In metro Detroit, several churches preach the prosperity gospel in some form, with their pastors increasingly talking about the failing economy in sermons. But skeptics say such teaching contradicts the biblical teachings of Jesus by equating material success with morality. And some preachers have been slammed for spending millions of their congregants’ money on their tax-exempt churches and homes, instead of helping the poor.
What’s behind the success?
Osteen is a best-selling author, and his Houston church is reported to be the largest in the United States, drawing about 38,000 people every week for services inside a massive complex that used to be the arena for the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Millions around the world watch his televised sermons.
What explains the church’s success?
“There are so many negative things pulling us down in life, even before the economy” became an issue, Osteen said. “Our message is always about uplifting people and giving them practical principles to use in their everyday life.”
Read it all from the Faith and Values section of the local paper.
Economy woes help (some) pastors
In metro Detroit, several churches preach the prosperity gospel in some form, with their pastors increasingly talking about the failing economy in sermons. But skeptics say such teaching contradicts the biblical teachings of Jesus by equating material success with morality. And some preachers have been slammed for spending millions of their congregants’ money on their tax-exempt churches and homes, instead of helping the poor.
What’s behind the success?
Osteen is a best-selling author, and his Houston church is reported to be the largest in the United States, drawing about 38,000 people every week for services inside a massive complex that used to be the arena for the NBA’s Houston Rockets. Millions around the world watch his televised sermons.
What explains the church’s success?
“There are so many negative things pulling us down in life, even before the economy” became an issue, Osteen said. “Our message is always about uplifting people and giving them practical principles to use in their everyday life.”
Read it all from the Faith and Values section of the local paper.