Always love the number of theologians these kinds of stories bring out. The writer can't even get the definition of prosperity gospel correct, but he sure knows enough about what the Bible says to throw stones at these guys.
I know nothing about the subject individuals, but I do know that there are a lot of preachers spewing nonsense, most of whom are not and never will be on television. Ironically, the same jealousy that folks like the author of the story seem eager to foment is specifically called out as sinful in the Bible. Willfully giving to the ministry, however, is not. However, I do believe that we are to be good stewards of the resources which God gives us, and that includes a responsibility to be fully informed about what the Bible says and to donate money and other resources accordingly.
Most churches and ministries neither accept nor request government funding, unlike many non-religious "non-profits" who are themselves engaged in objectionable or at least questionable activities. If there is a case to scrutinize non-profits, surely those receiving compulsory "donations" should be first in line, and be subjected to more serious scrutiny.
Ultimately, private organizations--both for-profit and non-profit--should be accountable to their investors and customers, not the court of general public opinion. The court of public opinion would likely say that none of us need to own or fly an airplane outside of the profession--after all, most other forms of travel are statistically safer, and the money we spend on these activities could be better spent someplace else.
JKG
