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Reverend Ike, Who Preached Riches, Dies at 74
New York Times ^ | July 29, 2009 | CHRISTOPHER LEHMANN-HAUPT

Posted on 07/31/2009 8:43:59 PM PDT by TBP

The Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, the flamboyant minister better known as the Reverend Ike, who preached the blessings of material prosperity to a large congregation in New York and to television and radio audiences nationwide, died Tuesday in Los Angeles, where he had lived since 2007. He was 74.

“This is the do-it-yourself church,” he proclaimed. “The only savior in this philosophy is God in you.”

Along with Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart and Pat Robertson, he was one of the first evangelists to grasp the power of television. At the height of his success, in the 1970s, he reached an audience estimated at 2.5 million.

(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...


TOPICS: Current Events; General Discusssion; Other Christian
KEYWORDS: blackchurch; eikerenkoetter; harlem; losangeles; nyc; obituary; pastor; prosperity; reverendike; revike; televangelist

1 posted on 07/31/2009 8:43:59 PM PDT by TBP
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To: TBP

I remember as a kid seeing him on tv. Didn’t really tae it too seriously though. Its a sad thing what the prosperity gospel stuff does to people. They are so mislead.


2 posted on 07/31/2009 8:45:56 PM PDT by fkabuckeyesrule (There might just be too many metrosexuals in America to allow Sarah Palin to become President)
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To: fkabuckeyesrule

Prosperity Gospel = God wants everyone to be rich. If you’re not, you don’t have enough faith.


3 posted on 07/31/2009 8:46:49 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: Secret Agent Man

“It is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.”
“Ask and you shall receive.”


4 posted on 07/31/2009 8:51:13 PM PDT by TBP
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To: TBP

But Rev. Ike did say one thing that means more and more as we all suffer through the Obama years...

“The best way to help the poor is not to become one of them.”


5 posted on 07/31/2009 8:56:37 PM PDT by SoCalRight
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To: TBP

You must not be familiar with the prosperity gospel. Their theology treats God as a perpetual treat dispenser. And it is your fault if you somehow remain poor.

Jesus said “The poor will always be with you.” Also “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” (not earth). We build up treasures in Heaven, not here. “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet loses his soul?”


6 posted on 07/31/2009 8:59:38 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: Secret Agent Man

I don’t think oyu understand it. Prospeirty is more than just material wealth, although that is obviously a significant part of it.

It’s not “your fault” if you’re poor. It’s simply the outworking of the choices that you have made. EVERYTHING IS. Of course, we’re expected to help the poor, but not to maintain them in their poverty.

The Bible is full of quotes saying that it is God’s intent for us to be prosperous. Some people choose to ignore those quotes, for whatever reason.

if you believe that you’re supposed to be poor, you will think and act in ways that enable you to be poor. But if you change the way you think about it, you can change the circumstances that surround you.


7 posted on 07/31/2009 9:08:41 PM PDT by TBP
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To: Secret Agent Man

The only people who get rich from the Prosperity Gospel are the pastors who preach it.


8 posted on 07/31/2009 9:09:16 PM PDT by Patrick1 (I'm not calling in sick; I'm calling in gone!)
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To: SoCalRight

Yes, and others have said that too. They do hvae a point. If we’re all poor, then nobody will be in a position to help. I’ve never gotten a job or any kind of help from a poor person; they simply can’t afford it. The wealthy can.

Pursuing your self-interest, including your material self-interst, serves society. “Each best serves otehrs by serving himself,” as Dr. Leonard Read put it.


9 posted on 07/31/2009 9:12:59 PM PDT by TBP
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To: TBP
close your eyes hold a dollar in the air and God will come by to pick it up.

Rev. Ike was a corker. He told you he was gunna take your money and he did and he made you like it.

10 posted on 07/31/2009 9:16:22 PM PDT by stylin19a (Obama's Plan B - Payday Loans)
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To: Patrick1

But how’s he gonna get all that loot to Heaven? And what is the exchange rate?


11 posted on 07/31/2009 9:18:15 PM PDT by Clock King (There's no way to fix D.C.)
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To: Clock King

I’m afraid for the good reverend the exchange rate is going to be very high.


12 posted on 07/31/2009 9:22:54 PM PDT by Patrick1 (I'm not calling in sick; I'm calling in gone!)
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To: TBP

Poverty is a state of mind.


13 posted on 07/31/2009 9:27:19 PM PDT by Oratam
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To: TBP

This is one Jewish kid, who, back-then, used to watch Rev. Ike and enjoy him.

He would say to the congregation, “You don’t want your reverend to dress like a poor man. You don’t want your reverend to drive an old car, etc.” And they didn’t.

