Wednesday, May 23, 2012

The Truth About Christian Television

The Truth About Christian Television
Before I give an honest critique about Christian television, allow me to sum it up with a broad generalization which I believe to be accurate. Christian television these days is little more than a money raising vehicle, much of which gets pocketed by the star of each program. In 1975 God used Billy Graham to lead me to Christ via television. Now I do not agree with everything Billy Graham does or believes, however back in those days his association bought expensive time on secular stations and preached the gospel. Today, Christian television does not preach the gospel.

I do believe that God desires the church to use any and all technologies in order to reach the lost. But that is not what Christian television is doing in these last days. Preachers and ministers are gaining great wealth and popularity through television and believers and unbelievers alike are funding these spectacles. And even if you can identify certain programs that preach Biblical truth, these programs support the networks that continue to expose people to all kinds of heresy and error. And that makes those “orthodox” programs culpable since they lend their support to these ungodly networks.

Television is very alluring and through slick imagery it bends the minds of those that watch and like the Greek sirens of old it draws people toward spiritual shipwreck. And when you see men like Franklin Graham endorsing people like Paul and Jan Crouch of TBN, then you realize just how sacred these money making cows are. People will endure all kinds of blatant compromise just so they can gain access to the air waves and into people’s hearts and minds and ultimately into people’s wallets.

If you dared to watch an entire day of Christian television you would see an incredible array of dog and pony shows. Anointed oil, blessed spring water, spiritual rocks, and magic handkerchiefs are but a few of the religious talismans offered to the gullible. Screaming and yelling and telling people their names and physical conditions are popular on these networks. And most of the men and women advertise their upcoming meetings which are also great money making schemes.

Many people have their favorite preachers and watch them religiously. And when that preacher comes to town and rents out an auditorium, it is filled. Books and Cds and other trinkets will be on sale, and an offering will be taken. Let us unveil the dirty little secret. These meeting are very lucrative or else they would not be holding them. Money is the petrol that runs the engine. Most of these preachers stay in hotels with lavish accommodations and they do not eat at McDonalds. The entire spectacle is a waste of God’s money and an affront to all that Christ lived and taught. And it isn’t confined to the false teachers. Even “orthodox” teachers and preachers hold such meetings and rake in the big bucks.

But as lucrative as these meetings are they pale in comparison to the money making vehicle of television. And as if the normal offerings were not enough, the Christian networks hold at least one telethon every year. And the managers bring in a gifted money raising false prophet who promises all kinds of divine favor to those who give. In fact, if you listen to the man or women who steers the telethon, it goes way beyond the absurd. If it wasn’t so tragic it would be comical.

But I have heard people say that there are a few good and edifying programs. I ask them if they would reach into a spittoon and search for a penny. I ask them if they would shop in an adult bookstore if it had a Christian book section? I ask them if unholy alliances are God’s will. I ask them if they would partner with Mormon’s to reach people in Africa. You see, the compromise that emanates from these networks is diabolical. It isn’t just a minor disagreement over non-essentials. It is a spreading of damnable lies and soul deceiving heresies. And the program that you identify as edifying supports these heresies. So when you see the ungodly lifestyles of Jan and Paul Crouch, and you gasp with horror, remember that all the programs on TBN contribute to those lifestyles.

So with all the Bibles and books and Cds available to us, we still need to watch cleverly crafted television programs? And when you watch one hour of such a program, do you also pray for one hour? Beloved, I have stated what should be obvious. Christian television isn’t just worthless, it is undermining the gospel itself. If you desire to please God than you should avoid watching and supporting the modern day expression of Christian television.

The pictures of ministers holding black African children or Haitian refugees are shameless. If you could see the homes these preachers live in, or the cars they drive, or even the jets they own, you would get a glimpse into just how much they care about starving children. Christian television has no conscience and will do almost anything to raise a buck. And in reality, that is what it’s all about. Thousands of preachers have gotten rich through this medium, and that includes men and women who do not even believe in the “prosperity message”.

So there it is. Christian television is no longer evangelistic. It has become a sham, a pyramid scheme, and a religious Ponzi scheme as well. If we were shown today’s brand of Christian television 30 years ago we would have been horrified. But since deception usually comes little by little, we have become numb to it and desensitized to the absurdity. In fact, if I were to say that God told me that the first ten people who send me $1000.00 would receive a special miracle in their family and in their finances, I would probably receive several checks.

That clearly outlines the state of western Christianity. The Lord demands a forsaking of everything, but the church continues to accumulate wealth and ask God for more. God has become the servant and we have become the master. God help us all.

21 comments:

AWatchman4Him said...

Amen!!!

What's even worse is several teachers have an abundance of information pertaining to these last days and what is going on around the world, they are charging an arm and a leg for their information, information that is vital to the salvation of thousands and the waking up of the "sleepers" church.

