Paul discusses being content in whatever state he finds himself. He has learned to be humble during difficulties and thankful during good times. Through Christ who strengthens him, Paul can endure all things.
En Route to Global Occupation - Gary H. KahEbo Black
Versión en Español - (CLICK - Ebo Black)
A High Ranking Government Liaison Exposes the Secret Agenda for World Unification
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-ranking government liaison Gary Kah warns that national sovereignty will soon be a thing of the past. Political forces around the world are now cooperating in unprecedented fashion to achieve their goal of uniting the people of this planet under a New World Order.
Dr. Robert Kurka gave a class at the 2015 ICEC designed to help us gain perspective on how to deal with a world in which there is a plurality of religions. He argues that we should strongly approach the philosophy of religious pluralism (no religion has absolute truth) but that we should not be overly discouraged to live in a society in which many religions exist. This has been normal in much of Christian history and we should think of it as an opportunity, not a disaster. How, then, should we behave in a world in which we cannot assume that the Christian Worldview is not the predominant one? We should be respectful, find common ground, and present with boldness the distinctiveness and advantage of the Christian explanation. The audio will be available in about a week at www.ipibooks.com. I am attaching the power point for the presentation.
This is a course description I wrote for The New Testament course for The Great Courses. Discover how historical research can illuminate the New Testament in this riveting course that combines biblical scholarship, archaeology, and literary analysis.
Power Point Presentations for a class by Glenn Giles of Denver, Colorado on Apologetics, Biblical Criticism and Inspiration. Class was taught in San Diego Dec 11-12 2009.
En Route to Global Occupation - Gary H. KahEbo Black
Versión en Español - (CLICK - Ebo Black)
A High Ranking Government Liaison Exposes the Secret Agenda for World Unification
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High-ranking government liaison Gary Kah warns that national sovereignty will soon be a thing of the past. Political forces around the world are now cooperating in unprecedented fashion to achieve their goal of uniting the people of this planet under a New World Order.
Dr. Robert Kurka gave a class at the 2015 ICEC designed to help us gain perspective on how to deal with a world in which there is a plurality of religions. He argues that we should strongly approach the philosophy of religious pluralism (no religion has absolute truth) but that we should not be overly discouraged to live in a society in which many religions exist. This has been normal in much of Christian history and we should think of it as an opportunity, not a disaster. How, then, should we behave in a world in which we cannot assume that the Christian Worldview is not the predominant one? We should be respectful, find common ground, and present with boldness the distinctiveness and advantage of the Christian explanation. The audio will be available in about a week at www.ipibooks.com. I am attaching the power point for the presentation.
This is a course description I wrote for The New Testament course for The Great Courses. Discover how historical research can illuminate the New Testament in this riveting course that combines biblical scholarship, archaeology, and literary analysis.
Power Point Presentations for a class by Glenn Giles of Denver, Colorado on Apologetics, Biblical Criticism and Inspiration. Class was taught in San Diego Dec 11-12 2009.
The Whole World is Under the Control of the Evil OneFlaminioRanzato
"The whole world is under control of the Evil one" is a book that analyzes how the world is under control of an evil intelligence since its beginning and explains which strategies ( false religion, Freemasonry, music and culture in general, paranormal events like UFOs ) are used to achieve this goal. It explains also how we can fight all this evil and which hopes we have...
John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months. The notes and power point for the class are available here. John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History” available at www.ipibooks.com
In continuation of my studies of falsehood of all Abrahamic religions from 20...Navid Khiabani
In continuation of my studies of falsehood of all Abrahamic religions from 2008 to 2014
Complete historical study to indicate Jesus is a fictional character
The Whole World is Under the Control of the Evil OneFlaminioRanzato
"The whole world is under control of the Evil one" is a book that analyzes how the world is under control of an evil intelligence since its beginning and explains which strategies ( false religion, Freemasonry, music and culture in general, paranormal events like UFOs ) are used to achieve this goal. It explains also how we can fight all this evil and which hopes we have...
