Impact Blog
A weekly journal and interactive discussion with Peter.
Also check out our Video Log
RSS Feed
The “Prosperity Gospel” makes news
Written by Peter Youngren on September 23, 2011This article was published in the St.Catharines Standard.
For decades the “prosperity gospel” has been a hot topic of debate within the evangelical movement. Lately it has caught the attention of the secular media, including the Guardian in the UK and ABC News. As far back as 2006 Time magazine featured the, so called, Prosperity Movement in a piece entitled “Does God want you to be rich?” Lately it is the indictment on fraud charges by Brazilian prosecutors against prosperity preacher Bishop Edir Macedor has caught the attention of the news media.
In United States some writers, including Republican Andrew Sullivan, have tried to put it within a bigger picture, suggesting that the prosperity gospel, which he calls “idiotic”, has influenced the Tea Party. In a Time poll, 17% of American Christians claimed that they consider themselves to be a part of prosperity gospel movement, while 61% acknowledged they believe that God wants people to prosper. 31% agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money. Like it or not, this movement has spread way beyond America, and it is influencing millions in South-America, Africa, Asia, and also in Canada.
The often quoted evangelical theologian John Piper claims, “This is another gospel, not the Christian one”. He goes as far as stating that having riches is a curse, though in the same breath he acknowledges that in heaven we will have super-abundant riches. This triggers the question: Isn’t heaven a place, where evil is absent? How could a “curse” in this life become a “blessing” in the hereafter?
It is hard to find a balanced approach when the prosperity gospel is discussed. As much as Piper’s statement, glorifying poverty in this life, causes my stomach to cringe, prosperity preachers who propagate wealth with a selfish motive of hoarding luxury goods and luxury properties, while followers remain in poverty, is equally distasteful.
I am frequently asked if I am a prosperity preacher, and what my opinion is. Here are some thoughts:
The idea that poverty is a “blessing” is not from the Bible, but is rooted in religious traditions from the Middle Ages. When monks and priests take a vow of poverty, it indicates that poverty is a sign of extra devotion towards the Lord. This is in stark contrast to the narrative about the patriarchs and even the apostles. The Biblical heroes, whether Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, David or Paul, were all rich, or had at least access to substantial amounts of money.
The Christian view is stewardship, not ownership. We are stewards, handlers, of the resources God has put on earth, and specifically the ones in our hand.
Christian prosperity is for a purpose. We can’t give money to help the poor, as the Bible mandates, if we are poor ourselves. To allow the excessive, self-centered lifestyle of a few, to poison it for everyone else, isn’t helpful, least of all those, who really need our help. For those who view Christ’s Gospel as a “get rich quick” scheme, riches are indeed a “curse”, but for those, who use money for God’s purposes on earth, including helping the poor, money is a blessing.
Jesus exemplifies both poverty and wealth; He received gold, frankincense and myrrh already when He was a baby. Not a bad start. Later on He received money from wealthy donors as recorded in the gospel of Luke. Then we see Jesus in abject poverty, “naked and in want of all things”, on the cross. The Apostle Paul fits it all together, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor 8:9).
What’s my take on the prosperity gospel? I say “yes” to a good life and prosperity for the many people I know, who sincerely care about the needs of others, but “no” to an opulent, self-centered lifestyle.
Poverty is not a blessing, as Mr. Piper insists. The only person who could honestly make such a statement, is one, who has never been poor him or herself. Money is a good thing when used properly; it is the “love of money” that is “a root of all kinds of evil”.
Janis
~ Airdrie, Alberta, Canada
Good morning. It’s about balance and telling the truth. The doctrine of suffering is also very real as part of the pilgrimage of the believer in Christ, at times. Does that mean we always suffer? No. It’s about knowing Christ and being willing to follow Him and be taught by Him on a unique personal journey which may include suffering and some times of lack financially. But there are other times when He abundantly supplies for us financially and we are not suffering. Right now, my husband and I have serious financial needs but God has also called us to help the poor, anyway. So out of our need we give in obedience.
False teachings take a truth in scripture and twist it just enough to give the listener the wrong impression. Let’s be balanced and honor the whole counsel of God. And remember, this is about a relationship with the living God who calls us into intimacy with Himself. Paul said he chose to be content in any circumstance, rich or poor. Perhaps we should do the same.
Ken
~ Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada
I thought your was a pretty reasonable and balanced treatment of the topic, although it might had been better if a few more references were used to underscore your points.
I can see John Piper’s view (although it is too narrow and unbalanced) considering the “rich young ruler” (Mark 10:17) was asked to give away his wealth before following Christ, and that Christ indicated “it was harder for a rich man to enter heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle…” Matt 19:23-25 (See also Luke 16: 19-25, James 5:1, Luke 6:24)
I think those verses speak to the danger of dependence on riches rather than dependence on God. To self sufficiency and self indulgence,the temptations that come with wealth… which can be corrupting, especially to the spiritually weak.
We are told to “not” pursue wealth like the heathen do, but to depend on God for our “daily” bread - as in the Lord’s prayer. Matt. 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
If we first seek God and learn to trust him for our needs, HE (as the giver of all good gifts) will add blessings to us. That type of wealth is not only good, but a God given blessing to our lives…
Janvier
~ Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
“Money is a good thing when used properly; it is the “love of money” that is “a root of all kinds of evil”
I don’t think it could be put any simpler!
