Shame

I landed on some disturbing television today while flipping through my viewing options. What was it, you ask. An uncensored movie channel? An accidental glimpse of soft porn? Perhaps some hard core gratuitous violence?
Actually, no, the extremely offending network is probably not what you're expecting. It was, wait for it, Angelone TV, a family friendly "Christian" network.
The particular offending program this afternoon was an extended phone telethon raising money for .. well, to be honest the purpose of all the cash was quite unclear. What was clear was the manipulation, coercive authority, and deceptive promises thrown about by the "pastor."
He yelled and pleaded for viewers to give an "end-time prophetic gift of anointing," claiming the blessing would double if you gave at least x amount of cash money or credit. (Don't worry if you feel you don't have the money, just give.)
It gets better. Next he abruptly ordered the in house audience to run to the alter with their gifts, all the while barking instructions to choir and cameraman. (No, keep the camera on me...closer now.) (Louder, choir, sing it like you mean it.) The audience literally ran, with looks of fear plastered on their heavily make-uped faces. Oh, and throughout his entire "message" he held a telephone in his hand, reminding viewers to call at 30 to 45 second intervals. I could go on and on, but I'm sure by now you get the picture.
I couldn't change the channel. It was a response akin to watching a house fire or gawking at a car accident. As I watched, I felt an overwhelming sense of shame. I literally felt like retching as a physical response to the actions and demeanor of the man who claims to know the same God and faith that have changed my life in such a dramatic way.
I felt shame that people would associate that man's message with the message of the God I worship and follow. I felt shame that people would associate that man's message with me.