[Sly Fox]

We've touched on this subject from time to time on here. But we've never given the topic its own thread until now. Views on the subject have been fairly clear on campus but it doesn't mean everyone necessarily agrees with the school's stance.

We can discuss all the big name "Name it and Claim it" preachers like Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar and the rest. But I thought I'd set the table with this video:

John Piper on Prosperity Theology

For the record, there are many things that I disagree with Piper in regard to his theological positions. But on this subject I agree wholeheartedly with this Reformed Baptist from Cheerbren's neighborhood.

What are your thoughts?

[phoenix]

I agree with him 100% on this issue.

[thesportscritic]

i don't agree with the prosperity (money) message. the preachers are getting rich off the congregation's giving and the congregration is not getting richer.

[FlameDad]

Piper is dead on

still thinking about that video

[grm]

Yeah, that was a gutsy, true, and very moving mini-sermon.

Amen, Amen, Amen!

[kel varson]

I've seen that video before and its fantastic. I agree wholeheartedly. I do disagree from time to time with Piper but not on this issue. Incidently, there are some other very good Piper video's on youtube.

[revmitchell]

Prosperity Theology is idolatrous. It is all about me, myself, and I. Worship of God is about giving to God with no expectation from Him in return.

[cheerbren]

I agree with him on this.

[belcherboy]

This isn't a rebuke on Piper and what he said at the above link (I do agree), but can God be equally glorified in both poverty and prosperity? I have heard just as many negative connotations about being wealthy as I have heard from prosperity preachers about being poor. (most criticism comes about how the wealth is spent)

Praising God for our BMW is on the same level as praising God that we got to watch our child grow 5 years before she died. Although I believe one is much harder to do than the other.

I'm not sure if that makes sense or not.

[phoenix]

God not only CAN but SHOULD be glorified in prosperity as well as poverty. There are plenty of wealthy individuals who are using their money to God's glory, and I'd say that it is true that God is glorified in their wealth, and what they do with it.

I think that's the key. God is glorified by what we do with what He gives us. Too many people gripe about what they don't have; they should be praising God they have what He's given them.

[thesportscritic]

God not only CAN but SHOULD be glorified in prosperity as well as poverty. There are plenty of wealthy individuals who are using their money to God's glory, and I'd say that it is true that God is glorified in their wealth, and what they do with it.

I think that's the key. God is glorified by what we do with what He gives us. Too many people gripe about what they don't have; they should be praising God they have what He's given them.

agreed phoenix

[belcherboy]

God not only CAN but SHOULD be glorified in prosperity as well as poverty. There are plenty of wealthy individuals who are using their money to God's glory, and I'd say that it is true that God is glorified in their wealth, and what they do with it.

I think that's the key. God is glorified by what we do with what He gives us. Too many people gripe about what they don't have; they should be praising God they have what He's given them.

I only say that because I have heard people criticized for their wealth. Good people that are good givers. I had a friend who was well off when I was in high school (his dad made about $250,000 a year). When his dad bought a Jaguar, you should have heard the whispers. His family were GREAT givers and shared their wealth. They lived in a $500,000+ home and always drove new cars. I can't tell you how some negatively judged them for that. For some reason in our country being wealthy can have negative connotations. Especially in some church circles.

[phoenix]

I think part of the problem is that people are jealous. Christians have a habit of spiritualizing our jealousy, especially of wealth. We don't want to believe that people who have the money are also supporting the church. They don't go around telling people how much they give, so nobody knows. OR they go around telling EVERYONE how much they give, and lose respect. You can't win in that situation.