Good critique of the prosperity “gospel”
This is one of the most even-handed and concise critique of the the so-called prosperity "gospel" I’ve found, featuring a clip of the Houston life-coach Joel Osteen. Mark Driscoll brings clarity on the issue of the health and wealth (or prosperity) "gospel," which does not line up with Scripture or even Jesus’ own life on earth. Watch all the way to the end for a helpful commentary. Specifically, does our definition of a "good life" include the life Jesus lived Himself?
Also read Al Mohler’s commentary, "Are We Promised Prosperity ." His is related to the U.S. economy (not Osteen), but the message is quite relevant for the times we find ourselves in. A concluding remark, Mohler writes:
"Perhaps we should remember our own history lesson — that far more believers in Christ have been and are now among the poor, rather than among the wealthy. We should hear Jesus warn against materialism and Paul remind us that we are to be content when we have plenty and when we have little. We should know that the Christian virtue of thrift is incompatible with the lies of those who push consumer credit.
We are not promised prosperity. When we do enjoy prosperity, we should be thankful stewards — not peddlers of our own prosperity theology."
October 7th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Hi,
I think you will also be interested in the work of Justin Peters on this subject. His site is http://www.justinpeters.org and be sure to watch the video. Here, you will find an overview of his seminar which he gave at my church in its full length. He also comes highly recommended by my pastor, Dr. John MacArthur.