sent letters to a half-dozen Christian media ministries requesting answers by December 6 about their expenses, executive compensation and amenities, including the use of expensive cars and private jets.

"I don't want to conclude that there's a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code," Senator Grassley said.

Some ministries are already reporting that they are cooperating with the investigations.

Joyce Meyers Ministries issued a statement claiming that the IRS has already determined that they have not violated their tax-exempt status.

Comments: 8

Subscriber comments:

Published by: SHAUN
GREENVILLE SC USA 12/19/2009 02:14 PM EST

There are some preachers who preach for their own agenda to their own benefit. So what? What did Jesus say about that?While i certainly agree that accuracy to the Bible is important, I also think that it is important to tell people about the good promises God made. In most of the congregations that these prosperity preachers are leading, the people have been in church for some time and most of them have heard all the fire and brimstone damnation sermons. Since most churchgoers dont read the Bible for themselves, someone needs to tell them God has a better plan for them.A plan which does include rewards for good stewardship, and Godliness, as well as the consequences for ungodlike behavior. Change your heart and your mind. Live for Him and dont busy yourselves judging everyone else

Published by: Johanna
England 08/07/2008 11:06 AM EST

Let Him who is wihout sin cast the 1st stone. These preachers work long hours to provide 4 others.What on the earth is wrong with these preachers having a rols royce?? folks r jealous if u ask me?/ if these preachers went round in a mini with 3 wheels then man it wouldnt be a great testimony would it. Judgers get off ur high horses and pray 4 these men and women of God.God blesses them that bless others and as far as i can see these preachers deserve t be aloowed to have a great lifestyle.

Published by: Matt
NM 12/06/2007 01:49 PM EST

I'm really not surprised at the investigation. And the ministries involved may only be the tip of the iceberg. I was really surprised that Marilyn Hickey was not on there. In fact, I was more surprised that Meyers was on there. She seemed to be the more "normal" of the bunch. But it appears that she may be better at covering up her extravagant spending. Josh Osteen supposedly lives very humbly, but who knows for sure? It is important that we remember that Jesus told us to submit them to the fruit test. And so far, it doesn't seem that very many have passed.

Published by: Roy Gunter
Oak Grove La. USA 12/03/2007 01:18 PM EST

I have had suspicions about some of these folks myself. The few times that I have listened to some of them, I never once heard them speak on sin and the power of the blood to cleanse them. Damnation is not what some folks want to hear and I suspect that these people may understand that preaching on this subject may close some wallets and the donations may stop. In the mean time, people are going straight to hell thinking they were OK because some pastor told them they were. Christianity is not a religion but a relationship. It makes little difference how much money you send( whether you go to heaven or not) it matters where your heart lies and do you know Jesus as your savior.

Published by: Joan Bomark
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA 11/20/2007 12:46 PM EST

When the Sentator stops taking extra incentives for be a politician, I will listen to him... otherwise he needs to clean off his own back step before critisizing others... SUPPORT OUR TROUPS SENATOR THEN I CAN RESPECT YOU!!!!!!

Published by: Mr. Black
VIRGINIA 11/11/2007 03:03 PM EST

What these ministers are doing is wrong. Their wrong behavior does not change who GOD is and if you are living according to the word of GOD, don't let their wrong behavior change who you are!

Published by: Angel
Laurel 11/08/2007 06:43 PM EST

Rate: Good

It is amazing to me that these people have helped millions around the globe in ways most who seek to destroy them do not understand and wouldn't. Hell and damnation is what they call upon themselves because it is not the ministers they are truly attacking...it is the continued, righteous spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ in Truth...minus idle worship. Too much for Satan I suppose, but there are plenty of worldy, resentful people out there who give just the kind of open door the devil needs to disturb and harass the righteous. A government investigation...HA! Let anyone within the government who is without the sin of greed, cast the first stone.

Published by: Kasandra
Canada 11/08/2007 04:17 PM EST

Finally! I've watched some of these people on TV and credible reports done by news outlets and their activities are disgusting. They do nothing but prey on the weak, infirm and elderely.

This is not Christ's work but their own agendas.

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