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The Gospel of Greed
A Response to Asamoah-Gyadu's 'Did Jesus Wear Designer Robes?'
To facilitate a truly global conversation, we ask Christian leaders from around the world to respond to the Global Conversation's lead articles. These points of view do not necessarily represent Christianity Today magazine or the Lausanne Movement. They are designed to stimulate discussion from all points of the compass and from different segments of the Christian community. Please add your perspective by posting a comment so that we can learn and grow together in the unity of the Spirit.
"Is anyone here poor? No; surely not! We are children of the King of all riches! But I am poor, you murmur? Then, in the name of Christ, cast away all sin! Claim the blessing God has in store for you and you will prosper!"
Sunday after Sunday, in megachurches across Latin America, hundreds of thousands of Christians sit—or sway—through similar pep talks. Weekday after weekday, radio, TV, and Internet broadcasts harangue believers with a "name-and-claim" theology. Desiring, attaining, acquiring, receiving, and accumulating are the dispositions fostered. In these churches, one is forced to ask: are believers ever challenged to take up the cross and follow a Lord who gave away all he was and had, who renounced his divine prerogatives in order to serve and to reconcile his creation with its maker and people with each other? Renouncing, simplifying, denying self, giving, sharing—all core marks of the community of the King—appear to have no space in this gospel of greed.
The 'apostles' of prosperityIf in Africa the holy seal of approval to lust, greed, and consumerism is granted by Neo-Pentecostal bishops and archbishops, in Latin America the prophets preachers of prosperity tend to advertise themselves as "apostles," and "prophets." Organized in networks, coalitions, and councils, they name and authorize one another with unction from the Lord and proclaim themselves pioneers of a blessed apostolic reform that will transform our continent. As God's special emissaries, they name and declare prosperity and material wellbeing to individuals, families, and even entire nations.
Power, success, wealth, and health are all wrapped in a tightly secured package that allows no room for questioning, for pain or suffering, for concern about justice, or for awareness of the needs of other people. Self-appointed apostles are accountable to no one in matters theological, financial, or ethical. These "saintly" men—yes, they are all men!—wear, drive, and live in the signs of success according to the rulebook of a consumer society. They so arrogantly witness to God's favor and set the bar for their followers who are supposed to take pride in and vicariously enjoy the trappings of power.
Seeds of blessingLike the African leaders Asamoah-Gyadu describes, and with no regard for context, textual or historic, the apostles of prosperity wield biblical texts in order to legitimize their authority and build the religious scaffolding for the idols of our day. One favorite passage they love to twist is 2 Corinthians 9:6: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."
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Apostle Paul J. Nel, South Africa
The Bible teaches that human wisdom is foolishness with YHVH Elohim. The Bible teaches that endless arguments serve no purpose in building the Kingdom of YHVH. The Bible also teaches that it is to be the ONLY yardstick by which we measure. The Holy Spirit has revealed to me the truth of John 8:32 & 44 - the Bible = the written Word of YHVH = (2+2=4). You see, when you add 2 objects to another 2 objects, you will have 4 objects. It doesn't matter what you or I believe - there will still be exactly 4 objects. The original God-breathed Scripture is what it is and it says what it says. It doesn't matter what you or I believe - it doesn't change what YHVH has written. I can often just shake my head ut us "high & mighty" human cleverness (foolishness in His eyes). Shalom
Tim Molter, USA
On your "Who Is Jesus?" page you state that "God loves you and offers a "wonderful" plan for your life." I think your" Who is Jesus...Really" page is another example of the prosperity gospel. Think about it, should we be coming to Jesus for happiness or for righteousness? The early church and the disciples did not have a wonderful life, they were persecuted daily, however they did have an abundant life that was full in Christ.
Caroline, kenya
Hello I am from Africa and this video to say the least was hilarious and sad at the same time to see how christians can be taken advantage of if they do not read the word of God and understand it. I remembered the widow's mite and Jesus said that she gave the most because Jesus looks at the heart and not at the amount. I think what we really need to tell our fellow brothers and sisters in africa is to read the Bible and understand it like the Bereans did so that they will be aware of the spirits and be knowledgable about the word of God.
"Moruti" Lutz, South Africa
Hi HD Randle. I should feel honoured that you took the time to write a response [though a slightly repettitve one, but that's ok, you are American], in spite of my theological attempts being so utterly laughable. But thahnks for giving me so much food for thought, as you indicate, for my "research". So I guess, I will shut up (on that particular topic, anyway), till I have done my homework...
D.R. Randle, U.S.A.
continued... And so while, your logic might be legitimate, it doesn't square with reality (i.e., the fact that American Evangelical Calvinists are staunchly opposed to the prosperity gospel and have no connections to its root in the U.S.). I would recommend you read some popular Calvinists on the prosperity gospel in order to confirm this. Some of the most well known and influential Calvinists in the U.S. include men like J.I. Packer, Albert Mohler, John Piper, John MacArthur, D.A. Carson, Wayne Grudem, and David Platt. I hope this helps you in your research of the prosperity gospel.
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