From: bmb@bluemoon.rn.com (Bryan Bankhead)
Subject: Satan Seller Debunked
Organization: Blue Moon BBS ((614) 868-998[024])
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 92 15:28:54 EDT

        CHRISTIAN COMIC IS A FAKE, MAGAZINE SAYS
        Scripps Howard News Service

Telephones have been ringing early and often at CORNERSTONE magazine
with many callers expressing fervent interest in the state of the
staffs eternal souls. The general consensus is that were headed
dow, not up Said Jon Trott, associate editor of the conservative
christian publication.

The Chicago-based magazine published a 20,000 word report in July on
the work of Christian comic Mike Warnke of Burgin, Ky. whose ministry
is built on claims that he was a Satanist priest.

The article, backed by 170 footnotes to interviews and documents
portrays Warnke as a master storyteller who fabricated key events in
his life.

Of special interest is and April 1966 photo of short-haired modestly
dressed Warnke.  CORNERSTONE says the photo was take during a period
of time when Warnke claims he had waist-length white hair, 6 inch
fingernails, facial scabs from drug use, and 1500 satanic disciples.

Today, Warnke tours coasts to coast, performing about 200 shows a year
before a total of 500,000 or more people,  He has sold more tha 1
million record.  And he sayd his biography, THE SATAN SELLER, has sold
3 million copies.

In addition to discussing hell, Warnkes fans have asked whether Trott
and his colleagues are familiar with specific Bible verses.  Familiar
word in Matther, Chapter 7 , ae especially popular. do not judge or
you too will be judged.

Christians who chant dont judge and forgive and forget and
similar slogans have forgotten a key biblical truth, said Trott, who
co-wrote the Warnke report.  The Bible doesnt forbid judging but
calls for judgement according to biblical standards.

Thus the CORNERSTONE has asked questions about Warnkes integrity,
finances and qualifications as a minister.  His current marraige is
his fourth.  he continues to run Warnkw Ministries with the help of
his third wife Rose with whom he co-wrote Recovering From Divorce.

Warnke also syas he is a bishop in the Holy Orthodox Catholic Church
in Ky., which has few if any ties to any church-Roman Catholic,
Orthodox or otherwise.

Secular newspapers have published follow-up reports on Warnke, noting
that the Internal Revenue Service has revoked the minstrys tax-exempt
status.

The IRS is especially concerned about the nearly $1 million paid in
salaries to members of his family.

The Warnkes have appealed the ruling.  Also Warnke issued a 12-page
statement denying his ministry is fraudelent.... in any sense of the
word, despite misleading and inaccurate published statements
attributed to a few disgruntled former employees.

Trott concedes that a Christian publication is open to criticism when
it takes shots at a wll known minister.

people have asked how far you can go using the media to expose sins
in the body of christ, said Trott.  How far is too far?  Where is
the line between telling the truth , and, as church people say,
telling the truth in love?  I think these are valid questions.

But Warnke has been condronted by many Christian leaders diring the
past 20 ;years, and has refused to repent, said Trott.  The
Cornerstone report comes after nearly 2 years of research.

Its way past time for people who do business in the name of Jesus to
become more more accountable. said Trott.


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