Content area
Full Text
Preacher who worshipped wealth
In many American evangelical churches, prosperity is seen as a sign of God's blessing, and the display of material wealth by church leaders a reflection of that blessing; the pure essence of what Max Weber defined as "the Protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism". Few evangelists appealed more directly for that blessing, or flaunted worldly success more flamboyantly, than the Reverend Ike, who has died aged 74. And none encouraged their congregations more enthusiastically to do the same, to "close your eyes and see green!"
Proselytising combined with a relentless appeal for funds has always been a staple of evangelicism, but Rev Ike's message of fiscal empowerment was unique. If St Paul believed that money was the root of all evil, then Ike rewrote Paul, telling his followers that evil grew from lack of money, and that they, with his guidance, could use faith to get rich. His preaching was equally distinctive, blending the traditional gospel style of black churches, with their emphasis on preparing for the next life, with a practical exhortation far closer to mainstream white churches, in particular the "Power of Positive...