Do Critics of the Prosperity Gospel Share the Beliefs of the Enemies of the Church? Question 33

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, accuses critics of the prosperity gospel of aligning with the “heathen enemies of the church.” He suggests that opposition to the prosperity gospel stems from the same sentiments held by those who hate the church, drawing parallels to how some secular groups oppose figures like Donald Trump. While Shuttlesworth’s rhetorical argument attempts to create a stark “us versus them” dynamic, it is not rooted in sound theology or biblical hermeneutics.

This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s claims, addresses his rhetorical tactics, and examines the biblical principles of discernment, righteousness, and true prosperity.

1. Shuttlesworth’s Argument and Flaws

Claim 1: Critics of the Prosperity Gospel Align with the Enemies of the Church

Shuttlesworth claims that those who critique the prosperity gospel share sentiments with individuals or groups who oppose the church, implying that criticism of prosperity preachers equates to alignment with wickedness.

Critical Flaws in This Argument

1. False Equivalence:

   • Shuttlesworth conflates criticism of a specific theology with opposition to the church itself. Many critics of the prosperity gospel, including prominent Christian leaders, critique the movement because it distorts the gospel of Jesus Christ, not because they oppose the church.

   • Biblical discernment often requires separating truth from error, even within the church (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1).

     
     

2. Misrepresentation of Critics:

   • Critics of the prosperity gospel, such as Dr. Michael Brown and Costi Hinn, highlight the harm caused by false promises of wealth, particularly in impoverished communities. This criticism is grounded in love for the church and a desire to protect the vulnerable, not in alignment with the “wicked.”

     
     

3. Generalization of Secular Morality:

   • Shuttlesworth assumes that only Christians oppose wickedness like pornography and immorality, ignoring the fact that non-Christians also hold moral values. While righteousness is rooted in faith in Christ, moral actions are not exclusive to believers.

     
     

Claim 2: Demonized People Share Sentiments Against the Prosperity Gospel

Shuttlesworth asserts that those who oppose the prosperity message align with “demonized” individuals who dislike offerings and giving.

Critical Analysis

1. Disregard for Legitimate Concerns:

   • Many critics of prosperity theology are deeply concerned about its misuse of Scripture, its manipulation of vulnerable people, and its focus on financial gain rather than the gospel of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 6:3-10).

   • Critiquing unbiblical teachings on wealth and offerings does not equate to rejecting biblical generosity or the church’s mission.

     
     

2. Biblical Warnings Against False Teachings:

   • 2 Peter 2:1-3 warns against false teachers who exploit others for financial gain, a hallmark of some prosperity preachers. Rejecting such practices aligns with Scripture, not with the enemies of the church.

     
     

2. Biblical Principles of Discernment

Righteousness Is Found in Christ, Not Wealth or Morality

1. Salvation Through Christ Alone:

   • Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

     
     

     • Righteousness is not based on wealth, good deeds, or moral actions but solely on faith in Christ.

       
       

2. Moral Actions Without Faith:

   • Non-believers may do good things, but righteousness is grounded in a relationship with Christ, not in morality alone.

   • Isaiah 64:6: “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”

     
     

Discernment and Accountability in the Church

1. Testing Teachings:

   • 1 John 4:1: “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

     
     

     • Critiquing unbiblical teachings is a biblical mandate, not an alignment with the world.

       
       

2. Warnings Against Greed:

   • 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

     
     

     • Prosperity theology often ignores these warnings, instead promoting a distorted view of wealth as a measure of faith.

       
       

3. The Problematic Nature of Prosperity Theology

Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Shuttlesworth’s message of financial prosperity often fails to account for the socioeconomic realities of his audience. Promising wealth in exchange for giving leads many to financial ruin, especially in poorer communities where people are desperate for hope and solutions.

1. Manipulation of Offerings:

   • Prosperity preachers often exploit verses like Malachi 3:10 to pressure people into giving, ignoring the broader biblical context of generosity as voluntary and worshipful (2 Corinthians 9:7).

     
     

2. False Promises of Wealth:

   • The prosperity gospel often implies that financial wealth is a guaranteed blessing for faith and giving, which is not supported by Scripture. Many faithful Christians live in poverty, demonstrating that wealth is not the measure of God’s love or favor.

     
     

4. Responding to Shuttlesworth’s Question

Shuttlesworth’s question—whether critics of the prosperity gospel align with the church’s enemies—is a rhetorical tactic that oversimplifies the issues at hand.

Biblical Response

1. Criticism Rooted in Love for the Church:

   • Many critics, including theologians like Dr. Michael Brown and Costi Hinn, critique prosperity theology out of a desire to protect the church from harmful teachings and to uphold the gospel’s integrity.

     
     

2. Righteousness Is Found in Christ:

   • Wealth, morality, and generosity do not equate to righteousness. True righteousness is found in faith in Christ and obedience to His Word.

     
     

3. Discernment Is Biblical:

   • Critiquing false teachings aligns with Scripture, not with the enemies of the church (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

     
     

Conclusion: Do Critics of Prosperity Theology Align with the Enemies of the Church?

Shuttlesworth’s question is flawed and misleading. Critiquing the prosperity gospel is not an alignment with the enemies of the church but often a necessary act of biblical discernment and accountability. True righteousness and faithfulness are not measured by wealth or alignment with moral values but by obedience to God’s Word and a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Criticism of prosperity theology stems from a desire to uphold the gospel’s truth, protect the vulnerable, and refocus the church on its mission to glorify God and serve His Kingdom. It is essential to distinguish between legitimate, biblically grounded critique and opposition to the church itself.

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

(PhD Student)