America’s mainstream religious denominations used to teach the faithful that they would be rewarded in the afterlife. But over the past generation, a different strain of Christian faith has proliferated—one that promises to make believers rich in the here and now. Known as the prosperity gospel, and claiming tens of millions of adherents, it fosters risk-taking and intense material optimism. It pumped air into the housing bubble. And one year into the worst downturn since the Depression, it’s still going strong.
via http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200912/rosin-prosperity-gospel
Over the course of the past several years some theologians and pastors have critically examined the "Prosperity Doctrine" and have determined that it has little to no validity in our society. Despite this conclusion, everyone has been affected by the constant promotion of this principle. Even though I do not fundamentally agree with it, I must stop myself from trying to convince myself and others that God's economy really is like a vending machine. After all, it sounds so good... You live a good life, so God rewards you with money. Doesn't that sound like a sound principle? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news but that is not how this system works.
Consequentially, there are millions of Christians, as discussed in this article, who are living well beyond their means in "faith" that God will provide their wants rather than their needs. Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Does that sound consistent with the teachings of the prosperity doctrine? Not so much. At the end of the day we are charged to follow Christ - His teachings, His commandments.
Unfortunately, Christians and the prosperity doctrine have probably played a significant role in the economic feebleness of our country. Driven by consumerism and greed, we have created a society that values the production of trivial toys rather than sustaining entrepreneurship that will enable us to lead better lives.
Perhaps this horrible economic crisis is yet another example of Christ turning tables over in our collective temples. Do not be deceived, He will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are saved. He is much more concerned with your heart than with your wealth.
I do not believe that Christians are entirely to blame. However, we are called to be the light in a dark world. We are called to be counter-cultural. We are called to impact the culture rather than being impacted by the culture. It is time to stand up and do what is right. It is time to emphasize the essence truly living rather than dumbing down life to the consumption of goods. Be the change that you want to see in the world!
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