Be a preacher or start a religion to prosper and be loved

L. Ron Hubbard

Carol Forsloff -  Want to make some quick bucks and have everyone love you? Start your own religion. L. Ron Hubbard did it with just a little cash, created Scientology and a book that got him lots of money and followers with millions of dollars lasting long after Hubbard passed away. 

But when you start that religion, you need to know the tax people and some politicians would be watching you. 

Lots of folks have done well with mega-churches or renting themselves out as gurus for the fad of a certain time. It just takes moxie and a bit of manipulation, and you can get bucks and lots of followers as well. Hubbard knew that the axiom about making money on religion was true enough, because some have ascribed the statement to him, although there is controversy over whether or not he actually said so. Nevertheless, he ended up making money on Scientology and religious books.

Other people have established mega churches that brought in mega bucks. Jim and Tammy Faye Baker made millions, although Jim got jail and Tammy died years later. Nevertheless, it was true they established considerable fortunes and lived lavishly for years. The media embraced Tammy Faye despite the scandals, but the evangelist movement moved away at the same time. Nevertheless, she remained in the ministry and her former husband, Jim Baker, continues to serve his new flock with a new wife. He even has his own new television show.

At the time of his death Elijah Muhammad, founder of the Nation of Islam, had amassed a fortune of $25 million. That's a bundle for sure. His son died in 2008, leaving a fortunehimself.

Senator Charles Grassley of the Senate Finance Campaign committee was  concerned enough about the mega bucks earned by ministers to launch an investigation several years ago.

 An example of luxury, was highlighted by Paula and Randy White, who at the time of Grassley's investigation were the pastors of the Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida.  Randy White was arrested for a DUI, and the couples announcement of divorce came after teary pronouncements before their congregation.

Financial mishaps, accusations of mismanagement of members' funds and a host of other problems along with a divorce became high profile issues surrounding the Whites, who, like the Bakers, had become popular evangelical preachers with large congregations.

Grassley asked for records for tax-exempt cosmetic surgery for Paula. 

Then there is Joyce Meyer, who administers the Joyce Meyer Ministries from Fenton, Mo., who was asked to document and explain why she needed a $23,000 tax-exempt commode with a marble top.

Then maybe you don't want to be a preacher.  Maybe you don't want to have to wake up on Sunday and preach or take care of folks crying about their problems a few hours a week. 

Well,  then write about it.  You don't have to do it yourself, but you can inspire others.  Tim LeHaye with his sidekick Craig Parshall don't want you to be left behind so wrote the Left Behind series with the way, the truth and the light shining ahead so folks wouldn't stumble .  Their efforts may have been made not just for other folks not to be left behind but so they  wouldn't be left behind either in going for gold.  Their books are on Amazon.com and continue to be popularly read.

The list of religious elites goes on, including the mega-million dollar organization of Pastor John Hagee

Religion for some seems profitable, and perhaps those with the most grandiose plans, in the pattern of Bernard Madoff, will make it through even the most difficult economic times with money left over. Not that making money selling books isn't reasonable, but claims that are outrageous might be questioned by the  IRS, if investigators continue to appear and examine the books.

It should be interesting to find out what  investigations end up disclosing in the financial empires of the rich, powerful and religious.