Religious Showdown in the Works?

A religious showdown on the separation of church and state seems to be in the works as several ultra-rich ministers refuse to turn over records requested by Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley. Attorneys for one of the minister - Creflo Dollar (an appropriate name under the circumstances) - states that the ministries preach the "...'Prosperity Gospel,' a deeply held religious belief that God's devout followers and earthly leaders will prosper and be successful in all they do, including in financial matters, as the outward expression of his favor." It appears to us that their only deeply held religious belief stems from P.T. Barnum rather than the teaching of Jesus Christ.

Two Atlanta preachers with large media ministries snubbed a U.S. senator's request for documents sought in a probe of nonprofits.

In response, the preachers say Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) is crossing the line of separation between church and state.

The Rev. Creflo Dollar, of World Changers Church International in College Park, and Bishop Eddie Long, of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, were among six media ministries from which Grassley requested records a month ago.

Grassley, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, has investigated other nonprofits for misuse of funds.

His letters to the ministries note the leaders' lavish lifestyles of flying in private jets, driving expensive cars and living in mansions.

He has raised concerns of whether the ministries were complying with all the laws that govern nonprofits.

Three others churches - led by the Rev. Binny Hinn, of Texas, Randy and Paula White, of Florida, and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, of Texas - had not turned in records as of Thursday, the deadline for Grassley's request.

An Associated Press report says Hinn said he will respond in early 2008.

Only Joyce Meyer, of Missouri, has complied.