“”Our identity is not in our joy, and our identity is not in our suffering. Our identity is in Christ, whether we have joy or are suffering.” “
Well stated (by Driscoll). The problem with a prosperity-type gospel is, that it is cruel to the poor or suffering. Being poor, or sick, or in various dire straits, is not necessarily a sign of your lack of faith. To preach so is neither happy nor encouraging.
That said, Christianity is a joyful religion as commonly understood. “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice!” (Phillipians 4:4)
It is more than cruel the prosperity gospel actually preys upon the weak and vulnerable.