Does God Want You to Be Rich?
I hope you got a chance to read the excellent, balanced cover story in Time Magazine entitled “Does God Want You to Be Rich?” The cover description says: “Yes, say some megachurches. Others call it heresy. The debate over the new gospel of wealth.”
Seriously — how did the Evangelical church get here?
The basic movement of the gospel is clear (Phil. 2:5ff): self-denial and self-sacrifice rather than self-fulfillment. We follow one who had no place to lay his head, who warned us that life does not consist in the abundance of things, who told a wealthy man to sell all and give to the poor, who insisted that we cannot have two masters (God and $$). Followers of Christ in other cultures have often lost all as a result of their faithfulness to him.
But walk into Christian bookstores and there is a different gospel. The gospel of Joel Osteen.
And does it sell! Your Best Life Now has sold over 4 million copies. It finds a welcome audience in the consumerism of America.
The authors of the article write:
“What remains is a materialism framed in a kind of Tony Robbins positivism. No one exemplifies this better than Osteen, who ran his father’s television-production department until John died in 1999. ‘Joel has learned from his dad, but he has toned it back and tapped into basic, everday folks’ ways of talking,’ says Ben Phillips, a theology professor at the Soutwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. That language is reflected in Your Best Life Now, an extraordinarily accessible exhortation to this-world empowerment through God. ‘To live your best life now,’ it opens, to see ‘your business taking off. See your marriage restored. See your family prospering. See your dreams come to pass . . .’ you must ‘start looking through the eyes of faith.’ Jesus is front and center but not his Crucifixion, Resurrection or Atonement.”
Does that tell us something?
The book is full of “illustrations of how the Prosperity doctrine has produced personal gain, most memorably, perhaps, for the Osteen family: how Victoria’s ‘speaking words of faith and victory’ eventually brought the couple their dream house; how Joel discerned God’s favor in being bumped from economy to business class.”
Insightfully, the authors go on to talk about the basic for criticism of this Prosperity Lite movement: “Most unnerving for Osteen’s critics is the suspicion that they are fighting not just one idiosyncratic misreading of the gospel but something more daunting: the latest lurch in Protestantism’s ongoing descent into full-blown American materialism.”
Rick Warren, who by his words and life is becoming an incredible leader in the worldwide church, said: “This idea that God wants everybody to be wealthy? Baloney. It’s creating a false idol. You don’t measure your self-worthy by your net worth.”
Ron Sider, author of Rich Christians in a Hungry World: “They have neglected the texts about the danger of riches. Prosperity Gospel Lite is one of the most powerful forms of neglect of the poor.”
And Ben Witherington, an incredible Evangelical New Testament scholar at Asbury Seminary: “We need to renounce the false gospel of wealth and health — it is a disease of our American culture: it is not a solution or answer to life’s problems.”
The “internet monk” (Michael Spencer) has written:
“He’s being sold to us by people who want to make money off his success, and they are counting on us to be sheep, ‘baaing’ quietly, but going along to the slaughter. Any analysis of Joel Osteen’s theology is going to have a hard time saying he is proclaiming the Christian message. The most popular preacher in Christianity is proclaiming a theology that is neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim, but is pragmatically pagan. Pagan in the sense of finding ways to gain the favor of god so he will do good things for you. Manipulating the deity to give you blessings. This is the ultimate example of Luther’s ‘theology of glory’ chosen over the ‘theology of the cross.’ I would rather a non-Christian hear John Shelby Spong a hundred times than hear this. Spong denies it all- outright. Osteen is presented as a Christian, but his message isn’t going to bring you to Christ, the Kingdom or heaven. It’s spiritual cyanide disguised as candy. If there is a hell, Osteen’s message won’t stop you or the people you love from going there, because the savior in his messages is YOU and the salvation he offers is a NEW ATTITUDE, and some resulting real estate. The question becomes, will evangelicals do anything? Will they say anything? Will they register their objections to Osteen’s reshaping of the Reformation gospel into a positive thinking message that makes Robert Schuller look like John Calvin in comparison?”
