Iowa Rethug Sen. Charles Grassley, after evidence of rampant greed and lavish spending among prominent talibangelists became impossible to ignore, has now begun an investigation to determine whether such entities should continue to receive tax-exempt status. The specific holy-rollers being asked to turn over financial records by December are: "faith healer" Benny Hinn, Christian book author Joyce Meyer, Randy and Paula White (Without Walls International Church), Kenneth and Gloria Copeland (Kenneth Copeland Ministries), Eddie Long (New Birth Missionary Baptist Church), and Creflo (!) and Taffi (!) Dollar (!) of World Changers Church International (perhaps that's supposed to be Money Changers Church International?).
Allegations include the groups' leaders dipping into contributions to fund lavish lifestyles, with amenities such as private jets, Rolls Royces, cosmetic surgery, and multi-million dollar homes. The preachers mostly claim these as "blessings from God." Meanwhile, let us recall the Biblical injunction that it would be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the gates of Heaven.
