The Deadly Virus of Celebrity Christianity

[ibTina]

Just when I thought we charismatics had finally taken enough abuse from the egomaniac ministers in our midst, I’ve learned that some of our leaders are taking things to a new extreme. We’ve moved beyond the red carpets, limousines and entourages of the 1990s. A new strain of the celebrity virus is spreading in large segments of the church. One friend of mine in Texas recently inquired to see if a prominent preacher could speak at her conference. The minister’s assistant faxed back a list of requirements that had to be met in order to book a speaking engagement. The demands included: a five-figure honorarium, a $10,000 gasoline deposit for the private plane, a manicurist and hairstylist for the speaker, a suite in a five-star hotel, a luxury car from the airport to the hotel (2004 model or newer), room-temperature Perrier. This really makes me wonder how the apostle Paul, Timothy or Priscilla managed ministering to so many people in Ephesus, Corinth and Thessalonica. How did they survive without a manicurist if they broke a nail while laying hands on the sick? It gets worse, if you can believe it. At a charismatic conference in an East Coast city recently, a pastor stood on a stage in front of a large crowd and smugly announced that the guest speaker was “more than an apostle.” Then the host asked everyone to bow down to the person, claiming that this posture was necessary to release God’s power. “This is the only way you can receive this kind of anointing!” the host declared, bowing in front of the speaker. Immediately, about 80 percent of the audience fell prostrate on the floor. The few who were uncomfortable with the weird spiritual control in the room either walked out or stood in silent protest. So today, I guess it’s not enough to feed a celebrity preacher’s ego by treating them like a rock star. We also are required to worship him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sounds like John Edwards to me. 


Give me an old time pastor that preaches the old time Gospel. One that isn't afraid to take off the suit jacket of a second hand suit, then to roll up the sleeves of his white shirt and go into the hog yard, slopping the hogs in order to witness to a farmer. A pastor of my early years (I was a teenager) was just exactly like that. Anyone in their right mind knew he was about God's business, not about getting rich in earthly wealth and definitely not about putting on a circus.

I'm afraid that I would have done more than just walk out or stand still. I probably would have been thrown out for preaching to them.

[Faithin1]

Today, charlatans disguised as men and women of God are so prevalent it's evident demonic spirits have infiltrated churches at an unprecedented rate.  With a few exceptions, I simply can't watch the TV ministries anymore.   It's absolutely appalling.  They clearly have no fear of the Lord.  They have been blinded by Satan's lies, and the lust of the flesh and the greed of the world.

[nChrist]

Today, charlatans disguised as men and women of God are so prevalent it's evident demonic spirits have infiltrated churches at an unprecedented rate.  With a few exceptions, I simply can't watch the TV ministries anymore.   It's absolutely appalling.  They clearly have no fear of the Lord.  They have been blinded by Satan's lies, and the lust of the flesh and the greed of the world.

Hello Faithin1,

You beat me to it, but I'm afraid that I wouldn't have said it as nicely as you did. I'll just call it a satanic side-show circus and leave it at that. It almost makes me sick to my stomach, and I refuse to watch or listen to any of it. It is the devil abusing the name of GOD.

[Shammu]

“This is the only way you can receive this kind of anointing!” the host declared, bowing in front of the speaker. Immediately, about 80 percent of the audience fell prostrate on the floor. The few who were uncomfortable with the weird spiritual control in the room either walked out or stood in silent protest. So today, I guess it’s not enough to feed a celebrity preacher’s ego by treating them like a rock star. We also are required to worship him.

Matthew 24:3-5 While He was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately and said, Tell us, when will this take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end (the completion, the consummation) of the age? 4 Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one misleads you [deceiving you and leading you into error]. 5 For many will come in (on the strength of) My name [appropriating the name which belongs to Me], saying, I am the Christ (the Messiah), and they will lead many astray.

[nChrist]

Amen Dreamweaver!

Brother, I'm just now beginning to understand how many people are being led astray. It's very sad, and they have tons of money to get all kinds of media exposure.

As Christians, I'm convinced that we shouldn't let anything like that discourage us. We have the Promise of GOD that HIS WORD will never return void, and that should be more than enough to encourage all Christians everywhere to keep sharing JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS in every way that they can.

Love In Christ,
Tom

[Shammu]

As Christians, I'm convinced that we shouldn't let anything like that discourage us. We have the Promise of GOD that HIS WORD will never return void, and that should be more than enough to encourage all Christians everywhere to keep sharing JESUS CHRIST and the CROSS in every way that they can.[/b]

Love In Christ,
Tom

AMEN brother AMEN!!