Tuesday, December 25, 2007

prosperity and suffering: an introduction

the prosperity gospel. it sucks. what a waste of time. ("Prosperity theology, also known as prosperity doctrine or the Prosperity Gospel, is the doctrine that prosperity, particularly financial prosperity, and success in business or personal life is external evidence of God's favor." from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_gospel)

how often do we, here in America, live out of the prosperity gospel? you might think, the prosperity gospel is not the Gospel. and you would be absolutely correct. but i think we often talk at least in a way like God owes us something. like He is supposed to give us specific things. i think that often our view of suffering is so off because we think through a lens of the prosperity gospel. but instead of being "God loves me so I'm going to be rich" we say "God loves me so I won't get sick or I'm going to have a happy life"

i am convinced that this is at the root of our poor view of suffering, more than our poor view of suffering, our unbiblical view of suffering.

john piper's view on the prosperity Gospel.


i'm still working out my thoughts on suffering. you'll get them in the new year.

i'm going to indiana so i'll catch you in 2008

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