Evangelist T.D. Jakes is known as for his heavy-handed sermons and making hot-button statements. Here are four of Jakes most controversial quotes.
1. Jakes is flush with cash from his evangelistic empire, a fact that doesn't sit well with some. In response to reality TV show, "Preachers of LA," Jakes was criticized as being at odds with the Bible, bragging about his prosperity.
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According to Madame Noire, Jakes commented on the accusations saying, "Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you're sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for. I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I'm not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I had money when I came to Dallas, and I plan to have some when I leave."
2. In regards to his beliefs, Jakes once embraced the "oneness" view of the Godhead, which claims God is three people and denies the Trinity.
"I began to realize that there are some things that could be said about the Father that could not be said about the Son," Jakes said. "There are distinctives between the working of the Holy Spirit and the moving of the Holy Spirit, and the working of the redemptive work of Christ. I'm very comfortable with that."
He has since moved from that statement and begun embracing the Trinity, but his prior statements of faith have not been forgotten,
reports the Baptist Press.
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3. Jakes' empire and stature came under fire once again when he responded to being criticized for "selling religion."
"You can't get upset with me, because I choose to claim what God has promised me," he said. "Don't get upset with me! Don't hate the player; hate the game," yelled Jakes to a crowd.
4. Appearing as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show "The Next Chapter," Jakes responded to a question about his thoughts on homosexuals.
"I think that sex between two people of the same sex is condemned in the scriptures, and as long as it is condemned in the scriptures, I don't get to say what I think. I get to say what the Bible says," Jakes said.
Jakes was immediately criticized for "putting more value on the institution over human beings,"
according to The Christian Post.
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