A Critical Summary of Questions 29–35

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, poses a series of provocative questions that seek to defend prosperity theology while challenging its critics. Questions 29 through 35 focus on themes of giving, wealth, and God’s blessings, often asserting that financial prosperity is a central part of biblical teaching. While Shuttlesworth’s questions raise important topics, his interpretations frequently misrepresent Scripture, reduce complex theological concepts to transactional ideas, and fail to address the broader biblical context.

This blog summarizes the key points from the last seven questions, critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims, and provides biblically sound teachings on giving, prosperity, and God’s blessings.

Key Themes in Questions 29–35

1. Significant Givers and Recognition (Question 29)

Shuttlesworth argues that significant givers are honored in Scripture and questions why ministries shouldn’t recognize generous donors. While the Bible does commend sacrificial giving, such recognition risks fostering favoritism and transactional giving.

Correct Teaching:

• Generosity is an act of worship that seeks God’s glory, not human recognition.

  • Matthew 6:1-4: Jesus emphasizes giving in secret to avoid seeking human praise.

    
    

2. Offerings and Financial Rewards (Questions 30–31)

Shuttlesworth suggests that financial giving guarantees material blessings, citing Scriptures like Malachi 3:10 and the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5. He argues that material increase can coexist with spiritual faithfulness.

Correct Teaching:

• While God blesses generosity, His blessings are not always financial. Prosperity theology often distorts passages to promise material wealth, ignoring spiritual blessings and contentment.

  
  

  • Philippians 4:19: God supplies our needs, not our every desire.

  • 1 Timothy 6:6-10: Warns against the dangers of desiring wealth.

    
    

3. Critics and Alignment with the World (Question 33)

Shuttlesworth accuses critics of prosperity theology of aligning with the enemies of

the church, suggesting they share sentiments with secular opponents of Christianity.

Correct Teaching:

• Critiquing prosperity theology is not equivalent to opposing the church. Discernment is a biblical mandate to protect the church from false teachings.

  
  

  • 1 John 4:1: Believers are called to test teachings against Scripture.

    
    

4. Ministry Support and Wealthy Donors (Question 34)

Shuttlesworth implies that ministries rely on financially prosperous individuals and mocks critics for opposing prosperity theology while seeking financial support.

Correct Teaching:

• The Bible emphasizes that God moves the hearts of both the rich and the poor to give generously, and faithful stewardship is essential in ministry.

  
  

  • Acts 4:32-35: The early church’s generosity reflects unity and faith, not transactional promises.

    
    

5. Giving and Financial Prosperity (Question 35)

Shuttlesworth suggests that financial giving guarantees personal material blessings, citing examples like Malachi 3:10 and Philippians 4:19. He also accuses critics of being ungenerous.

Correct Teaching:

• Biblical giving is motivated by love for God, obedience, and gratitude, not by a promise of financial return. Critiquing prosperity theology is not a sign of ungenerosity but a call for faithfulness to Scripture.

  
  

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7: God loves a cheerful giver.

  • Matthew 6:19-21: Encourages believers to store treasures in heaven rather than on earth.

    
    

Summary of Shuttlesworth’s Teachings

Across questions 29–35, Shuttlesworth presents prosperity theology as central to the Christian life, often equating financial giving with God’s blessings and favor. His arguments frequently rely on misinterpretations of Scripture and dismiss critics by accusing them of selfishness, ungenerosity, or alignment with secular opposition.

Key Problems with Shuttlesworth’s Teachings

1. Transactional Theology:

   • Shuttlesworth reduces giving to a transactional relationship where financial blessings are guaranteed in exchange for offerings. This is unbiblical and exploits vulnerable believers.

     
     

2. Misrepresentation of Critics:

   • He mocks critics instead of engaging with legitimate theological concerns, creating division within the church.

     
     

3. Overemphasis on Wealth:

   • By focusing on financial prosperity, Shuttlesworth neglects the broader biblical teachings on contentment, stewardship, and spiritual blessings.

     
     

Biblically Sound Teachings on Giving and Prosperity

1. God’s Love Is Not Measured by Wealth

• God’s love is demonstrated through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, not through financial prosperity.

  
  

  • John 3:16: God’s ultimate gift is salvation, not wealth.

    
    

2. Giving Is an Act of Worship

• True generosity stems from a heart of gratitude and faith, not a desire for material gain.

  
  

  • 2 Corinthians 9:7: Giving should be cheerful and voluntary.

    
    

3. Stewardship Over Resources

• Believers are called to steward God’s gifts faithfully, using them for His glory and the benefit of others.

  
  

  • 1 Timothy 6:17-19: The wealthy are urged to be generous and to focus on eternal rewards.

    
    

4. Warnings About Wealth

• The Bible warns against the dangers of loving money and pursuing wealth as an end in itself.

  
  

  • 1 Timothy 6:10: The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.

    
    

5. God’s Provision Is Sufficient

• God promises to meet our needs, but His provision is not always financial.

  
  

  • Philippians 4:19: God supplies our needs according to His riches in glory.

    
    

Conclusion

Questions 29–35 reveal a recurring pattern in Shuttlesworth’s teachings: an overemphasis on financial prosperity as a measure of faith and God’s favor. While generosity is a biblical principle, Shuttlesworth’s interpretations often distort Scripture to promote transactional theology, which risks exploiting believers and misrepresenting the gospel.

True biblical teaching on giving emphasizes worship, stewardship, and trust in God’s provision. Wealth is not inherently evil, but neither is it a guaranteed sign of God’s approval. The gospel calls believers to prioritize spiritual blessings and eternal treasures over earthly wealth, reflecting the heart of Christ in all they do.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)