05-25-2009, 01:31 PM
A televangelist's surging wealth prompts growing questions
By Ames Alexander and Tim Funk | Charlotte Observer
INDIAN LAND, S.C. _ As Easter approached, the ad ran repeatedly on the Inspiration Network: David Cerullo, clutching a Bible, told viewers that they, too, could receive prosperity, physical healing and other blessings that God gave the ancient Israelites.
All they had to do, the televangelist said, was send $200 or more.
"Go to your phone," he said. "Sow your Passover offering and watch God do what he said he would . . . Call now."
Pitches such as this have made the Charlotte-area cable network one of the world's fastest-growing Christian broadcasters, beaming into more than 100 countries on five continents. They've also helped make Cerullo, Inspiration's CEO and on-air host, a wealthy man.
He brings home more than $1.5 million a year, making him the best-paid leader of any religious charity tracked by watchdog groups. His salary dwarfs those of executives leading far larger religious nonprofits.
David and Barbara Cerullo live in a 12,000 square-foot lakefront home in south Charlotte _ complete with an elevator and an 1,100-square-foot garage. Their grown children also receive handsome salaries.
To read the complete article, visit www.charlotte.com.
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Bible was written over a period of 1,000 years by, of course, 6 different people so don't make me believe it is the word of God. I don't want to sound rude, but to me being an Evangelical is the equivalent of Muslim extremism. Evangelicals usually are not tolerant toward things or individuals that are different from their belief. Everything is evil and diabolic to them except Bush of course. My opinion is that this is not a religion but a sect and the followers are brainwashed.
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You really can't blame the guy for trying to make a living. Religion is a great business to get into these days, especially in poorer, less educated red states. There's a fortune to be made here and it's all tax free. And, unlike dealing drugs, it's a relatively low risk business. What more could you ask for?
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it is time the gov taxes the religious leaders and their dwellings.
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If people see what this guy is doing and continue to allow him to be a religious pirate hiding behind an altar then who are we to complain. It's not like he's hiding anything. He lives in a 12,000 square foot house and they continue to give hiom money...shame on them
By Ames Alexander and Tim Funk | Charlotte Observer
INDIAN LAND, S.C. _ As Easter approached, the ad ran repeatedly on the Inspiration Network: David Cerullo, clutching a Bible, told viewers that they, too, could receive prosperity, physical healing and other blessings that God gave the ancient Israelites.
All they had to do, the televangelist said, was send $200 or more.
"Go to your phone," he said. "Sow your Passover offering and watch God do what he said he would . . . Call now."
Pitches such as this have made the Charlotte-area cable network one of the world's fastest-growing Christian broadcasters, beaming into more than 100 countries on five continents. They've also helped make Cerullo, Inspiration's CEO and on-air host, a wealthy man.
He brings home more than $1.5 million a year, making him the best-paid leader of any religious charity tracked by watchdog groups. His salary dwarfs those of executives leading far larger religious nonprofits.
David and Barbara Cerullo live in a 12,000 square-foot lakefront home in south Charlotte _ complete with an elevator and an 1,100-square-foot garage. Their grown children also receive handsome salaries.
To read the complete article, visit www.charlotte.com.
------------------------------
Bible was written over a period of 1,000 years by, of course, 6 different people so don't make me believe it is the word of God. I don't want to sound rude, but to me being an Evangelical is the equivalent of Muslim extremism. Evangelicals usually are not tolerant toward things or individuals that are different from their belief. Everything is evil and diabolic to them except Bush of course. My opinion is that this is not a religion but a sect and the followers are brainwashed.
------------
You really can't blame the guy for trying to make a living. Religion is a great business to get into these days, especially in poorer, less educated red states. There's a fortune to be made here and it's all tax free. And, unlike dealing drugs, it's a relatively low risk business. What more could you ask for?
---------------------
it is time the gov taxes the religious leaders and their dwellings.
-----------
If people see what this guy is doing and continue to allow him to be a religious pirate hiding behind an altar then who are we to complain. It's not like he's hiding anything. He lives in a 12,000 square foot house and they continue to give hiom money...shame on them