Growing up, the Gospel was centered on simplicity. I learned at my bible camp about a poor carpenter’s son from Galilee who taught that a good life was a simple one.
As an adult, the narrative I have heard is completely different from what I believed initially. The kind of faith touted on our screens today promises a kind of formula for success. The gospel goes by many names but most people refer to it as the “prosperity gospel” for its bold claim that God will give one all the desires of the heart i.e. money in the bank. Good health, a happy family, and boundless happiness. Is this new Gospel real or fake? Read on to find out our opinion.
More than a century ago, Christianity held that it is anti-Christian to live with the object of accumulating wealth. Many might say, “are we not to strive all we can to get all the money we can?” It is not wrong to look for wealth as it is impossible to serve God’s cause with nothing. However, it is wrong to be too transfixed on the wealth aspect to the extent that grace is side-lined. Even the Bible says in Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” therefore, the ideal Christian should be more focused on maintaining grace rather than accumulating wealth.
The prosperity gospel originated in the United States and it has quickly spread its roots into developing economies. Africa, in particular, has taken on the prosperity gospel with a storm. While some believers of the prosperity gospel exclusively seek wealth, some are there for reassurance. The believers just want an escape from their tribulations such as poverty, failing health, and the feeling that their lives are leaky buckets.
Perhaps the biggest scam about the prosperity gospel stems from the opulent lifestyles of the leaders. The leaders often revel in private jets and multi million-dollar homes to show that God wants everyone to live luxuriously. The prosperity gospel views the world as it is and promises a quick solution to common life problems. For instance, preachers of mega-churches have been heard using quotes such as “If you believe, and you leap, you will land on your feet,” and “If you believe, you will be healed.” The gospel tries to convince congregants that they can curate their life, minimize losses, and stand on their path to success.
Personally, the prosperity preachers have deviated from the true gospel that Jesus intended for this world for selfish reasons. Although the preachers often quote the bible, they insert a twist to support their false theology, thus proving that they are fake. Therefore, the modern Christian must take precautions to avoid being taken for a ride with some of these false prophets. Jesus himself warned about the age of false prophets who might come in the disguise of the true gospel. Mathew 24:11 says, “Many prophets will arise, and will mislead many.” As true believers of Christ’s gospel, it is crucial to be aware of such signs of scriptural prophecy and make the right decisions about what to follow.