In Defense of the Good Senator by J Lee Grady,
Some Christians fear that the Senates probe of six charismatic ministries is a devilish conspiracy. Yet the man behind the investigation is a Bible-believing Christian.
Unless youve been on vacation in the South Pacific for the last two weeks, you probably know that Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa caused a commotion on Nov. 6 when he announced that the Senate Finance Committee, which he chairs, is investigating the financial operations of six charismatic mega-ministries.
Judging by the reaction from some sectors of the Christian public, youd think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another Spanish Inquisition. Some Christian leaders have openly suggested that Grassley is about to send IRS henchmen armed with clubs, hatchets and instruments of torture to every church in America.
We must keep the government out of the church, or everything our founding fathers fought for is lost! wrote Paul Crouch Jr. of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, in an open rebuttal of my Nov. 9 column about the investigation. Crouch also implied that Grassleys probe is similar to Hitlers persecution of Christians in 1930s Germany.
Before we demonize Grassley, it might be worth looking at his own religious background.
Huh? Why are we so paranoid? Just because a senator has asked for some documents to prove that these ministries are in compliance with the law? Before we demonize Grassley, it might be worth looking at his own religious backgroundand the reasons for his investigation. In an interview with him this week I learned some interesting facts:
1. Grassley is an outspoken evangelical Christian. My faith is based on the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ found in John 3:16, he told me. Its refreshing to hear those words from anyone on Capitol Hill. Grassley was saved at age 11in January 1945, he saidand he and his wife have attended the same Baptist church in Cedar Falls, Iowa, since 1954. The congregation is now called Prairie Lakes Church.
2. Grassley doesnt believe in government intrusion of religion. The 74-year-old senator told me that his inquiry is strictly about compliance with the law, not about doctrine. On Prairie Lakes Web site, its leaders explain their view of the role of government: We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. That doesnt sound like the spirit of Antichrist to me.
3. Grassley has a reputation for integrity. He recently conducted an investigation of several secular nonprofit organizations including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Red Cross. Those entities were not shut down because of his inquiry, but they did make internal changes in order to correct financial abuses and to comply with IRS rules. All Grassley wants is assurance that the six ministries are following the law. Is that evil?
4. Grassley is not basing his investigation on one persons agenda. Some of Grassleys critics believe that self-appointed ministry watchdog Ole Anthony (who has a dubious reputation in many Christian circles) is manipulating this inquiry from behind the scenes. But Grassley assured me that the complaints against Benny Hinn; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland; Creflo and Taffi Dollar; David and Joyce Meyer; Randy and Paula White; and Eddie Long are based on numerous public complaints, media reports and, in some cases, statements from whistle-blowers who were at one time associated with the ministries.
5. Grassley has some sound advice for evangelical churches. When I asked the senator what steps churches should take to strengthen their integrity, he immediately recommended that they join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountabilitya Christian organization that provides a seal of approval for groups that follow normal accounting procedures. Grassley believes those handling public funds should subject themselves to added scrutiny because, he says, you are a trustee of the peoples money.
6. Grassley has some refreshingly old-fashioned views on ministry. He made this statement to reporters last week: Jesus came into the city on a simple donkey. To what extent do you need a Rolls-Royce to expand the ministry of Jesus Christ?
Thats an honest question from an honest man, and it deserves an honest answer.
J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma. To read Paul Crouch Jr.s open rebuttal to Lees Nov. 9 column, go to www.charismamag.com/crouchrebuttal.
____________________
Paul Crouch Jr.'s Open Letter to J. Lee Grady About The Grassley Investigation
Paul Crouch Jr. from the Trinity Broadcasting Network sent an open letter to J. Lee Grady in response to Grady's Nov. 9 column titled "Integrity, Accountability and the Grassley Investigation."
November 12, 2007
An open letter to Charisma Magazine, J. Lee Grady and the body of Christ as a whole:
After finally getting over my shock at J. Lee Gradys editorial from a few months ago titled, Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover, I see that Mr. Grady is once again heading into treacherous waters. His recent editorial about U.S. Senator Chuck Grassleys call for an investigation of the finances of several prominent television ministries is something that could not only harm the church as we know it today, but the body of Christ as a whole.
