Subtle Child Abuse

SUBTLE CHILD ABUSE

If you have watched “Christian” television” you have seen certain “ministries” show pictures of undernourished children, usually black or brown, from some third world country. And along with those pictures are usually pictures of the television minister, male of female, hugging a black child and seeing children being fed or given drinking water and even being presented with some gifts. It is all too predictable.

Now those children are probably real along with millions and millions of others. And many believers have given in some way to help such needs. And there are many ministries and outreaches, both large and small, which help children like these as well. But what makes these television spectacles so distasteful and so self serving is the way these videos and pictures are presented as leverage for giving to that particular ministry. Additionally, what should elicit righteous anger from believers is that many if not most of the people who head these ministries live in luxury which is in no small way supported by the attention and offerings derived by these unsuspecting children.

When we step back and assess such things and see the double minded motives as well as the lifestyles of these television people and we should be able to see just how disgusting the entire spectacle is. But this is how the capitalist church operates in the west. Money is the driving force, so you can promise miracles or financial prosperity or even use needy children as your hook and if that particular gimmick seems to work, well you work that corner of the street until it dries up. In fact, asking for monthly pledges is a clever way to receive from the same sources continually. It is a regular cornucopia of donations.

Because of some FCC guidelines, many ministries are very careful not to say that all the donations go to a certain place and outreach. That way they can harvest their own “cut” from the monthly take. And make no mistake, when you show pictures of needy black and brown children it is always beneficial to show emotion or a cracking voice or even tears while begging for support. And if the right camera did not capture those emotions, you can always do another take. Do not be deceived, it is that calculated.

There is no doubt the church should do more to help people all over the world, but as per the teachings of Jesus our right hand should not publicize that to the left hand. And even though some information may be important and vital, the western church has made fundraising a science which seems to benefit the preachers more than the children they use.