The House That Taxpayers Built

Nyah Molineaux
August 29 2005, 1:35AM

Bishop Long and a lot of these ministers who preach about God are a bunch of frauds. Bishop Long said that gays are going to hell. But I guess he missed the verses on the pharisees, or the basic comandment that Thou Shalt Not Steal.

DB
August 29 2005, 7:51AM

What a shame.....I don't know what else to say...

brian
August 29 2005, 9:04AM

keith you get way in for posting this story. i just hope that the members of his church began to realize that they should worship God and not the preacher. Good job keith!

Fratman1906
August 29 2005, 9:15AM

"Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart" - Jeremiah 14:14. I won't add anything else to this comment as the scripture says it all. Shem hotep!

Kevin C
August 29 2005, 10:45AM

The really sad news is there are still some dumb closet gays going to that crap!!

You have to be beyond STUPID not to see this fool is nothing more than a trickster.

Kevin C
ATL

Kevin C
August 29 2005, 11:45AM

CORRECTION:
A person would have to be beyond stupid....

per my previous comment. I was not directing it to Keith. Sorry.

Kevin C
ATL

Marlon
August 29 2005, 12:01PM

Crucify HIM!!!

jaxboi
August 29 2005, 1:10PM

I think we need to be a little careful how we talk about "ministers" of the Gospel. There are a lot of fraudulant people in the world as it is and for us to sit back in judgement on who is a fraud or who is prophesying lies, can be very dangerous grounds according to the bible. Not all of his assests come from New Birth. Just be careful what we say about people after reading one article without all the facts.

Mel Smith
August 29 2005, 2:13PM

If the paster is a self made man, I think it's ok for him to live anyway he wants. BUT I WOULD NOT live a wealthy lifestyle off charity money. From my understanding Jesus preach more against greed, than any so called "sinners." That's why It always disturb me when people point their hands at others. It also upset me that so many of us talk about Jesus and we don't mind hurting and discriminating against others. Now I understand why there are so many non believers in the world. Finally, I believe in demons and I think they exist in people. They influence people to judge and lash out at others. I also think they play in role in people stealing from these churches.

brian
August 29 2005, 2:30PM

this response is for jaxboi, ministers are to be leaders and pillars of our communities and when we become aware of wrong doings or suspicious behavior yes we have the right to question the ministers' integrity. if you look on the internet concerning the investigation of the new birth public record concerning the tax info you will easily determine that there is room for suspicion and questions. my thing is if these mega church ministers are so humble and God driven they should not want to have all those worldly possessions especially when the parishioner themselves are taking public transportation to attend these churches. it's bad enough when our gov't tricks and deceives us, but when our community leaders do the same what do we have left? serve God only. peace

AWC
August 29 2005, 2:34PM

I am no religious scholar, nor am I even a Baptist, but how did he get to be "Bishop" Eddie Long? I thought that Baptist churches were self governing and didn't have an episcopal hierarchy. Did he just "appoint" himself Bishop? What is he the Bishop of? Just wonderin'......

Ash
August 29 2005, 3:30PM

No one should be surpries at E.Long's wealth and how he obtains it. He is nothing more than a reincarnation of Rev. Ike. Entertain the conregation and make bank! Just call him E.Long-2000!

Melody
August 29 2005, 4:14PM

Bishop Eddie Long is just enlightening God's children. God's people will always have the best. I'm sure many in his congregation is living just as good or better than he is. Don't hate the brother. The Word of God says, If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Bishop is eating good.

Let him that lack wisdom ask God. Get to talking

Blessing Melody

Kenneth Winfrey
August 29 2005, 4:30PM

I was raised Baptist. We had no bishops or other Episcopal hierarchy. It is interesting, however, that this hierarchy has been invoked.

These congregants likely feel that their "love offerings" to Mr. Long are somehow necessary to obtain the favor of God. It's obvious that many church-going folk perceive their leaders as a "third degree" from God "himself." First there's God, then Jesus, then the leader of the church. After all, "Bishop" sounds a bit more commanding than even Reverend or Pastor, the two terms usually used to refer to the leader of a Baptist church.

Take "jaxboi" below for example. While I respect his religious conviction, there is something of the implication of a lightning strike in his words! [Watch the jewlery Keith...HA HA] It doesn't sound like he believes we are free to charge Mr. Long with fraud like anyone else because he's a so-called "minister." But heck, if Mr. Long's the worthy man he claims to be, he should know that his God will protect him.

These are perfect examples of the fear of and misplaced emphasis Chrisitanity has put on the institution and personnel of the chuch, rather than the divine.

It is my opinion that such excessive material accoutrements would inhibit ones ability to perceive that which is purely spiritual. Mr. Long likely has more fears about loosing all those things, than he does faith that they righfully belong to him.