Holy
~ Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I like that and its true. poverty is not a blessing. But also being rich
means we should give generously to those in need and also for
for the word of God to be heard in all Nations through such as the World
Impact Ministries.I wish I was rich myself.I would make sure that the word
is heard where its needed most
Holy
~ 1704-1650 haro Street Vancouver BC v6g 2x9
I forgot to say;; I had the misfortune of attending some of the so called Bishop Macedo s Churches called the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. this was in South Africa. At hese gatherings one hardly hears about Jesus Christ. All you get is envelopes evrytime to suff money in.Thre was one such meeting at which people where made to give hefty sums so that they would be part of the 144 housands ““sealed”’ as Macedo and company called it. I regret to say that Bishop macedo s church is aimed at mercilessly milking gullible people. People who are starved of the word of God but end up falling into the hands of Macedo and company.
LeRoy
~ Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Greetings in Jusus Name, Broi ;
Just to let you know that I agree with the Blog on Prosperity.
We have to relize that Jesus didn’t preach to get rich in the way that a lot of so called prosperity preachers preach. We must take in mind that God did promise to meet our needs and asking us to be good stewarts also when we give to him in the right way that he will give back , presed down aand overflowing, And not a get rich scheme, I know that some of these preachers live a life of Luxery none of my bussines it is between them and God and if they keep on giving . God will keep on giving, Just stick to the word and let God do the rest. LeRoy
Riley
~ Westbank, British Columbia, Canada
Awesome! Very true when it comes to Job, David, Solomon etc, all being rich and prosperous.
But as you said, money is a blessing if we use it “only” for God’s Glory!
Reverend Kiflay & Tsigereda
~ Ontario Canada
Whoever you are, whether you are from five fold Ministry gifts or you are none of it meaning you are working in your calling day in day out, even you can be A Pope of the Catholic Church or a priest in your local church, what ever you are in life that you are lined up for eternity, I am telling you “God wants to prospering you all the time from the beginning of the inception.” God is a giving God. one who gives 100 percent wholeheartedly, freely and abundantly to his Children.His giving to us is Unlimited…Unending! His divine nature is to give. he is a generous God who gives liberally to all who ask in faith.the bible from cover to cover is full of examples that god wants to showering us with his abundance.let us see the prosperity of god’s people: Abraham (genesis 13:2) ISAAC (Genesis 26:13) Jacob ( Genesis 30:43) Joseph (Genesis 39:2 & Genesis 41:40-44) Moses & the children of Israel.(Genesis 12:35-36) David (1 Chronicles 29:28) Solomon (2 Chronicles 1:12 & 1 King 10:23) Jehoshaphat ( 2 Chronicles 17:5) Job (Job 1:3) Daniel (Daniel 2:48 & 6:28) Joseph Of Arimathea(Matthew 27:57) Cornelius( Acts 10:1-2) Lydia (Acts 16:14) Believers In The Early Church (ACTS 4:34-35) All of the Above mentioned are Pastor Peter Youngren they are recorded in that Bible That I sent you in 2009"Financial Breakthrough Spiritual Warfare Bible” Have you ever read it all? I hope you do, All we needed about money is recorded on it.That Is My Comment About Prosperity!!!!! Faithfully: Reverend Kiflay & Tsigereda .
Binu
~ Bangalore,India
I agree with Peter Youngren that Poverty is not a Blessing and neither is it a Biblical teaching.The Poverty centric Gospel which originated In Europe was the machinations of the Church and had nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ.On the other hand Prosperity Gospel has misused the Biblical understanding of tithing and reduced it to a mere “Mantra”.
Rosalind
~ Saint Michael, Barbados
Abraham was rich and was called a friend of God, but it is also disgusting to see church leaders asking for huge sums of money every time the church door opens and the gospel of Jesus Christ is not preached. I have seen the gospel preached, and people just gave without the preacher asking and pleading etc.
Then what boggles the mind is the poor among us who haven’t had a meal for the week, who can’t pay a bill and yet still shut up our bowels of compassion. The Lord don’t really want our money, but he want us to look after the poor and go into all the world to reach the lost at any cost. Showing good stewardship.
Chantal
~ Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Alléluia!
Thank you!
Lorraine
~ Hanover, Ontario, Canada
I have been poor now I am rich and I CAN TELL YOU RICH IS A BLESSING.
I was catholic indoctrinated with their poverty teaching, while the pope and all his entourage gathered wealth unspeakable.Their vows of poverty are a hoax ,while the catholic people give to support their empire .The masses of the people are supposed to support their lies.
Thank God for you Peter and the truth that you teach.
My dad raised 12 children every sunday giving his hard earded money to the church .They needed to help him.!!!!
What lies proported in the name of God .Wake up catholics.
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Comments:
Stephanie
~ Montreal, Quebec, Canada
What a POWERFUL truth…Thanks for sharing! The purpose of prosperity is to preach the Gospel to the world & to be blessed to be a blessing to others in order to advance the Kingdom! I agree that any other reason would be pointless self gratification!
You are truly a blessing! Please continue to be a blessing to the Kingdom & keep sharing the Word of God! Your efforts to stay authentic in God’s eye has not gone unnoticed! The Lord says He will bless you with a prophet’s reward according to Matt 10:41. Wait in great expectation at what He’s about to do in your life!
He’s got more great things in store for you!
Stay blessed & rooted in Him! :)