Grandson of Atlanta pastor Charles Stanley sparks anger over selling assets on eBay

The grandson of a famous clergyman caused a stir after he shamelessly sold his grandfather’s personal belongings on eBay a few weeks after his death.

Aspiring YouTuber Matt Brodersen has come under fire for trying to profit from the death of his grandfather Charles Stanley, which he says he has “no shame”.

In a much-criticized video, he said the decision to raise money came after the late pastor’s death earlier this month, when relatives were able to “get some of his stuff.”

After sorting out “a bunch of his clothes and a bunch of his trinkets,” Brodersen advertised several items online to mark the occasion.

The wave of sales includes a portrait of the pastor, who was 90 years old when he died, currently selling for $1,000, according to an eBay listing, while a pocket watch costs at least $830.

Brodersen’s grandfather, Charles Stanley, built a large religious following during a 50-year career as a preacher from his megachurch in Atlanta, while also publishing numerous books and lecturing on television and radio.

Brodersen admitted it was “a little weird” to rummage through his grandfather’s things, but he said he’s holding onto a few things, including a “cherished” passport.

“But there are also a few things that I took from his desk from his home office that I wanted to share with you because I’m going to put them on eBay,” he added.

Brodersen sparked outrage after posting the video, with many condemning his “disrespectful” attempt to profit from his grandfather’s death.

‘This is unreal. Wow. That’s called respect. Privacy. Integrity. And much more,” said one fan.

“After more than 40 years personally to Dr. Charles Stanley and through many other sources, he became my/our Pastor. Like a family member. In all the years of listening to his sermons and messages, I don’t think he would be proud of what is happening now.’

“I couldn’t even finish watching,” added another. “The lack of respect is a disgrace, not only to your family, but also to our Heavenly Father!! Such a pity!’

A third said: ‘Very disturbing! I saw your grandfather as an anointed man of God who gave his life to God to do his will.

“I don’t see him as a celebrity, I see him as my pastor and teacher. It sickens me to see this being done to his personal items and the selling point of it being in the room where he died is just disgusting.”

Brodersen, right, pictured with his famous reverend grandfather Charles Stanley, left

A portrait of Stanley was posted on eBay by Brodersen, with the highest bid on Friday afternoon at $1,000

One of the items Brodersen tried to sell was a signed portrait of Stanley, something he “would like to have for one of his fans,” and said he would add a few “bonus” possessions to the one it has the highest bid.

The additional items include Stanley’s coin collection decorated with Jesus, George W. Bush and Donald Trump.

The second item he decided to cash in was an engraved pocket watch found in Stanley’s desk.

“If you win this one, I’ll send you the rest of the watches I found in his desk,” Brodersen added, flashing several gold watches for the camera.

“These aren’t very nice watches, and there’s nothing special about them,” he admitted. “But they were in his desk, so I’m going to give them as bonus gifts.”

The pocket watch will retail for a minimum of $830, which will also come with several other watches that Brodersen said were “nothing special”

There is also a signed portrait for sale, which will also come with the late pastor’s coin collection, emblazoned with Jesus, George W. Bush and Donald Trump

In response to the backlash over his eBay outburst, Brodersen said, “I promise you I have a lot of my grandfather’s stuff that you don’t see that I’m going to keep.”

“Why wouldn’t my grandpa’s fans have a chance to win two of his items that were in his office? The office where he slept when he died.

“I’m a man with bills to pay, and you know what the economy is like,” he added. “So no, I’m not really ashamed to sell his stuff… and whoever wins is going to help me pay my bills, which I desperately need right now.”

Brodersen again defended his decision on eBay’s listing for the possessions, where he wrote on the portrait painting, “We need to go through his stuff and everyone has a bunch of their stuff.”

“I know that sounds weird, but it’s exactly what happens when people die.

“(The painting) hung in the office of his home before he died, the office where he wrote all his sermons and studied the scriptures. How long was it on that wall? Don’t know. A treasure for a true fan who wants to celebrate his passing and want to have a signed photo of the holy pastor on the wall at home.’