John Oakes and Robert Carrillo are team teaching a class on the history of Christianity for the staff of the San Diego Church of Christ over the next couple of months. The notes and power point for the class are available here. John Oakes has a book on the topic “The Christian Story: Finding the Church in Church History” available at www.ipibooks.com
In continuation of my studies of falsehood of all Abrahamic religions from 20...Navid Khiabani
In continuation of my studies of falsehood of all Abrahamic religions from 2008 to 2014
Complete historical study to indicate Jesus is a fictional character
Article Assignment Roots of Cultural Marxism and the Targeting of the Fabric ...Wayne Williams
Students will start by reading what Romans 1:20 says as we will discuss how this applies to this topic. Understand terms used by the author (One-ism and Two-ism).
Read the article, answer the questions in complete sentences.
based on his extensive reasearch into the people behind the scene attemping to control the entire population of the planet in his famous book "The world order" eustice gives his theory on the motives for their aganda
Religion: Helping or Hindering Science?Paul H. Carr
Religion: Helping or Hindering Science?
By Paul H. Carr, web page www.MirrorOfNature.org
Institute of Religion in an Age of Science Conference,
Star Island off Portsmouth, NH
Monday, 4 August 2014, 3:30 PM
Is religion fostering or impeding the development of science? We have made progress since 1600, when the church burned Dominican Giordano Bruno at the stake in Rome for religious heresy and believing that the stars were like our sun with planets. In 2010, Dominican Francisco Ayala, a Spanish evolutionary biologist, won the $1.6 million Templeton Prize for affirming life’s spiritual dimension.
Nevertheless biblical literalists, who oppose Darwinian evolution, recently built the $26 million Creation Science Museum in Kentucky. It is located in the part of the United States known as the evangelical epicenter, which has the lowest family income and educational attainment of any region.
Main-line denominations have, on the other hand, fostered education and the development of science by founding colleges and universities. I will share other religious contributions, including the green-evangelical question: What car would Jesus drive?
The Secret History of the Jesuits - Edmond ParisEbo Black
The most dangerous of men are those who appear very religious, especially when they are organized and in a position of authority. They have the deep respect of the people -who are ignorant of their ungodly push for power behind the scenes.
These religious men, who pretend to love God, "will resort to murder, incite revolution and wars if necessary to help their cause. They are crafty, intelligent, smooth religious politicians who live in a shadowy world of secrets, intrigue, and phony holiness.
Pero cuando vino la plenitud del tiempo, Dios envió a Su Hijoniwres
Pero cuando llegó la plenitud del tiempo, Dios envió a su Hijo. ¿Por qué vino hace dos mil años durante el Imperio Romano?
But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. Why did he come two thousand years ago during the Roman Empire?
THE WORLD BELONGS TO THE SICK, THE BLIND, THE ITCHY AND THE LUMPYniwres
The world really belongs to the sick, the blind, the lame, the itchy, achy and lumpy. In spite of what the pervasive media proclaims. The past did not belong to the young and beautiful, and I doubt that the future will. Take comfort that no matter how you look or whatever ails you this year , you are in the company of kings and princes, prophets and geniuses. Most did not measure up to today's illusionary standards. They were frequently afflicted with more than a new crop of acne, a flat chest, or a receding hairline.
Relationship between Abraham’s Descendents - Promise to Abrahamniwres
Relationship between Abraham’s Descendents
“..and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 12: 3-
May the Promise some Day be fulfilled ?
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God .(Leviticus 19:33-34 NIV)
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptx
Foes of the Faith
1. Philippians 4:11-14 (NKJV)Philippians 4:11-14 (NKJV)
1111
. . . I have learned in. . . I have learned in whatever state I am,whatever state I am,
to be contentto be content:: 1212
I know how to be abased, andI know how to be abased, and
I know how to abound. Everywhere and in allI know how to abound. Everywhere and in all
thingsthings I have learned both to be full and toI have learned both to be full and to
be hungry, both to abound and to sufferbe hungry, both to abound and to suffer
needneed..
1313
I can do all things through Christ whoI can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.strengthens me.
1
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give
thought to their ways, but the folly of fools
is deception.
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that
can succeed against the LORD.
w65stchurchofchrist.org/Power_Point/The_Gospel_of_Greed.pptx
5. ♦ Jean Astruc (1684-
1766) noticed
something odd about
some lines in Genesis 2.
♦ One referred to God
as Elohim. See yellow
arrow:
♦ The other used Yhwh.
See turquoise
arrow:
~Jean Astruc 1684-1766
Genesis composite of 2 Documents
Birth and History of Biblical Criticism and
Documentary Hypothesis
6. Biblical Criticism:
Documentary Hypothesis:
Julius Wellhausen proposed
that the Pentateuch was
composed from four main
sources, not written by
Moses.
