E. Bernard Jordan

Last updated
Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan
Born (1959-06-11) June 11, 1959 (age 64)
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Occupation Pastor
Years active1983-present
Organization(s)Zoe Ministries (founder), P.O.M.E. Prophetic Order of Mar Elijah
Known forProphetic Accuracy in people lives
Notable workSee Published works
Movement Prosperity ministry
SpouseDebra Jordan (m. 1979)
ChildrenNaomi Jordan Cook, Bethany Jordan, Joshua Jordan, Aaron Jordan, Yakim Manasseh Jordan,
Parent(s)Mary L. Jordan, Walter Jordan
WebsiteBishopJordan.com, ZoeMinistries.com

Elijah Bernard Jordan (born June 11, 1959) better known as E. Bernard Jordan, is an American television evangelist, founder of Zoe Ministries, and writer of books on prosperity theology.

Contents

Jordan grew up in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant area and believed he received his calling through a dream when he was 15 years of age. When he was 23 years of age he founded the Zoe Ministries in New York City. Jordan studied at the Tabernacle Bible Institute in Brooklyn and the Manhattan Bible Institute. Jordan received a purported Ph.D. from Friends International Christian University, an unaccredited mail order and online university. [1] He also briefly attended Kepler College, an uncredited online, certificate granting institution, pursuing a degree in astrology. In 2019, Jordan earned a Master of Divinity degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University, a historical Black College and University. He also earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2022.

Jordan was raised to the bishopric in 1994 by Roy E. Brown of the Pilgrim Assemblies International denomination. [2] [3]

The first edition of Jordan's The Laws of Thinking made the New York Times Best Seller list in 2007. [4]

Prosperity ministry

Initially Zoe Ministry services were conducted in a member's home, then in several New York City hotels before they were held in a theatre. His "Power of Prophecy" television show aired from 1991 to about 1997, when it became too expensive to maintain. His ministry is based upon the premise that if one sows money, such as contributions to his ministry, they will reap prosperity for themselves. [1] In his book God is Not a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu..., Carlton Pearson references Jordan's discussion of the inner spiritual divine as the essence of who we are, rather than our physical body as Jordan described in his book The Laws of Thinking. [5]

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley honored Jordan for his ministerial work in 2007. Al Sharpton is numbered as one of his friends and he has celebrity mentees, such as Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons of Run-DMC and MTV's Run's House , [6] having named him "Protege of the Year Award" in 2004. The same day, symbolic of his "Prosperity Ministry", there was a "Rolls-Royce parade outside the Plaza Hotel in New York City, " featuring Jordan's Phantom Rolls-Royce. [7] The new $325,000 Phantom had been a gift from Reverend Run as a "thank you" for his mentoring support. [8]

Although he lives a life of luxury, he is sometimes dressed in a black, hooded robe, such as at Zoe Ministries retreats in Woodbourne, New York in the Catskill Mountains. [1]

Family

Jordan lived with his wife Debra and five children in a gated community, Tuxedo Park in Orange County, New York. [1] Jordan now resides in a 26,000 square foot mansion in Saddle River, New Jersey. Jordan was connected with Reverend Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II ("Reverend Ike"), a radio and television preacher who preached prosperity and "positive self-image psychology", who died in 2009. [9]

Criticisms

Critics of Jordan's work question his being labeled a "prophet" and question the monetary pledges for spiritual enlightenment. [10] [11] [12]

Lawsuits

A federal judge entered a default judgement against Jordan in 2019. [13] This followed a year-long failure by Jordan to respond to a class suit action by Jeffrey Molitor who complained of robocalls from the ministry.

In a separate case in 2018, an Ohio woman also sued for compensation and punitive damages due to unauthorized robocalls and text messages from Manasseh Jordan Ministries. [14] A corporation that provided phone services was sued [15] Additional lawsuits have been filed in California. [16]

Published works

This is a partial list of Jordan's published works: [17] [18]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zephaniah</span> Biblical figure

Zephaniah is the name of several people in the Hebrew Bible; the most prominent being the prophet who prophesied in the days of Josiah, king of Judah and is attributed a book bearing his name among the Twelve Minor Prophets. His name is commonly transliterated Sophonias in Bibles translated from the Vulgate or Septuagint. The name might mean "Yah has concealed", "[he whom] Yah has hidden", or "Yah lies in wait".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spiritual gift</span> In Christianity, an extraordinary power given by the Holy Spirit

A spiritual gift or charism is an extraordinary power given by the Holy Spirit. These are believed by followers to be supernatural graces that individual Christians need to fulfill the mission of the Church. In the narrowest sense, it is a theological term for the extraordinary graces given to individual Christians for the good of others and is distinguished from the graces given for personal sanctification, such as the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Televangelism</span> Use of radio and television to preach religion

Televangelism and occasionally termed radio evangelism or teleministry, denotes the utilization of media platforms, notably radio and television, for the marketing of religious messages, particularly Christianity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman Vincent Peale</span> American minister, author, and positive thinking proponent

