Reverand Ike dies. Remember him?

[Liberal_in_LA]

Remember this guy? Hadn't heard about him in years.

Reverend Ike dies at 74; preached gospel of prosperity


Associated PRess
Reverend Ike, also known as Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter, delivers a sermon in 1977.
The Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II was among the first evangelists to reach an audience of millions through TV. His unorthodox philosophy did not sit well with some ministers and civil rights leaders.
Associated Press
July 30, 2009


The minister known as Reverend Ike, who preached the gospel of material prosperity to millions nationwide, has died. He was 74.

The Rev. Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II died Tuesday, according to a statement on his website. The cause of death was not given.

Reverend Ike preached the power of what he called "positive self-image psychology" to his 5,000 parishioners at the United Church Science of Living Institute in New York.

In the 1970s, Reverend Ike was one of the first evangelists to reach an audience of millions through television.

"This is the do-it-yourself church," he proclaimed. "The only savior in this philosophy is God in you."

[Aristus]

1. He's gonna hate Heaven.

There's no money up there...

[villager]

2. No more waiting for pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by....!

Wow -- haven't thought of him in quite a while, either....

[vincna]

4. ... He'll get his pie today...

with ice cream on top!

[ShortnFiery]

3. Nope, Ike didn't die, he received his biggest and final promotion.

:-)

[HillWilliam]

5. Blast from the past

There was an apocryphal tale about Rev Ike, about sorting out "donations". He'd put the money in a great big plate and throw it up in the air. Whatever G'd could catch, He could keep; the rest was Rev Ike's :D

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Ya can't take it with you Ike!

[Warpy]

7. Prosperity theology worked really well

for the preachers living large on 10% of their flock's gross income.

The pastor cares for his flock because it makes them much easier to fleece.

[cdsilv]

8. Alot like Joel Osteen & Lakewood n/t

[Walk away]

9. I lived in his church's neighborhood when I was in college...

I used to loved to pick up a cup of coffee and the Times at the corner luncheonette and watch his congregation coming and going. These people were the most beautifully dressed group you have ever seen. Hats to die for and a reason to wear them!

I never attended one of his sermons, but those that did apparently had a fabulous time every Sunday morning.

[frylock]

10. jesus was a big proponent of material prosperity

[Vinca]

11. Didn't Eddie Murphy do a Reverend Ike bit?

[Kingofalldems]

12. 'You can't lose with the stuff I use'---Rev. Ike

[Stevenmarc]

13. I don't know how Godly he was but he was certainly entertaining

[Ikonoklast]

14. I once listened to a Rev. Ike sermon on the radio

He just about had me reaching for my wallet before I came to my senses.

The guy was good, real good.

RIP Rev. Ike.