Teaching Transparency
Shawn Black
There is no argument today that religion has certainly become big business. The Christian media segment of our population mirrors the secular with multi-million dollar sales of music, books and related software items. Recently the spotlight has fallen on a small group of media ministries and their fundraising conglomerates known as the "prosperity Gospel" movement. These religious media organizations promise healing, divine intervention and great material wealth for those who would only give out of their heart and their wallet.
Senator Charles Grassley's finance committee Inquiry and request for documents concerning Orange County's Trinity Broadcasting Network, faith healer Benny Hinn and others; is a normal fact finding request when certain patterns develop and complaints of wrongdoing surface. The request for documents that are obligated by IRS Non-Profit regulations is part of a healthy check and balance. The request for an official IRS Investigation appears to be well underway.
The Majority of Churches and Synagogues in the United States practice their faith honestly and according to their religious tenets. Most conduct their faith without Government interference. Separation from Church and State is the correct viewpoint from our founding fathers. The Government staying clear of religious doctrine while allowing the freedom to practice their religion without fear.
The cause for concern is when ministries lack proper accountability. It is alarming when they redirect ministry funds to personal projects, and hire puppet boards of family and friends. One has to wonder if they are following a proper religious foundation. Many of these media ministries look more like slick political campaign's, sending out glossy mailers and promising divine intervention for your large donation.Follower's should be concerned when the leaders refuse to provide salary information, board minutes and attempt to deceive those who they claim to help.
When ministries lack proper transparency and are suspected of hiding thousands of dollars in personal projects, an alarm bell should ring loud and clear. And when they break the law, the IRS has a responsibility and a legal right, to inquire and investigate.
Recently Paul Crouch Jr, son of TBN Founder Paul Crouch and current TBN Chief of Staff, spoke out concerning the matter in Charisma Magazine. Mr. Crouch compared the request by Senator Grassley as a comparison to the Inquisition and a stripping of our religious freedom. Mr. Crouch likens the information request as the Government under the control of Nazis and the like. Mr. Crouch's comments reflect the "religious freedom" scare tactic commonly used by those who are suspected of wrongdoing in church matters.
Mr. Crouch's statement seeks to deflect the fact that churches and their Media ministries, if improperly managed, can be huge shelters for illegally gotten gains built on the broken backs of those working minimum wage jobs, the elderly and terminally ill.
In Old Testament theology, the tithe or offering was ten percent of a person's income. In New Testament theology, it is thought of as a guideline. In most cases today, Bible teachers and pastors direct their parishioners to follow as God directs their hearts toward the poor and needy. No guilt trips or monthly Platinum member deadlines. We all know that true religion responds to the needy and not the greedy. The way it should be.
Copyright © 2007 Shawn Black
Shawn Black is a Military Veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division and former Federal Agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a civic leader, and speaker on American values. He currently serves in Iraq and is founder of Project Prayer Flag.
Senator Charles Grassley's finance committee Inquiry and request for documents concerning Orange County's Trinity Broadcasting Network, faith healer Benny Hinn and others; is a normal fact finding request when certain patterns develop and complaints of wrongdoing surface. The request for documents that are obligated by IRS Non-Profit regulations is part of a healthy check and balance. The request for an official IRS Investigation appears to be well underway.
The Majority of Churches and Synagogues in the United States practice their faith honestly and according to their religious tenets. Most conduct their faith without Government interference. Separation from Church and State is the correct viewpoint from our founding fathers. The Government staying clear of religious doctrine while allowing the freedom to practice their religion without fear.
The cause for concern is when ministries lack proper accountability. It is alarming when they redirect ministry funds to personal projects, and hire puppet boards of family and friends. One has to wonder if they are following a proper religious foundation. Many of these media ministries look more like slick political campaign's, sending out glossy mailers and promising divine intervention for your large donation.Follower's should be concerned when the leaders refuse to provide salary information, board minutes and attempt to deceive those who they claim to help.
When ministries lack proper transparency and are suspected of hiding thousands of dollars in personal projects, an alarm bell should ring loud and clear. And when they break the law, the IRS has a responsibility and a legal right, to inquire and investigate.
Recently Paul Crouch Jr, son of TBN Founder Paul Crouch and current TBN Chief of Staff, spoke out concerning the matter in Charisma Magazine. Mr. Crouch compared the request by Senator Grassley as a comparison to the Inquisition and a stripping of our religious freedom. Mr. Crouch likens the information request as the Government under the control of Nazis and the like. Mr. Crouch's comments reflect the "religious freedom" scare tactic commonly used by those who are suspected of wrongdoing in church matters.
Mr. Crouch's statement seeks to deflect the fact that churches and their Media ministries, if improperly managed, can be huge shelters for illegally gotten gains built on the broken backs of those working minimum wage jobs, the elderly and terminally ill.
In Old Testament theology, the tithe or offering was ten percent of a person's income. In New Testament theology, it is thought of as a guideline. In most cases today, Bible teachers and pastors direct their parishioners to follow as God directs their hearts toward the poor and needy. No guilt trips or monthly Platinum member deadlines. We all know that true religion responds to the needy and not the greedy. The way it should be.
Copyright © 2007 Shawn Black
Shawn Black is a Military Veteran with the 82nd Airborne Division and former Federal Agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He is a civic leader, and speaker on American values. He currently serves in Iraq and is founder of Project Prayer Flag.
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