Does God want you to be rich? [TIME cover story re megachurches and prosperity gospels]

CNN International.com ^ | September 10, 2006

[Alex Murphy]

In three of the Gospels, Jesus warns that each of his disciples may have to "deny himself" and even "take up his Cross."

In support of this prediction, he contrasts the fleeting pleasures of today with the promise of eternity: "For what profit is it to a man," he asks, "if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"

Generations of churchgoers have understood that being Christian means being ready to sacrifice. But for a growing number of Christians, the question is better restated, "Why not gain the whole world plus my soul?"

For several decades, a philosophy has been percolating in the 10 million-strong Pentecostal wing of Christianity that seems to turn the Gospels' passage on its head. Certainly, it allows, Christians should keep one eye on heaven. But the new good news is that God doesn't want us to wait.

Known (or vilified) under a variety of names -- Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, Prosperity Theology -- its emphasis is on God's promised generosity in this life. In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke.

Its signature verse could be John 10:10: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." In a Time poll, 17 percent of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61 percent believed that God wants people to be prosperous.

"Prosperity" first blazed to public attention as the driveshaft in the moneymaking machine that was 1980s televangelism and faded from mainstream view with the Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart scandals.

[ScubieNuc]

"Further who are you to say musical farting contests are'nt a good family activity?"

Nobody. I don't follow the routines of Larry, and I'm sure that some of it is funny. I just read parts of his book, and that was not appropriate for my family. I'm not one to post that everyone should boycott Larry. If you like him, watch him, if you don't, then watch something else. As for me...I'll avoid his act.

[ladyinred]

Jim Bakker does now realize that he preached the wrong message, and I very much am impressed by his willingness to admit he was wrong. He is on TV now on a much smaller scale and is a changed man.

[ladyinred]

Oh I remember that nut case Scott. What a trip he was! People actually sent him money too! Ah, if only people would actually read that word of God for themselves! :-)