Yesterday I listened to Dan McVey talk about the advancement of Islam in North America. It is the fastest-growing religion in North America. (On a global scale, protestant Christianity is by far the fastest growing religion, however. It outpaces Islam in growth by 3-1, I believe Dan said.) In this culture of ease and consumerism, Islam offers a faith of discipline and serious devotion. Of course, Christianity does too (along with a framework of grace and a God who has come near in Christ) — just not in the versions that have become so popular in “Christian” bookstores.
Yes. God does desire for me to be rich. Rich in the essence of allowing His spirit to guide my life. Rich In Him indwelling my heart. Rich in the knowledge of Him. Rich in my relationship with Him. The result of my desiring, yearning to be “rich” in this sense, will be an overflowing, overwhelming love, care, and concern for my fellowman.
In life, I have been materialy “poor”, materialy “weathly”…at present; I am materialy balanced. It has been a long hard road of God refining me to bring my focus off of the riches in the world…to the focus of the richness and wealth of Him and His Kingdom.
The refining process continues…….may my heart continue to be broken, and open because the world is a constant temptation
I think two things are important as we face interpretations of Scripture which would have us welcome wealth instead of fear the consequences of it. 1. Community interpretation. When we interpret the Bible in true community (true community is diverse community), then we won’t be able to accept a health and wealth gospel because we will be reading with strong Christian people who are not healthy or wealthy and we will have to confront why they are not. 2. Good preaching. What Olsteen does is not preaching. It is motivational speaking. There is a big difference. Good preaching is so grounded in all of Scripture – the hard parts as well as the easy parts, that a preacher can’t help but give a more rounded picture of the reality of poverty for most of the Christians throughout the world and throughout history.
Christianity should not be an easy life. If it is, we are in a lot of danger.
Even though you may not be rich and may be a good person and avoid the big bad things in life, are you living for the Lord or are you just wasting your life? John Piper has a great book entitled “Don’t waste your life”. It’s a great read and deals with things like this.
I read that article just as I was beginning a series with our teens on the Sermon on the Mount and watching Rob Bell’s Nooma video called “Rich.” I’ve had to come to terms with what I have and don’t have. I’ve had to face the fact that though I’ve never considered myself rich, I am. I’ve had to the own up to the fact that I need to be more diligent in devoting my resources to the mission of God rather than the mission of Chad.
It’s funny…I grew up in a small house (only about 1100 sqft) with only 1 bathroom for the 5 of us and I shared a bedroom with my Brother.
Contrast that to todays world in which people have 2 if not 3 bathrooms and each kid has a room. Some people would not even consider having their kids share a room or only having 1 bathroom.
Right now in Memphis there is trouble brewing at Bellevue Baptist Church, the flagship Southern Baptist church, over the leadership of its new Pastor who replaced the beloved late Adrian Rogers. In the course of the article in the local paper there was a denial that the new pastor’s salary was “somewhat less” that $500,000 dollars a year. I would have loved to have heard the words “nowhere near” instead of “somewhat less” than $500.000. Something is wrong, and it does seem to play right into the hearts of American materialism. I remember the “Prayer of Jabez” fad, and our people seemed to flock to it as quickly as any other group. Great post. I can only imagine the reaction of Larry James.
Since when does taking up a cross and going into the world make you rich? It sure hasn’t happened to me. Oh, I see it all around me but I don’t understand it.
I had an elder light into me a few years ago when I didn’t buy into that philosophy. He was really into the Prayer of Jabez and enlarging his territory. He was really hot on that till he lost his job and had a big reversal in his life. He had to rethink things then.
I read that article last week. It reminded me why I can hardly walk into a Christian bookstore without tossing my cookies. I’ve finally vowed that I will not read a “Christian” book unless it has cuss words in it (Anne Lamott, etc.)
While we lived in the Houston area, I became less and less impressed with Joel Osteen. After he bought the old Summit and turned it into his church, he plastered the words “JOEL OSTEEN MINISTRIES” in gargantuan letters across the front of the building — with the “Joel” part being extra big. Hey, Joel — IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU.
Thank you. So many people don’t understand why I am critical of Joel Olsteen. Many of those people read your blog. You explained it perfectly.
I fear that we prosperous American’s will have a hard time looking the poverty stricken of the world in the face on judgement day. The last thing we need is somebody telling us to “get more!”
