Munya Vomo
There is a biblical story about how Jesus saved a prostitute from a group of people who wanted to stone her to death. Yes, we are being generic here, for those who do not believe in Christianity. In the story, Jesus put himself between the woman and the angry, rock-wielding mob. His one line, which is remembered by many – Christian or not – was: “Whoever is without sin among you, let him be the first to cast a stone at her.” And obviously no one wanted to come across as righteous.
This is how the Preachers of LA must be feeling as we catch them in season two.
After receiving negative comments from the likes of Bishop TD Jakes and Kirk Franklin, the Preachers of LA did not slow down on their mission. The cast included Bishop Clarence McClendon, Pastor Deitrick Haddon, Pastor Jay Haizlip, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Ron Gibson and Pastor Wayne Chaney. They take us into their homes and religious work, showing just how much working for God has paid off for them.
What Jakes and Franklin appear to have a problem with is the showing-off aspect of the show. Preachers generally make money from their congregations’ donations so it usually is in bad taste to have a show that flaunts wealth amassed from people’s alms.
But as seen in the first episode called Judge Not, these preachers are fighting the criticism they have been getting. They are trying to show that there is nothing wrong with being “blessed” by God and showing off to those who do not believe. They want to attract more people to the church and say that even you can be that rich.
The truth is that’s a topic open for debate. There are those who feel that when you make it in life you need to share your success, while others feel it is in bad taste to those who are still to get there.
Then again, people like Haddon have great music careers that have nothing to do with their congregations’ handouts. He is like the Usher of gospel music and shows it in this series.
Preachers of LA, Mondays at 7.30pm on Vuzu (DStv channel 116).