P.S. the image above is now \sarc
Posted on 02/26/2015 8:21:21 AM PST by pinochet
Like many Freepers, I was raised in a Christian denomination that did not teach the Prosperity Gospel (PG). In the last few years, I have tried to make sense of the prosperity teachings, and it is possible that I may not fully understand them. But I will explain the PG teachings as best as I am able to understand them.
The Prosperity Gospel teaches that rich people are rich, because they engage in the behavior that God approves of, and this means that rich people are blessed by God. But poor people are poor, because they engage in behavior that God disapproves of, and are therefore punished by God with poverty.
The prosperity Gospel preachers reject the Catholic tradition, where vows of poverty are seen as a measure of strong faith. Therefore, St. Francis of Asisi, whom Catholics consider to be the best Catholic who ever lived, and who gave all his wealth to the poor, is seen as the biggest sucker in human history. Is that assessment of the Prosperity Gospel accurate?
Something about camels and eyes of needles pops to mind.
Also something about being saved by works. Make a lot of money, and you become perfect in God’s eyes, right?
“And there came a certain poor widow” Mark 12:42
The righteous go to heaven after we all face judgement as equals.
I also remember something about “denarius” and “render unto Caesar”... spiritual correctness yields to spiritual rewards, not material rewards.
If you lead a spiritually correct life, you are MORE likely to be disciplined and hardworking... traits that are MORE likely (but not guaranteed) to lead to success.
When I was in college, I got a letter from the Rev. Ike.
Included was a very small piece of prayer cloth.
Right at the top was the quotation: “The lack of money is the root of all evil”.
I have no idea how I got on his mailing list.
I don't like it,
God don't like it too.
>>Something about camels and eyes of needles pops to mind<<
I think in many instances, some folks warp what PG preachers convey.
Jesus was making a point that the rich largely place the things of the Lord behind that of money or the quest for money.
Jesus did not mean that rich people would not get to heaven because they are wealthy. There are many rich folks that give back to the kingdom to help the faithful.
This message approved by Joel.
Few are going to heaven many to hell.-Jesus of Nazareth
“Is that assessment of the Prosperity Gospel accurate?”
No.
It’s no good. A scam. I think it has decreased in recent years in influence and in how much it is pushed, which is good.
But I don’t think your assessment captured it’s particular heresies.
The poor are so, in the past, because of bad judgement leading to poor decisions. Teenage pregnancy, drug addiction, etc. in the future the poor will be so because of the tyranny they tolerate, also bad judgement.
In a free, modern division of labor society,rich people are rich because they are able to make higher than average rate of profit by developing new products or new methods of production that people approve of because it benefits them. Then, the rich people consume less and save and invest more in their business. Then, they repeat this process over and over for a long period of time.
Your quest for knowledge and pursuit of faith is admirable but obviously in its early stages. Otherwise this seems like a research project for you.
I know nothing of the teachings you present but am keenly aware of the confusion when it comes to Jesus’ teachings. There are mixed messages in the New Testament about wealth and how it is measured. We are taught to use the talents God gave us to make the most of our selves (money wealth and otherwise). We are also taught to share the product of our talents with others (time, talent and/or treasure). To provide the latter, you must first accomplish the former.
It is interesting to note, that Jesus intended all “tithing” to be a measure of one’s soul and grace both for the giver and the receiver. In short, Jesus was saving souls on an individual basis. Thus, he who give freely of what he has for the improvement of others is to be rewarded by God (not forced). Likewise, those who receive these are to recognize the Grace of God in the gift. In this way, both souls are purified.
Finally, wealth is not = money per the teachings. Shoveling snow off of a driveway for elderly neighbors without being asked or seeking appreciation takes little more than a shovel and time. And this fits the teaching of Jesus for the giver. Does the benefactor of this good deed automatically recognize it as the act of a Christian? Maybe, maybe not. But that is between them and God.
This is confusing I’m sure and representative of my faith only. I try to keep it short. But this is what I believe.
If you are rich by your own honest efforts more often than not you believe on the Christ and give glory to God you will gain eternal life.
If you are poor because of dishonest behavior or laziness you will more than likely be poor and you will not believe on the Christ and not give glory to God and you will not gain eternal life.
Jesus preached as much in the Parable of the Talents. See
Matt: 25,14-30
>>>Is that assessment of the Prosperity Gospel accurate?<<< I believe it is sophistry in the name of the Lord. Shame on them all!
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