We also need to be careful of making rich Christians feel guilty though. There is nothing wrong with successful people who happen to make a very good living. The problem I think comes in when you see them living in the million dollar home and driving the $100,000 car. Sorry, but that is just wrong. It’s not a grey area. It’s not about driving a Mercedes or a Yugo. It’s about common sense.
I provide financial planning services through one of the world’s largets insurance and investment companies. People from all walks of life come into my office everyday. Some are millionaires, some unemployed with no savings to speak of. Regardless of income, most do not feel comfortable where they are. They “need” just a little more.
As I help people save, and buy insurance products to protect their loved ones, I try to keep two things in mind for myself and my clients.
1) What can I do to help people worry less? Jesus tells us in Matthew that we are not to worry, that God will provide abundantly if we depend on Him.
2) A primary theme of Philippians is to be content in our circumstances. How can I help people be more content with what they have?
There are a lot of Biblical principles regarding money. But these two principles concerning our attitude speak the most loudly to me.
“The Church began as a Jewish movement in Jerusalem, became a philosophy in Greece, an institution in Rome, a culture in Europe, and a business in America.” Quote attributed to Lars Enarson in Sept./Oct. 2006 Lamplighter.
I quoted Gandhi on my blog today. He had some powerful words on this topic.
Thanks for your extensive compilation on this topic – it is needed and received from my end.
Now that I’ve slept – on Lectureship this year…. My No. 1 highlight (of many) was Don McLaughlin’s class on building a diverse church. This is absolute MUST listening for everyone – can’t recommend it highly enough. Two surprise highlights – 1) Don had us partner up with the person sitting next to us for a community building exercise – my partner was a wonderful man I’d never met before – Ken Cope. I attempted to stay on task and not gush about how much I appreciate you Mike, but, maybe I should have gushed after the unfortunate lunch incident I just read about 2) Glad I got to introduce my dad to you before the Missional workshop.
Two nuggets from that Missional workshop came late in the day. Pat’s comments on two strong community/missional activities that we should embrace – our Accapella singing and weekly observance of the Lord’s Supper; and, Charles Mattis’ concluding remarks were well worth the numb backside by 4:30 pm.
Mike,
Thanks for this post and thanks for laying it out.
Spending time with faithful believers at various economic levels is a good way to become immune to this weak gospel of wealth. One thing I find in common between rich Christians and poor Christians who are actually submitting their lives to Jesus (in other words, being a ‘successful Christian’) is a sense of contentment and peace. They aren’t bitter because they are poor by some arbitrary standard, and those who seem rich aren’t busy trying to justify themselves. These Christians are content and at peace with themselves and their God who sustains them. Truly inspiring. On the contrary, the gospel of wealth makes people discontent, always wanting more. An insatiable appetite, that is the fruit of the gospel of wealth.
-Russ
I have friends and family who are very enamored with Joel Olsteen because he is so positive and because he is not a “guilt you into what you should do” type preacher. From the little I have seen of him, he is a bit too corny for me. But, I saw him on Larry King live one night and was impressed how he was never flustered, even witht he most pressing of questions. He was very postive. I can see in a world where the negative is touted constantly (and sometimes Christians are the worst at this) why people are drawn to him. I am not sure “doom and gloom” is much better than “health and wealth” when it come to representing our risen Savior.
Sorry, I didn’t have a chance to finish my comment earlier. Please excuse my double comment.
Gandhi said that “the world has enough for the needy but not for the greedy.” These are both powerful and scary words for me to hear.
I think the issue of wealth is one issue where the church has become totally, completely, and overwhelmingly influenced and overtaken by the views of the world.
We live in an age of unprecedented wealth and poverty. How can this be? It’s quite simple. Our economic system is set up in a way that the rich get richer and the poor even more poor. According to Larry James, there are more people in poverty now than anytime in the last 50 years. 2/3 of the Texas children on free insurance have been kicked off in the last 6 years. The minimum wage hasn’t changed in the last 9 years. The list goes on and on and on and on. This hurts my heart so much.
To try and keep it short, I think the Christian response MUST be two-fold:
1) Carefully and deeply examine our own lives and spending habits to see if we are living in simple and non-greedy ways.
