It’s the Holy Dollar not the Holy Spirit-Megamoney and Megachurches
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Have you ever wondered where the millions and millions of dollars people give to their respective churches actually goes? Does it go to feed the poor? How about to help the homeless or perhaps give a boost to medical research. Surely America’s orphanages get some assistance. I mean what about “suffer the children to come unto me” or some such hypocrisy?
We can only hope that at least some of that money finds its way to a charity or two, and is used to help someone in need. The reality, I’m afraid, for at least some of these houses of worship: the money is poured right back into the “business” as preachers get richer and richer while churches get bigger, and bigger.
Have you seen the inside of some of these cavernous mega-churches lately? They are altars of the rich and wealthy as state of the art TV screens like those in theaters hang from every wall. In the balcony, and yes they have balconies, there are rows of production quality video cameras. On the stage, and yes there’s a stage, is a pulpit with several microphones, along with musical instruments for the orchestra. Yes some have full blown orchestras. How about the lights? They have lights that rival those of some Hollywood productions.
So whatever happened to that “helping the poor and needy” thing? It’s a lie. These monster churches stand as examples of the hypocrisy that is religion.
Here’s the latest on the personal worth of just a few of those who jump for Jesus:
You probably wouldn’t think of “religious leader” as a job that would bring in big bucks, and for the most part, you’d be right: Catholic priests make just $25,000 to $30,000 per year, and the average Protestant pastor brings in $40,000. But get a big enough following, and you can certainly live the good life, as the Huffington Postpoints out in its list of the 10 best-paid pastors in America. Some of the highlights:
- Kenneth Copeland: This televangelist’s campus includes a private airstrip and hangar, both of which it needs because the ministry also owns a $17.5 million jet and unspecified “other aircraft.” The most recent salary information, from 1995, puts his annual wages at $364,577 and his wife’s at $292,593.
- Creflo A. Dollar: Yes, that’s his real name—and it fits. As pastor of one of the biggest churches in the US, he drives a Rolls-Royce, flies around in a private jet, and owns one $1 million Atlanta home and another $2.5 million New York City apartment.
- Charles E. Blake: This bishop reportedly makes $900,000 a year and lives in 10,000 square feet of Beverly Hills luxury … while most of his congregation lives in the poor area of South Central Los Angeles.
- Joel Osteen: He no longer takes his $200,000 salary, but still earns tens of millions from his popular books. He and his wife live in a $10.5 million mansion that is a whopping 17,000 square feet.
- Rick Warren: Like Osteen, he no longer accepts paychecks, but he’s also made tens of millions off his books, including A Purpose Driven Life. But, the pastor says, he gives away 91% of his income.
Click for the full list, including one pastor—who was once accused of sexual abuse—who drives a $350,000 Bentley.
Do you give to your church? Has this story made you wonder where your money goes? If not it should have. Don’t give blindly. Churches in some parts of America are as ubiquitous as pine trees in Georgia. Find one that actually does what it says with your money. Remember, if you don’t believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, why believe in a guy in the sky? Become an Atheist and give your hard earned money directly to the charity of your choice.
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I won’t become an atheist but I did stop going to church. These people are con men exploiting the desperate.
I think it’s possible to be a Christian and still be a good person. Liberal Christians for the most part give to charity, donate time, food, clothing and money to organizations, not churches. We don’t even go to church, choosing instead to find the the love and tenets of Christ in the world around us.
Or here’s a better idea. Stop believing in a fantasy “sky daddy,” and devote your time and treasure to actually helping PEOPLE.
I mentioned that in the last paragraph David. They would do better to become Atheists and give directly to the charity of their choice 🙂