I grew up in Oklahoma City when Oral Roberts was on TV.
My siblings and I used to make fun of him. When he would ask people to come and put their hand on the TV, we’d jokingly do what he said. He would holler, "heal, heal, heal!" We’d all laugh and practice saying the same thing as we held our small hands on the TV. We thought he was nuts!
Well, the institution that Oral Roberts built in Tulsa, Oklahoma is awash in scandal. Click here to read about what’s going on.
I have had friends whose children attended ORU. Many of them thought there was something "wrong" with the teachings at ORU. Some told me that it appeared that they cared more about "right appearance" rather than "right belief."
I have no idea whether any or all of these accusations filed against Oral’s son Richard and his second wife Lyndsey are true, but the fallout has certainly begun with students leaving in droves. I certainly do hope that the truth will come out much like it did during the Jim & Tammy Faye Baker, PTL scandal, and the Catholic Church scandal when known pedophile priests were merely moved to new parishes rather than being prosecuted.
The Bible talks about False Shepherds and False Prophets, and I believe we are in an age when God is beginning to expose them. I’m certain it will not be pretty, but I sincerely believe that it is necessary for God to cleanse HIS Church. Those of us of faith will not be shaken since we don’t follow men anyway since it’s fraught with danger when people follow men rather than following God. Jesus died so that we all can communicate directly without man’s intervention or interpretation.
I do believe that it’s not up to me to judge Richard and Lyndsey Roberts as they will answer to God not man. They may, of course, suffer some severe consequences when they have their day in court and man does judge them by our legal system. However, as 2Th 1:8 states:
"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus."
If they are guilty they will be punished for their indescretions by a much higher authority than man. Leaders are held to much higher biblical standards than ordinary church going people, and as a leader, you do not want to be guilty of leading any of God’s children astray in anyway. I’m sure you’ve heard the term "the wrath of God!"
Click here to read one of the responses by the Roberts to the above piece. I read through many of the comments on a website left by tons of ORU students who freely talked about some other very disturbing allegations and situations at ORU involving the Roberts’ three daughters. Let’s just say that the students weren’t very flattering in their assessment of the Roberts’ children and they were referred to quite often as haughty, spoiled brats, etc.
The New England papers haven’t printed much about this story, but I will continue to follow it and post updates. I am deeply sadened when all of Christianity gets a bad rap because of some leaders indiscretions although I certainly understand that it’s very easy for worldly, non-christians to think that all of Christianity is hypocritical. Unfortunately, all of the good that is done in our churches around the world is many times overshadowed by high-publicity scandals.
Pastor John Hagee is apparently on the Board of ORU and says that a full investigation will be conducted. My problem with Pastor Hagee is that while he is morbidly obese himself, he’s always telling smokers, drinkers, etc. that they’re "sinning" all the while he certainly appears to be a glutton. While the bible warns of gluttony, it does not say anything specific about smokers other than warning that all things should be done in moderation, and that while all things are permissible, not all things are beneficial. So, is it any wonder why many people see so many hypocrits preaching the gospel? I have faith, however, that the true shepherds and prophets, etc. will rise up in the appointed time and hour and the false shepherds will be exposed and punished.
God Bless and help all of us in these very trying times, and I’ll leave you with something that the Apostle Paul, who killed Christians before he was converted, says in Philippians 1:15-18 from the NIV version:
"It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice…"
PPS: Has ownership "shifted?"…here’s a couple of poems I wrote about 15 years ago:
Sanctification
My Church is hurt, she’s wounded, she’s caught
in a manmade prison of shame and fraught.
But if she’d just look to Me,
I have the answer on My tree.
It isn’t one of hiding things
but illuminating them to see,
The darkness only makes them grow,
like mushrooms captured in dung below.
You think I’ll turn and blame and point!
That’s men whom I did not anoint.
My ways are grace and love and knowing
of things you think you are not showing.
But I see already all your debt,
don’t go away again with needs unmet.
Confess those secret things inside of you,
and I will catapult you to life anew!
Come with your baggage all to Me,
I paid for you on Calvary.
TRADITION
My Church I call again to Me
She’s marching out unprepared to see
The foundation she’s on
is slimy and askew.
She’s gone beyond what I told her to!
She must get fortified each precious one inside,
Before she stumbles because of her pride.
I am the Head, One flock, One shepherd…
Not many men all filling needs
of ego and power and their security.
Await with patience My direction,
Then we’ll march out all in section!