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DISCUSSWhy Creflo Dollar Needs His Dollars
| 11/08/2007Every time we write about Creflo Dollar we have to point out that this is not one of those fake news articles we've sometimes managed to foist onto the public, and that the name Creflo Dollar was not used by Charles Dickens to describe a wheezing barrister in a pub, nor was it invented by a heavy-handed satirist attempting to lampoon a greedy Ukrainian.
No, Creflo Dollar is a real person, one of the six televangelists who got letters from the Senate Finance Committee on Monday, asking them to send in detailed accounting statements proving that they're not converting church money to their personal use.
More specifically, Creflo Dollar is the pastor of World Changers Church International of College Park, Georgia. Presumably he chose that name himself, completely free of fear that it would be soon be better known as Money Changers Church International by the 30,000 members who weekly enrich its coffers and make it possible for Creflo to maintain the two jets—one Gulfstream 3 and one Lear—that he uses to shuttle back and forth between Madison Square Garden (where he does a Saturday night service for an audience of 6,000) and Atlanta (where he does a Sunday morning service), not to mention occasional visits to his offices in the United Kingdom, South Africa, Australia and Nigeria.
Creflo's wife Taffi Dollar—and here we remind you once again that we are not lapsing into fiction at any point during the creation of this article—Taffi Dollar is responsible for the household budget at the $3 million Dollar mansion in Atlanta, and the more modest $2.44 million Dollar condo overlooking Central Park in Manhattan.
Asked about the Dollar dollars by CBS News yesterday, Dollar said it was untrue that he had two Rolls-Royces (we'd actually heard it was two Rolls-Royces and one Humvee, but who's keeping track?)—that he only had one Rolls and it was given to him by his congregation as a surprise. He also said he did not give $500,000 of church funds to fellow "prosperity gospel" evangelist Kenneth Copeland on the occasion of Copeland's 40th wedding anniversary—although he did not say how much he did give—so we want to be very careful when we say that the annual budget for Dollar's operation, his overhead dollars, is about $80 million. (Note to Creflo: Get back to us if we're a little off on that number.)
The interesting aspect of this story, however, is that so many of these prosperity-gospel guys do funnel money back to Copeland in so many ways that it almost looks like a pyramid scheme. Actually that's too harsh—what it really resembles is the marketing structure of Mary Kay Cosmetics, set up so that every time a salesperson recruits another salesperson, he or she gets a cut of the commission. And the reason that all roads lead to Copeland—see our summary of Copeland's organization in the investigative cartooning feature "Lifestyles of the Rich and Religious"—is that he's the granddaddy of what goes by many names—like "positive confession"—but is most commonly called "Word Faith."
If you look for the theological origins of "Word Faith," you end up in Tulsa, of course, and specifically at RHEMA Bible College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, which was founded by Kenneth E. "Papa" Hagin (1917-2003), the man who pretty much created the American-style health-and-wealth preaching so familiar from late-night television. Copeland was a student there, as well as at Oral Roberts University, which veers close to RHEMA in its theology but is not always on the same page. (Truth be told, every prosperity preacher is his own theology school, since part of the basis for the teaching is direct special revelation from God, which makes all these guys the heirs of the original gnostics.) But if RHEMA had a creed, it would go something like this:
- God's covenant with Abraham means that God has to deliver on his part of the deal, so anything you ask for in the name of Jesus, God is required to give you. (Should we quote some Janis Joplin lyrics here?)
- Man is equal to God in every respect. Or, in the words of Copeland, "You don't have a God in you! You are one!" (Tom Cruise would like this one.)
- Jesus was not the son of God, he was a man empowered by God to be just like God, and everyone who knows this can do the same thing. (We're not sure we have this one exactly right, but it's basically "Be Jesus, go ahead, He won't mind, you're soulmates.")
- Jesus went down into hell where he took on Satan's nature, until he was born again, and re-emerged to start the church. (Presumably they preach this one on Halloween.)
- Anything you speak and believe, with understanding, will come true just as you want it. (Yes, this seems like it's the same as number one, but that one is about what God has to do, and this one is about what you have to do. It's the "positive confession" part, the idea that your thought processes can command God to act.)
- God promises in Isaiah 53 to heal every physical illness of anyone who has faith. (As our mentor Ole Anthony once said, "Then why aren't there thousands of 200-year-old billionaires in Tulsa?")
- Any Christian who believes in poverty is outside God's will. (Well, take that, you cloistered loser in the hairshirt.)
