The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AN UP and coming new ‘reality’ television show on the channel Oxygen follows the lives of six well known pastors in Los Angeles.

The show will feature pastor Wayne Chaney, Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Ron Gibson, pastor Jay and Bishop Clarence McClendon.

The preview aired last week and Bahamians took to social network sites to share their thoughts.

Clips included the men speaking about issues such as having a child out of wedlock and divorce, and making a reference to ‘P Diddy, Jay Z, they are not the only ones who should be driving Ferraris and living in large houses.’

One Bahamian woman told Tribune Religion: “I think this show is showing religion in the worst light. It just shows that these pastors are all greedy and are looking for ways to become rich. In the preview, one of them compared their lives to stars such as Jay Z and P Diddy, and I completely disagree with all of this.”

“They should be following God as an example, not looking for reality TV deals. Sadly, I believe that we in the Bahamas have a few of those pastors as well,” she said.

Tamika Johnson, another Bahamian woman, said: “I watch a lot of shows on Oxygen network and they are known for shows that bring a lot of drama for the most part. Shows like the ‘Bad Girls Club’ should not share a viewing spot with a show called ‘Preachers of LA.’

“How can they not see something wrong with this. It is very funny that they all signed up for this show, but at the same time, it is sad that they did because I think they will lose a lot of Christian followers.”

Katherine Bethell said the show is a good idea because it will show people exactly what their pastors’ lives are all about.

“It may show people exactly where their money is going. It’s a good thing that they are letting people into their lives. It is up to them to live up to their good word or show the often talked about ‘true colours’ of preacher lifestyles. As a Christian woman, I just pray that this show does not portray Christianity in a negative light where people will doubt it. I pray that it is not what people expect and it turns out completely positive.”

Anna Smith said it disturbs her that people are exploiting religion just so they can make money.

As for the show itself, Ms Smith said: “I think it’s a good idea to show the masses how these preachers they are following are living lavish lifestyles while the majority of the world struggles to make ends meet.

“I think the same can be seen right here in the Bahamas. Poor people being preached to by a pastor who drives an Escalade. It can be seen all over the world, but ultimately, I accept that not every preacher is that way, but it’s a real shame to see the ones that are,” said Ms Smith.

Reggie Ferguson said: “This is nonsense and it makes me a little depressed about religion on the whole, because it shows that this is about a bunch of preachers who are getting rich off of people.”