On the surface, the Senate Finance Committees investigation (and lets call it by its real intent: an inquisition) headed up by Senator Grassley might sound logical, and to some Christians maybe even a good idea. But the long term effects of this investigation could be devastating. Put aside your personal opinions about any of the six ministries being targeted, and forget how you feel about Christian television as a whole. The much bigger questions we should all be asking are: Do we want the government deciding anything when it comes to the faith we all hold dear? Should government be allowed to dictate what kind a car a minister can drive, or how large a house is permissible and even how much a minister may receive as a salary? Do we want to establish another Church of England, or was that why our forefathers came to this nation in the first place? Separation of church and state is a foundational principle guaranteed in our Constitution, and Mr. Gradys editorial seems to be ignorant of that fact!
Also, lets look at the source of Senator Grassleys information. Ole Anthony, head of the Trinity Foundation, has been around for over twenty years as a self-proclaimed reformer of the church and watchdog for the body of Christ. Well, it doesnt take more than one or two Google searches to find out that Ole Anthonys claim to being the watchdog of Christian ministries is a little like the fox guarding the chicken coop, and brings to mind Matthew 7:3 where Christ said, Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Read a book by Wendy Duncan called, I Cant Hear God Anymore. Enough said .) Why Ole mainly focuses in on televangelism is interesting to me, and obviously the senator is playing right into his hands. Why arent other faiths or, for that matter, other 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations being questioned? What about the Catholic church, Jewish organizations, or even the Muslims? You get my point.
Martin Luther brought reformation to the church in 1517 with his 95 Theses nailed to the Wittenberg door, but his actions were directed at the church itself and not with the prevailing government of the day! The body of Christ and God himself will deal with anyone not doing the right thing or compromising any ministry. We dont need the government to step in and regulate anything when it comes to our faith or the church.
Scripture gives us the criteria by which we may judge fellow Believers. The Bible says in Matthew 7:20, Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Are none of these ministries bearing fruit? I submit that the true test of a ministry can be determined by asking these questions: Are people getting saved, lives being touched and faith restored? Is the Word being communicated? How many suicides have been prevented? How many people have been delivered from drugs or alcohol and how many children put up for adoption as opposed to abortion? Are other benevolent works taking place such as feeding programs, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless? How many people have been guided off of welfare rolls? Or how many people will not be returning to jail and, instead, become positive influences on society, because of their faith? Case in point: Just this past week, a viewer called our prayer lines to report that she was about to commit suicide, but then saw Bishop Eddie Longone of the ministries targeted by Senator Grassleypreach a message that literally saved her life and brought her to faith in Jesus. Mr. Grady didnt bother to mention any of the good works these ministries are doing. So how much is a soul worth? Maybe we should direct some of these questions back on Senator Grassley and demand his responses by December 6th!
When it comes to accountability, I also take issue with Mr. Grady. Whether you agree with the philosophy or theology of anyone in the pulpit or on Christian TV is not the point. It doesnt matter if they preach the prosperity Gospel and live in mansions, or the poverty Gospel and are all beggars. We must keep the government OUT of the church, or everything our founding fathers fought for is lost! The concept that God would use a senator to bring on a reformation, as Mr. Grady proclaims, is scary and ignorant of the facts. We are dealing with spiritual warfare here, and we must fight back. None of these ministries are required by law to do anything in response to Senator Grassleys investigation, and I hope they dont. All of us in the ministry answer to the IRS, franchise tax boards, county taxing authorities, etc., and that is sufficient oversight. I dont care if Benny Hinn flies in a private plane, or if Creflo Dollar drives a Bentley. Thats between them and God. We as Christians are required to giveits an intrinsic part of our faith. God gave his best to redeem our souls, his only Son, and we are to do the same.
I leave you with a quote from Martin Niemoeller who was a prominent German pastor put in a concentration camp by the Nazis in 1937: In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
Need I say more?
Paul F. Crouch, Jr.
Chief of Staff
Trinity Broadcasting Network
Some Christians fear that the Senates probe of six charismatic ministries is a devilish conspiracy. Yet the man behind the investigation is a Bible-believing Christian.
