Jim Bakker is one of those fringe "evangelists," who use the trust that talking about Christianity and Jesus helps generate to fleece gullible and trusting believers.
He’s gone to prison for doing just that.
Bakker was sentenced to 45 years for stealing millions from his television ministry "Praise the Lord Club."
During coverage of the scandal Bakker was also accused of raping a church secretary.
His defense was a strange one for a married religious leader — and an indication of his true character — when Bakker claimed he had been set up and his adulterous sex was consensual.
Bakker served five years of his 45-year sentence and is now out and evidently unrepentant.
Bakker is back on TV, based in Branson, Missouri and is in the business of selling snake oil. Only it’s called "Silver Solution."
Proving that no scam is beneath Bakker, he is now trying to prey on coronavirus fears.
Fox News reports on a recent broadcast of his program he asked guest Sherrill Sellman — a naturopathic "doctor" — if Bakker’s "Silver Solution," sold on his Website, would be effective against the coronavirus.
If you know anything about Bakker, the answer won’t surprise you.
"Let's say it hasn't been tested on this strain of the coronavirus," Sellman, said, "but it's been tested on other trains of the coronavirus and has been able to eliminate it within 12 hours."
We doubt "Silver Solution" will do anything at all to the coronavirus — the World Health Organization (WHO) says there is no vaccine — but it will certainly cure congestion in your wallet.
A six-months supply sells for "$155.00 or more," the "or more" implying customers can also include a "love offering" for the "ministry" — with the purchase price.
The description of the product makes for amusing reading.
"Unlike other silvers that quit working after completing one function, Silver performs over and over for hours." What’s more, "By resonating at just the right frequency, Silver disrupts foreign elements without disturbing the body’s natural environment."
Which makes it sound like you’re swallowing a radio or a liquid tuning fork.
New York state's attorney general was not amused.
Although at the bottom of the page pushing the "Silver Solution" Bakker admits, "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."
Meanwhile, the New York state attorney general is having none of it.
Also, according to Fox News, Lisa Landau sent a ‘cease and desist' letter to Bakker on March 3 giving him 10 business days to comply or possibly face a fine of $5,000 per violation.
That’s a good start, although refunds might be in order, too.
Because we’re certain all buying the "Silver Solution" will do is cure any financial problems Bakker might currently be suffering.
Michael Reagan, the eldest son of President Reagan, is a Newsmax TV analyst. A syndicated columnist and author, he chairs The Reagan Legacy Foundation. Michael is an in-demand speaker with Premiere speaker’s bureau. Read more reports from Michael Reagan — Go Here Now.
Michael R. Shannon is a commentator, researcher for the League of American Voters, and an award-winning political and advertising consultant with nationwide and international experience. He is author of "Conservative Christian’s Guidebook for Living in Secular Times (Now with added humor!)." Read more of Michael Shannon's reports — Go Here Now.