2) Make it a priority to stand up for those who are beaten up and crushed under the strain of the way our economy works.
Only when we have done both of the above can we begin to make a dent in the materialism and waste that so often overtake our churches.
May God grant us strength and courage for this unpopular and uneasy journey to simplicity and justice.
SG – at the risk of sounding like a bullhorn for Lectureship – let me challenge you to listen to Stephen Johnson’s sermon from the recent Lectureships on Monday night. No “doom and gloom” there – just the message of Jesus – but definitely a sharp contrast to JO. The danger of JO is that “staying positive” and “if it ain’t workin’ you’re not prayin’ hard enough” are not really Gospel messages. Health and wealth is definitely a more user-friendly sermon to the Christian consumer, and many consumers drive (n some instances) 90 miles to hear JO every Sunday, but is that Jesus’ message?
“rich get richer and the poor even more poor”
Sorry Chris, that is just a sound byte that sounds good on the surface but is far from factual.
There is something called personal responsiblity that many people choose not to grasp. Something called hard work as well is something that today’s society seems to want to shun. It’s all about what others and Govco can do for me instead of what can I do myself.
Didn’t get to finish that comment.
Osteen speaks to people who want to hear that God wants for them what they want. Thats an easy sale to those who came up being told that to love God you have to SUFFFER SUFFER SUFFER!!! I wonder if this current fad of consumeristic Christianity is a back lash from the olf fire and brimstone era.
And for the record I don’t think “health and wealth” or “doom and gloom” are sound doctrine at all…and I don’t think you will find either of those preached by Mike. Kent, I would LOVE to hear Stephen Johnson’s sermon from lecturship! I think I came across as an osteen fan in that first comment which I am not. That is what I get for commenting before I eat my shredded wheat!
When any ministry screams the minister’s name, it bothers me. Have you watched the movie “The Gospel”? It speaks to this. It’s easy to get caught up in making a name for yourself instead of seeking to serve Jesus.
As to the comments about buying “Christian” books that have cuss words in them, I totally disagree. Anne Lamott has been a driving force behind the vileness associated with the extreme left winged Christian radicals. I bought a book of hers on the recommendation of someone I trusted and felt used and dirty when I finished reading it. She encourages hatred for those who disagree with her oh so liberal minded philosphy. For her being open minded means being open to her personal interpretations of life. Honestly, I felt very guilty and filthy after having read her book.
As with all things outside the holy scriptures, one must take it with a grain of salt realizing humans express what is important to them as “their message.” I put Lamott in the same category as Osteen. Both has their own personal message in which they appear to have high jacked scripture.
Tim-
That is exactly the kind of incompassionate attitude that too many Christians show towards those who have less. That is not just a “sound byte” for me but something that I have learned from personal experience.
As much as most of us who were born into white, middle-class families would like to believe, we did not “earn” all that we have gotten. Most of us have parents and circumstances that have helped us get where we are today, many of which we don’t even consider as a part of our success in the world.
I was taught to read at age 4. I have met children who cannot read at the age of 12.
I was encouraged and even forced to do homework and work hard in school. I have met children who were not allowed to do any schoolwork at home.
What do you say to these kids? Too bad? Work harder? Wait, let me guess: “pull yourself up from your bootstraps…” Sorry, but it’s not that easy.
And what do you say to the single mother that works full-time at minimum wage and makes a gross income of less than $11,000/year? Shouldn’t have had sex? Should be married? Shouldn’t have dropped out of school?
Those may all be true, but they don’t put food on the table.
I am not advocating that we give hand-outs to everyone in need. But your logic is flawed if you think that a simple “personal responsibility” will do the trick.
Thanks for the clarification SG – understood. Tim – I used to filter my stats through Rush, and finally grew tired of it after a decade. The meaningful fact is – Barna says 90% of Christians don’t give much, and he also says roughly 4% of an average Evangelical church’s annual budget go toward helping the poor – so, maybe, just maybe the consumer-driven church of today has substituted the message of JO and Limbaugh for Jesus. Jesus had quite a bit to say about money and the poor – and I don’t recall “get a job loser” as being one of his words. Sorry for the frankness – but I think it’s called for. Thanks again Mike.