There are more, but these are the biggies. I would imagine that at this point you're starting to see why taking away Creflo Dollar's dollars could amount to more than just a little lifestyle adjustment. It pretty much goes to the heart of the whole Kahuna.
Hey, this is the guy who answered YES when asked by an anchorman if he thought Jesus would drive a Rolls-Royce! Hot damn.
To be fair, Jesus thinks Bentleys are just too ostentatious.
How do you know that? Did he tell you?
WWJD = What Would Jesus Drive?
- Hudson Wasp
- AMC Spirit
- Buick La Crosse
- a pair of Oldsmobiles: an Alero Alpha and an Omega
- Dodge Crusader
- Dodge Omni
- Ford Ikon
- Opel Signum
- Hyundai Genesis
- Hundai Grace
- Kia Soul
- Suzuki Cultus
- a couple of Honda Logos
- Mazda Millenia (some argument whether this has been bought yet)
- Mazda Persona (one of three family cars)
- Mazda Carol (for winter driving)
- Rolls Royce Silver Seraph
- Anything by Innocenti
I asked Richard Dawkins, tho', and he said a Daihatsu Charade.
I think St Sebastian had a few Pierce-Arrows, by the way.
I Always Thought He'd Drive A Honda!!
Afterr All,It says"We Shall Come In One accord."!!
I think David drove a Triumph, because the Bible says "David Triumphed."
i think Jesus will give away just as many honda's to his members that would equall to the amount of those rose royces the lear jets and the mansions, after all you can't ride but one donkey at a time, live in one tent at a time (Abraham).So stop fleecing the flock ,and stop preaching what you practice, and practice what you preach,creflo and your fake father Ken.
I don't understand why we as people want good and nice things but when it comes to preachers everyone wants to say it's wrong. Everyone always think these powerful Men of God is stealing money but do not realize all these men have best selling books and other investments that generate money and if you really knew what you were talking about you would know that his income, which he do deserve because it's his job, from the church does not compare to all his money making resources that he has. Did you know he also owns a recording studio ARROW RECORDS. So point being is if you have a problem with him or what he does, don't support his ministry and don't talk about it especially if you don't know the whole story. Some people don't have a problem with Donald Trump being wealthy why do they have a problem with preachers being wealthy? They are the one hepling them get to that point so I say SHUT UP it has nothing to do with you!
God promises are true. These are malicious words from those who do not read the Word of God. I can bet that those who are jealous do not pray or pay tithes. What profits a man to gain the world but loses his soul? If they (the haters) would stop hating on the preachers (God’s chosen men) and take a look at the real thieves the people who are responsible for stealing the futures of all of us hard working Americans maybe your anger would be valid. You know those of us who have invested in our pensions that the CEO's from Wall Street and other financial institutions stole from us!! Maybe then their slanderous opinion would be affective and we would be compensated for what we rightfully have earned! We (USA) previously known as the richest country, would not be the poorest country! Therefore, that being said, I suggest you try praying and start tithing and stop judging those who are obedient to God's Word. Then you will gain God's favor as well!
Amen to that!!!!!!
Good post these people speak of things they know nothing about if people dont tithe thay are living off of the world system no wonder its not working for them.........
The CEO's from wall street at least pretend to try and provide some sort of return on your investment. Creflo and his ilk are building empires on the backs of those to stupid to notice the dollars being drained from their wallets.
I am a bible believing, born again Christian. I will continue to give offerings in church when I'm moved to. I will never, ever give a tithe to a church, ever again. That 10% will go to the Salvation Army. My conscience will not allow me to place my hard earned money into the hands of men who feel the need to own private jets.
AMEN TO THAT!! VERY WELL SAID!!!
AMEN!
As soon as the Kenneth Copelands and Creflo Dollars and their respective money machines start paying their share of the tax burden, then their activities will be none of our business. As long as the rest of us are subsidizing their lavish lifestyles, then it's very much our business. I don't have a problem with Donald Trump being wealthy but that's because he's not living on my dime.
Creflo and Kenneth has never saw one dime from you.so its not your concern.you sound to be still of this world,therefore you were not ment to understand these things ,or the blessings.stop hating , start loving .
the tax burden was created by worldly men.enjoy
enjoy what?
Oh? These people are living on your dime? When did you pay tithes?
Each of the pastors in these comments pays personal income taxes, but taxes are not required on church money. What is the problem here?
Oh? These people are living on your dime? When did you pay tithes?
Each of the pastors in these comments pays personal income taxes, but taxes are not required on church money. What is the problem here?