$60 dollars for 3 CDs when it only cost less than $10 to make. I guess only those with money are worthy to hear the latest and greatest and if your broke, well I guess your on your own. The whole thing twist my stomach and makes me want to blaaaaaaaaaaah all over.

I have a lot to say about this but nobody will ever hear me, I dont have the resources to do such things, plus my spelling is not all that, need a good editor. I fear for these people who do such things. Do the words "to whom much is given, much more will be required of them", ring any bells?

Anonymous said...

You hit the nail on the head. It's all about the money. The people continue to buy (literally) this garbage.

Anonymous said...

Amen!

And this goes for some of the internet ministries as well. I have recently seen a number of men I know quit their jobs and put up ministry websites with PayPal buttons.

You see, we have all been programmed like Pavlov's dogs by "christian" tv to give to "the man of gawd." So, even when a minister comes out of this heretical system and begins to teach truth, it is a slippery slope back into the mammonite world when he begins to ask for money, even subtly at first.

At first, he doesn’t even have to ask; the mere presence of the button evokes giving behavior from the programmed people. Then, slowly, they begin to make their needs known to their readers or listeners, and here we go again. I can count on two hands the number of times I have seen this happen in recent years.

Paul, the apostle, worked hard day and night so that he would not be a burden to those to whom he was called to minister. The offerings he did take up went to the needy saints in the next city along his journeys.

A minister I know often says that when you start charging for it, it is no longer a ministry, but a business. If God ordered it, He will pay for it and if we make our needs known to Him, He will supply. When we start looking to man to meet our needs, we have made an idol. A little leaven will always leaven the whole loaf.

Anonymous said...

My husband and I read your blog this morning. All we can say is Amen, and AMEN!

Anonymous said...

I wonder what would happen if every thing produced by a ministry, whether on TV, at an event, in printed form, or recorded -- you name it -- I wonder what would happen if it were ALL FREELY GIVEN. Whoops. I do believe that this is exactly what Jesus said ought to happen. He said, "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matt. 10:8) And He said that at the very point of sending out his disciples to minister. But you see, in order for that to happen, a person's entire life in Christ would need to be adjusted. For this isn't about policy or about a way of doing business. It is about life in Christ and being stewards of the Truth. Therein is why these people do what they do -- they do not know Him, and frankly, most of them are LONG past caring to.

Anonymous said...

The Bible says buy the truth and sell it not. Most Ministers are selling the truth. Thank you so muck Rick for not asking us for money, because Our God shall supply all your needs according to His riches by Christ Jesus. He really will. The Lord can never forsake His own.

Anonymous said...

There is a delicate balance here: to judge not so that we are not judged, against exposing acts and people who unwittingly lead others to perdition by false teachings and practices.
I am conscious of my own sinful nature but I squirm when I see people preaching and constantly referring to themselves 'i did this, I did that' and they seem to relish their own importance; I look at preachers with loads of gold rings and trinkets and wonder why a man needs such? I wonder why some preachers push people so they fall backwards "in the spirit". Then, the life of luxury and the emphasis on wealth and prosperity; churches being deeply involved in business ventures rather than evangelism and teaching; the seldom condemnation of sin or the open practice of divorce and remarriage.
Yet these preachers need prayers, that God may open their eyes to His values, His way and His commandments.

Anonymous said...

I believe that there is only one good Christian network available and that is NRB. NRB has a long list of Bible believing shows. The other networks are the work of false prophets.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy Swaggart ministries has a MONTHLY "SHARATHON." While I type they are in their fourth day of television broadcast time attempting to raise 2.4 million dollars for television time. So, it takes four days of broadcast expense to raise money for the remainder of the month.

Anonymous said...

I agree that all the word of faith preachers are out for the money especially Ken Copeland who said he was a billionaire. But on the other hand there a need for some money to be raised as it costs money to do radio and TV shows(I don't mean the ones on TBN or the like)It also takes money to rent a hall or where ever to have a conference, bandwidth and so on. When Jesus walked this earth he didn't have to rent anything to have His voice heard. We also have to pay for our bibles. I guess what I am saying is that you can't generalize. There is one itty bity church in Festus Mo. that gives all their CD'c away and tells you to copy them and give them away. His name is Pastor Mike Hoggard. He teaches from the bible and is very interesting.

Anonymous said...

I wrote the above post but I also wanted to mention Luke 8:1-3 when Jesus was going from city to city,with His disciples, it says that Joanna wife of Chuza and many otherswere with Him which ministered unto Him of their substance ( they provided or used their possessionsfor him) This for a man who was God and could feed 5 thousand and heal the blind.

Kathleen said...

