there is absolutely nothing wrong with prosperity. i swear, when people criticise hillsong on this issues, its often a case of tall poppy syndrome. if people succeed AND they are a christian… it seems there is something wrong? WHY is this?

Brian Housten has written books and spoken at conferences all over the world (not to mention pastors one of the most influencial churches in the world)… he deserves every cent he gets! and probably more! good on him i say.

there is absolutely nothing wrong with prosperity. i swear, when people criticise hillsong on this issues, its often a case of tall poppy syndrome. if people succeed AND they are a christian… it seems there is something wrong? WHY is this?

Brian Housten has written books and spoken at conferences all over the world (not to mention pastors one of the most influencial churches in the world)… he deserves every cent he gets! and probably more! good on him i say.

Yes, it’s tall poppy syndrome.

🙄

What about those Christians in China who are persecuted for their faith, or starving Christians in Africa? I guess they’re not blessed by God or worthy enough to be God’s children.

first to anistemi …. you make judgements about certain people with comments such as “I rather be proud to have Christ in me, then to be proud to have Mercedes Benz” … who are you (or me) to judge another person ?? (if your going to argue about bible principles, then dont judge… because its not biblical).

I agree with you that saying things like “come to Jesus and he will make you rich” is wrong and very unbiblical… but who says that?? ive never heard Brian Housten (for eg.) use those such words. be carefuly not to mis-quote someone or take things out of context. If people say these things… then yes i agree with you, its wrong. BUT there can also be a very true message amongst it… regarding gods favour and blessing.

Also, Hillsong in my opinion use their money wisely (most of the time)… they are trying to appeal to (thus evagelise to) a broader community (esp business folk and youth) so why criticise their amazing work of evangelism.

Also, If you are going to criticise Hillsong, then i certainly hope you dont buy their albums or sings their songs at church, or even attend the July conference …. because that would be hypocritical.

as for the example of christians who are persecuted and less fortunate…. it not a matter of “worth” to God … its context dependent.

I’ll say it again, as i have before, i dont mean to start arguments (because thats pointless) and i am mindful of opinions, but i just dont like assumptions that create very negative rumours and perceptions of something that is actually good.

[ps. I am not a big PRO-hillsong person, as their anti-gay attitude (for eg) really upsets me (but that attitude isnt JUST hillsong) and its mainly this issue of hillsongs finances that i defend.]

Wow I love this topic!!!!

This is rather a weighty topic isn’t it?! Having come from a pentecostal ‘mega’ church who really did abuse finances it’s easy to see the point of view of people such as Anistemi but Luke is also entitled to feel that prosperity for hard work should be rewarded. Is it more that the issue is about ‘men of God’ displaying prosperity or is this view towards anyone who identifies as a christian?

I would love to have more than I do. I would love to bless my kids and partner, my parents and family. I would feel a great sense of accomplishment if my hard work could enable me to have nice things!

I’m not even sure if I still call myself a Christian or not. That is my journey and that’s where I’m at but I don’t believe it makes someone less ‘Spiritual’ If they have obvious material gain that others can see.

Cheers Michelle

What do you mean beyond the norm Shanti? i don’t think there is need to tell people how much i have or how much i don’t have.

I have no objection of living comfortably and being blessed for hard work, but money and wealth should not be a focus and should not be seen as a right for being Christian.

I am not mean saying being Christian and wealthy is abomination and less spiritual, what i am saying is to preach prosperity or evangelise with that principle is not quite rite.