IF CREFLO DOLLAR-KENNETH COPELAND IS LIVING ON YOUR DIME SO TO SREAK, IT'S ONLY BECAUSE YOU GAVE IT TO THEM. NO ONE IS HOLDING A GUN TO YOUR HEAD OR ANY ONE ELSES HEAD AND DEMANDING YOU GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY. GET YOUR HEAD IN THE WORD OF GOD AND STUDY IT IN STEAD OF JUST LOOKING AT IT.BE VERY CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY ABOUT GOD'S ANNOTED. IDON'T ALWAYS AGREE WITH KENNETH OR CREFLO, BUT I RESPECT THEM AS MEN OF GOD UNTIL PROVEN OTHER WISE, AND THE WORLD IN GENERAL HAS NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT IT TO THE CHURCH. AFTER ALL THEY STEAL AND CONTINUE TO STEAL FROM ALL OF US IN SO MANY DIFFENCE WAYS IT'S NOT FUNNY. SO THINK BEFORE YOU JUDGE.
And neither is they living on your dime because seems to me you dont have to many dimes yourself and if you did you wouldn't be so jealous.Its people like yourself that put seed of doubt in to people mind that should be hanging on every word these Pastors are teaching because they are already on the bottom they cant go no where from this point is up if they heed the word of God.But you are just listening to your Father the devil.Its going to be a terrible day for you if you dont repent when you stand before God and he going to cast you into hell for eternity because of words you have sowed into the heart and minds of his people.Selah
You Dont have a problem with Donald Trump but you got a problem with these great men of God dont have to guess which team you are on.
Oh and by the way you really may want to find out how the donald got all his wealth.
kenneth ,creflo,and other prosperous preachers aren't living off your dime,or they'd be as poor as you! god has blessed them and if you trust and obey him he will bless your life too!
good post that is funny couldnt stop laughing so true
well my friend until you start contributing to this ministry, it isn't your dime... and even then you will have chosen unselfishly to give your dime for the ministry because you trust that God will grow that dime into a dollar, not so you can be so blessed, but so that God might receive glory...
As someone who is trying to discern the words of Jesus Christ. Dr Creflo Dollar has been a blessing to my growth in the word of God.
I listen to him free of charge by the way , every day on my smart phone, and so far I like what I hear . Is he perfect no , There was only one perfect man who walked this earth. Mr Dollar pulls no punches in regards to the word of God . He's not a life coach which he love's to say.
He may say things you may not want to hear , but need to hear , concerning one's life style . pertaining to what the world may say is okay . But what our lord say's is right. If he drives a Rolls Royce and flys in his own jet big deal. The bottom line is he and his ministry have been blessed. And I hope it continues to make as much money as God will allow . He like you and I will answer to God for what we have done on this earth . I choose to be a blessing to others in anyway I can .and use my energy in a positive way. If any of these Pastors have done wrong leave to God. He's more than capable.
Judge,lest ye be judged. If "you" feel that there is somthing wrong with these gentelmens walk with God. then pray about it. Because if you had what they have, would you feel different? Of course u would. Juist be carfull what U say about other people. Someone may say the same about "YOU".
You are absolutely right. Creflo works for the money that he has and he pays income taxes. The church building may be tax free, but those millions that Creflo is making is taxed. Plus, Creflo never stops working. His home phone, cell phone - all he has for voice communication probably never stops ringing 24/7. His job is not easy. I haven't seen him fall from grace like previous TV preacher stars. I haven't heard him confess to any cheating on his wife.
He has to work hard, long hours and be truly faithful to God to keep his success - or it will all be destroyed in the blink of an eye. People who criticize special preachers like Creflo are haters, jealous and not Godly. Creflo is an excellent teacher and pracher of the Word. If you listen to him, his preaching matches what is written in the Word.
No, he is not perfect. We all make mistakes daily. But Creflo, I believe is a man of God and is doing well because God is allowing it.
I don't support ANY TV ministry, but I watch three, sometimes four each week. I support the church I am part of. I don't have the extra funds for another ministry.