Hmmm… “your best life now” I was under the impression that our best life was the one after this one… the resurrected one… Oh well — I guess you can’t argue with a book title!
Victor — I like the quote… very true
Tim – read “The Working Poor” (David Shipler)
I think it will give you a lot better picture of people who are working their butts off but just can’t cut it because of the economic system we have in place. I agree there is a level of personal responsibility to every situation, but there is so much more that holds people back for which they have no control over.
“Person responsibility” bothers me a lot. We use it on people below us, but never on ourselves or people above us. How much of my life am I personally responsible for — How much of it was given to me by my parents?
Mike,
After reading your blog today and reading the entire Time article, I came away with a different response than I had anticipated. My thinking is that we should not take sides for or against Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Jim Wallis or anyone else mentioned in this article. by doing this we are constantly comparing ourselves. It is almost as if we (mostly CoC) are constantly trying to position ourselves. I think it may because the Church of Christ is trying to overcome a lousy “self image.” The answer is not to do a series on “How the Church Envisions Itself,” but get back to the main principles of the Restoration Movement. A driving question might be, “What would it look like for the church to become the Body of Christ in the 21st?”
BTW – This edition of Time Magazine also had a very interesting article on Special Education funding.
Kent, who says I listen to Rush? As a friend of mine pointed out to me, the implication of that worn out battle cry of class warfare is a cause and effect relationship that does not exist, since economic output is not a zero sum game.
I am also not saying that we, as Christians and followers of Christ should not help others. What I am saying is that the answer is not Govco. It’s not forcing others to help others which is what those in Govco want.
Bottom line is that the old line “Rich get richer and poor get poorer” is simple politics and class warfare. It is unproven and not factual in the least.
I like what Solomon has to say in Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
I make the mistake of thinking I’m average for Christian wealth, which means I’m OK, right? The problem is, I am not. I have a home, a car, a business, a bank account, IRAs, TV, satellite, computer, etc.. Shucks, I even have a financial statement.
What was it that spurred the incredible growth of the church from Jerusalem?
Was it the miracles? No, they had seen them for 3 years.
Was it the message? (Jesus, the son of God, crucified for our sins?) No again, our message is, or certainly should be, along the same lines.
Was it magnificent buildings and highly utilized religious complexes? No, we have them but they didn’t have much aside from the synagogue.
Was it the highly educated doctorates delivering eloquent speeches? No again, they were uneducated (although Spirit-led).
Maybe, just maybe, part of it was the believers sharing, having everything in common, making sure there were no needs. They cared enough to give of their wealth to total strangers. Mother Teresa proved the world notices self-sacrifice in our generation. Would the world sit up and take notice if we were selling our investments to feed the poor, even if it was limited to our brotherhood? Probably. How far am I from being willing to have everything in common with my brothers? Maybe I don’t promote wealth as a side-effect of Christianity, but I tolerate it well in my own household. Most folks, I would guess, who are capable of reading this blog, have more money in their computer than the true “average” Christian lives on during several months or years.
We are wealthy, my brothers and sisters. We are very, very wealthy, financially speaking. Could I do with less and give more? Hmm.
Where is the church growing fastest if not in the poorest parts of the world? I wonder why that is?
DOES GOD WANT ME TO BE RICH while others in the body are going without food or medical attention?
I can’t even ask that question without feeling guilty…
Mike- I apologize for the rambling and taking up space.
One line in the article really caught my eye……..they said 61% of the Christians they surveyed said they believed God wants people to be prosperous. I just cannot accept that………..really? Have we screwed the Gosple up that bad? Surely their survey is faulty in some area. It just doesn’t jive with “take up your cross and follow me”.
DU
or maybe even Gospel…..my bad.
DU
Two people looking for jobs. One becomes homeless the other finds the job of his/her dreams. Which one is blessed and why? Do we use worldly gain as spiritual blessings and look down on those “less fortunate”? spiritual things are spiritually discerned. Is the American dream a lie?
I believe the problem in America is that we are more determined to get the government to help the poor than we are determined to help the poor ourselves. It’s much easier to get the government to write them a check than it is to get out there and feed the hungry, clothe the needy and house the homeless ourselves. I believe in personal responsibilty, but not in the way it’s been portrayed here. I believe it’s MY personal responsbility to help in as many ways as I can. It’s not the government’s responsiblity. It’s mine.
