“In a January editorial that referenced prosperity-gospel preachers, the magazine said: “Whether they’re proclaiming the true gospel is a separate question. And it’s a question that the church, not the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Finance, should answer.””
I agree. However, the investigation is not about authenticity of the teachings…but rather, how the specific ministries are handling their finances in accordance to the tax codes.
Peace!

How many of us have heard these very words from our children, “I’m gon’na.” And how many of us have believed that they would do whatever it is was asked of them?
Now, what makes us – or Congress – think that any of the ministries that have responded with a loftier version of “I’m gon’na.” will actually follow through? There will come a time when Grassley will have to let loose the Hounds of the IRS and they will tear into the receipts and expenses of these organizations. But even then there will be fools willing enough to send what few dollars they have to these charlatans and con men. So far, no legislation against stupidity and cupidity.

If they have nothing to hide, why aren’t they cooperating? Because they really don’t want to pay taxes on all those luxuries they are buying with “donor” money. As I mentioned before, PT Barnum was right…”There is a sucker born every minute.” The crooked preachers will continue to have “suckers” send money to them because of the convincing lies they tell…all in the name of their form of Christianity (the “I, the preacher, get rich form”)
Hopefully they can legally force these crooks to cough up their records.

we live in an age where the Gospel is going beyond the areas of Jerusalem, Samaria, Greece, Etc, 100 years ago we were without the benefit of the car & plane we can travel across country, or the world, (at a price) If you are a company ceo, you utilize expenses allowing your organization to function outside your reigion. Not to mention, expenses for the main facility. those who criticize or are at a lack of faith needn’t complain, they’re not (in your pockets) If you read the Word and belive it for what it says. The Word tells you that GOD will hold accountable every shepherd that leads the flock astray. GOD blesses your faithfulness to HIS Word. If one is spiritually led they know when To give and to use discretion.

“The Word tells you that GOD will hold accountable every shepherd that leads the flock astray.”
What does “the Word” say about tax evasion?

The laws are very clear, and if they guys are operation outside of the law they should be held accountable. I don’t care for any of the ministries mentioned but I also care little for vigilantism.
The churches have the right to require the subpoena.
Some people want to cry separation of church and state at their convenience, when it suits their purposes, but you can’t have it both ways and be fair. The loudest mouths seem to be non-believers and partial believers who have other agendas going on with the church.

The Bible states that there is nothing hidden that will not be revealed. Therefore, if Mr. Grassley really wants to get to the bottom of each ministry’s financial affairs, then investigate using every tool the law provides to secure financial records & conduct the investigation through the courts using legal protocol. Otherwise, I too, believe Mr. Grassley has an act to grind and is more interested in personal attacks than he is in getting to the truth. If these prosperity preachers are running a game then, by all means, they need to be exposed. At this rate, what do you really plan to do with information that is left to the discretion of its owner? Trust, they are going to provide Mr. Grassley with what they would like him to see and no more or less. Naturally, they will not self-incriminate. They are not that holy (LOL). So, if you really want to know what’s going on financially, then go after what you need through a court of law using every legal weapon available to secure what you need in order to do what’s necessary in punishing those that are taking advantage of the pulpit.

Call it ignorance of the american legislative system, but what authority does Mr. Grassley have to request their financial records? These churches must file all the proper paperwork to the IRS and any other required agency to maintain their tax-exempt status. Informal investigations can be annoying because you don’t really know what their looking for or what they think they might find. The senator needs to let propper investigators from the relevant agencies look in to it, not his staff of yes-men and wannabies.

rmcq
I think you will find, if you read any of the articles or listen to any of the reports, that Grassley is using all of the legal investigators at his disposal. The problem is that these characters have filed NONE of the required papers or forms. Their arrogance is as much a problem as their ignorance -as in they have chosen to ignore the law. This is not the first time they have been asked to comply. It is simply that Congress is now involved and so is the media. The thing about creepy things that live under rocks is that they can’t survive in the light. The same seems to apply to these characters.

Well, I have read the stories as well as heard this story on the news. My point is this: If Mr. Grassley is using all of the proper investigators and/or avenues of investigation, then how come he can’t secure the evidence he’s requesting? Why is he investing so much time into this? The preachers are holding to their stories that they have complied with the law and that they have nothing to prove AND according to the law by the law nothing that they HAVE TO reveal. Grassley and his crew are stating that they haven’t share everything with the IRS. Question: Has anyone heard from the proper officials of the IRS? The gatekeepers of the information requested? Therefore, instead of trusting the preachers to reveal their financial records in order to maintain their tax-exempt status, Mr. Grassley needs to show evidence that the proper paperwork is not in place and use the courts to carry forth prosecution if the papers are missing. It’s very simple. You really can’t expect the preachers to self-incriminate. Grassley needs to prove his point and move forward. If he has no point, then squash it and move on. Remember, those charged with improper conduct are always innocent UNTIL PROVEN guilty! Therefore, the burden of proof rests upon Mr. Grassley and obviously he’s still stretching for it.

Sounds like a case of the horse before the cart

God is surely going to say to these ministers depart from Me for I never knew you when they face Hm on that great day.
Christian- Christ like, these people are far from Christ like! They lust for wealth, fame, they lead the sheep astray as the bible states, they give them fables, they tingle there ears, and they depart from sound doctoring, they take advantage of the weak, the hurting, the hopeless for they on selfish gain. This is talked about all through the bible as a sign of the end times. It is just as easy for a con man to become a preacher as much as anything else they can become, because they are com men.
Jesus was not a rich man, His message was about love, hope, and helping the poor, sick, widow, the hurting, bringing the lost into his fold. He never was about earthly riches, lust for the things of the world, seeing how He could prosper from the sheep. This is a sad state the “church” is in, and I think He is getting ready to clean house through Senator Grassley, and I just hope the senator stands his ground through all that these false prophets and there followers try to throw at him.