Reverend Ike

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New York Times
Washington Post

Reverend Ike died on July 28 at the age of 74.

He was the man.

The Reverend was one of the first televangelist and preached the prosperity gospel, which teaches God desires material prosperity for those he favors. And his prosperity teachings actually worked! At least for him. He made $1 million a month during his peak in the 1970's when he was on more than 1,700 TV and radio stations.

It was more than enough to pay for his rather extravagant lifestyle.

From the Washington Post:

He owned mansions on the East and West coasts, was partial to designer suits and had a fleet of mink-appointed Rolls-Royces and several yachts. He dropped hints about his bevy of mistresses.

As the collection basket made its way among the movie-house rows of his New York church, he reminded his congregants that the clink of loose change was offensive to his ears, and to God's. The whisper of paper currency is what he delighted to hear.

He also practiced faith healing and targeted the elderly and the poor with his mailings, with a particular emphasis on those of African and Caribbean descent.

Enough writing. If you are considering a career in televangelism check out the video and see how one of the greats does it.



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