Here's Why Black Internet is Dragging T. D. Jakes, Despite His Denials of Salacious Rumors (2024)

Dustin J. Seibert

·4 min read

Coming up in the Black and largely Protestant City of Detroit, it felt like a revolutionary act to abandon the church and organized religion as I did as a teenager in the mid-1990s. But I had little recourse: As soon as I developed some adult-adjacent sense, I looked around and realized that the milk was sour throughout the institution.

I watched with disdain as Black pastors and church leaders fomented hatred toward the LGBTQ community while also rolling around in chromed-out Benzes on the precious dimes of their poor congregants. But folks weren’t trying to hear my gripes…the “chosen ones” of Christ wore armor that my opinions could never hope to penetrate.

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But…then he went on to address it. We didn’t have to log off after all.

Powered by the “amens” and the “yes lawds” of his congregation, Jakes insisted that he “knows who I am” and is not here to “convince nobody.” He even turned on a cracked, teary voice to let his parishioners know just how upset this whole affair has made him and as several Tiktokers pointed out ...used fear tactic language to suggest that he was standing in place to protect all of them from thisfoolishness.

Part of his response included, “If everything was true, all I got to do is repent sincerely from my heart...but I ain’t got to repent about this.”

Although I have no idea what is true, but of course, that’s the chestnut that every “true believer” leverages to get away with foul behavior; if we could sell it, the sin-and-repent cycle would have the highest IPO the market has ever seen. (Jakes has yet to respond to a request for comment from The Root.)

This is in part why western religion has been trending downward for some time: the younger generation is less willing to be saddled with oppressive dogma and the utilization of Jesus as a Get Out of Jail Free card. Even Black folks are in on the shift, with more of us eschewing “the rules” for simple spirituality.

The list of white evangelical pastors and far-right politicians who’ve preached against homosexuality only to get caught up in some (often illegal or unethical) homosexual behavior is longer than a CVS receipt. Perhaps the most prominent Black pastor to make that Summer Jam screen is the late Bishop Eddie Long.

A married man with four kids and several grandkids, Long spent a good amount of energy in his Atlanta megachurch denouncing same-sex marriage. His legacy, however, will be forever tainted by a lawsuit involving his alleged coaxing of young Black men into sexual relationships under the guise of being their “spiritual advisor.”

Long would allegedly fly out, wine and dine; and engage in sex acts with the young men using church dough. (He weathered a previous scandal involving the use of charity money to buy a Bentley and expensive crib.)

Bishop Eddie Long, young Black men victims — give their account of him grooming and sexually abusing them… pic.twitter.com/FcqMD0mGuh

— HarrietEve9 (@HarrietEve9) December 26, 2023

Like Diddy in a chimere, Long settled out of court and denied the allegations to the grave. Maybe what bothers Black Folk is just as Jakes did on Christmas Eve, they remember Long responded to the allegations on the pulpit by suggesting he was “under attack” and making biblical references to reference the “fight” ahead. His audience ate it up like cured ham.

For all the good the Black church has done for us since we were dragged across oceans and forced to adopt Christianity, its condemnation of the LGBTQ community has made it a millstone around the necks of many young Black people who grow up alone, scared and uncertain where to turn because of it. I believe damn near everything wrong in our country traces back to white supremacy, and the Black church’s myopia is no different.

The church’s culture of homophobia runs deeper than just making people feel unwelcome – it creates an environment for children to be abused while ostensibly under the aegis of people expected to protect them. Listen to Prophet Manasseh Jordan (a former mentee of Jakes) speak about grooming:

Prophet Manasseh Jordan, former mentee of Bishop TD Jakes — warns about grooming… pic.twitter.com/PSwEv8WW16

— HarrietEve9 (@HarrietEve9) December 25, 2023

It’s possible that so many Black people are coming for Jakes’ neck this week because they believe that the 66-year-old represents the church of yesteryear — an anachronism that doesn’t have a place in modern sensibilities, even if Jakes himself has presented a softer stance toward the LGBTQ issue in recent years.

I have no idea if Jakes is being authentic in his denial of the Diddy party allegations. It shouldn’t really matter if he’s not preaching lies or hypocrisy to his congregation. But all these Christians creating videos attacking or condemning him should probably shine that spotlight on the church itself. And then maybe shine it inward – things are better, but the Black church still has work to do.

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Here's Why Black Internet is Dragging T. D. Jakes, Despite His Denials of Salacious Rumors (2024)

FAQs

What were the quotes of TD Jakes? ›

Don't leave your God-given gifts unopened. Don't leave this planet having missed the great opportunities God has for you. Rip off the lid of your abilities, tear into that box that is your talents, and use every gift God has given you. Devote yourself to fulfilling the unique purpose that is your destiny.

What did TD Jakes do before he became a pastor? ›

Known as "Bible Boy"

Due to his early habits, he was nicknamed "Bible Boy." As he grew up, he also worked as a part-time music director at the Baptist Church. Throughout his college career, Jakes attended several institutions.

What was the most famous line? ›

Best Quotes of All Time
  • 1. “ To be, or not to be, that is the question.” – William Shakespeare.
  • 2. “ I think, therefore I am.” – René Descartes.
  • 3. “ The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” – Franklin D. ...
  • 4. “ That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” – Friedrich Nietzsche.
  • 5. “ ...
  • 6. “ ...
  • 7. “ ...
  • 8. “

What is crushing quotes by TD Jakes? ›

Your crushing is nothing more than the beginning of a glorious transformation process that will reveal to the world and you who and what you really are. Just like the grapes being trampled comes first, so does your crushing. There is more to come—so much more.

How much does Pastor T.D. Jakes make? ›

T. D. Jakes is an American bishop, author, and filmmaker who has a net worth of $20 million.

Is T.D. Jakes daughter a preacher? ›

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the founder and senior pastor of the Dallas, Texas-based megachurch The Potter's House, installed his daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts as the first-ever assistant pastors to be named to the church's leadership.

Did T.D. Jakes attend Bible school? ›

degree in biblical studies in 1990, and his D. Min. in 1995. In 1987, Jakes was ordained into the Bishopric, and in 1992, he first preached Woman, Thou Art Loosed, a sermon that addressed the pain of women.

What is passion quotes T.D. Jakes? ›

If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose. Its not over, until the Lord says its over. Never make a permanent decision about a temporary situation.

What is a quote from destiny by TD Jakes? ›

Destiny will always make someone angry, but better that person be angry with you than for you to be angry with you. I guarantee you will end up an angry person the day you awaken spiritually and realize that you've adhered to everyone's priorities except your own. Destiny is not for comfort seekers.

What is motivational Sarah Jakes quotes? ›

I only allow relationships and opportunities in my life that are a reflection of the word I'm using to build my life. Stress is a sign that it's time to reassess how you're structured. There's nothing wrong with being wrong. Having the ability to acknowledge and fix your wrong builds trust.

Who said the line never give up? ›

Description. Powerful motivational quote by leader Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up." Use this inspirational poster to remind yourself to keep going when things get tough, and never quit.

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