1) J = Yahwist
2) E = Elohist
3) D = Deuteronomist
4) P = Priestly writer
7. Implications from the Wellhausen hypothesis which became widely
accepted
1.Moses did not authored the Pentateuch
2.The Pentateuch is much later then the traditional view
3. The Law originated after the historical books, not before them.
4. The true history of Israel is very different from the history
narrated by the OT.
5. Scripture has errors
Biblical Criticism: Documentary Hypothesis:
BC
8. Higher Criticism: Old Testament
Historical & Literary Criticism
*Isaiah - Two Parts
Isaiah himself wrote only the first 39 chapters
“Deutero-Isaiah” (or second Isaiah) wrote chapters 40-66
*Daniel – From Maccabean Period (164 BCE to 63 BCE)
(Long after Daniel lived)
9. Higher Criticism: 20th
Century
1. Source Criticism (God or Men?)
Who depends on whom ? Refers to the attempt to
establish the sources used by the author and/or redactor of the
final text
Example: Sources of the Gospels:
--“Q” “Quelle” hypothetical lost source (material common to
Matthew and Luke and not found in Mark),
--Mark,
--L (material unique to Luke) and
--M (material unique to Matthew). B. H. Streeter in 1924
Mark Q
10. Higher Criticism: 20th
Century
2. Redaction Criticism
What did the editor add ?
Redaction criticism is when a biblical scholar, like a detective, traces through clues
in the text to see how it was pulled together, by some unknown editor or
editors who gathered the sources, selected materials and wove them into the
biblical accounts.
In the New Testament, there are two stories of Jesus' birth (Matthew 1:18
—2:12 and Luke 2:1-19). The redaction critic asks why the two evangelists
using the same basic material have told significantly different stories.
Here, as in most cases, it is the editor's purpose and
audience which give a clue to the choice of material and
presentation of it.
11. Higher Criticism: 20th
Century
3. Form Criticism
Form criticism is the Biblical method which seeks to
discover the type of literature which is contained in
the Bible.
For instance, when you go to your mailbox and open it you are liable to find
various kinds of literature: bills, advertisements, personal notes, and
others. Yet you would never treat them all the same. You would never
treat a bill as an advertisement or a personal letter as a bill.
You can distinguish between these literary "forms" and
interpret them accordingly.
12. David F. Strauss
The Life of Jesus (1835-36)
Strauss combined all the critical elements in his work
-denied miracles
-denied the integrity of the New Testament
-denied the deity of Christ
15. 2. Therefore he concluded there was a
struggle for survival.
3. Some Offspring may have slightly improved
variations from their parents
4. Through a process of natural selection
superior traits will be passed on, those
with inferior traits will die out.
5. So a constant process of evolution is at
work
16. Spencer & Social Darwinism
Herbert Spencer (1820 1903)
He put forward a “General Law of Evolution,” valid for
all events in our universe.
Applied biological concepts to social principles:
“Survival of Fittest, Elimination of Unfittest”
“If they are sufficiently complete to live, they do- if
not they should die.” Don’t intervene with state
supported education, sanitation, health regulation…!
17. Evils of Darwinism and Social Darwinism
1. Rejection of Bible,
*Creation of Universe and Man
*Christ as son of God
2. Viewed Bible as an evolutionary product
4. Darwinism an important factor in the growth of
secularism, view that nature had no divine
purpose, but merely followed blind laws of chance.
5. Most evils such as war, racism, imperialism…
are the law of nature (survival of the fittest)
19. According to Karl Marx and Communism
Throughout history there has been class
conflict -between those owning the means of
production and those whose labor has been exploited.
The class that controlled the means of
production also controlled:
the shaping of ideas, which were
presented as moral or natural laws. But
these were no more than expressions of
what was good for the wealthier classes.
