Rhetoric Race and Religion
by Candice Benbow
R3 Contributor
Much has been said regarding an exchange between media mogul Tyler Perry and Bishop TD Jakes at Bishop Jakes’ church, one day after the close of Bishop Jakes’ Megafest Conference. In the clip, Perry says that he was instructed by the Holy Spirit to give over $1million dollars to Jakes’ ministry, specifically to his new youth center endeavor. Perry, then, speaks in tongues, lays hands and prays over Bishop Jakes- who is noticeably overcome with emotion to seal the deal. Viewers of this moment have called it everything from a disgusting sham to a powerful move of God.
Because this commentary may not necessarily bode well with much of Black Christendom who wholeheartedly supported the moment, I feel inclined to make my disclaimers up front. I love Bishop Jakes. I think he is one of America’s greatest preachers. Though I have my critique of the portrayal of African-American women in all of Tyler Perry’s productions, I recognize that he has employed more African-Americans in Hollywood than anyone else. Indeed, the Black Church has been kind to Perry, comprising the majority of the audience that supports the message found in his films. That being said, I do not think the contention many have regarding this particular clip is about Bishop Jakes and Mr. Perry themselves, per se. Instead, I believe it is in reference to that strange bedfellow of prosperity gospel, which seems to be finding a home within today’s Black theological context.
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