Lately, a lot of churches are preaching this "prosperity" message, and my concern is that if it is meant to be a "universal" message, then how do we go telling third world people that thet too can be rich??? It seems a bit of a contradiction that these preachers are so well-off financially while the average person sitting in the congregation is struggling? Isn't Jesus talking of spiritual riches and not material wealth?? Yet, these same preachers are saying that poverty is a "spirit" - does that mean that most of us are "possessed"? So, how would a sermon of this content go down in a third world country? They tell us that we too can have the same financial blessings as they and their ministries have- and then ask for financial gifts?? It must be hard when people are sending thousands of dollars from across the globe to them! May we all be so "blessed". I believe in God (I am a christian), but have a hard time swallowing this one!
2006-07-07 21:24:51 · 11 answers · asked by hilda43 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The prosperity message is not biblically sound! If so, we would all be rich and need nothing. There are specifiic ways that God instructs masters, slaves, workers ,citizens, rulers etc.. to behave towards those over and under them. Which means that He knows that there wil be differences in riches,wealth, for example. Spiritual prosperity for all ,but not financial. And I know there are many people who have absolutely no financial prosperity and are more at peace , happy, and spiritually prosperous than most of us would ever be.
2006-07-07 21:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by raerae2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before seeking the riches of the world we should seek the kingdom of God. After obtaining a hope in Christ we should seek for riches to help the poor and clothe the naked and feed the hungry.
It is Gods plan to have ppl be self sustaining, to learn to provide for themselves, to become more like Him, and the purpose of those sermons is to help ppl understand that money is not bad, greed is evil, money is good if you use it for a good purpose, education is good, to provide for your family, a house, a car, your own business, financial independence are all good, for you, for your country, for the ppl around you.
Well, not all preachers ar good and not all good ppl are preachers.
I don't know what I'm talking about, go an pray and get a straight answer from THE MAN!
2006-07-07 21:40:00 · answer #2 · answered by Radwan G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not everyone is destined to be "Financially Rich" in this life. Any Church that preaches such a materialistic "goal" is obviously in err.
"On the other hand, if you are content with what you have, if you can see things you don't own without feeling envy, and if you don't try to appear better than you are, you will avoid many heartaches. In fact, you will constantly see yourselves as rich since it's always possible, by looking below your economic station in life, to quickly realize that you have quite a lot. If you are a person of this kind, you can remain calm because you don't fill your mind with imaginary needs. Amid all the chaos and confusion of ordinary life, wouldn't this calmness afford you a real measure of happiness on earth?" --Fénelon (Lyon, 1860)
2006-07-07 21:38:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In college, I had a proffesor named Ossom. He is a preacher from Africa. Lucky enough to have raised a family in america. He helps out the people in africa a bit and his own community. However, he also told us several stories about how his fellow ministers from other churches, would take the money meant for people in africa, and they would go on vacation. Yes, they would spend that money on themselves. Some would even visit africa, talk to them, take pics or videos, and make a show of how they are helping the poor third world countries there.. and then still take all that money and spend it on themselves. Some try.. some don't..
2006-07-07 21:32:50 · answer #4 · answered by kerbourchardalan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just have to cringe at some of the things coming out of the *church that inevitably lead believers away from the truth. I do not support or like the "prosperity" doctrine and it's patronising to third world believers (who actually have a greater faith application than ye normal regular believer - 'lack' can inspire that) - as much as we can gripe about it - its this kind of doctrine that we believers were told to look out for ... I don't mind if DAD drops material wealth my way - I don't mind not having - I'm fairly content either way ... now theres a fruit I've seen from disillusioned 'name-it-claim-it' kids... discontent...
It really is up to every believer to get Berean about what they hear... study study study... understand understand understand..
2006-07-07 21:33:51 · answer #5 · answered by kharas3an 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That you would waste your time watching mass marketeers on television puts you in the very same boat because neither you nor they want to take the time to personally ask those who can afford to share their gifts, to do so. Perhaps this is what it means to judge not least you be judged in the same way? Bitter pill isn't it? I follow Jesus, and am not a Christian.
2006-07-07 21:47:58 · answer #6 · answered by Marcus R. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you understand prosperity to mean wealth and peace of mind, that is devine peace, then I will say it includes those in third world countries. The third world worlds may not have money, they may be poor, but they have peace.
2006-07-07 21:42:04 · answer #7 · answered by Nnamsco 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a lie. One has to look at the early church to see what happens to Christians who live by their faith. We are not of this world because this world is dominated by Satan. So people who preach that are tickling people's ears and I consider them false teachers and will get their's in the end.
2006-07-07 21:28:41 · answer #8 · answered by ddead_alive 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you . its just meant to tickle peoples ears.Whats bad is the way poor are being treated.Ive heard people in church's say" you can tell how mature someone is by how much he has"or a rich Evangelist saying " people ask me what I did to become so rich .as in stealing or robbing . but I ask them what did they do in order to stay poor" I haven't lost my faith but just don't see the majority of church's as the true body of Christ.The bible says you will know them by their love for one another, there's not much love at the church's
2006-07-07 21:36:38 · answer #9 · answered by Mr Toooo Sexy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, its meant to enourage YOU to donate more to the Preachers so that THEY can Prosper! Silly Rabbit.
2016-03-26 21:19:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