Same song, next verse.
it is easy to point out people like Osteen but how are we diferent, have we sold all that we own and given it to the poor?
Snapshot, I agree 100%.
speaking of “a business in America”
The effectiveness of T— G– a- H– W— is fully guaranteed when the Presentation Kit plan is followed. The basic plan includes:
Distributing at least one book for each family and single adult
Encouraging family-time reading and discussion of the book
Preaching all four sermon outlines as recommended.
If you are not fully satisfied with the results of T— G– a- H– W— after twelve months, P———- P——– will refund the purchase price of your books.
All of this has reminded me of A.M. Burton. When I was a kid he was held up to me as an example of a rich man who got it right. Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that he gave away 90% of what he made, kept Lipscomb afloat during the depression, fully supported the work of Marshall Keeble, as well as supporting many other efforts. I think it is great when people are blessed financially, but it all comes down to how the money is used. I think it might be a good idea to hear some positive examples of wealthy people who got it right. All this talk about JO is bit depressing.
Wow Tim! Thanks. I rarely get that on Mike’s blog. Mostly, I feel like the lone conservative ranger on this here patch of “cyberspace”.
You made my day!
Richard, you know I have seen people fall on some tough times and actually increase their giving and then see them prosper all the more. It’s really amazing when you see the spirit at work.
A Lady in our congregation said last year about Joel Osteen, “I don’t agree with his theology, but he looks so good in those suits.”
Didn’t we elect a president or two with that mentality?
Tim – I do believe it’s the government’s responsibility (to promote the general welfare of its people) to care for the poor. It’s both government and Christian responsibility. I’ve become very jaded about the Church’s willingness to help those in poverty. We spend so much money on ourselves, paying preachers, making our buildings look good — that almost none of it actually goes to sharing with those in need. Look at our church budgets — where does our money go? So little of it goes to revitalization the broken neighborhoods around us and giving people hope. (Numerous positive examples aside) the church has, for the most part, failed miserably. As long as we don’t have it together, I’m gonna let “Govco” (if that’s somehow supposed to be derogatory) do all it can. Maybe when the church steps up, the government can step back. But I don’t see that happening…
“to promote the general welfare of its people”….the “preamble” by definition is simply a statement of purpose. It is simply the overall purpose of the constitution to…among other things…”promote the general welfare”. It was to be used as a rule of law, why have the rest of the constitution? I challenge you to find any Constitutional scholar who would support using that statement as law.
Now that the Constituional lesson is out of the way, how in the world is it Govco’s responsibility to help the poor? If it is, how much should they help and who is defined as “poor”? Would it be right for me to point a gun at you and demand money from you to help the poor? If that is not right, how is it right for Govco to do that?
I find one aspect of this discussion of government aid vs Christian charity to be particularly telling…
Conservatives always lament being forced by the government into helping to those who need it – caring for the poor with a “gun” to their head. It is never the act of caring that’s the controversy. It is the irresistable taxation.
From a nonbeliever I would find that to be a legitimate argument and source of derision. However, as Christians, should our primary concern be our freedom to decide when and where and to whom to give aid, or the welfare of those that need the help? As a believer in a God who sacrificed his son for the welfare of the world, how can we put anything of our own (including our right to help when and where we want) before our concern for the welfare of our brothers and sisters in creation?
Personal libery regarding how to be benevolent is fine… but it can never trump the compassion that we feel for those who need the help. Our first concern should be that those in need are cared for, and only secondarily our own right to decide how to help and where to spend “our” money.
Our heart should break at the thought of those who live in poverty. It should ache much more so than any upset we feel at having to support social programs…
Well said Daniel – if everyone’s taxes were cut in half tomorrow – would a typical consumer-driven church’s budget toward the poor move from 3-4% (of total budget according to Barna) to 25% of total budget? Doubtful is an understatement. Look at the recent RE boom in America. People have used their new-found 100% increase in home equity to purchase custom RV’s, vacation condos, $75,000 outdoor kitchens, season tickets, and Ipods for their 3 year olds. Giving has not gone up measurably, and, where large gifts are made to churches, they’re often with stringent stipulations for development of a new gym or playground equipment, or custom estate for the pastor. Could Central Dallas’ Ministries inner-city apartment development get off the ground without “Govco” funding? No.
