Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Televangelism and the Written Word

I don't much watch television preachers.  I am likely to spend the time I might have done reading after bloggers who put their sermons and messages in writing and share with any who will read.  A few examples of writers in this realm whom I consider worthy of reading would include Matt, and Sarah, and Ken.

My reasons for avoiding most tv ministers are my own.  I see nothing to be gained by criticizing men and women who are engaged in the activity.  I encourage discernment and wisdom in selecting those with whom you spend your time and from whom you receive spiritual guidance.

I do, though, occasionally take time to watch that little white haired Louisiana dandy, Jesse Duplantis.  I watch him for the pure entertainment value of his presentation, and sometimes there is a bonus of enlightenment.  The man is funny.  The man could well have made his livelihood as a comedian, had he chosen the secular field of endeavor.

Once in a great while, and when there is nothing else on the Sunday afternoon tube, nothing other than football, that is, I will tune in to see what Freddy Price is on about.  That 's entertainment, too.

Disclaimer:  The mention of these ministers, whether bloggers or televangelists, is in no wise to be construed as an endorsement of their theologies or viewpoints.  I have already suggested wisdom and discernment.

As he told it:

Jesse:  Let me tell you something!
Cathy (Mrs. D): You listen to me.  I am not that naive little girl you married thirty-nine years ago!
Jesse:  I miss her.
Cathy:  She's dead!

Truth: His sermon on spousal interactions was excellent.  Oh, vanilla, do learn from it.


7 comments:

Vee said...

Yesterday, because of a news release from Ohio, Hubby and I were discussing the fall of so many of these narcissistic people. I watch them - never. It is puzzling to me how they gather so many followers.

Many years ago two of my uncles and their spouses drove from California to Virginia to visit the complex of a famous (infamous) televangelist. Not long after their visit, the aforementioned "minister" was in prison.

When the messenger becomes a "rock star" the message becomes secondary.

vanilla said...

Vee, your last sentence sums it up exactly. I am puzzled, too, at peoples' proclivity to follow the drummer. I was reading just a bit ago that Creflo Dollar held his first meeting in an elementary school room, had eight attendees and collected a hundred bucks. His enterprise is now worth multiplied tens of millions of dollars. Or two Dollars, if you count Creflo and Taffi.

Leah C. Dancel said...

Good morning from Sydney. I'm amused reading your blog with the above title. I am specifically amused of the hard nail conclusive comment of Vee and I quote:

"When the messenger becomes a "rock star" the message becomes secondary."

I'm a blogger of quotations, I wonder if Vee will allow me to post the above that I just quoted? I bet every reader of mine will agree. If perchance any minister from all walks of religions will read her, I am sure this will serve them as something to ponder on.

Thank you Vanilla. I like your wits.

Vee said...

Leah, when I wrote that it did not occur to me that it might be "quotable." You are welcome to post it.

vanilla said...

Leah, thanks for visiting. Please come again. In turn, I have visited your blog, and shall do so often.

Vee, seems you and Leah have made contact.

Sharkbytes said...

A lot of wisdom in that little snippet. I think this is a little bit like the people who insist that Christians must support government programs for the poor because Jesus told us to care for the poor. I don't think Jesus told us to have the government care for the poor, the told US. In a similar way, I don't think the Great Commission was necessarily aimed at the idea of doing so without human interaction. As great as media is, it's very distant and can lead to abuses, and as Vee said, narcissism.

vanilla said...

Sharkey, I wonder, too, if there are those who feel they are relieved of personal responsibility to care for the poor because "that is the job of the government." Again, a step removed from personal contact with the problem. Or, out of sight, out of mind.