Griffin Speaks

IN MEMORY OF REVEREND IKE

When I was growing up as a Negro boy in North Carolina one of my favorite television ministers was Rev. Ike. It has been so long since I heard anything from him or seen him on television I just assumed that he was dead. Guess what? He ain’t dead. Rev. Ike born June 1, 1935 in Ridgeland, South Carolina is alive and well! He holds the following degrees: Th.B, D.Sc.L., Ph.D. He is the founder and pastor of Christ United Church in New York City. 

I was sitting in Church’s Chicken the other day when I overheard a couple of ladies talking about Rev Ike’s New York mansions, Rolls-Royces, Mercedes, Bentleys and elaborate wardrobe. In fact one woman claimed to have visited Rev. Ike’s fabulous “Palace Cathedral”. 

I decided to do some research and see just what the Reverend Ike has been up to since I last heard of him.  Well as the old lady would say, “Rev. Ike doing good!” He has made the switch from fundamentalism to worldly pleasures with a “Blessing Plan”. It’s simple: Give what you can to Rev. Ike, and it will be returned with interest to those who have faith. 

As a result of the “Blessing Plan” Rev. Ike purchased a $600,000 movie theater on a full city block in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. He used a million dollars to remodel the theater as the United Palace, with a 5000 seat auditorium. 

Rev. Frederick Eikerenkoetter, known to millions worldwide as Rev. Ike is the original Success and Prosperity Preacher. He was preaching like Joel Olsten decades before Joel was born. Back in the day Rev Ike was dismissed as a con man, but now many famous preachers, teachers and authors sound just like Rev. Ike. They are teaching prosperity. People from all walks of life are attracted to Rev. Ike. 

Rev. Ike’s theology centers around the science of living and thinkonomics. Thinkonomics is Rev. Ike’s version of economics based on the belief that poverty, a lack of luck, poor health, are the results of incorrect attitudes, a lack of confidence, a lack of faith and a failure to recognize the God in you. Unlearning these negative attitudes is what will bring riches and health. 

Rev. Ike proclaims that “You can’t lose with the stuff he uses.” Guess what? For years I have followed Rev. Ike’s principles and I agree, “You can’t lose with the stuff he uses.” “If you speak your word, and it is definite and positive, what you want will come to you!” Five Hundred Rental Homes One Day To Come!!!!!!

In the words of my dad: “Stay away from the pig ears and fried pork chops.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.