Posted by Dave on 03/19/07 at 02:33:02 pm
Categories: Theological Ravings

This is disgusting [hat tip Roland].

No taxes on $4M parsonage:

A Redford Township church that believes wealth is God's reward is raising eyebrows for buying its pastor a $3.65 million mansion and taking it off the tax rolls.

They also bought the pastor a $50,000 Cadillac Escalade. I am sure that was necessary for the pastor to "change lives," right? And then come the justification:

"In this country we value rock stars, movie stars and athletes. They can have a lavish lifestyle, and a pastor who restores lives that were broken shouldn't? When our value system elevates a man who can put a ball in a hole and not a man who does God's work, something is wrong."

Here is the funny thing. I agree with half of what they are saying. We do overvalue "celebrities." Yet just because we overvalue celebrities does not mean that our pastors should live lavish lifestyles, does it? You do not justify un-Biblical actions with other un-Biblical actions.

I have little tolerance for those who preach a prosperity gospel. While I do not necessary believe it is a sin to be rich, I do have major Biblical and theological issues with those that believe is is scriptural to buy a four million dollar house for their pastor.

How many homes could be built for the homeless with four million dollars?

How many people could be fed with four million dollars?

How many outfits could be purchased for those that do not have clothes to wear with four million dollars?

How many people could be receive job training with four million dollars?

How many orphans could be given homes and taken care of with four million dollars?

This church and pastor need to reexamine their priorities.

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