REVrant 31.5 - Paula White on Larry King

Watch Paula on Larry King LIVE TONIGHT!.

About an hour ago, Jan and I watched Paula White on Larry King Live.  Some of you may recall that White is a “televangelist” who announced last August that she and her husband of 18 years were divorcing.  (FYI – This is her second divorce.)  Apparently, White appeared on the show to promote her new book, You’re All That.  Larry King didn’t hesitate to ask the hard questions.  About the divorce, about the lavish lifestyle, about the private jet, about ministry credentials (White is “self-ordained” with zero Biblical or theological training), and about alleged plastic surgery paid for by the ministry!  Apparently a US Senator is investigating her and some other very wealthy televangelists, questioning their tax-exempt status.

There are so many observations I could make.  I’ll limit myself to one.  In the course of the conversation, King asked White about her divorce, and White responded by saying something like this, “You know Larry, I can now minister much more effectively to divorced people because I’ve been through it myself.”  Lord have mercy!  If this twisted logic and rationalization were to be applied unilaterally, then couldn’t the abusing priest justify himself by saying, “I can now minister more effectively to pedophiles because I am one?”  How about the adulterous pastor – “I can now minister more effectively to adulterers because I’ve been there?”  Or the embezzling minister who insists – “I can minister more effectively to embezzlers because I’ve walked in their shoes?” 

No, no, a thousand times, no!  If having to experience the sin or failure(whatever it is) becomes a qualifier that gives a minister credibility, then what are we saying about Biblical qualifications for spiritual leaders? 

Photo from Paula White’s Web site.

(Postscript – I do not consider divorce THE un-pardonable sin; I believe the Bible permits divorce in certain situations; I don’t hold judgment over the heads of those who have suffered through the pain of divorce; I know there are people who were divorced by a spouse against their own wishes; I don’t believe that divorce nullifies spiritual gifts or the ability to use them for all time;  I think it’s a mistake to elevate divorce in a hierarchy as though it is somehow “more sinful” than any other behavior…BUT…the idea that a divorce qualifies a person to minister more effectively to divorced people is deplorable!)   

Comments

[Kurt Michaelson]

Amen Rev! It is amazing to see how much Paula White and others, evade the truth of the Bible, when it comes to confronting sin, by twisting it to conform to their own interpretations and acceptance of behavior.

[Eric Scarborough]

And what is up with the "Happy Holidays" from her website? I am so sick and tired of "Merry Christmas" being pushed aside during this time of year. I refuse to buy any cards that have "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas" and I always respond to that wish with "Merry Christmas"!

[IAD]

*tongue in cheek*

That's great, just great.

It's interesting to me that the picture of her decorating a tree bears the politically-correct caption "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas." Can't even mention Christ in a seasonal greeting? Maybe that makes her better able to minister to politically-correct happy-holidayers.

[michael osayi]

I was very sad when I heard of the impending divorce months ago. I feel sorry for both of them and others like them who have been elevated to a pedestal by us ordinary people. They experience the same hurts and dissapointments just like the rest of us. Money helps only a little bit to cover up our imperfections for a little while. Hey guys, get over it. They are not by any means more important than you just because they happen to have more money and popularity. Face your own spouses and work your marriage. Its the hardest job on earth. Two as one!!!!!!!!!-----Its a mystery. That math can only come from heaven. I wish them all the best as they go in their different directions. God himself who understands all our imperfections will by himself give them succour. Guys, let us not judge them but pray for them and other ministers who are going through challenges at this time. God keep you all in his perfect will.

[Glen]

I, too, posted a review on my site after the Larry King interview, but I focused on another statement she made. I fully support what Mile High Rev has said. White is a fake and just about anything else derogotory you could say about her. She should not be defended by honest God fearing Christians. Defending her or saying we are not suppose to judge is the same as saying you are ok with letting these fakes destroy some peoples belief in God, which they will surely do. I am not a church going person for personal reasons, but the Bible does tell us to expose these kinds of people. Left unchecked, White and people like her will eventually destroy the faith entirely. Even more reason honest people of faith should be speaking out against them.

[Mikell]

Mile High Rev, you got it right! Paula is not a prophet for God, but profits from God, in using His name to live like Donald Trump! Is that the gospel? Such a con! Just look at those she con at, http://www.independentconservative.com/2007/05/25/randy_and_paula_white_evil_vipers
Everyone of us must keep in mind the words of Jesus when He spoke to those who gain greatly in this world, "You, already have your reward." Today, Jesus is saying to people like her and to her as well, "Paula White, already you already have your reward." Mikell

[global warning]

God will deal with the unjust and His judgment IS just! He only wants them to repent before it is too late, because once they are judged by Him, there is NO turning back!!!!!!!!!!!