Unless youve been on vacation in the South Pacific for the last two weeks, you probably know that Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa caused a commotion on Nov. 6 when he announced that the Senate Finance Committee, which he chairs, is investigating the financial operations of six charismatic mega-ministries.
Judging by the reaction from some sectors of the Christian public, youd think Grassley had donned a black hood and launched another Spanish Inquisition. Some Christian leaders have openly suggested that Grassley is about to send IRS henchmen armed with clubs, hatchets and instruments of torture to every church in America.
We must keep the government out of the church, or everything our founding fathers fought for is lost! wrote Paul Crouch Jr. of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, in an open rebuttal of my Nov. 9 column about the investigation. Crouch also implied that Grassleys probe is similar to Hitlers persecution of Christians in 1930s Germany.
Before we demonize Grassley, it might be worth looking at his own religious background.
Huh? Why are we so paranoid? Just because a senator has asked for some documents to prove that these ministries are in compliance with the law? Before we demonize Grassley, it might be worth looking at his own religious backgroundand the reasons for his investigation. In an interview with him this week I learned some interesting facts:
1. Grassley is an outspoken evangelical Christian. My faith is based on the promise of salvation in Jesus Christ found in John 3:16, he told me. Its refreshing to hear those words from anyone on Capitol Hill. Grassley was saved at age 11in January 1945, he saidand he and his wife have attended the same Baptist church in Cedar Falls, Iowa, since 1954. The congregation is now called Prairie Lakes Church.
2. Grassley doesnt believe in government intrusion of religion. The 74-year-old senator told me that his inquiry is strictly about compliance with the law, not about doctrine. On Prairie Lakes Web site, its leaders explain their view of the role of government: We believe that every human being has direct relations with God, and is responsible to God alone in all matters of faith; that each church is independent and must be free from interference by any ecclesiastical or political authority; that therefore Church and State must be kept separate as having different functions, each fulfilling its duties free from dictation or patronage of the other. That doesnt sound like the spirit of Antichrist to me.
3. Grassley has a reputation for integrity. He recently conducted an investigation of several secular nonprofit organizations including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Red Cross. Those entities were not shut down because of his inquiry, but they did make internal changes in order to correct financial abuses and to comply with IRS rules. All Grassley wants is assurance that the six ministries are following the law. Is that evil?
4. Grassley is not basing his investigation on one persons agenda. Some of Grassleys critics believe that self-appointed ministry watchdog Ole Anthony (who has a dubious reputation in many Christian circles) is manipulating this inquiry from behind the scenes. But Grassley assured me that the complaints against Benny Hinn; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland; Creflo and Taffi Dollar; David and Joyce Meyer; Randy and Paula White; and Eddie Long are based on numerous public complaints, media reports and, in some cases, statements from whistle-blowers who were at one time associated with the ministries.
5. Grassley has some sound advice for evangelical churches. When I asked the senator what steps churches should take to strengthen their integrity, he immediately recommended that they join the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountabilitya Christian organization that provides a seal of approval for groups that follow normal accounting procedures. Grassley believes those handling public funds should subject themselves to added scrutiny because, he says, you are a trustee of the peoples money.
6. Grassley has some refreshingly old-fashioned views on ministry. He made this statement to reporters last week: Jesus came into the city on a simple donkey. To what extent do you need a Rolls-Royce to expand the ministry of Jesus Christ?
Thats an honest question from an honest man, and it deserves an honest answer.
J. Lee Grady is editor of Charisma. To read Paul Crouch Jr.s open rebuttal to Lees Nov. 9 column, go to www.charismamag.com/crouchrebuttal.
____________________
Paul Crouch Jr.'s Open Letter to J. Lee Grady About The Grassley Investigation
Paul Crouch Jr. from the Trinity Broadcasting Network sent an open letter to J. Lee Grady in response to Grady's Nov. 9 column titled "Integrity, Accountability and the Grassley Investigation."
November 12, 2007
An open letter to Charisma Magazine, J. Lee Grady and the body of Christ as a whole:
After finally getting over my shock at J. Lee Gradys editorial from a few months ago titled, Christian TV Needs an Extreme Makeover, I see that Mr. Grady is once again heading into treacherous waters. His recent editorial about U.S. Senator Chuck Grassleys call for an investigation of the finances of several prominent television ministries is something that could not only harm the church as we know it today, but the body of Christ as a whole.