Norman Vincent Peale was an American Protestant clergyman, and an author best known for popularizing the concept of positive thinking, especially through his best-selling book The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). He served as the pastor of Marble Collegiate Church, New York, from 1932, leading this Reformed Church in America congregation for more than a half century until his retirement in 1984. Alongside his pulpit ministry, he had an extensive career of writing and editing, and radio and television presentations. Despite arguing at times against involvement of clergy in politics, he nevertheless had some controversial affiliations with politically active organizations in the late 1930s, and engaged with national political candidates and their campaigns, having influence on some, including a personal friendship with President Richard Nixon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josiah</span> Biblical King of Judah

Josiah or Yoshiyahu was the 16th King of Judah. According to the Hebrew Bible, he instituted major religious reforms by removing official worship of gods other than Yahweh. Until the 1990s, the biblical description of Josiah’s reforms were usually considered to be more or less accurate, but that is now heavily debated. According to the Bible, Josiah became king of the Kingdom of Judah at the age of eight, after the assassination of his father, King Amon and reigned for 31 years, from 641/640 to 610/609 BCE.

Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection have the right to physical health, that words have power, and that true faith is more than simply mental knowledge, but is deeply held belief that cannot be shaken. The movement was founded by the American Kenneth Hagin in the 1960s, and has its roots in the teachings of E. W. Kenyon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joseph Simmons</span> American rapper (born 1964)

Joseph Ward Simmons, better known by the stage name Run, Rev. Run or DJ Run, is an American rapper, producer, DJ and television personality. Simmons is one of the founding members of the influential hip hop group Run-DMC. He is also a practicing minister, known as Reverend Run.

Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, better known as Reverend Ike, was an American minister and evangelist based in New York City. He was known for the slogan "You can't lose with the stuff I use!" Though his preaching is considered a form of prosperity theology, Reverend Ike diverged from traditional Christian theology and taught what he called "Science of Living."

Prosperity theology is a religious belief among some Charismatic Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Material and especially financial success is seen as a sign of divine favor.

The New Thought movement is a new religious movement that coalesced in the United States in the early 19th century. New Thought was seen by its adherents as succeeding "ancient thought", accumulated wisdom and philosophy from a variety of origins, such as Ancient Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Chinese, Taoist, Hindu, and Buddhist cultures and their related belief systems, primarily regarding the interaction among thought, belief, consciousness in the human mind, and the effects of these within and beyond the human mind. Though no direct line of transmission is traceable, many adherents to New Thought in the 19th and 20th centuries claimed to be direct descendants of those systems.

<i>Runs House</i> Television series

Run's House is an American reality television series that debuted on October 13, 2005. The series chronicles the family life of former Run–DMC rapper and hip-hop music pioneer Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev. Run.

A robocall is a phone call that uses a computerized autodialer to deliver a pre-recorded message, as if from a robot. Robocalls are often associated with political and telemarketing phone campaigns, but can also be used for public service, emergency announcements, or scammers. Multiple businesses and telemarketing companies use auto-dialing software to deliver prerecorded messages to millions of users. Some robocalls use personalized audio messages to simulate an actual personal phone call. The service is also viewed as prone to association with scams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prophets of Christianity</span> Prophets of Christianity

In Christianity, the figures widely recognised as prophets are those mentioned as such in the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is believed that prophets are chosen and called by the one God.

"Abundant life" is a term used to refer to Christian teachings on fullness of life. It is not an organized movement or a unique doctrine, but a name applied to the teachings and expectations of the groups and people who follow the teachings. Abundant life teachings may include expectations of prosperity and health, but may also include other forms of fullness of life when faced with adverse circumstances.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian views on poverty and wealth</span> Different opinions that Christians have held about material riches

There have been a variety of Christian views on poverty and wealth. At one end of the spectrum is a view which casts wealth and materialism as an evil to be avoided and even combated. At the other end is a view which casts prosperity and well-being as a blessing from God.

Job is known as a prophet in Islam and is mentioned in the Quran. Job's story in Islam is parallel to the Hebrew Bible's story, although the main emphasis is on Job remaining steadfast to God; there is no mention of Job's discussions with friends in the Qur'anic text, but later Muslim literature states that Job had brothers, who argued with the man about the cause of his affliction. Some Muslim commentators also spoke of Job as being the ancestor of the Romans. Islamic literature also comments on Job's time and place of prophetic ministry, saying that he came after Joseph in the prophetic series and that he preached to his own people rather than being sent to a specified community. Tradition further recounts that Job will be the leader in Heaven of the group of "those who patiently endured".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James F. Jones (minister)</span> American minister

James Francis Marion Jones, also known as the Rt. Rev. Dr. James F. Jones, D.D and as Prophet Jones, was an American black religious leader, televangelist, faith healer and pastor who led the religious movement that developed into the Church of Universal Triumph, Dominion of God, Inc. from 1938 until his death in 1971.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xavier Eikerenkoetter</span> American minister

Xavier Eikerenkoetter is the son of American minister, prosperity preacher, and first black televangelist, Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II, better known as Reverend Ike. Eikerenkoetter was formerly the President of the United Palace, a theatre in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. He was also the Spiritual Director of the United Palace House of Inspiration, formerly the United Church or Palace Cathedral, founded by Rev. Ike; and is the founder of the United Palace of Cultural Arts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uebert Angel</span> Ministry founder, televangelist, businessman

