Prosperity Theology in the Press

[Wilson L. Deaton]

What do you think if this coverage?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/10/time.cover.tm/index.html

Wilson

[G R 'Scott' Cundiff]

That's a good article. I identify with this quote -- that I find such doctrine: "simplistic, possibly heretical and certainly embarrassing."


What do you think if this coverage?

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/10/time.cover.tm/index.html

Wilson

[Wilson L. Deaton]

That's a good article. I identify with this quote -- that I find such doctrine: "simplistic, possibly heretical and certainly embarrassing."

A great quote!

I was just glad (and surprised) they expressed the truth that huge numbers of Christians aren't in to it.

Wilson

[Joel Merrill]

I've heard some of that from Nazarene pulpits in the past. I do believe that God blesses some people financially but there is danger in lumping everyone together and saying that God is going to do that for everyone. You also can't say that whether a person is rich or poor is always because of God. It is more likely because of choices that person has made. Some people are just better at handling their money than others. I wouldn't be saying anything profound in saying that there are more ways of being blessed by God than just having lots of money. Having good Health, a loving happy family and a job one enjoys are certainly a blessing.

I have a NIV Study Bible. For Matthew 5:3 the study note says: Blessed. The word means more than "happy," because happiness is an emotion often dependent on outward circumstances. "Blessed" here refers to the ultimate well-being and distinctive spiritual joy of those who share in the salvation of the kingdom of God.

God knows everything about us. If we have a too great a desire to be rich, God probably isn't going to help us get rich. If some preacher says, "You can't out give God, so you should give in order that God will bless you financially," that preacher is misleading his people. If a person gives because he thinks God is going to bless him, he is giving for the wrong reason and he may as well keep his money.

I enjoy giving and wish I could give more but what I give is between me and God. Everything I own belongs to him. He knows that if he wants anything, all he has to do is ask. I'm not rich but God has helped me to get a good job and make a comfortable living. Could I use more money? Sure, couldn't we all? But if money is all you care about, you will never have enough. God has provided for our needs and even a little enjoyment and I am content.

Joel

[Barb Bouldrey]

I like the phrase: "more buttoned downed evangelical churches."

LOL

Barb