GorillaOffTopic, Everything But Gorilla Trades

If you’re like the Gorilla, you have probably been channel surfing on your TV and have come across at least one overzealous looking man or woman on a stage, preaching and shouting all in the name of “the Lord’s work.” Many are highly successful in their “missions,” bragging upwards of 20,000 and even 50,000 people in a congregation. One of these ministries, the ‘Without Walls’ Church, run by pastor Paula White, has over 22,000 members, and is famous for it’s “prosperity preaching.” They urge members that “the more they give, the more they will receive.”  And how about the infamous Benny Hinn? He claims to heal people from sometimes serious conditions and illnesses, and has boasted a thriving ministry for years, taking in millions of dollars annually to his church, the ”World Healing Center.”

Many of these organizations are now being investigated for alleged financial misconduct by Republican Senator, Charles Grassley. He says that federal law grants churches ‘tax exempt’ status, but the law does not require them to state how the money is spent. He also points out the obvious: that for some of these ministries, their pastors and/or executives, are driving around in Bentleys and Rolls Royces. They are flying around in corporate Jets owned by the ministry, and they are living in multi-million dollar mansions. One church pastor even had a $23,000 commode installed in his home. Ah yes, the “Lord’s work” pays very well!The senator initiated the investigation due to news reports of misconduct and whistle blowers, who complained that they felt the church’s funds were being misused. The law, as it stands, prohibits leaders from using funds to enhance their lives. The senator says he “doesn’t know if funds are being misused,” but says that the laws may have to be updated to ensure that they are not. While there are seemingly legitimate individuals preaching on TV (like Joel Osteen), the Gorilla simply says, “Amen to that,” when it comes to cracking down on the not-so-legitimate preachers. It is about time!