The Gulfstream G650 is one of the biggest, fastest, most-expensive private jets on the market. For a whopping $65 million, you can experience speeds at more than 92 percent of the speed of sound, as well as a luxurious cabin holding “a convection oven, large ice drawers and fitted storage for flatware and crystal.”

And so it came as a surprise to everyone when minister Creflo Dollar sought “200,000 people committed to sow $300 or more (to) help achieve our goal to purchase the G650 airplane.” After the announcement and the subsequent controversy that resulted, the page for the fundraiser has been taken down. But now, Creflo Dollar Ministries has announced it is ready to buy the plane.

World Changers Church International, founded by Dollar, “so (values) the lives, the safety and the well-being of our pastors and leaders that we wish to provide to them the best air travel experience possible.”

Dollar’s actions and rationalization for his actions actively slander the Christianity that he supposedly preaches and do not accurately represent the gospel. The message of Christ is one of love for others and self-subservience to God’s sovereignty, not one of exploitation or self-gain. Perhaps Dollar’s ministry truly wants to see the beautiful message of Christ’s sacrifice be conveyed throughout the world: if so, does having a luxurious private jet support or undermine his cause? Wouldn’t the $65 million be better used serving the needy? What about their lives, safety and well-being?

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Aaron Shi at [email protected].