Kenneth Winfrey
August 29 2005, 4:34PM

While he's spreading hatred and taking money from people who should actually be spending it for their own well-being (going to school, saving money, starting businesses, etc)...

Mel Smith
August 29 2005, 4:48PM

Melody, I think there are decent people in this world who are not eating good every night. People are not hating on the brother. I already stated that I have no problem with self made people. I personally would not buy a $300,000 Bentley with CHARITY money.

jazzi
August 29 2005, 8:17PM

I'm not against a man or a woman of the cloth making money. Hey, they gotta eat too! But may I say there is something terribly wrong with a minister making $500,000 or more annualy & there are people in the congregation who are struggling to pay their bills. Rather then living of the good of the land, a lot of these charlatans are living of the ignorance, fear, complacency, & blindness of their followers! I always say you get the leader you deserve. If you aren't smart enough to question or will allow yourself to be intimidated, then serves you right! People say these men DESERVE the best. Don't we all? With God there is no respect of persons, no favorites. And don't give me that bullshit about being self made. My ass!

Roger
August 29 2005, 10:03PM

$300,000 Bentleys? Million dollar homes? God is good indeed.

Sorry if I disagree with most people posting here, but I am opposed to ministers being wealthy. As am I opposed to political leaders being wealthy.

Why? Because, they are public servants. You dont take this job or "calling" for the money, or so I have heard, you take it to help people. Or do you?

"Bishop" Long is a microcosm of the larger religous and political landscape in this country and it is those of us that "have not," that end up paying for it.

For the people that are offended by those of us who call religous "leaders" corrupt when they clearly are, I cant help but wonder why?

Particularly when the people are men (and women) like Eddie long. If you read the article, you should understand that the post Keith wrote is hardly the entire story and that Mr. Longs "charity" has far exceeded its non-profit status.

I must ask, just what does it take for some of us to call a spade a spade? This is not about hating on someone who is providing for his family and trying to enrich the spiritual lives of church goers.

This is the case of an arrogant religous figure who not only feels he is above the law, but is somehow entitled to steal from people.

EJ
August 29 2005, 10:05PM

Can some one say hypocrite? I am never surprised when I hear stories like this. After hearing the Bishop a few years ago in person, I got the impression he was living very large, and I am sure this is just the tip of the iceburg. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with ministers being successful. But using tax-exempt status in this way, and administering a church and a ministry like a dictatorship just does not seem to be in keeping with the Christian spirit.

jaxboi
August 30 2005, 9:00AM

Thanks Brian for the response. There is no doubt about suspicious activity. Any time you have situations like this, there will be. Is anyone that posted a comment a member of New Birth?? My only concern is when we challange the calling on a persons life. You have people saying "crucify him"?? Warning comes before destruction.

Danny
August 30 2005, 10:03AM

Funny thing, me and a friend was just talking about this last Sunday. He mentioned that he was attending a homeowners meeting within the area of New Birth and he mentioned to the president that they should try to ask if they could hold some meetings there. When I tell you, his back door is right at New Birth. They can actually walk to church and I am sure alot of the community attends the church. Of course, the church denied their request. No one should live poor just because they preach the word but some of the preachers are very extreme.

Marlon
August 30 2005, 1:46PM

"I deal with the White House. I deal with Tony Blair. I deal with presidents around this world. I pastor a multimillion-dollar congregation."

CRUCIFY HIS AZZ - Uniquivocally!

Didn't black leaders crucify his azz - in his own church - during the State of the Black Union about the WHITE House?

You bring the lumber, I've got the nails. OK!

fmch
August 30 2005, 3:34PM

quote:
"Bishop Eddie Long is just enlightening God's children. God's people will always have the best. I'm sure many in his congregation is living just as good or better than he is. Don't hate the brother. The Word of God says, If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Bishop is eating good.

Let him that lack wisdom ask God. Get to talking

Blessing Melody"

melody:

the "best" depends on your perspective.....the "best" means (for me) HIS mercy and grace in my life....the "best" means (for me) spiritual and health prosperity.......

Posted by: Melody at August 29, 2005 04:14 PM

Juan
August 30 2005, 9:47PM

And this article surprises you because? Unfortunately, going back as far as Rev. Ike and his prayer cloths, Black folk have been enriching purported men of God with unbelievable riches. You would be surprised how many new church mortgages include the pastor's new home. It's become such common practice that people like the brothe rmentioned in the article can get rich peddling ways for pastors to get richer. As I have always said, be responsible for your own salvation whatever that means to you because the average Pastor of today is going to BUST HELL WIDE OPEN.

One Love.

