I. Rev. Ike’s “gospel”

There was a professor at my theology school, who was on the mailing list of “Rev. Ike.” Professor May posted Rev. Ike’s literature on his office door for all to see. Rev. Ike was an early proponent of what has come to be called the “prosperity gospel.”

Rev. Ike preached that it is God’s will for you to be wealthy now. God doesn’t want you to wait for the sweet by and by. You can have what God had given Rev. Ike: diamond rings on every finder – see the picture, a mansion – see the picture, a yacht – see the picture, a Mercedes Benz – see the picture. Rev. Ike’s good news, the gospel he preached, was, “Just as God has blessed me, God will bless you too.”

“Just send money to my ministry. For your love offering, I’ll send you a prayer cloth over which I’ve personally …