Prosperity can be a real problem. As new Chris tian churches have flourished in the non-Western world in recent decades, their conservative attitudes on theological and moral issues have caused some discomfort for liberal-minded Euro-Ameri cans. In one specific area though, namely, the prosperity gospel, criticisms cross partisan boundaries. Even obÂservers deeply sympathetic to the rising churches of Africa or Latin America are troubled by the astonishing success of U.S.-inspired megachurch preachers who present health, wealth and material success as the essential promises of the Christian faith.
If that is indeed the core message of emerging Chris tianity, should we not be concerned about the future of the faith? Comprehending the prosperity gospel might be the most pressing task for anyone trying to study the changing shape of global Christianity.
In West Africa especially, it is hard to avoid churches with a strong prosperity theme….
The golden calf returns…
#1. Boy, isn’t that the truth! That sure as heck isn’t what Jesus talks about in my Bible. More like Churchill’s blood, sweat, and tears. NW Bob is wirking in Texas these days. Before heading off to church one Sunday, I happened to catch part of a Joel Osteen broadcast. Sounded like properity gospel to me.
Yikes,
NW Bob