Steve
August 31 2005, 8:57AM

I used to be a member of that church. But, I noticed that over time there was less lifting of the name of Jesus and more lifting of Eddie Long and building of physical structures. I've always contended that if the gospel of Jesus Christ was about material prosperity, he would have left behind physical structures that would still exist today.
Power is a heady thing. The Eddie/Dollar ministries that I have sprouted is more about obtaining material and tangible wealth while the gospel is about intangilbe. There is no where in the Bible that says that God's people can't be financial poor or ill. I can't stand it when people equates ones health and financial prosperity to how favored they are in God's site. God's abundance falls on the wicked and the just.

My last point. At the Megafest Eddie Long introduced his books, talked about his vision of the "new church" and asked for everyone to pass money to the front. Not once did he mention Jesus in his sermon, talked about the plan of salvation or open the doors of the church or at least I should say the church of Jesus Christ.

Ify
August 31 2005, 12:40PM

I ask we all pray for Bishop Long Amen!

Sista Teresa
September 2 2005, 2:49PM

To all the negative responses. You all are some sick individuals. You all sould just like the people in the bible when they yelled crucify Jesus Christ. I feel so sorry for you all not Bishop Long but to each person who sent a negative response. what kind of persons are y'all. Why are y'all Judging this man? Leave Him Alone. With all these replies, Eddie Long must be doing something right. The Devil is busy (negative people). But God still has continue and I guarantee to all Bishop not gonna lose a sleepless night. So Stop!

Aniel C. Daniels-Abernathy
September 2 2005, 6:01PM

To tell the truth this attacking of Bishop Eddie L. Long was prophesied (revield by god unto his people) at New Birth months ago. So basically this is just confirmation on what thus saith the Lord. So to all you GOD haters, Bishop Long haters, and New Birth haters, keep on doing what you doing because GOD is using you if you're for us or against us. If the devil knew the outcome of Jesus' Death he would have never crucified the Lord of Glory. So thank you for talking about us, our Bishop, and ultimately GOD because we know you're just going to pust to the next level were GOD wants us to be. Once again thank you

Aniel C. Daniels-Abernathy
September 2 2005, 9:17PM

On a sidebar why isn't anyone writing about New Birth's kingdom agenda? All single mothers @ New Birth who don't have transportation will have it (cars, brand new, and paid for) can yall do that? if yes, whould you? NO. We're getting families out of debt (members bills being paid), Guaranteed 4.0-for students who have less than a 2.0 will have a 4.0 by the end of this semester, computers in households, and about ten other causes. These things have come to pass we've seen it with our own eyes. It seems like Nobody talks about good its sad. But due to Hurricane Katrina the efforts are going towards helping people re-establishing their lives. Because help this help, mercy, love is ordainded by GOD. Thank you LORD for using your people, even those who aren't THANK YOU OH GOD. Bless YOUR HOLY NAME. YOU GET ALL THE GLORY GOD. HALLELUJAH. Touch minds LORD GOD right now in the name of JESUS. Touch hearts LORD GOD right now in the name of JESUS. Touch bodies LORD GOD right now in the name of JESUS. Touch everything LORD GOD right now in the name of JESUS. BLESS YOU OH GOD. THIS IS OUR DECLARATION touch YOUR man, our Bishop let him STAND in the midst of ADVERSITY AS HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS NOT AN Eddie Long thing THIS IS A KINGDOM THING. ALL WHO ARE AFFECTED BY KATRINA AND HER DISRTUCTION I DECLACE PEACE THAT SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, BECAUSE YOU WORD SAID THAT "YOU WOULD NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US". THOSE OF US WHO HAVE FAMILIES IN NEW ORLEANS, OR ANYWHERE LET US RISE UP AND LET US AVAIL OUR SELVES TO YOU OH GOD RIGHT NOW LORD GOD THESE THINGS ARE DONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS. AMEN.

Mark
September 5 2005, 10:32AM

It was also foretold in the bible that (in the end-time) there would be numerous false teachers.
Go to http://newbirth.org, every page has tons of images of Bishop Long; phrases such as "... he is revered..." Bishop Long, Juanita Bynum etc., etc., etc. are cult leaders, leading the (spiritually) blind down the path of destruction. No PERSON is our leader, No PERSON should be followed. Only through understanding the Bible, which reveals the Word of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, can the intent of a person be discerned. It's truly a shame that millions of good people, seeking Truth, are being deceived by demon-influenced people in self-appointed positions of leadership. These deveivers, holding a Bible, speaking from the Bible, simultaneously insert falsehoods that their followers do not discern, due to the followers'ignorance of Scripture. This was also prophesied in the Bible.