On the surface, the Senate Finance Committees investigation (and lets call it by its real intent: an inquisition) headed up by Senator Grassley might sound logical, and to some Christians maybe even a good idea. But the long term effects of this investigation could be devastating. Put aside your personal opinions about any of the six ministries being targeted, and forget how you feel about Christian television as a whole. The much bigger questions we should all be asking are: Do we want the government deciding anything when it comes to the faith we all hold dear? Should government be allowed to dictate what kind a car a minister can drive, or how large a house is permissible and even how much a minister may receive as a salary? Do we want to establish another Church of England, or was that why our forefathers came to this nation in the first place? Separation of church and state is a foundational principle guaranteed in our Constitution, and Mr. Gradys editorial seems to be ignorant of that fact!
Also, lets look at the source of Senator Grassleys information. Ole Anthony, head of the Trinity Foundation, has been around for over twenty years as a self-proclaimed reformer of the church and watchdog for the body of Christ. Well, it doesnt take more than one or two Google searches to find out that Ole Anthonys claim to being the watchdog of Christian ministries is a little like the fox guarding the chicken coop, and brings to mind Matthew 7:3 where Christ said, Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Read a book by Wendy Duncan called, I Cant Hear God Anymore. Enough said .) Why Ole mainly focuses in on televangelism is interesting to me, and obviously the senator is playing right into his hands. Why arent other faiths or, for that matter, other 501(c) (3) nonprofit organizations being questioned? What about the Catholic church, Jewish organizations, or even the Muslims? You get my point.
Martin Luther brought reformation to the church in 1517 with his 95 Theses nailed to the Wittenberg door, but his actions were directed at the church itself and not with the prevailing government of the day! The body of Christ and God himself will deal with anyone not doing the right thing or compromising any ministry. We dont need the government to step in and regulate anything when it comes to our faith or the church.
Scripture gives us the criteria by which we may judge fellow Believers. The Bible says in Matthew 7:20, Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Are none of these ministries bearing fruit? I submit that the true test of a ministry can be determined by asking these questions: Are people getting saved, lives being touched and faith restored? Is the Word being communicated? How many suicides have been prevented? How many people have been delivered from drugs or alcohol and how many children put up for adoption as opposed to abortion? Are other benevolent works taking place such as feeding programs, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless? How many people have been guided off of welfare rolls? Or how many people will not be returning to jail and, instead, become positive influences on society, because of their faith? Case in point: Just this past week, a viewer called our prayer lines to report that she was about to commit suicide, but then saw Bishop Eddie Longone of the ministries targeted by Senator Grassleypreach a message that literally saved her life and brought her to faith in Jesus. Mr. Grady didnt bother to mention any of the good works these ministries are doing. So how much is a soul worth? Maybe we should direct some of these questions back on Senator Grassley and demand his responses by December 6th!
When it comes to accountability, I also take issue with Mr. Grady. Whether you agree with the philosophy or theology of anyone in the pulpit or on Christian TV is not the point. It doesnt matter if they preach the prosperity Gospel and live in mansions, or the poverty Gospel and are all beggars. We must keep the government OUT of the church, or everything our founding fathers fought for is lost! The concept that God would use a senator to bring on a reformation, as Mr. Grady proclaims, is scary and ignorant of the facts. We are dealing with spiritual warfare here, and we must fight back. None of these ministries are required by law to do anything in response to Senator Grassleys investigation, and I hope they dont. All of us in the ministry answer to the IRS, franchise tax boards, county taxing authorities, etc., and that is sufficient oversight. I dont care if Benny Hinn flies in a private plane, or if Creflo Dollar drives a Bentley. Thats between them and God. We as Christians are required to giveits an intrinsic part of our faith. God gave his best to redeem our souls, his only Son, and we are to do the same.
I leave you with a quote from Martin Niemoeller who was a prominent German pastor put in a concentration camp by the Nazis in 1937: In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up.
Need I say more?
Paul F. Crouch, Jr.
Chief of Staff
Trinity Broadcasting Network
