Philanthropic Donations Come From Your Heart, but Where Do They End Up? (Televangelist Scams)

ABC News ^ | 03-23-07 | GLENN RUPPEL and JOHN STOSSEL

[upsdriver]

If it wasn't tele-evangilists that people distrusted about Chistianity, it would be something else.

I don't know who said it first, but a pastor in our church once said when a man told him that he didn't like church because it was full of hypocrites. My pastor told him to come to church anyway, we always have room for one more!

[Emmett McCarthy]

I'll tell you what - that "shame" you want to spread around to all of us, including me? You keep it. These televangelists types want to convince people that that they don't have wealth because they're somehow not living right. That's a disgraceful manipulation. I don't begrudge them having above average lifestyles, but tying the "lesser" means of others to a lack of faith is where they lose me.

[PAR35]

I'd just like to see ONE OF YOU keep the schedule the Copelands keep.

Yes, those layovers in Maui, Fiji, and Honolulu will flat wear you out.

And those exotic game hunts can be grueling, as well. "the Copeland jet, on its way to an evangelical seminar in Australia last October, made a two-day layover in Maui. Then it was on to the Fiji islands for another stop. After seven days in Australia, the Copelands headed to Honolulu for another three days of what they called "eating and rest."

[AD from SpringBay]

I wouldn't categorize sending money to a televangelist as philanthropic.

[mikeybaby]

From National Lampoon's "Vacation":
Eddie: "I sure wish I had all that money back that I gave to that television preacher".

[grey_whiskers]

No one is indispensible...no one "needs" a $20 million jet!

Tell that to the Air Force, the Raptor is worth every penny!

Cheers!

[GunsareOK]

They kind of remind me of the Republican Party with all of its junkmail.

[Old Professer]

The least he could do is to buy carbon credits.

I'm surprised Ticketron hasn't launched a Ticket-to-Heaven service as profitable as it seems to be.

[Old Professer]

Statements like this are the strongest arguments both for and against evolution at the same time; survival of the most gullible vs survival of the most persuasive.

[AppyPappy]

they're rich because GOD has blessed them for being obedient to HIM

If God is blessing them, why do they need to ask for money?

[Dante3]

I saw Benny Hinn once. I cannot understand why he has such a big following. And Crouch and his wife . . . I'm not going to say what I think of them.

[investigateworld]

I take it you're not a fan of the late Sam Kinnison?

[Caramelgal]

“Geeeeee .. what a great bunch of Christians you guys are.”

I didn’t see your sarcasm tag.

Can we presume that was an oversight?

You were joking, right?

[motzman]

Whatever you do, if someone from Nigeria sends you an e-mail about helping with a financial transaction, don't respond!

[CyberAnt]

And .. this proves how ignorant you are! Thanks!

[CyberAnt]

No! I wasn't joking! I'm entitled to my opinion!

[Bibman]

That's why PTL was nicknamed the "Pass the Loot!" club!

[CyberAnt]

Because sowing seed is a principle in the Bible that most people have chosen to forget. GOD always says, if you, then I. If you will give your money in support of another man's ministry, GOD will reward you.

That's what I believe .. if you don't .. FINE!!

[CyberAnt]

So .. just because people are in ministry they are not entitled to a vacation ..??

Typical jealousy and envy!!

[shield]

Just another hit piece on Christians...what's amazing is how easy folks get sucked into these drive by media slime bags....a whole bunch of suckers...I'd say.