Every now and then I run up against the notion that people admire those who are extremely wealthy.  Some think highly of Donald Trump, or Bill Gates.  Maybe the admirers see billionaires as role models of what they wish to become themselves, so they buy their books, monitor their movements and techniques, anything to get a clue as to how to join the club.

One time I was in a dentist’s chair when the man with the drill began professing his high regard for the late Jack Kent Cooke.  Cooke was the owner of the Washington Redskins who worked hard to build tremendous wealth in, I believe, communications industries.  He also had a resume’ listing broken marriages, strained family relationships, disgruntled former employees and associates, and an accusation of trying to force his then-wife into seeking an abortion when she became pregnant.  As the high-pitched squeal intensified in my ears, I responded with a simple, “I suppose it depends on who you ask.”

Ted Turner is joining up with Lutherans and Methodists to address the scourge of malaria in Africa.  He has money to contribute and is hoping to build upon some of the successes of church groups involved in international health and development matters.  But Turner had some ‘splainin’ to do when astute members of the media pointed out his previous disdain of Christianity.

In all fairness, Turner suffered the tragic loss of his sister at an early age, and because of this, decided that religion was of no perceivable value.  In fact, he was quoted as describing Christianity as “a religion for losers.”  He mocked employees who observed Ash Wednesday by having ashes placed on their foreheads (I did find his “they should be working for Fox” comment amusing).  But now, he offers intercessory prayers for suffering friends because “it doesn’t hurt,” and has dropped “agnostic” or “atheist” from his self-description.

Turner said, “As I get older, you know, I get more, you know, more tolerant.”  I’m not sure whether he has become more articulate, however.  But, at least he is using some of his wealth to address human needs. 

Turner apparently developed a response to the Ten Commandments, known as the Ten Voluntary Initiatives, and maintains that they guide him in his daily living.  Caring for the earth and people, limiting family size, and helping the poor are among the TVI’s.

“The religious community is huge and has a very good reputation for being able to mobilize resources,” according to Turner.  “Why not use them and be thankful?”

I guess that’s fair, since the church sometimes “uses” rich folks to help us achieve our goals, as well.