Posted on 05/08/2012 5:52:21 AM PDT by marshmallow
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. For 39 years, the Trinity Broadcasting Network has urged viewers to give generously and reap the Lords bounty in return.
The prosperity gospel preached by Paul and Janice Crouch, who built a single station into the worlds largest Christian television network, has worked out well for them.
Mr. and Mrs. Crouch have his-and-her mansions one street apart in a gated community here, provided by the network using viewer donations and tax-free earnings. But Mrs. Crouch, 74, rarely sleeps in the $5.6 million house with tennis court and pool. She mostly lives in a large company house near Orlando, Fla., where she runs a side business, the Holy Land Experience theme park. Mr. Crouch, 78, has an adjacent home there too, but rarely visits. Its occupant is often a security guard who doubles as Mrs. Crouchs chauffeur.
The twin sets of luxury homes only hint at the high living enjoyed by the Crouches, inspirational television personalities whose multitudes of stations and satellite signals reach millions of worshipers across the globe. Almost since they started in the 1970s, the couple have been criticized for secrecy about their use of donations, which totaled $93 million in 2010.
Now, after an upheaval with Shakespearean echoes, one son in this first family of televangelism has ousted the other to become the heir apparent. A granddaughter, who was in charge of TBNs finances, has gone public with the most detailed allegations of financial improprieties yet, which TBN has denied, saying its practices were audited and legal.
The granddaughter, Brittany Koper, and her husband have been fired by the network, which accused them of stealing $1.3 million to buy real estate and cars and make family loans. Theyre just trying to divert attention from their own crimes, said Colby May, a lawyer representing..........
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
I do not like the Ny times. I would not go by a News organization that hates Christianity.
You have read about all things unchristian Catholic too in this Liberal Rag.
Some have not heard of Christ unless heard through others what ever the motive.
No matter what TBN still speaks positive of Bible reading unlike the New York Times.
If we read in the Holy Spirit we will gain forever.
God will judge all of us. Ny Times, Jan and Paul crouch , And All.
As Paul declared He was Happy the Gospel was Preached whoever the messenger.
Amen!
Amen!
WHO? NY TIMES or the Trinity B-otch network? Looks like pot calling kettle to me.
With intentions for the Crouch Family and all in this ministry.
Amen!
“I agree, we can’t judge them any more than we can judge the Mormons but i just thought this was just to give the Mormons a little rest.”
LOL!
And with regard to judging others, I’m reminded of another freeper who said his dad(?), a preacher(?) would say “I’m not a judge - more like a fruit inspector”.
Interesting though. If by selling some fake item for a large enough donation (fraud) edifies the person who bought it and somehow increases their faith - was the fradulent act bearing good fruit?
Perhaps, but I would think not, as I think one of the huge things Jesus showed and taught was to reach others with Truth and Love. Selling a fake description of Jesus is not a message of truth. And any faith that is increased because of that would be a faith built on falsehoods (and sand).
I do NOT like the “prosperity” message AT ALL. My wife watches some lady once in awhile, but I can’t stand it. Yes - we WILL be BLESSED by trusting in God, and donating beyond what might seem comfortable does emphasize that aspect of trust. And I have seen where our needs are provided for when we do that. Not that it doesn’t require hardships either - which can also be a blessing in many ways.
But I’m thinking that nice boat for sale down the block isn’t just going to drop in my lap if I send in another donation. (Although the thought DID cross my mind that if we didn’t give so much money to the church and others I could easily afford the boat!)
But Im thinking that nice boat for sale down the block isnt just going to drop in my lap if I send in another donation. (Although the thought DID cross my mind that if we didnt give so much money to the church and others I could easily afford the boat!)
And then of course on the opposite side of the coin preachers are preaching against some of the things that Jesus did.
The fact is that Jesus spoke a lot more about doing than not doing, and it usually had something to do with ( do unto others as you would have them do unto you ) but i won,t go into that cause i imagine you know as much about it as i do, like you said, truth and love.
Thank you both for your encouragements!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.