Religion: God and Money

PTL, facing bankruptcy, fights for survival

By turns angry, bewildered and curious, an anxious crowd descended on the Jefferson Square Theater in Columbia, S.C., last week. Their aim: to play a role in the next installment of a long-running American serial of sex, cash and power -- a show resembling some lurid made-for-TV mini-series that might be called God and Money. For six hours, harassed officials of the embattled PTL (for Praise the Lord or People That Love) ministry were confronted at a public bankruptcy hearing by members of the flock that had supported the $203 million religious empire created by its ousted leaders, Jim and Tammy...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!