Huffington Post article, "The False Promise of the Prosperity Gospel"

[Tek7]

I have been preaching for 20 years. Yesterday I did something that I have never done before in a sermon. I publicly called out false teachers and named them by name. I said:

If you listen to Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, if you take what they teach seriously, it will not be good for you. It will be detrimental to your long-term growth as a follower of Jesus.

I used to think that their error was so blatantly obvious that they could just be ignored. I was wrong. They are massively growing in popularity in the evangelical world and are seen as credible and helpful. Before I'm inundated with questioning emails I want to share why I distrust these two and think you should as well. So, don't shoot me -- at least not yet.

When I was a kid I could tell the difference between neighborhood kids who wanted to be my friend from the neighborhood kids who were my friends so that they could play with my toys. Joel and Joyce are the latter. They both teach a twisted form of Christianity that teaches obedience, giving and faith as a way to get things from God. They are both products of what is known as the Prosperity Gospel and The Word of Faith Movement, or the Seed Faith Movement.

Source: The False Promise of the Prosperity Gospel: Why I Called Out Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer

I hesitated to post this because I recognize the topic may be controversial in certain Christian circles. I've made my previous experience with and opinions regarding Prosperity Gospel abundantly clear in posts throughout the years, but I still have my reservations posting the link above and inviting community members to discuss this topic.

That being said, I feel strongly enough about the damage the Prosperity Gospel has done, especially in Oklahoma, where I grew up, that I want to at least attempt a conversation with my fellow believers on this subject.

 

[CowRocket]

/me gets popcorn because he is not intelligent enough to put 3 words together.

 

[ewoksrule]

Wow that was a great read! Going to read it again in the morning when not asleep at the keyboard.

 

[Odale]

I have always thought there's a special kind of crazy that can be attributed to this kind of televangelist (I don't think all televangelists are bad, but seeing a pastor in person is infinitely better).

Financial Concerns


There is nothing wrong with being wealthy. I love it when Christians are rich. That should mean more money to fund the mission. But there is a line to how much money we as leaders should spend on ourselves. I don't know where the line is, but it is somewhere before the ministry purchasing million dollar homes for us and our kids. That line is somewhere before purchasing us a $10 million private jet. The line is somewhere before the ministry spending $261, 498 for 68 pieces of furniture. That equates to $3,845.56 per item. That line is somewhere before spending so egregiously that the U.S. Senate investigates us. Joyce Meyer lands on the other side of that line.

I don't mind rich people. If they accumulate wealth because of their own hard work, I'm happy for them. However, I think that rich religious people should hold themselves to a higher standard than their rich but non-religious peers. This excerpt adequately explains what my problem is with rich religious people, especially those who are rich because of their work with their religion.

Edit: More to the point, the prosperity gospel lies to its listeners and has the possibility to do serious damage to one's life. They people who perpetuate this ministry try to play God, these people tell others they know God's plan and that if they stick with their faith (e.g. donate money to these crooks) then they themselves will be rewarded. I think the people who are attracted to the prosperity gospel have been beaten down so far (financially) that they are desperate for help and will look anywhere for it. Why would one be so attracted to prosperity if they were already prosperous? Thus, the worst part is how these "preachers" ask for donations from people who are very likely barely able to pay bills, etc. Disgusting.

It's a great article Tek.