Religion was a mere human creation by Owning
Class for their benefit
20. Why is Marxism a Foe of Christianity?
♦ RELIGION IS SEEN AS AN EVIL THING
WHICH HELPS MAINTAIN THE STATUS
QUO
• “RELIGION IS THE
OPIATE OF THE MASSES”
– ACCORDING TO KARL MARX, RELIGION DULLS
PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES SO THAT THEY DO
NOT SEE OR QUESTION THINGS
– RELIGION WORKS AGAINST PEOPLE
SINCE IT…
– CONSOLES THOSE WHO ARE DEPRIVED
AND THUS DEPRIVES THEM OF
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
NECESSARY FOR GREATER EQUALITY
RELIGION IS THE
OPIATE OF THE MASSES
21. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 ESV
OTHERWISE:
“…the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving
that some have wandered away from the faith…” 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
22. 22
Materialist theology is the teaching that authenticMaterialist theology is the teaching that authentic
religious belief and behavior will result in materialreligious belief and behavior will result in material
prosperity for the believer.prosperity for the believer.
w65stchurchofchrist.org/Power_Point/The_Gospel_of_Greed.pptx
23. ““I'd always quoted 3 John 2,I'd always quoted 3 John 2,
saying, "saying, "Above all things GodAbove all things God
wants you to prosperwants you to prosper.“.“ I lovedI loved
that Scripture. It looks great onthat Scripture. It looks great on
a TV screen when you're raisinga TV screen when you're raising
funds, and I interpreted it asfunds, and I interpreted it as
God wants you to be rich… “God wants you to be rich… “
Jim Baker, Christianity Today, Dec. 7, 1998Jim Baker, Christianity Today, Dec. 7, 1998
““Poverty comes from Hell.Poverty comes from Hell.
Prosperity comes fromProsperity comes from
Heaven.Heaven.
Adam had complete dominionAdam had complete dominion
over the earth and all itover the earth and all it
contains. . . .”contains. . . .”
(Benny Hinn, Praise-a-thon (TBN), recorded(Benny Hinn, Praise-a-thon (TBN), recorded
November 1990)November 1990)
Benny HinnBenny Hinnhttp://www.bennyhinn.org/media-photos/
24. ““Well, you need to hear aboutWell, you need to hear about
money, because you ain't gonnamoney, because you ain't gonna
have no love and joy and peacehave no love and joy and peace
until you get some money!…until you get some money!… WeWe
established last night that you areestablished last night that you are
not whole until you get yournot whole until you get your
money. Amen. Amen.”money. Amen. Amen.”
((Praise The LordPraise The Lord, July 20, 1999), July 20, 1999)
““Some of you are going to break into that nextSome of you are going to break into that next
dimension of 1,000 times more that I've beendimension of 1,000 times more that I've been
teaching around the country. I want you to partnerteaching around the country. I want you to partner
with me…with me…
“The myth of the poor Jesus
needs to be destroyed, because
it’s holding people back.”
(Kaylois Henry, “Bishop Jakes Is Ready. Are You?,” The Dallas
Observer magazine, June 20-26, 1996, pg. 31. PFO Quarterly
Journal Article)
Mercedes-Benz, a Bentley, a BMW, a Lexus and a
jet... 9,689-square-foot mansion
http://www.forgottenword.org/jakes.html
http://www.amazon.com/Total-Prosperity-
Practical-Receiving-Blessing/dp/0785269002
http://books.google.com/books/about/Life_Overflowing_6_in_1.html?id=3GsUQgAACAAJ
25. Secularism is one of the important movements
in the history of the modern West
A philosophy which forms its ethics and behavior
without reference to religious dogmas
26. Philippians 4:11-14 (NKJV)Philippians 4:11-14 (NKJV)
1111
. . . I have learned in. . . I have learned in whatever state I am,whatever state I am,
to be contentto be content:: 1212
I know how to be abased, andI know how to be abased, and
I know how to abound. Everywhere and in allI know how to abound. Everywhere and in all
thingsthings I have learned both to be full and toI have learned both to be full and to
be hungry, both to abound and to sufferbe hungry, both to abound and to suffer
needneed..
1313
I can do all things through Christ whoI can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.strengthens me.
26
Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to give
thought to their ways, but the folly of fools
is deception.
Proverbs 21:30
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that
can succeed against the LORD.
Editor's Notes
Prosperity theology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
• Have questions? Find out how to ask questions and get answers. •
Jump to: navigation, search
For a related Pentecostal and charismatic teaching, see Word of Faith.
Prosperity theology is the teaching that authentic religious belief and behaviour will result in material prosperity for the believer. That is, the doctrine holds that material prosperity, particularly financial prosperity and success in business and personal life, is to be expected as external evidence of God's favor. This favor may be preordained, or granted in return for efficacious prayer, merit-making and/or appropriate faith.
