>Millions of mostly poor people tuned in each week to hear the pleaful sermon from the flamboyant Reverend Ike, who drove flashy Cadillacs and stood at the pulpit dripping in gold chains and diamond rings.
No, this wasn't a sitcom, this show was a 'serious' Sunday morning religious show from the early Seventies.
Reverend Ike was one of the first television evangelists who shamelessly pandered for cash and was openly proud of what he spent it on - sparkling jewelry, new cars and beautiful women.
The good reverend toned it down a bit in the late Seventies amid criticism that he was too much of a show-off, but he always defended himself by saying there was nothing wrong with a prosperous man of God. After all, as Reverend Ike himself was quick to say, "The LACK of money is the root of all evil." Amen, brother!
This fellow motivates his huge affluent appearing audiences not only to give but to get - both monetarily and spiritually - and both he and they all appear to have a great time doing it.