It's so sad that people are so easily led. This man is getting rich off of ignorance, YES, Your ignorance. As long as your left in the dark and you FOLLOW this MAN without question, I feel very sad for you. There comes a time when you have to start thinkng for yourselves and evaluate all these books of faith on your own. If you always follow you will never lead.
you can tell by some comments who are poor(because of their choices),or in sin.you need to start a relationship with GOD through CHRIST,get your life in order,and get your eyes off other folks problems.then if you see your brother in error ,pray that GOD will bring conviction(by the HOLY SPIRIT),and his or her spirit will come back into right standing with GOD.ALL PREACHERS NEED ALL SAINTS PRAYING ALLWAYS FOR THEM.when you see a Christian in err ,you think it's because of your keen perception,but it's because GOD has shown it to you so you can pray for that person,not so you can be a busy body.
you just dont have eyes to see and you are the one that is blind it does work and I can tell you I havent taken any bodys money or stole or any thing I give and it is being given good measure pressed down shaken together running over men shall give unto you you are just jealous
you just dont have eyes to see and you are the one that is blind it does work and I can tell you I havent taken any bodys money or stole or any thing I give and it is being given good measure pressed down shaken together running over men shall give unto you you are just jealous
what did jesus tell the young rich man that wanted to follow him? sell all your riches and give it to the poor. then what did he say after that? I dont believe that GOD should be looked at as a slot machine. also tithes were ment for the levites,the fatherless,the widows,and strangers.Its in the books,READ IT.
Judge not, judge not, judge not unless his teaching leads people astray-away from Jesus Christ. Even judge not but offer up verifiable evidence. Surely you don't want to be accused of slander.
I enjoy Creflo Dollar's programs and he has a lot of common sense and wisdom. I'm not into prosperity gospel, but if he does live large it makes sense that he'd live his belief.
In Christ,
Mary
Not only anonymous but clueless...............!!
tell them btother.God created this vry earth how cany he not conquer it?he can because he knows it all.as we know heaven is far more beautiful than mind can imagine.as we are heirs of heaven then how can you tell someone who doesnt know God that you are a heir of heaven yet you are jst you.these things come naturally because you have much better things than what you already have.its good to be the richest pastor because indeed a person in God is destined to prosperity.be it money,education,love,helping,preaching etc.
tell them btother.God created this vry earth how cany he not conquer it?he can because he knows it all.as we know heaven is far more beautiful than mind can imagine.as we are heirs of heaven then how can you tell someone who doesnt know God that you are a heir of heaven yet you are jst you.these things come naturally because you have much better things than what you already have.its good to be the richest pastor because indeed a person in God is destined to prosperity.be it money,education,love,helping,preaching etc.
A prophet does not profit.
Matthew 19:16-24
16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”
18 “Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’[a] and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]”
20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
Amen sister! I know 4 a fact that the person that wrote this doesn't spend as much time in the word as they should. The statements they posted about Kenneth and Creflo's theology, are bull! They took the principles these men teach and twisted them 2 appear perverted, and then accuse the preachers of doing this very same thing? Will the real hypocrite please stand up? How do I know, cause when I came into the Lord I trusted NO preacher! And picked up that word and read it 4 my damn self! Cover 2 cover! Then spent the following years being MADE a believer that the word was indeed true as I lived life and watched the principles play out b4 my very eyes! So when I hooked back up with Creflo, Kenneth, ect. even Benny Hinn, (he used 2 really get on my nerves) I found them ALL 2 be suprisingly true and it was ME who was wrong! I been studying these cat's faithfully, 4 years now! You's a damn lie! Ought 2 be ashamed of yourself! Twisting the men of God's words around 2 fit your own agenda! What they preach comes directly from the bible! It does work 4 those who have "FAITH"! And if u don't believe, keep living un-informed, defeated, sick, broke, jealous, confused, angry, ect. while the few true believers along with Creflo continue 2 live the life God promised to those who don't consider him a liar! If I had no hope in a better life while I watched others live a life I had no hope of obtaining, I'd be mad and jealous 2. But since I now believe and am witnessing proserity in my own life on ALL fronts, I'm not! God is not a abuser of his kids and he's so rich the crumbs that his servants wean from his table are enough 2 go out and buy a 3 mansions with enough change left over 4 a Jet! It is he who gives us the ability 2 prosper. Mad cause God gives riches 2 his faithful. You'd be more suited 4 hell cause in heaven we don't wear gold, we walk on it! You'd really be sick! I say this with love, pick up the word and find out 4 yourself. Pray and ask God to reveal the truth cause u DON'T have 2 live a low level life. It's just stuff! Believe in Satan enough 2 sell your soul by compromising your morals to go out and attempt to claim some of these riches, then play the self righteous card when u fail to obtain all that u set out for intead of seeking 1st the kingdom of God and believing he actually does what he says! So you too can live a life that will knock your socks off! Sell his royce to buy church members a car? U ever been on welfare? I have! Sounds like welfare 2 me! Why should he give a person a fish instead of teaching them 2 fish like he obviously has been doing 4 years! All these prosperous members he has and your the only enlightened one? Really? This is GOD we're talking bout! What's a jet but a toy 2 him? Ofcourse you can have one! Shoot a few if you please him and do what he says. Good children recieve great rewards in this life and the next! And no child is perfect, but when we live to please him with our whole hearts inspite of, he shows out 4 us. U sound like a jealous rebelious sibling telling lies on your brother cause daddy brought him a shiny new car and not you. I pray for all of you. Why? Cause that's what big sisters do! Don't be jealous! Be obedient!
