Poll: Do you care if preachers fleece their flocks?

In My Humble Opinion
21

“Let the Abbott always bear in mind that he must give an account in the dread judgement of God of both his own teaching and of the obedience of his disciples. And let the abbot know that whatever lack of (holy) profit the master of the house shall find in the sheep, will be laid to the blame of the shepherd. One the other hand, he will be blameless, if he gave all a shepherd’s care to his restless and unruly flock…” The Holy Rule of St. Benedict 1949 ed, translation by Rev. Boniface Verheyen, OSB

IMHO (and while I assume that Jim Baker has little in common with any Benedictine abbot), a preacher must lead his congregation both by example and through his instruction. I find it hard to imagine how a good example could be set by a spiritual leader taking church funds in contradiction to the congregation’s beliefs, and Jim Baker is a perfect example of how it invalidates the teacher’s instruction.

22

I once had a crush on a girl who went to a unaligned “holiness” church where they passed the collection plate around about seven times during the five hour service. (It wasn’t over after five hours, they just had an hour dinner break before resuming. I did not stick around.)

Crush dissolved, instantly.

Since then I always find myself greatly pitying the people who allow themselves to BE financially fleeced by unscrupulous religious leaders while feeling smug and superior.

23

I hope you accept payment plans. :smiley: