Prosperity Gospel Lifts Varick

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by Uma Ramiah | Jan 11, 2011 2:17 pm

(25) Comments | Commenting has been closed | E-mail the Author

Posted to: Black History, Religion, News From The Pews

Uma Ramiah Photo

The Rev. Eldren D. Morrison had a vision for his parishioners on Dixwell Avenue: A vision of a new house, at the end of a long road.

“Sometimes it seems that God has put what He has promised us on hold,” the pastor shouted from the pulpit at Varick AME Zion Church. “He promised you that house. But you’re still waiting!”

Morrison, at just 29 years old, has been working to revive one of New Haven’s oldest and most storied congregations. And on Sunday, during a joyful, thunderous service, he delivered a relevant, nuanced message.

“If you’re willing to let God lead you, even if it’s the long route,” he continued, “God will do exceedingly, abundantly; above all you could ask or think.”

On display, at times, was a religious approach known as “Prosperity Theology,” or the “Prosperity Gospel.” Sometimes referred to as the Health and Wealth Gospel, it holds that believers in Jesus Christ should expect blessings, often monetary, in return for their faithfulness, and tithes and offerings to the church. It affirms that Christians, through Christ, deserve and are promised both financial and bodily health.

But though Morrison and his congregation embraced that gospel on Sunday, it came wrapped not in a message of instant gratification, but of long years of hard travel, of desert wandering with that new home kept in sight. The way that Varick’s home itself is emerging from a desert trial.

2 Vacation Homes, Fancy Restaurants

Reverend Naamon Bradley (at left in photo), a member of the church, gave his testimony on Sunday before Morrison’s sermon.

“I used to listen to people talk about their homes in Connecticut, their vacation properties,” he said. “And I wanted those blessings for myself.”

So he leaned on the Lord, he said. “I asked him for those blessings, and I trusted him.”

Now, he reported, he has two properties in Connecticut. “And not only that, I have a vacation home in North Carolina!” he shouted, to the answer of a cheering congregation.

He can wear the nicest clothes these days, he said, and eat at expensive restaurants.

“Why don’t we test God more often? See what happens when you test him? He blesses you.”

Each Sunday, church members share similar stories. “They share testimonies of how God has blessed them,” Morrison explained in an email after the service. “And how they have been faithful in tithing and giving to support ministry, as part of our stewardship campaign.”

Prosperity Theology claims its roots in scripture. 2 Corinthians 8:9 reads, for example, “For you know what our Lord Jesus Christ gives freely, that though He was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.”

And John 14:13-14: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

The theology has its critics, but it continues to spread across the globe, particularly in the realm of the Pentecostal Church. At Varick on Sunday, Eldren Morrison related part of it to his congregation. But it wasn’t all about prosperity. Morrison also preached hard truths about suffering.

Varick’s Desert Road

Varick, with its long history, is no stranger to suffering.

At 194 years old, it’s is the third oldest American Methodist Episcopal Zion congregation. The denomination was born in the early 19th century when black parishioners broke off from the white Methodist Episcopal Church in response to racism and segregation.

“History is made here,” Morrison noted. The parish at Varick, behind the sanctuary, once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth were counted among its members. Zion Bishop Alexander Walters helped found the NAACP. Frederick Douglass preached at the Zion pulpit. So did Booker T. Washington, the last sermon before his death.

“Some of our members were part of the Black Panther movement. Jesse Jackson has been here to speak,” Morrison said. “Varick has a great past within this community in terms of citizens rights.”

But when Morrison arrived in 2007, Varick was, in a sense, on a desert journey.

“I got thrown,” the slender and (when not in the pulpit) soft-spoken Morrison said in an interview earlier in the week, “into a lion’s den.”

He learned that the previous minister had, unbeknownst to the congregation, refinanced the church property and allegedly used it for other purposes. No one knew about the new mortgage. No one had been paying on it.

“A month after I arrived, we were served foreclosure papers,” Morrison recalled.

The church hired an outside attorney, Timothy Miltenberger, of Coan, Lewendon, Gulliver and Miltenberger, LLC., in New Haven. The matter remains in litigation; Miltenberger was able to stop the foreclosure process and have the mortgage lifted until a settlement can be reached.

“The mortgage is on hold. We don’t have to pay anything at the moment,” Morrison said. He said he’s confident that in the end, the church won’t be financially on the hook.

But they haven’t filed a suit against the former pastor. “This may be one of those times where we are called to embody the faith we profess and move ahead in the spirit of forgiveness,” Eldren said.

On top of that unexpected mortgage, the church was in slight disrepair.

“Nothing had been done to the buildings in about ten years. Morale was low; attendance was low. It was a tough situation,” he said. “I knew that the church had had some problems, but I didn’t know the scope.”

At the heart of the Dixwell neighborhood, Varick has also seen its share of violence.
“On Easter Sunday we came to church with police tape– there were two shootings,” said Morrison, shaking his head. “So that sort of thing has been affecting how we move forward.”

The church has held several forums on violence and hired a full-time youth minister. “We’re interested in stopping this killing,” Morrison said.

Meanwhile, attendance has nearly doubled in the past two years, with an estimated 400 worshipers at the two Sunday morning services. The church is planning a major restoration project beginning next year with the roof and brick walls. It also runs the Varick Center for Empowerment, focusing on economic development along the Dixwell corridor. It has plans to start a charter school and is gathering research for a book on the history of the institution. It has held neighborhood meetings including one with the new CEO of the Hospital of St. Raphael.

Morrison came from South Carolina, a state he thought he might never leave. He pastored four churches there before accepting the call to take the lead at Varick.

“I was told, you know, just go and preach. Be a pastor. And in a couple months, these problems will be over. That was four years ago.”

On Sunday, the pews were full.

Desert Detours

“Going through the desert helps you appreciate your Promised Land destination. And some of us don’t like this because we want the blessing without having to go through any burden!” Morrison shouted from the pulpit, working through a sermon entitled “Desert Detours.” His soft-spoken demeanor had disappeared into a charismatic fire.

There are lessons to be learned in the desert, he said, that can’t be discovered once we reach our destination.

“The desert will teach you that God is water in dry places.”

And what about when it seems that God is delaying our deliverance and blessings?

“Sometimes it seems that God has put what He has promised us on hold,” he cried.

And then, another hint at the prosperity gospel.

“But if you take the short route you’ll get a short order blessing,” he continued, pointing at his congregation. “That’s why you got to be careful trying to rush God. But if you’re willing to let God lead you, even if it’s the long route, God will do exceedingly, abundantly; above all you could ask or think.”

Sometimes, Morrison continued, God sends you on a detour to avoid revisiting pain from the past.

“Egypt was the place that had you in bondage. Egypt was the place that took your joy. You’ve been wondering why you haven’t received what God promised? God is taking you the long route to keep you from wandering back into Egypt.”

All that wandering, Morrison explained, teaches us that we can’t make it through the desert without God’s presence. It teaches us, in effect, to rely on Him.

As Morrison addressed his congregation, he swayed from passion to serenity, from visions of suffering to promises fulfilled. His phrasing was lilting at times, even tipping on the poetic:

So if your blessing hasn’t come yet just keep on trusting.
If you haven’t been delivered yet just keep on believing because all things are possible if you only believe.
If you haven’t been healed yet, just keep on waiting because they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
God is taking you the long route; don’t give up.
He’s taking you the long route; don’t lose hope.
He’s taking you the long route; don’t get weary.
The race is not given to the swift or the strong but to the one who endure to the end.

Comments

posted by: Threefifths on January 11, 2011 3:41pm

The Prosperity Gospel is nothing more then a pozi scheme and pimp game on church people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Yicnvgt_ak&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fknk2MO0MyU&feature=related

posted by: blessed are the poor on January 11, 2011 4:41pm

While I agree wholeheartedly with critics of prosperity gospel theology, I found this article to be thorough, fair, and informative. Bravo! And I applaud the Independent for introducing this new segment. New Haven’s religious landscape is diverse and lively—I look forward to reading more from this reporter! Next up…liberation theology?

posted by: Threefifths on January 11, 2011 5:05pm

Here is what the Prosperity Gospel is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ohvqwsNkk

posted by: Gary Doyens on January 11, 2011 5:48pm

Perhaps instead of just saying he dreamed of owning multiple homes and got them, he could explain to folks where he got the money to buy three homes and pay all the expenses of maintenance, taxes, insurance, utilities etc. Investments? Own a business? Have a high paying career? The wealth preachers I’m familiar with have gained those things and more by tapping the offering plate, the poor and controlling the board who agrees to pay them large salaries, give them an expensive car and cover their housing expenses including on the second and third homes. The federal government just concluded hearings on the largest wealth preachers and the disclosures were stunning to say the least.

posted by: crowntower on January 11, 2011 6:33pm

Quite incredible.

First, Morrison - if he is a trustee of the church, or has any fiduciary responsibility for it - has a legal duty to file suit against the previous pastor who mortgaged it. He can’t just say “we practice forgiveness.” The people who are going to pay for his disrespect for the law are the congregation.

Second, ... Let’s start with Mark 10:25. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” No pastor should be boasting about his holiday homes. He should sell them, stop eating in fancy restaurants, and invest the money in community projects in New Haven.
...

posted by: Gretchen Pritchard on January 11, 2011 6:40pm

Sorry, Jesus said “You shall not test the Lord your God.” That trumps Paul’s remark that Christ, who was rich, became poor so that he might make us rich—which, in any case, seems clearly, to me, to mean SPIRITUALLY RICH. Jesus warned over and over again that riches are not a sign of God’s favor, and indeed are likely to be a spiritual hazard.

The preacher’s message of patience through the desert journey is appropriate and scriptural. The congregant’s testimony that now he has a vacation home and can wear nice clothes and eat in good restaurants, because of his faithfulness in prayer, is not. Sounds way too much to me like the Pharisee in the Temple.

And I can’t help wondering if the previous minister who “had, unbeknownst to the congregation, refinanced the church property and allegedly used it for other purposes,” was doing this so he could have the nice clothes and the fancy car that would be interpreted by the congregation as a sign of spiritual blessing.

posted by: Rev. Eldren D. Morrison on January 11, 2011 7:03pm

The Varick Memorial church is apart of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination. The A. M. E. Zion Church is a Methodist denomination. Varick is one of the most historical congregations in Zion Methodism and when you visit Varick you witness a traditional urban A.M.E. Zion worship experience. Every A.M.E. Zion Church shares and adheres to a common discipline. Which says that “our heritage in doctrine and our present theological task demand that we renew our faith and understanding of the love of God, our Father, and the Lordship of his Son, Jesus Christ, for the purpose of analyzing the meaning of hope in Christ. We believe that all who have faith in Him will be empowered and invigorated by the Holy Spirit to risk all for the reconciling work and fulfillment of the kingdom of God (paragraph 46 section 1) I as Pastor, certainly wouldn’t characterize Varick church as a prosperity ministry, nor am I a “prosperity preacher” in the way that it is portrayed by society. I believe that we ought as Christians to live well. To enjoy life. To set goal and have aspirations for ourselves, our family and our community. I believe we ought to be educating and preparing the next generations to be productive and responsible citizens. They ought to know as my parent taught me, “the expectation is for you to go farther than we’ve gone” in education, career, finances and family. I especially as a minister don’t believe that we ought to live excessively but we ought to strive to prosper as individuals and communities in our health, education, careers, character, wealth and in service. And it is our responsibility to pass this on to the next generation.
Uma Ramiah did a great job at capturing the themes and the spirit of the message of that particular worship experience of which she was in attendance. The message that day certainly was that if we are led by God and trust Him, we can believe and celebrate the fact that He will bless us and prosper us.
Those of us who are apart of traditional perdomonatly African American congregations witness the expressive ways that the gospel message of Jesus Christ is shared and expressed, through song, dance, clapping, testimonies, shouting, even in quiet moments of prayer, meditation and reflection. And that message of Christ is wide in range. The gospel is good news. Good news to those who rare suffering, hurting, lonely, poor, rich, affluent, what ever your station or state in life is, the gospel is good news for you. That is expressed in many ways in every worship experience at the Varick Church. Www are a church that is Advancing God’s Kingdom.

posted by: Amen Mr. Doyens on January 11, 2011 7:21pm

I never thought I would find myself agreeing with Mr. Doyens but in this instance I do. How disturbing that instead of teaching a gospel that speaks to justice, fairness, truth and fostering true brotherhood and sisterhood, the sermon is about paying homage to the “god” of capitalism. How nauseating. And the timing couldn’t be worse, what with 9% unemployment and the housing crisis. And the recent shooting in Arizona. Hello?

posted by: Threefifths on January 11, 2011 7:46pm

Luke 16:19-25 (New American Standard Bible)

The Rich Man and Lazarus
19"Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.
20"And a poor man named Lazarus (A)was laid at his gate, covered with sores,

21and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.

22"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to (B)Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.

23"In (C)Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.

24"And he cried out and said, ‘(D)Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in (E)this flame.’

25"But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that (F)during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony

posted by: Rev. Mary Council Thompson on January 12, 2011 12:27am

I would like to thank you for your very informative article about Varick Church. But I must apologize for the statements made Rev. Bradley that may have lead you to believe that Varick Church has embraced Prosperity Theology. I feel that Rev. Morrison has brought to Varick Church the Gospel of Faith in Jesus Christ. At no point has he made allusion to Prosperity Theology. We have just completed our stewardship campaign which consisted of weekly Bible studies teaching by Rev. Morrison. Members of the church have communicated many stories as to how God has blessed them spiritually and financially in difficult situations. Unfortunately Rev. Bradley was not able to attend our studies on Stewardship and portrayed inaccurate depiction of stewardship tithing.

posted by: Threefifths on January 12, 2011 1:36pm

The money makers start young.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=At9Ujm7RqU8

posted by: Vqrick Steward on January 12, 2011 5:05pm

Correction Rev. Bradley is not the pastor of Varick AME Zion Church. Rev. Eldren Morrison is our pastor.Rev. Bradley has a fulltime job working as an electrician for the city of New Haven. Who are we to question anyone’s testimony? If the things he spoke of were the desires of his heart and he was faithful in tithing then he can count them as blessings. Riches come in many forms. One man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. The reporter who wrote this article missed the point of the sermon. Rev. Morrison’s message was you should wait on the Lord for your Blessings. Meaning God knows what is best for you and he will see you through it. Blessings come in many forms. Good health is a blessing. Finding ones’ true love is a blessing. Finding a cause in which one can successfully help others is a blessing. What ever your blessings are, they come from the Lord. We give our tithes willingly because we believe that is part of our worship and our giving unto God. The only thing we can give God is our praise, worship, and thanksgiving. As Christians, we give back to the community through our service which many of us do. The reporter of this article needs to attend more than one service rather than writing a article about the testimony of one person and deeming the pastor as a person who only wants financial gain in life. Especially since it was not the pastor’s testimony that spoke of fine fancy restaurants. Also, to those who dare to call Rev. Morrison out of his name by making derogatory statements to his character, you know nothing about the man. It clearly states that you know nothing about the true meaning of Christianity. Mr. threefifths how ironic that you would refer to yourself as such when at one time in our society Blacks were not even considered humans or citizens. It seems that you are barely using 3/5 of your God given brain. In conclusion, for those of you who speak negatively of Pastor Morrison, I suggest you visit Varick Memorial AME Zion Church and get the true meaning of the word from a true man of God for yourself. It is obvious the meaning of Sunday’s sermon was lost in translation. May the Blessings of God be upon all of you.

posted by: crowntower on January 12, 2011 5:44pm

This church is a disgrace. If Mr. Morrison and Ms. Thompson state that Mr. Bradley is going to be banned until he has sold his vacation home in North Carolina, that would be a step in the right direction.

posted by: Varick Steward on January 12, 2011 6:03pm

Doyens and crowntower, wow what are your contributions to the community? Who are you to question anyone’s community service? What have the two of you done for the 9% unemployment rate and how many dinners have you two prepared for the homeless. Are you in the position to give people jobs? You are highlighting the problems of our society but have you thought of any solutions? You both are clearly misinformed if you believe that Varick’s Pastor is a high paid wealthy pastor.
Pastor Morrison has absolutely nothing to do with the financial collections of the church. This is done by his request so that no imporiety can be suggested against his character.
As for filling a lawsuit against the former pastor, it was the congregation that choose not to do so. Many are speaking on issues that they have no knowledge.
Varick has suffered many things. The last two years have been years of blessings and renewed commitment to the church and the community. We will not let negative statements block are blessings or stop us from worshipping God or serving in our community.
And crowtower let me know when you will be selling your house, I’m looking for an investment venture.

posted by: truth on January 12, 2011 6:36pm

This is truly sad to read. Being a christian, you should be so thankful for your salvation and your focus should be God centered. Your focus should not be on materialistic things. If salvation was the only thing that God has given you that should be more then enough. Who are we to demand things from God? As if he owes us something..But anyways dont take my word for it.
Read and study the bible for yourself and you will be surprised what you will find.
Here is a good video to somethings up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLRue4nwJaA&feature=related

posted by: Threefifths on January 12, 2011 6:48pm

posted by: Garik Steward on January 12, 2011 4:05pm
Correction Rev. Bradley is not the pastor of Varick AME Zion Church. Rev. Eldren Morrison is our pastor.Rev. Bradley has a fulltime job working as an electrician for the city of New Haven. Who are we to question anyone’s testimony?

We have right the right to ask question. More people need to ask question when it comes to this type of testimony.Even Dr.king ask these question whe he said that most of these minster
think more about the size of the rims on there tires and size of there congregations,Then The Social Gospel.

http://www.ohiohistorycentral.org/entry.php?rec=1527

Read it and you will notice people must put aside their own earthly desires and help other people, especially the needy. The purpose of wealth was not to hoard it but to share it with other, less fortunate people.

Also did not Yeshua,But you call him Jesus not ask qusetion of the money Changers and Drive the Money-Changers Out of the Temple.By the way does your church have a 501c,because if they do,It is not a church,it is a tax-exempt nonprofit,Wich gives the taxpayers a right to ask question.

http://www.gracealoneca.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/the_real_truth_of_501c3.pdf

We give our tithes willingly because we believe that is part of our worship and our giving unto God. The only thing we can give God is our praise, worship, and thanksgiving. As Christians, we give back to the community.

Give your tithes willingly.How does god get his cut,Wire transfer or Western Union,Or Pay pal?You need to read.There is no more tithes.

http://tithing.christian-things.com/illegal.html

http://bibleanswerstand.org/tithing2.htm

You say we give back to the community.What do you give back.Look at the condtion of the community around you church.

It clearly states that you know nothing about the true meaning of Christianity. Mr. threefifths how ironic that you would refer to yourself as such when at one time in our society Blacks were not even considered humans or citizens. It seems that you are barely using 3/5 of your God given brain.

I know the true meaning of Christianity very well it was part of the African Slave Trade.In fact is it not writen.

Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord.

Corinthians 14:33-35 (New International Version, ©2010)
33 For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.
And we can’t forget the women.

1 Corinthians 14:33-35
34 Women[a] should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35 If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church

As far as me refer to myself to 3/5ths.w Tell what has change in this country when it comes to people of color still being considered less humans or citizens.Didn’t Richard Allen had to start the AME church for the same reason.

Beware of the teachers of the law . . . They devour your widows’ houses . . . Such men will be punished severely.” Luke 20:46-47

posted by: crowntower on January 12, 2011 7:40pm

Varick Steward - what you seem to have missed is that people weren’t attacking you personally (unless you are, in fact, Bradley). ... The religion was founded by a man in Galilee who said “turn the other cheek” - something that you’re not doing.

What is repulsive to so many of the people posting here is not the fact that people are trying to get rich. That is fine. What is repulsive is to claim that this is sanctioned by Christianity.

If the congregation has genuinely chosen not to pursue the former pastor to get the stolen money back - they’ve been badly advised.

Finally, if Bradley can really afford a holiday home in North Carolina, expensive clothes and fine restaurants on a municipal electrician’s salary, then the aldermen really need to get a grip on city employees’ wages.

posted by: Varick Steward on January 12, 2011 8:43pm

3/5 it is apparent that you are going off on a tangent. Since you insist on showing quotes show me where Dr. King speaks about rims on a car. Also, show me where it states that you should not pay tithes. You are trying to trivialize my faith. My tithing is my offering which supports the financial needs of the church like paying the electric and phone bill.
Varick does a lot for the community. We have a soup kitchen that provides meals to the hungry and homeless, we have a clothing drive for the needy, we also give groceries and diapers to those in need. We do a lot and yes more could and should be done. However, we are not the only church in the neighborhood. The entire community does not rest solely upon our shoulders. Helping and Servicing the community is a joint effort from all in the city.
What now may I ask have you done to help the community?
Also, get your facts straight Allen founded the AME church not the AME Zion Church.

Also, everyone that owned a slave was not a christian nor did all christians have slaves.

Your logic is irrational and filled with misconceptions. Suppose you use your time and blogs to uplift the community instead of tearing done others. Also, you seem to imply that you know about the Bible but in reality you know nothing because you have taken everything out of context.

The bottom line again. It is not anyone’s job to question another’s testimony. What one considers a Blessing is truly that person’s opinion. God is a great God and he takes care of all of us and supplies our needs.

Varick is a church that speaks on the salvation of individuals and how it is our christian duty to help others.
Do not put your hatred and misunderstanding of our faith upon us because you have issues with Christianity a whole.

May God Bless you and May His Blessings be upon you.

we of

posted by: Varick Steward on January 12, 2011 10:52pm

Crowntower, I am definitely NOT Rev. Bradley! You are right Jesus said turn the other cheek that is why the church decided not to pursue a lawsuit. I did not say that he would not be punished for it. The case is in the hands of the state and federal courts.
As a church, we are not in the business of suing people.
No one ever said that Varick or Christianity sanctioned getting rich.

The point is the reporter missed the point as well as all of those who have attacked Rev. Morrison.

Again, Testimonies are just the opinion of the speaker who gives it.
Blessings are for all who believe in the mighty power of God.

posted by: Threefifths on January 12, 2011 11:31pm

posted by: Varick Steward on January 12, 2011 7:43pm
3/5 it is apparent that you are going off on a tangent. Since you insist on showing quotes show me where Dr. King speaks about rims on a car. Also, show me where it states that you should not pay tithes. You are trying to trivialize my faith. My tithing is my offering which supports the financial needs of the church like paying the electric and phone bill.

You look it up.He spoke on April 4, 1967, at a meeting of Clergy and Laity Concerned at Riverside Church in New York City.

You said show you where you should not have to pay tithes.Show me were under the New Testament
that you do.Under the Old Testament the tithes was paid to the Levitical priesthood established by God, people brought their tithes to the priests.According to Scripture, not just anyone could claim to be a representative of God and ask people to bring tithe offerings for God to them.Only Levites and descendants of Aaron were allowed to be full service priests and proper representatives of God in the area of spiritual administration.So do you give your tithes to Levites and descendants of Aaron.

My tithing is my offering which supports the financial needs of the church like paying the electric and phone bill.

Get your facts facts straight. How can you use your tithing to pay the electric and phone bill.When did these companies start taking grain and fruit, herd and flock. The tithe is food.Show me in you bible were the Tithes was money.

Varick does a lot for the community. We have a soup kitchen that provides meals to the hungry and homeless, we have a clothing drive for the needy.

You are surposed to do this.The bible says take care of the poor.This is nothing New.
What now may I ask have you done to help the community?

I help the community by Exposing scam artist
Charlatans and crooked politicians.And the community love this.

Also, get your facts straight Allen founded the AME church not the AME Zion Church.

Do you not come under the AME Network.

Also, everyone that owned a slave was not a christian nor did all christians have slaves.

Get you fact straight.Read Notice this comes from the Bible.

“[Slavery] was established by decree of Almighty God…it is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation…it has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and in nations of the highest proficiency in the arts.” Jefferson Davis, President, Confederate States of America 1,2
“The right of holding slaves is clearly established in the Holy Scriptures, both by precept and example.” Rev. R. Furman, D.D., a Baptist pastor from South Carolina. 3

“I give my daughter, Joyce Falkner, present wife of John Falkner, of the county of Fayette and State of Virginia, a negro girl by name of Gemima otherwise called Mima. I give her to the above Joyce together with said Mima’s increase forever and for the only use of the said Joyce, to will and dispose of as to her seemeth fit, hereby revoking all other claims of right or title to the said Gemima alias Mima of her increase forever.” The 1791 will of Toliver Craig, disposing of his assets (and children of his assets) in the event of his death. 4

http://scholar.library.miami.edu/slaves/slave_trade/individual_essays/jeffrey.html

When the missionaries came to Africa they had the Bible and we had the land. They said “Let us pray.” We closed our eyes. When we opened them we had the Bible and they had the land.
Desmond Tutu

Taken everything out of context. I am using you book that you said you follow.Is this out of context.In fact I think this speaks everything.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV, Matthew 6:19-21

People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:9-11)

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Amen.

posted by: Daniel Butler on January 13, 2011 8:24pm

Seriously people, let’s ease up!

Arguments never win hearts or make friends, but rather thoughtful and respectful conversation and inquiry.

I may not agree with the doctrine of this particular church, but on the other hand, what do I (or we) know of this churches beliefs based on one article?

Rather than tearing down these wonderful people, whom, I might add, are our brothers and neighbors, perhaps those who feel so riled up can call up the pastor and ask questions? Perhaps over coffee? You know, as good citizens and respectful neighbors do?

Please hear this as respectful correction from one citizen to other citizens and really consider the public tone used in these comments.

Good article by the way. Was it passed by the pastor for comment or correction first?

posted by: Vince on January 14, 2011 10:16pm

To whom it may concern Rev Eldren Morrison has done a remarkable job turning this churches culture around. Anyone who feels the need to look negatively apon the direction and the message being delivered have the oppurtunity to go to any church they choose. As a proud memeber of Varick i’m very content with who my messenger is, and the direction he is leading this congregation is very positive. Once a title is placed behind or in front of a persons name they feel entitled to pass judgement…wow if negative individuals comments about our church family only strengthens our bond. I love the criticism because that means were doing something right…keep us in the news thankyou..

posted by: Wendy Tyson on January 16, 2011 11:33am

Wow, you didn’t get the message. Sorry, your talents are being misguided as a photographer and journalist. I will keep you in my prays as well as this newspaper so they will remember the persecution of their Jewish, Asia, and East Indian predecessor and celebrate your freedom! God Bless.

posted by: Ieshia S. on January 16, 2011 10:24pm

Its sad how satan is using people to try to destroy my church home, after all the progress we’ve made, But it is to be expected. the devil is not happy when he sees people giving glory to god so he sends out his demons to destroy the churches and pastors that are encouraging people to give there lives to Christ. Pastor Morrison has been a great blessing to Varick and i am proud to have him as my pastor. The problem is people are more focused on the people in the church when we need to focus more on the word of God. The rapture is coming quickly and people need to worry about if there soul is saved instead of when is brother bradley gonna sell his house. Let god worry about that who are we to judge? To the people without a church home do not be discouraged by any of the comments seen here there is obviously a huge misunderstanding Varick may not be the best church but you wont find any better. Come see for yourself.

posted by: Ron on January 28, 2011 11:27pm

VS. 5 “SUPPOSING THAT GAIN IS GODLINESS: FROM SUCH WITHDRAW THYSELF”

1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and
consent not to wholesome words, even the
words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the
doctrine which is according to godliness;
1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but
doting about questions and strifes of words,
whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil
surmisings,
1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt
minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing
that gain is godliness: from such withdraw
thyself.
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is
great gain.
1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world
and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be
therewith content.
1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into
temptation and a snare, and into many foolish
and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
destruction and perdition.
1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

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