Amen sister! I know 4 a fact that the person that wrote this doesn't spend as much time in the word as they should. The statements they posted about Kenneth and Creflo's theology, are bull! They took the principles these men teach and twisted them 2 appear perverted, and then accuse the preachers of doing this very same thing? Will the real hypocrite please stand up? How do I know, cause when I came into the Lord I trusted NO preacher! And picked up that word and read it 4 my damn self! Cover 2 cover! Then spent the following years being MADE a believer that the word was indeed true as I lived life and watched the principles play out b4 my very eyes! So when I hooked back up with Creflo, Kenneth, ect. even Benny Hinn, (he used 2 really get on my nerves) I found them ALL 2 be suprisingly true and it was ME who was wrong! I been studying these cat's faithfully, 4 years now! You's a damn lie! Ought 2 be ashamed of yourself! Twisting the men of God's words around 2 fit your own agenda! What they preach comes directly from the bible! It does work 4 those who have "FAITH"! And if u don't believe, keep living un-informed, defeated, sick, broke, jealous, confused, angry, ect. while the few true believers along with Creflo continue 2 live the life God promised to those who don't consider him a liar! If I had no hope in a better life while I watched others live a life I had no hope of obtaining, I'd be mad and jealous 2. But since I now believe and am witnessing proserity in my own life on ALL fronts, I'm not! God is not a abuser of his kids and he's so rich the crumbs that his servants wean from his table are enough 2 go out and buy a 3 mansions with enough change left over 4 a Jet! It is he who gives us the ability 2 prosper. Mad cause God gives riches 2 his faithful. You'd be more suited 4 hell cause in heaven we don't wear gold, we walk on it! You'd really be sick! I say this with love, pick up the word and find out 4 yourself. Pray and ask God to reveal the truth cause u DON'T have 2 live a low level life. It's just stuff! Believe in Satan enough 2 sell your soul by compromising your morals to go out and attempt to claim some of these riches, then play the self righteous card when u fail to obtain all that u set out for intead of seeking 1st the kingdom of God and believing he actually does what he says! So you too can live a life that will knock your socks off! Sell his royce to buy church members a car? U ever been on welfare? I have! Sounds like welfare 2 me! Why should he give a person a fish instead of teaching them 2 fish like he obviously has been doing 4 years! All these prosperous members he has and your the only enlightened one? Really? This is GOD we're talking bout! What's a jet but a toy 2 him? Ofcourse you can have one! Shoot a few if you please him and do what he says. Good children recieve great rewards in this life and the next! And no child is perfect, but when we live to please him with our whole hearts inspite of, he shows out 4 us. U sound like a jealous rebelious sibling telling lies on your brother cause daddy brought him a shiny new car and not you. I pray for all of you. Why? Cause that's what big sisters do! Don't be jealous! Be obedient!
THANK YOU!!! I agree completely with you! And I also add, What kind of testimony is it to drive a beat up, good-for-nothing car? And this article has taken a few of the things they say and changed them significantly. I don't agree with everything they say, but I do agree with most of it!
he would ride public transport. heck he might even be the bus driver.
WOw..People must not know the word...Study and find out..Don't just say what u think u know...I ask in the name of Jesus to please forgive all yal'll out there who is lost..
i agree the devil cant stand to see GOD's people prosper if they was of the world the world would love thier own but THESE men of GOD is not of the world so they hatin on them may GOD forgive the ones thats slanderin these MEN of GOD cause WOE be unto them OH WOE !!!!!! go Creflo go Kenneth copeland do ur THANg in the LORD i salute u
you must be legally retarded or possessed by a demon of stupidity. I'll pray for you.
You can't fix stupid.
LMBO! We thought it, u said it!
LMBO! We thought it, u said it!
maybe while you are praying for her you should say one for youself you sound like you need it after calling her stupid.....
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