Mark
September 5 2005, 10:45AM

Aniel C. Daniels-Abernathy: do not be deceived when the ACTUAL anti-christ arrives, doing miracles a million times more woundrous than imaginable, ending persons' debts, curing people of all illnesses, great acts of generosity; saying he is Jesus returned. Clearly discern when he returns!
Remember: Satan is immensely clever, he uses many methods (particularly material wealth; remember what he offered Jesus) to deceive, to draw in people. Eddie Long is not THE anti-christ, Eddie Long is just a two-bit recruiter.

Aniel C. Daniels-Abernathy
September 5 2005, 11:24PM

Mark, Whateverrrrrrrr, Dude.

Paula
September 6 2005, 12:13PM

It just bothers my, how some many people can judge one man. I have been to New birth and personal meet Bishop and his wife. If you think this man is doing something out of the well of God you are DEAD WRONG. Bishop is an overseeing of many people. His heart is bigger than any human i have ever meet. He is a praying man and please know that with all this DRAMA, he will come out on TOP. You kno why? Because God has ordianed this vision and mission he is on. The devil, the news people, the newspaper cannot hurt this man or this ministry. If you were you I would be praying that the wraf of God does not come down on you, the bible clearly states NO WEAPON FORM AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER. So if you believe that God is playing with us, you better think again, becasue when you mess with one of God ordined people he does not like it. He will increase Bishop 100 times just like Job. I will be praying for all the folks who think Bishop is wrong.

mark
September 6 2005, 10:33PM

A human being, knowledgable of the Word of God,
in a position of pastoring to God's children, welcomes (should require, in fact) that he be questioned (respectfully) and have his teachings
-and conduc- confirmed by Scripture.
His love for people should extend to REQUIRING that those he pastors value their souls (infinitely) more than anything on this planet. Therefor, blind obedience, submission to an authority other than God/Jesus/Holy Spirit should be greatly discouraged by a Godly pastor. Each of us has equal access to God, God hears each of our prayers equally. To rely on another human (without CONFIRMING for yourself that their teachings strictly adhere to Scripture) for our soul's journey is perilous, to say the least.
Remember Jonestown? Drink the KoolAid at your own peril.

mark
September 6 2005, 11:39PM

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Yes, Eddie Long has the ability, at this very moment, to become the most highly-respected, loved pastor, by many, many thousands more people. He is fearful of doing the one thing that would transform him and bring countless more people to Salvation through Jesus Christ. I pray God Almighty will guide Eddie Long to the realization of this one thing, and that Eddie Long act upon it.

AF
September 17 2005, 12:52AM

Let him without sin cast the first stone . . .

ROBIN
September 24 2005, 5:35AM

JUDGEMENT BEGINS AT THE HOUSE OF GOD!

Christina
September 27 2005, 4:47PM

I am a proud member of New Birth and Bishop Eddie Lond is appointed by God. The only thing this foolishness is doing is catapulting him into a higher level that is bringing glorification to God. I thank God for Bishop Long. The Lord will bless those that bless you (Bishop Long) and curse those that curse you (Bishop Long). May God have mercy on the one who started this and the ones who posted this article. You can't attack Bishop because God has consumed each and every one of his enemies on every side. Why waste your time fighting against a God who already has won the victory over every evil force?

Carla
September 29 2005, 1:52PM

I don't judge Bishop Long, but I can't in good faith worship with his ministry either. I read the article in the AJC, and I didn't hear the tone of a humble man, I heard arrogance and self reverance. These things are not pleasing to God, and personally, I am sorrowful for all those in his flock who are being mislead by him.

Mark
October 17 2005, 2:08PM

I'm not here to knock the Bishop. I have been to a couple of his sermons and for the most part they were pretty good. The problem I had was when the collection plate was passed he made it clear that he wanted 10% of the gross and not the net. He said and I quote "God should get his 10% off the top". For a man to TELL me to give up my hard earned money, thats just not right. I had already determined I was going to give but don't tell me how much I have to give. Some people will give 10% when they know there electric bill is due. Well thats not me, God did not make me to be ignorant. My original point is this, my fiance's mother was sick with a back injury and the Bishop never once called to check on her. My fiance's mom has been a member of the church since it was located on Snapfinger. She was in and out of the hospital for minor surgeries and she recovered although not fully. Shortly after she won the Fantasy 5 for about 200K. Well wouldn't you know the church wanted her to give 10%. I'm not sure how the church helps others but in this instance I know the church did not help with the mortgage or any of the bills this woman had to pay while she was sick. Is it just me or is this RIDICULOUS? Please note that the Bishop performed the wedding for her daugher, my soon to be sister-in-law. So he's knows the family pretty well. This guy may be a good person and gives one heck of a sermon but the truth of the matter is he is stealing from the people. The Bishop is in charge of all of the financial matters of the church. There use to be a board which oversaw how the funds were used but the Bishop dismembered the board because they questioned his use of funds. Why would you not want anyone to oversee the church funds unless you were stealing the money??????