Other terms have been used interchangeably with prosperity theology such as prosperity doctrine, health and wealth, etc. but it is perhaps most commonly referred to as the Prosperity Gospel.
Prosperity theology is not the same as Word of Faith theology, though most, if not all, Word of Faith teachers hold to some level of prosperity theology.
Contents
[hide]
1 In Christian traditions
2 Belief and critique
2.1 Criticism
3 Prosperity Gospel teachers
4 New Thought Movement
4.1 New Thought Prosperity teachings
5 See also
6 Notes
7 External links
[edit] In Christian traditions
Prosperity theology is most commonly found within the charismatic and pentecostal traditions of Christianity although it is not exclusive to these traditions. In some countries belief in prosperity gospel type teaching is a more commonly held belief amongst charismatics than the belief of speaking in tongues.[1]
It cannot easily be argued that it is a part of the evangelical movement. Prominent evangelicals reject the teaching as non-evangelical and none of the major Prosperity Gospel proponents belong to well-established evangelical organizations such as the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability or the National Association of Evangelicals [2] [3] [4] [5]
The Prosperity Gospel gained more prominence in the 1980s through the teaching of the so-called televangelists.
[edit] Belief and critique
Prosperity theology proponents promote the idea that God wants Christians to be "abundantly" successful in every way, including financially.
Biblical support for the Prosperity Gospel is believed to be found in specific verses and in the lifestyles of biblical characters. Critics argue that all of the verses Prosperity theology teachers use are taken out of their textual, cultural, historical and/or literary context.[6]
The following verses are used by Prosperity teachers to support their theology:
(Deuteronomy 8:18) "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day" (New American Standard Bible)[7].
(Malachi 3:10) "'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the LORD of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.'" (New American Standard Bible)
(John 10:10) "The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (King James Version)
[edit] Criticism
While some proponents claim that prosperity's ultimate purpose is the funding of evangelism and Christian charity throughout the world, critics argue that the teaching actually is a teaching of materialism masquerading as theology. Futhermore, it seems to promote more self-gratification than true spirituality.
Critics point out evidence that it is the accumulation of wealth and material goods and not "Gospel work" that is the major hallmark of this movement[8].
Biblical criticism includes:
1 Timothy 6:7-10 - "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Mark 10:17-22 - " . . . go, sell what you own, give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven . . ."
Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Luke 18:22-25 - ". . . it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
[edit] Prosperity Gospel teachers
Critics claim that the doctrine is used by its proponents to become wealthy at the expense of persons who give and promotes materialism. Many prosperity teachers also believe in Word of Faith theology, but the terms should not be used interchangeably. Many of these individuals are also the so-called televangelists.
Some of the proponents of prosperity theology include:
John Avanzini
Juanita Bynum
David Yonggi Cho
Kenneth Copeland
Paul Crouch
Creflo Dollar
Jesse Duplantis
Kong Hee
Benny Hinn
T.D. Jakes
Eddie L. Long
Chris Mentillo
Mike Murdock
Joyce Meyer
Myles Munroe
Peter Popoff
Nasir Saddiki
Lester Sumrall
Robert Tilton
Paula White
Billy Joe Daugherty
Bill Winston
Marcus Lamb
Joel Osteen
Phil Pringle
Brian Houston
Pat Robertson calls this theory the "Law of Reciprocity" on his show, The 700 Club.[9] The theology was previously the basis of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's PTL Club, but it was renounced by them in the 1990s following Jim Bakker's prison term for fraud.
[edit] New Thought Movement
A somewhat similar (yet strikingly different) belief appears in most "New Thought" religions, Unity, Religious Science, Divine Science denominations.The major differences are that this sort of prosperity theology teaches that God wants all people to prosper (regardless of religion), leaves it up to the individual to define prosperity (rather than defining it in terms of material wealth), and does not condone the accumulation of vast fortunes at the expense of others.
The concept is similar to that which is proposed in many "New Thought" philosophies. "The Secret", which was largely based upon the concepts with in New Thought of being blessed by following the power of positive thinking.
[edit] New Thought Prosperity teachings
New Thought
Unity
Divine Science
Religious Science
Law of Attraction
Michael Beckwith
The Secret
Wallace Wattles