Televangelism

a reply to: randyvs
My own personal faith in Jesus seems to often conflict with statements made by other so-called religious institutions or supposed followers of faith. I read Chris Hedges “American Fascism” and I found myself agreeing with what was written inside. I was sure it would get a huge negative reaction from those institutions yet perhaps it is not considered a real threat as little to nothing seems to have changed.
Often times I find myself asking, “What would Jesus do?” More often the question answers what he would not do than the former.

Last Week with John Oliver did a very poignant show a while back on religion and televangelism.

Adding a little humor sure helps.

Generally televangelists are mentally ill people

You have to keep you feet under you with televangelists, no doubt.

Prosperity Gospel is awful stuff. It seems to be all about me first and God second if at all. And it scares me that way the Rick Warren stuff seems to be creeping into so many churches.

However, I remain a firm believer in the belief that God judges us as individuals. Part of what leads me to this thought is the whole episode with the old woman in the Temple. We all know that Jesus felt the Temple was corrupt, much like these megachurches lead by televangelists often are. And yet, when the old woman gave her last two shekels, He praised her.

God judges her intent. Her heart was in the right place even if the Temple was not. So some good can come out of this. The danger is that many of these preaches teach false doctrine like prosperity gospel. You cannot go correct if you allow yourself to be lead astray.

a reply to: ketsuko

It is good we have these conversations. I bet the non-Christians are wondering what is going on when the Christians are bashing these phony bastards.

Rick Warren, Joel Osteen, and Robert Schuller are the worst, pressing hard on the prosperity gospel and Chrislam.

a reply to: infolurker

The part that used to get me was all the senior complexes that would show one of them as a standard on Sunday.

The worst example that I ever heard of was the infamous emotional blackmail of Oral Roberts in 1987, to the effect "God says he will take me if you don't give lots of money".
I'm confident that God doesn't work like that, so there was at least one point in his life when Roberts was detaching himself from God's mind and will.

I forget which movie it is, but there is a scene where on the TV in the background a televangelist is on and you can just hear him saying, "Now if you can just reach deep into your hearts and your pocketbooks ..."

a reply to: ketsuko



This one is good.... Holy Oil to anoint your wallet and other gems.

Benny Hinn's WWE like skit of ridiculousness at 27:30 or so.

a reply to: randyvs

S&F

I really enjoyed reading this thread and to see those with like minded opinions.

We need more threads like this on ATS.....showing the true conman, nothing more than a second rate actor, disguising himself as a Christian.

There are many wannabe people out here parading as Christians and discernment can easily identify these people.

Continue to follow Christ and remember when you are carrying your cross, "It is his will to be done not ours".

God bless you all,

DS

a reply to: Devino

Last Week with John Oliver did a very poignant show a while back on religion and televangelism.

That's what I'm talk'n about. Perfect addition to the thread.

a reply to: randyvs

Good post. No where in the new testament is tithing ever mentioned. Only old testament. New testament does mention sharing with other believers (when they divided things so those who lack would no longer lack)
And God loves a cheerful giver, and give to those who ask. It says those who lend to the poor lend to God. And you can't serve both God and mamon.
The love of money is the root of evil.

Point being, help the poor, don't love money/materialism. Share with those in need.

Merry Christmas!

originally posted by: shinethelight
a reply to: randyvs

Good post. No where in the new testament is tithing ever mentioned. Only old testament. New testament does mention sharing with other believers (when they divided things so those who lack would no longer lack)
And God loves a cheerful giver, and give to those who ask. It says those who lend to the poor lend to God. And you can't serve both God and mamon.
The love of money is the root of evil.

Point being, help the poor, don't love money/materialism. Share with those in need.

Merry Christmas!

By far the most important post of all in this thread.