It's Hard to Separate the Prosperity Gospel From the Rest


What we consider to be "mainstream" denominations scoff at what is called the "prosperity gospel." As most know, the prosperity gospel is generally known as the belief that if you give your money to the church God will reward you with money. 

A new poll shows there is a lot of support among Christians across the board for parts of what is preached by those known as prosperity gospel preachers. The most famous current such preacher is Joel Osteen. Osteen tells people Jesus wants then to be prosperous. I'm sure there is something in the Bible to support that, just as there is something in the Bible telling people to give their money away.

Should the faithful believe Jesus wants them, personally, to be prosperous? Looking at the various claims Christians make that claim is not out of line. No one can prove there is or was a Jesus nor what the Jesus thinks if there is one. But most of the faith claims it knows there is a God, heaven, hell and a Satan. These are every bit as doubtful as that Jesus wants you to be successful. If it makes people feel better they are welcome to believe whatever they want. But preachers and others in the faith playing with people's heads is not playing fair.

What is interesting about the poll in the link is that the bogus claims prosperity are gaining ground on the bogus views God, heaven, sin and hell. The faith is packed with imaginary and unverified claims and some are rising in credibility while others are not doing so well.

I've advised people in the faith from day one to stop promising things that are over the top ridiculous. That includes God, Satan, heaven, hell and eternity. It also includes the ridiculous notion God wants you to be successful or not successful.  

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