He was right, but many missed his message. If you want to live a decent life, work hard. Do it yourself. No government handouts, no welfare, no laziness.

He was the arch pro-free enterprise preacher, unlike the masses of marxists posing as clergymen and women today.

He liked America. He liked the opportunity to rise above one’s situation to something better. He was Horatio Alger in a white suit.

I’m willing to bet that heaven is a livelier place because Rev. Ike walked through them pearly gates, and tipped St. Peter for opening them.

Gonna miss you Rev. Shalom!


14 posted on 07/31/2009 9:30:27 PM PDT by MadMax, the Grinning Reaper
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To: TBP

Yes, but do you not know the difference between someone discussin the concept of godly prosperity and the charlatans that I am referring to that preach “Prosperity Theology?” The whole “Word-Faith” “Seed Faith” garbage, that if you speak it with your mouth it will come true, and if it doesn’t it your fault because you don’t have enough faith?

I am not talking about those who preach that God wants the best for us. Whatever that is. What is best for us is all different. When someone comes around saying “GOd wants us all to be rich!” and “If you are not rich, it’s because you don’t believe enough!” that is not biblical preaching. Some people only find God through poverty. In that sense they are rich. The Prosperity Gospel crowd - and Joel Osteen is one of them, Ken Copeland is another - what they are saying just is not right.


15 posted on 07/31/2009 9:32:54 PM PDT by Secret Agent Man (I'd like to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.)
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To: stylin19a

The workers at the KFC I worked at loved this loon and had a radio with him on all the time in the back where I worked. I still remember the prayer bricks for only $1,000 to have your name engraved.


16 posted on 07/31/2009 9:38:54 PM PDT by packrat35 (The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money.- M Thatcher)
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To: Oratam
Poverty is a state of mind.

Exactly.

Change your thinking, change your life.

17 posted on 07/31/2009 9:43:25 PM PDT by TBP
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To: Patrick1

That is simply not true. Many people, by applying the principles of prosperity, have done very well. I know this from seeing it happen time and time again.

How big is your cup? If it runneth ove rtoo easily, perhaps you need a bigger cup. IOW, God will provide — as much or as little as we are open and ready to receive.


18 posted on 07/31/2009 9:45:28 PM PDT by TBP
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To: Patrick1

That is simply not true. Many people, by applying the principles of prosperity, have done very well. I know this from seeing it happen time and time again.

How big is your cup? If it runneth over too easily, perhaps you need a bigger cup. IOW, God will provide — as much or as little as we are open and ready to receive.


19 posted on 07/31/2009 9:45:44 PM PDT by TBP
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To: Patrick1

That is simply not true. Many people, by applying the principles of prosperity, have done very well. I know this from seeing it happen time and time again.

How big is your cup? If it runneth over too easily, perhaps you need a bigger cup. IOW, God will provide — as much or as little as we are open and ready to receive.


20 posted on 07/31/2009 9:45:50 PM PDT by TBP
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To: Patrick1

That is simply not true. Many people, by applying the principles of prosperity, have done very well. I know this from seeing it happen time and time again.

How big is your cup? If it runneth over too easily, perhaps you need a bigger cup. IOW, God will provide — as much or as little as we are open and ready to receive.


21 posted on 07/31/2009 9:45:53 PM PDT by TBP
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To: TBP

God is more than an ATM machine.


22 posted on 07/31/2009 10:08:08 PM PDT by Patrick1 (I'm not calling in sick; I'm calling in gone!)
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To: Patrick1

That comment shows that you don’t understand the teachings at all.


23 posted on 07/31/2009 10:12:57 PM PDT by TBP
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To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

I remember watching Rev Ike as a kid, and actually came to admire the show. He may have taken their money so easily but he gave you a good hour of entertainment.


24 posted on 07/31/2009 10:21:23 PM PDT by pepsionice
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To: TBP
Back in the 70’s I was dialing the A.M. plastic box when I came across some guy screaming and ranting, later I learned it was the Ike. It's a wonder he lived so long.
25 posted on 07/31/2009 10:30:44 PM PDT by count-your-change (You don't have be brilliant, not being stupid is enough.)
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To: Secret Agent Man

Prosperity Gospel = God wants everyone to be rich. If you’re not, you don’t have enough faith.... and you didn’t give me emough money this week.


26 posted on 07/31/2009 11:03:51 PM PDT by MindBender26 ("Ok, so I screwed up... again. I'm 65. What are they going to do, send me back to Vietnam again?)
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To: TBP

The “health, wealth, and prosperity” Gospel is what St. Paul calls the “other gospel,” which is a perversion of the Gospel that Christ proclaimed. If God really did intend all people to be rich, then Jesus was a failure. I guess he didn’t have enough faith.