Uebert Angel is a British-Zimbabwean Businessman and a preacher. He is an evangelical preacher and the founder of Spirit Embassy, a Pentecostal ministry in the United Kingdom.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 McKenna, Chris. (September 14, 2003). "The Prophet of Profit shows the seeds of wealth." Times Herald-Record .
  2. ↑ "Bishop e. Bernard Jordan". 17 June 2016.
  3. ↑ "History".
  4. ↑ New York Times Best Seller list. The New York Times. March 18, 2007. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  5. ↑ Pearson, Carlton. (2010). God is Not a Christian, Nor a Jew, Muslim, Hindu... New York: Atria Books, Simon & Schuster. ISBN   978-1-4165-8443-8.
  6. ↑ "Bishop Jordan honored in Chicago." Jet . April 23, 2007. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  7. ↑ "Rev. Ike and Rev. Run honored." Jet. July 12, 2004. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Thank you." Jet. May 10, 2004. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  9. ↑ "Reverend Ike, Preacher of Material Prosperity, Dies at 74." Huffington Post . July 30, 2009. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  10. ↑ Bishop Bernard Jordan, False Prophet Forgotten Word Ministries. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  11. ↑ Bishop E. Bernard Jordan And The New Psychic Friends Network. Archived 2012-01-05 at the Wayback Machine New York Bureau, Preachers Investigation Bureau. Posted January 14, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  12. ↑ E. Bernard Jordan, Master False Prophet. Apprising Ministries. Posted June 25, 2010. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  13. ↑ Holland, Scott. "Federal court grants default judgment against 'prophet' who's made millions from millions of robocalls". Cook County Record. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  14. ↑ Asbury, Kyla. "Woman sues prophet, Manasseh Jordan Ministries for TCPA violations". West Virginia Record. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  15. ↑ ""The Lord Spoke To Me Personally About You": How Mass-Blasted Messages From a "Prophet" Landed One Phone Carrier in TCPA Hot Water". The National Law Review. Retrieved 2022-07-08.
  16. ↑ "Ferguson v. The Prophet Manasseh Jordan Ministries". Plain Site. Archived from the original on April 12, 2021.
  17. ↑ Open Library: E. Bernard Jordan works. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  18. ↑ World Cat: E. Bernard Jordan works. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  19. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard (1973). 10 Things Americans Wish They Had Known and 7 Things They Have to Know. Foghorn Publishers. ISBN   1934466220.
  20. ↑ Open Library: Jordan, E. Bernard. (1992). The Power of Money Zoe Ministries. ISBN   1-881787-01-X.
  21. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1994). Spiritual Protocol Zoey Publishing; 4th edition. ASIN: B000B9W9EA.
  22. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1995). Keys to Liberation Zoe Ministries ASIN: B000X2A48I.
  23. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1995). The Power of the Dime Zoe Ministries. ASIN: B000BANGNW.
  24. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1995). What Every Woman Should Know About Men Zoe Ministries Publisher. ASIN: B0012KW6WM.
  25. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard; Jordan, Debra. (1995). Zoe Minisitries. Multiple ISBNs.
  26. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1996). The Achiever's Guide to Success Zoey Publishing; 2nd edition. ISBN   0-939241-10-2.
  27. ↑ World Cat: Jordan, E. Bernard. (1996). His Color Was Black: A Race Attack New York: Zoe Ministries Publisher. OCLC 45705546.
  28. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (1996). The Spirit Of Liberation Zoe Ministries; 2nd Printing edition. ISBN   978-0-939241-09-5.
  29. ↑ Open Library: Jordan, E. Bernard. (2005) "Cosmic Universe: The Universal Keys to Wealth" AuthorHouse. ISBN   1-4208-6080-1.
  30. ↑ Open Library: Jordan, E. Bernard. (2008) [2007]. The Laws of Thinking: 20 Secrets to Using the Divine Power of Your Mind to Manifest Prosperity. Second edition. Hay House. ISBN   1-4019-1799-2.
  31. ↑ World cat: E. Bernard Jordan. Translator Graciela Frisbie. (2011). Las leyes del pensamiento : 20 secretos para utilizar el Poder Divino de tu mente para alcanzar la prosperidad. México D.F. : Grupo Editorial Tomo S.A. de C.V. ISBN   6074152624.
  32. ↑ World Cat: E. Bernard Jordan; translation Nadine Lachance. (2008). Les lois de la pensée : 20 secrets pour trouver la prospérité en utilisant le pouvoir divin de votre pensée Varennes, Québec : AdA. ISBN   2-89565-701-7.
  33. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (2008) The Business of Getting Rich (12 Secrets to Unveiling the Spiritual Side of Wealth In You) ISBN   1-934466-04-2.
  34. ↑ Jordan, E. Bernard. (2009) Beyond the Laws of Thinking Foghorn Publishers. ISBN   1-934466-19-0.
  35. ↑ Open Library: Jordan, E. Bernard. (2011). The Laws of Prosperity. Hillsboro, NY: Atria Books. ISBN   978-1-58270-316-9.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.