Sunday, May 25, 2008
Pentecostals Strike Back - Devil and Charles Grassley
Apparently, the investigation headed by Senator Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) of the Senate Finance Committee into lavish spending by tax-exempt televangelists is beginning to hit them where it hurts. Now Grassley and members of the committee are under attack.
Excerpts from the report by Jacqueline L. Salmon of The Washington Post:
- "You've got a Baptist senator attacking six Pentecostals," said Doug Wead, a conservative blogger who served as President George H.W. Bush's liaison to the evangelical community and was an informal adviser to the current President Bush. Wead has appeared on Copeland's national television show, "Believer's Voice of Victory," to defend him. "The timing is not good for the Republican Party."
There is no question that "The timing is not good for the Republican Party". Part of the problems facing the party is its cozy relationship with such organizations and disregard of issues that are of concern to the American people.
Being Pentecostals satan is never far from their thoughts, and they brought him out. They need heavy guns to stop Grassley. Mention of the devil might bring the flock out of the woodworks to rally against those who dare question the perks of the televangelists. God is silent; probably sick of what they do in his name.
- "Copeland has said that Grassley is aiming at him because of his Pentecostal doctrine and has suggested that the devil is behind Grassley's effort.
- "Satan has an agenda," Copeland said in a recent broadcast. "He is looking for a way to drive a wedge and get strife between one another."
Under Investigation (CBS News)
The six ministries identified as being under investigation by the committee are led by: Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, Eddie Long, Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. Three of the six - Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar - also sit on the Board of Regents for the Oral Roberts University. |
Comments:
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Grassley's investigation is out of place and should have began using the proper channels if he truly wanted to investigate these organizations properly. Copeland has ASKED the IRS to conduct an investigation and allow Grassley the information then. Copeland is doing the right thing standing up for his beliefs. Other Christian leaders have banded behind him as well realizing that the future implications could be scary if Grassley is given access to such information.
# posted by 
: 6:03 AM
: 6:03 AM
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. When I composed the post I did think of disturbing implications for First Amendment rights. Yet, my revulsion for the fraudsters made me go ahead.
Fraudsters will always be there and so will be dupes who fill up their coffers. Grassley’s efforts might…just might have a restraining effect on organizations that raise money in the name of god and spend most of it on perks for the office holders.
As to IRS taking action to prevent abuse of tax-exempt status by religious organizations…..not going to happen.
Fraudsters will always be there and so will be dupes who fill up their coffers. Grassley’s efforts might…just might have a restraining effect on organizations that raise money in the name of god and spend most of it on perks for the office holders.
As to IRS taking action to prevent abuse of tax-exempt status by religious organizations…..not going to happen.
Despite the fact we may not agree with their teachings - I think that the implications concerning First Amendment rights definitely take priority here. Copeland should continue to stand his ground in this process!
# posted by : 7:18 AM
: 7:18 AM
Cole - I have to agree with you. I personally do not agree with all of Copeland's teaching. I do however, have a huge concern over the effects the decisions in this case could have on all of our future. As you say Ty, it's been good to see other Christian leaders stepping up behind him, and I hope we see more do the same.
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# posted by : 10:06 AM
: 10:06 AM << Home