27 posted on 07/31/2009 11:51:24 PM PDT by Nosterrex
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To: Nosterrex

I like to focus on “What saith the Scriptures?”

“Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousnes delivereth from death.” [Prov.11:4]

“In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” [Proverts 14:23]

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou should go.” [Isaiah 48:17]

“For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul?” [Mark 8:36]

“For bodily exercise profitable little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” [1 Timothy 4:8]

“Mediate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.” [1 Timothy 4:15]

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” [Titus 3:8]

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof; for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” [2 Timothy 3:16-17]


28 posted on 08/01/2009 1:25:30 AM PDT by LetMarch (If a man knows the right way to live, and does not live it, there is no greater coward. (Anonyous)
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To: TBP

Jesus Christ told the story of Lazarus and the rich man.


29 posted on 08/01/2009 4:38:46 AM PDT by marbren
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To: MadMax, the Grinning Reaper

He has to get through that eye of the needle first


30 posted on 08/01/2009 4:40:35 AM PDT by AppyPappy (If you aren't part of the solution, there is good money to be made prolonging the problem.)
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To: TBP
Reverend Ike could be an electric preacher, whether at the old theater or on the road appearing before standing-room-only audiences. And he could make his congregations laugh, drawing on the Bible to drive home his message about the virtues of material rewards. “If it's that difficult for a rich man to get into heaven,” he would often say, citing Matthew, “think how terrible it must be for a poor man to get in. He doesn't even have a bribe for the gatekeeper.”

Straight out of the Baptist creed he learned as a child.

31 posted on 08/01/2009 5:31:08 AM PDT by texas booster (Join FreeRepublic's Folding@Home team (Team # 36120) Cure Alzheimer's!)
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To: TBP
I am pretty sure it was Ike who got on TV and said God wanted him to have a new Caddy by Friday. Send in your money.
32 posted on 08/01/2009 5:33:27 AM PDT by mad_as_he$$ (Nemo me impune lacessit The law will be followed, dammit!)
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To: TBP

I recall seeing the Rev. on TeeVee, way back when.


33 posted on 08/01/2009 5:40:10 AM PDT by csvset
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To: TBP
Here's a website that shows the history of the theater.

United Palace History

Rather opulent.

34 posted on 08/01/2009 5:48:29 AM PDT by csvset
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To: TBP

Tell that to the poor Christians in Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, etc. Especially the ones who are enslaved.


35 posted on 08/01/2009 7:09:20 AM PDT by irishtenor (Beer. God's way of making sure the Irish don't take over the world.)
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To: TBP
If only the Apostles had known!

"8 Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have become kings—and that without us! How I wish that you really had become kings so that we might be kings with you! 9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. 10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored! 11 To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; 13when we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world."

36 posted on 08/01/2009 7:26:09 AM PDT by Mr Rogers (I loathe the ground he slithers on!)
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To: TBP

My mom got a big kick out of this guy. I remember her quoting him “Money is not the root of all evil. The LACK of money is the root of all evil”.

RIP Rev Ike


37 posted on 08/01/2009 11:37:48 AM PDT by jocon307
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To: TBP

"You cannot lose with the stuff I use!"

38 posted on 08/01/2009 11:42:13 AM PDT by They'reGone2000 (I regret having to report THEY'RE BACK.)
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To: TBP
How weird. I didn't even know he was real. I thought he was a character that Flip Wilson made up. I Googled, and Flip created Reverend Leroy based on Reverend Ike.

Here's a clip of Flip as Reverend Leroy. I don't know Reverend Ike, but I loved Flip Wilson.

39 posted on 08/01/2009 11:43:11 AM PDT by Richard Kimball (We're all criminals. They just haven't figured out what some of us have done yet.)
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To: TBP

There are some things money can’t buy...and in the end, God does not take MasterCard.


40 posted on 08/01/2009 11:53:40 AM PDT by RichInOC (No! BAD Rich! (What'd I say?)...R.I.P.)
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To: TBP
You have to check out this video from Rev. Ike's site.

Rev. Ike

41 posted on 08/01/2009 11:59:47 AM PDT by csvset
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To: mad_as_he$$
I am pretty sure it was Ike who got on TV and said God wanted him to have a new Caddy by Friday. Send in your money.

I thought I remembered him riding up in a Rolls at the beginning of the show.

42 posted on 08/01/2009 7:02:50 PM PDT by PAR35
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To: PAR35

Could be. He was on TV forever in SoCal.


43 posted on 08/01/2009 8:33:34 PM PDT by mad_as_he$$ (Nemo me impune lacessit The law will be followed, dammit!)
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