Prosperity Preaching Questioned

Especially in recent years, a movement has been growing in Christianity in the United States known as "The Gospel of Wealth" or "Prosperity Preaching." The heart of this movement is an interpretation of certain biblical texts to say that God wants everyone to be wealthy, and that if you have a strong enough faith you will definitely prosper in life. For many of us Christians, it is hard to understand the scriptural basis for this Gospel of Wealth - true, God does want people to have the best life they can, but he also takes a special concern for the poor and neglected, those who are as far away from wealthy as can be. Traditional Christianity holds that the greatest treasure in life is our faith, which can lead us to enjoy eternal life with God. The Gospel of Wealth seems to place so much emphasis on personal success in this life that the glory of heaven is diminshed.

The Gospel of Wealth has been spread primarily though charismatic evangelical preachers, most of whom themselves enjoy a great deal of personal success and wealth. Now, Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa is leading a congressional investigation into the finances of six religious groups that preach the Gospel of Wealth to some degree. Grassley is looking specifically at the lavish spending of preachers promoting the Gospel of Wealth and their possible abuse of their tax-exempt status. Here is a CNN article on the investigation and the Gospel of Wealth in general.

As we are so close to Christmas and the commercialization that now accompanies this religious holiday, it seems an appropriate time to ask whether material success and the Christian gospel go hand-in-hand. In the United States, at least, it would seem that having a good Christmas is only possible if you are wealthy enough to buy extravagant gifts for family members and friends. And yet, on that first Christmas night, the most important gift was a newborn baby - God's gift of himself. And by the time that baby reached adulthood, he did not have a home, probably had few personal possessions, and most of his friends abandonded him as he was being led to his death. How about that for success?