Senate inquiry targets 6 televangelists and their organizations

It's about time. They are each others watchdogs. Hinn, Dollar and Copeland are on the ORU Board of Regents IIRC.

 

I'd like to hear more info. On the surface, is this just more Big Brother intrusion?

 

It is big brother's intrusion.

I don't like it. What happened to separation of church and state?

I'd like to see Senator Chuck Grassley investigated.
We should know everything about him. Is he fit to judge these people or does he have a mote in his eye, or both eyes?

I want to know if he cheated on his girlfriend/wife, everything.

I hope he finds nothing and doesn't get re-elected next year.



Chuck Grassley:tonofbricks:

 

I am not sure how I feel about this. But I can understand the concern when you have people soliciting money from millions of people over the public airwaves.

 

It is not the government's business to govern what ministries do...

Why should the government protect the gullible from themselves?

Who is protecting us from all the pork the Government spends?

 

Excellent point!:thumbs:

 

Senator Grassley is not up for re-election next year. His seat is not up for election until 2010.

 

That responsibility falls on ourselves by who we vote into office.

 

Exactly...
And we as a public should protect ourselves from con-men and women...

But we all know there are idiots out there...
Sadly, some of them have money!!!

That is what should be outlawed!!!

Idiots with Money!
They should have to wear a sign...

"I'm an idiot.. I just gave money to Benny Hinn"

 

But if any of these groups are doing something illegal, you don't think that they should be investigated, just because they are a church? Like I first stated I am not sure how I feel yet about this, but I can understand the concern. I have no idea if there is anything corrupt and against the law occurring, but if they have evidence that there might be, I can understand them wanting to look further at the evidence. Churches are separate from the government, but still have to abide by the law when it comes to finances.

 

It is about time these fake ministries are investigated and exposed for the con's they are. It wouldn't bother me to see these people explain to those who they cheated out of their money exactly where the money went. If these people have committed criminal acts I hope they spend years in prison!

 

I agree, Criminals should be prosecuted, but what I am reacting too is this statement in the OP....

The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowances and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces.

What in that is a criminal action?....
Non-independant governing board... Our denomination doesn't have that, we govern ourselves... What do they want, outsiders controling a ministry?
Generous salaries... while not a good use of God's money, nothin illegal there... do we really want the Gov. giving churches and ministries salary caps
housing allowances... Illegal?
Amenities... Someone go to jail because they use a private jet? or drive a luxury car? Like I said, stupid use of God's money, but not illegal.


If there is criminal activity, sure prosecute! I would love to see some of these false prophets done away with, but remember after the Gov. gets done with them, it may come looking for you...

 

CLICK HERE for Tulsa World coverage.

 

This is kinda what I've been thinking. The government should have no say so into what any ministry chooses to pay or offer as benefits. If there's something illegal - get 'em! But so far, what these "ministries" are doing doesn't seem to be illegal.

With that being said, I do not in any support these "ministries." I wouldn't send them a dime. And I guarantee you that those little old ladies mailing in their money to them will never see any of those "ministers" at their bedside in the hospital.

 

As I've thought out this reply to this thread I first thought that it would be a welcomed probe into what could bring down more PTL like embarrassments. However Tinytim has convinced me that the Government has it's own agenda into these investigations.

There needs to be an open dialog among established bodies of denominations for a loud out cry of admonishment of these ministries. Support for these groups would soon drop off and the American church culture would not seem to be appeasers.

 

Sounds an awful lot like a fishing expedition.

 

If you weren't sure, why did you send them any money at all?