How much more money could be given to the poor WITHOUT Govco redtape, robbery and misused funds?
Jesus talked a lot about “laying up treasure in heaven.” If you look at those texts carefully and closely, what you find is revolutionary. The parable of the crafty manager and the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, both found in Luke 16, are all about economic theory. Both make the point that our task is to use what we have to touch the pain of the world. In so doing we provide for ourselves in an ultimate way. I know that Jesus was talking about a worldview when it comes to material things/money because the Pharisees who heard him turned their noses up at him because they loved money. Jesus tells them and us that we have to choose–God or mammon, peaceful coexistance between the too–no matter how much we would desire it to be so–is impossible.
I justify myself so often when it comes to my control over my stuff. So foolish of me. I own nothing. What I control is too often guided toward my own benefit. I am rich. I think God wants me to adopt a radical attitude toward myself and how I manage that reality in my own heart and life.
One last note, the continual debate about whether the church or the government should help the poor is a non-starter. The church, indivdiual Christians and the government at all levels should be involved in crafting a just, fair and compassionate society. Everyone is needed. The church can’t do it alone–scale of problems is too large. It seems clear to me that the church today won’t do it anyway. So everyone needs to be involved in the struggle for a better nation and world. I will continue to use my political influence to see policy benefit the poor. Why wouldn’t we want to do that? Government policy certainly benefits the rich and the corporate interests in our nation. Why not workers and students and the poor?
Tim, You are right that “to promote the general welfare of its people” is a statement of purpose. Many would argue that this would include helping citizens get out of poverty, not fear for their next meal, and not worry that the next medical bill could force their family into financial ruin. If our country were to democratically decide to create a living wage, where those who do work hard are guaranteed financial stability, would this be equivalent to the government “putting a gun” to our heads and forcing us to give to the poor? Personal responsibility does not have to be at stake in this discussion. And neither does the Christian response to the poor. This is not an “either/or” scenario. I would argue, however, that part of the Christian response to the poor should include helping to construct a system where people in our society do not need to depend on Christian charity to get by when they are willing to work 40 hours a week. Perhaps this is where we would disagree.
Sorry, Tim, but let’s be accurate here. Government waste on programs for the poor is miniscule compared to waste and graft benefitting corporate interests in this nation–i.e. all the recent revelations about lobbyists and the Congress. What you say here contributes to the urban myth that all government programs are wasteful. Take Medicare for example–not a program for the poor by design but for the elderly retired. The admin cost for Medicare is among the most efficient of any insurance program in the nation–that is what it is, an insurance program. Conservative estimates would have the US saving $45 billion annually if all health coverage plans (read private here) operated at this level of efficiency. Medicaid operates at a similar level of efficiency. The VA health plan does even better. It would be helpful if we let the rhetoric go and just kept to the facts if we are going to discuss these matters. If you don’t want the government involved in helping people, fine. Just say that. But don’t misrepresent the facts or the outcomes of effective public efforts.
I’m sorry we don’t agree on this, but I happen to have much more faith in God’s people than I do with Government.
To say “the church alone can’t do it” says alot. And I don’t mean that in a good way.
And in answer to “Why wouldn’t we want to do that (use my political influence to see policy benefit the poor)?” My answer would be because the government has proven itself ineffective in caring for poor and the needy. Government isn’t all knowing and all seeing (regardless of your thoughts on the NSA). I simply have more faith in God’s people doing what’s right than in government doing what is scriptural.
Why not use your influence to see policy changes in the thinking of modern day churches?
We watched that new series “Jericho” last night. After the bomb went off, some of the citizens were fight and screaming out, “What is the mayor going to do to help us.” That’s the mind set of a whole generation.
Wouldn’t a more Christ like approach have beenl to say, “What can we all do to help each other.”
It’s a liberbal mind set that says “You can’t do it, you must depend on the government to do it.” That endears us to government. Not to God.
No wonder the churches are failing, we are teaching the lost that the government is far more dependable than the church.