Advocates seek wealth, fame
saudi media man saud al-dosari left the world in 2015 when he was relatively young. he used to present a program called ‘turning point’ on the mbc satellite channel mainly about researching some of the points or stages that formed a turning point in the lives of some.
i was a guest of his program together with one of the senior leaders of the awakening movement who recently announced giving up his former positions when consciousness returned to him. by chance, perhaps, the record of the interview in the program clearly showed his extravagant life – and still is – and he did not try to hide his wonderful possessions from the program cameras, although his extravagant living did not carry well with the lifestyle of a cleric we have painted in our mind, or what it is supposed to be.
the attempt to exploit the advocacy or religious preaching to amass wealth is very old and others have preceded us.
the advocates of america in particular have long runs in this field, where many of them have made enormous wealth, and no doubt that our preachers have learned a lot from them and the conditions of petrodollar and religious wars in afghanistan and others helped them in achieving wealth and carve a place of importance and prestige for themselves in the hearts and pockets of their followers.
the smart ones, then silently withdrew from the scene to enjoy the richness, and one of them chose to retire in his private and huge farm in a beautiful african country where he cultivates cloves but he did not live long to enjoy it. the question remains: from where did he get the huge money to buy that farm, because he was a doctor and always claimed to have nothing?
the western preachers, especially the americans, climbed to fame through television appearances, their richness and the aptitude to communicate with millions of their followers.
one of most famous american preachers was billy graham, who lived one hundred years and was a spiritual adviser to a number of presidents, including eisenhower. right winger pat robertson, nearing 90 years, was known for his wide influence in american politics. his rivals were joel osteen and zola levitt. levitt ‘abandoned’ judaism and became a protestant missionary, but was not less famous and rich.
jimmy lee swaggart was the most controversial because of his bustling life. his sermons were broadcast through 3,000 stations at the same time, but his involvement in sexual scandals ended his relationship with his followers.
the success of these preachers encouraged others to enter the arena and they have reached dozens in number, women and men, white and black, and many other races, and each promoting for his/her church and belief claiming it is different from others.
kenneth copeland who appeared recently, has made a fortune estimated at $760 million, and justifi es his possession to three aircraft, especially since the use of commercial aviation does not suit his position as a missionary and preacher.
if we want to go into further details with the name, voice and images of what our preachers have collected in kuwait only, the article will not find its way into publication, and perhaps we would be exposed to what is worse.
therefore, the advocacy in the eyes of many of these is only a means to achieve influence and wealth. you can find pictures of the models or what remains of them in the newspapers every morning.
