The Senate has done what?

This article inspired this blog post:

Senate Inquiry into Christian Ministries

I must say that as a Pastor I am a bit concerned. I am the first to concede that this "prosperity doctrine" goes (in my opinion) beyond scripture. I believe that God can (and does) bless his people, but he has not assured any believer that he or she would live a life of lavish or even comfort. Conversely, Jesus told us that foxes have holes and birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. He also assured us that if this was what he would face how much more we, who follow him. There are people out there who tell you to "name it and claim it; believe it and receive it." they also tell you to "decree" this and that. However, I have found this no place in scripture. Call me crazy, but this reduces God to our Jeanie in the bottle who we can just make do what we want (as long as we give to him, of course). Does the bible tell us that we should give to God, yes. Do I give to God, yes. But God does not owe me a single red cent! Again, I know that God can and does provide for his children, but he is also no less just or good when he doesn't provide and to say anything that suggests he is makes a statement that is extra-biblical at best and heretical at worst.

With that said, I do NOT think that it is the job of a Senatorial Committee to step in and demand accountability. It is the job of the local church to hold accountable their leaders. Too many of the people who are on the list, have gone too far and live too lavish a lifestyle. Nevertheless the government needs to remain separate. It is a slippery slope on which this committee has embarked and we must not allow it to happen unchecked. I agree that oversight is needed (specifically with the ones in questions) I disagree from whom that oversight is coming.