False Prophets, Greed, and Why This Isn’t Christianity
If you’ve seen the video “I Exposed the Most Corrupt Churches in America” by YouTuber @whaddoyoumeme, you already know it hits hard. The guy walks right into a Benny Hinn event and calls him out for being a fraud—live, on camera. No fear. It’s wild.
What follows is a deeper dive into the toxic world of flashy televangelists, so-called “prophets,” and miracle-sellers that rake in millions by convincing desperate people to give their last dime in the name of faith. It’s heartbreaking. And honestly? It makes Christianity look awful.
What the Video Shows
The video doesn’t just stop at Benny Hinn. It shows how televangelists like Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, and others have built empires off “seed money” and prosperity gospel promises. Interviews with ex-members make it even more gut-wrenching. People who gave everything hoping for healing, blessings, or breakthroughs that never came. The showmanship, the wealth, the manipulation, it’s a well-oiled machine.
This Isn’t the Gospel
Let’s get one thing straight: this kind of exploitation isn’t new. The Bible called this out centuries ago.
- Jeremiah 6:13 – “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit.”
- Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
- 2 Peter 2:14 – “They have hearts trained in greed… they are accursed.”
- Mark 8:36 – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
- Proverbs 1:19 – “Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.”
The Bible doesn’t pull punches when it comes to greed and false prophets. If anything, it calls them out more aggressively than most of us do today.
Why This Matters
When ministries become more about the money and spectacle than the gospel, people get hurt. Spiritually, emotionally, and financially. That’s not what Jesus taught. He didn’t ride in on a golden chariot or promise people cash for their faith. He spoke to the poor, healed the broken, and flipped tables when the temple turned into a marketplace.
The more this kind of “Christianity” dominates the airwaves, the harder it becomes for people to hear about the real Jesus. The one who healed without asking for money. The one who never needed a private jet.
So What Can We Do?
- Know your Bible. If a sermon doesn’t line up with scripture, question it. (Acts 17:11)
- Don’t fall for emotional manipulation. If someone needs music, lights, and theatrics to get you to give, think twice.
- Value transparency. Real ministries are open about where the money goes.
- Choose leaders who walk the talk. See 1 Timothy 3 for what actual spiritual leadership should look like.
- Pray for discernment. Not every popular preacher is a prophet. Some are just really good salesmen.
Final Thoughts
Jesus never asked for a donation before healing someone. The gospel isn’t a business model. It’s not a product to be sold. It’s grace. Freely given. So if someone’s getting rich off your hope, it’s time to ask: are they preaching Jesus, or selling Him?
Call it out. Speak truth. And don’t be afraid to walk away from the noise. You’re not turning your back on faith. You’re protecting it from those who’ve twisted it for profit.
Tony Gebhard 