The older I get, the less of this world I want. How much is enough for these folks on TV? We sponsor children thru a reputable Christ centered ministry and they have nothing, yet their letters and drawings bless and humble me everyday. These men and women on TV do not need their eyes opened to God's values, they need to fall on their faces and repent to The Most High and Holy Lord of all. God is not winking at sin anymore.

Anonymous said...

I learn more each day and as I age. I agree with Watchman4Him. Why do they have to sell so many books, CD's, DVD and etc if all we need to know is in the Bible. God left us the Scriptures as a guide to live our life plus has all the history we need, past, present and future of man and for his salvation? I don't really think we need to be buying anything. People are so stupid, they do not think or study their bibles and also they are putting their faith in all these TV Pastors that are all rich and by taking their money. God tells us if we need anaything be it healing or material to just ask HIM in prayer. And also says pray for one another. The word Christian is a joke now days. I rather be called a woman of God.

Anonymous said...

In reality we get the kind of churches and politicians we deserve because folks lack discernment, are willing volunteers of these shysters and when it comes to Christians too many suffer from bible illiteracy and have never read their whole bibles Genesis to Revelation. This is the reason they are so in fear of being cursed with a Malachi 3:9 curse said to a completely different nation. They are too ignorant to understand Galatians 3:13 declares Christ took the curse for us on his cross and they are redeemed from the curse of the law...including the Malachi curse most Pastors quote to collect their pay--tithes.

Anonymous said...

What do you think of TD Jakes featuring Oprah Winfrey at his 2013 Mega-fest and silly church folks are buying tickets to see Jakes turn coat like a Judas to partner with New Age Guru Oprah Winfrey. She made a public statement that God is not a jealous God and all ways lead to God when Jesus said he was the only way John 14:^

Anonymous said...

The false prophets out ot the bottomless pit REV.9, that come like clouds of locusts darkening the sky, such that the gospel should not shine.

Gods judgement upon the church is the 10s of thousand's of false preachers, who preach that you get saved in your sin...They all preach the same message, salvation first without a real repentance, thus no clearing of sin ever took place in the first place..Its the`regurgitated false gospel of Luther; the ``faith alone``poison.

This is what the people want to hear, thus they heap upon themselves false prophets, having itching ears, wanting to hear fables...

peace bill

justsayin said...

Now brother I agree with much of what you said but not every single pastor on television is one of these types of false teachers. The big one that comes to mind is Michael Youseff of the church of the apostles. My understanding is TBN offered him a free 30 minute segment which he accepted as long as he never had to get on that gold stage with that blue haired lady. Now if you dont believe that Dr. Youseff is a man that teaches the truth and proclaims Gods word throughout the entire world then you should check him out because all im saying is that you might steer someone away from hearing Gods word all because your blog which contains quite a bit of truth yet still just because they are on television doesnt make everyone bad. Why not every preacher on radio or go a step further every preacher on the Internet is bad you should never listen to any podcast from any preacher on the web because 75% of them are false. Dont throw the baby out with the bath water. And as much filth as is on tv nowadays well you get what im saying.

james said...

Wretched. I don't have enough faith to be an atheist. John ankerberg. All gospel centered. If u don't know your Bible and fail to enlist the power of the HS for discernment, you have no chance when it comes to TV evangelism. I agree 80% of it as a whole is unbiblical and heretical. Satan comes like a thief and leads people astray. Pray for discernment for these lost people. The power of the gospel will take the scales off the peoples eyes. God kept it simple when he said my people are destroyed by lack of knowledge. I fear that most people find a comfort zone when they gear what they want to hear BT these blasphemous deceivers. Pastoralship is an honor and God isn't mocked. In Peters letter he reveals and for sees these false preachers. They play with firefor temp riches and fame. We are in the Laodicean age. God bless all of u brothers and sisters in Christ.

TM Ellender said...

I agree. "Christian" media is a scam. Dare I take it further and say the way institutionalized Christianity is structured is also unscriptural?

I'm not going to elaborate on the question -- with its obvious answer -- but my point is that it doesn't take money to spread the Good News of Jesus the Christ. On the other hand, it may cost you your life.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for having the guts to write the truth. I have a Christian friend who cannot discern the real nature of Benny Hinn and Kenneth Copeland. He sees them as being fundamentally the same as any other preacher of the gospel. I am horrified at the thought that a born-again believer can have such poor discernment. I thought that they were ALL fake when I was a scoffer and a hater of all things Christian, and now that I have come to love all things Christian, I haven't changed my mind, they are all exactly what I thought they were in the beginning. The late Gene Scott, another false teacher, but very amusing to watch, or so I thought at the time, put it well. TBN - the Tare-Bundling Network!

Anonymous said...

Amen,many people are deceived by there lack of knowledge of scripture.The bible does say that many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.