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A recent newspaper article on a Prosperity Theology denomination’s announcement

Author: David Bledsoe
Date: 27.07.2010
Category: Global Generosity, Integrity & Humility, Prosperity Gospel

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Brothers and sisters in our Lord Jesus,

I attached the following link of a recent article in the Guardian (July 21) concerning the announcement of a well-known Brazilian denomination to build a multi-million-dollar replica of Solomon’s temple in the city of São Paulo. This church and its founder/primary leader are considered the two most recognized proponents of Prosperity Theology in Brazil, claiming to be evangelicals and associated with what is called the Brazilian Neo-Pentecostal Movement.

As many Lausanne Conversation contributors have rightly highlighted, the Prosperity Theology message and related emphases attract the poor, exploit the poor, corrupt leaders, undermine and distort the Gospel witness in a society, and divert churches from Christian mission. I believe you will agree with me that these unfortunate results are the case in the linked article.

Website Link:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jul/21/solomo…

Keywords: Prosperity, Prosperity Theology, Neo-Pentecostalism, global Pentecostalism, Gospel, Brazil, two-thirds world, stewardship, poor

Conversation Post Comment

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down David_Hausmann (0)
Switzerland

OK! This is a very extreme case and cannot be used for the good of our delicate debate on the prospertiy gospel.

Obviously to build the Temple in Brasil seems stupid... Big enough!

Now financialy, I do experience that the mesure you sow you reap (2 Cor. 9:6). I see that for myself, my family, my church and I believe my country.

23.08.2010

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down David_Allen_Bledsoe (3)
Brazil
@ David_Hausmann:
David,

With all respect, I disagree that we can ignore such an "extreme case" and that it cannot be used in our conversation on prosperity theology. This denomination has 2.1 declared followers in the Brazilian 2000 census, and this would exclude its influence on the society in the media, resultant influence on the evangelical community, and political power.

I also suspect the leaders’ motivations behind the building of temple replica. First, it physically represents their primary PT discourse; that is, in order to receive your divine desire, you must sacrifice. Second, it is another attempt to integrate more and more into Brazilian culture buy building high-quality, cultural edifices.

In the 2/3 world, the PT message tends to be carried by Neo-Pentecostalism, which this particular denomination is associated. It is estimated that around 45 percent of the Pentecostal camp in Brazil is Neo-Pentecostal.

Furthermore, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God has been said to be the largest third-world export of Christianity on the scene today (cf. Paul Freston). In Europe and North America, it tailors mainly to immigrant groups, but it has its base in the primary group populations in the many countries in Latin America, Central American, and southern Africa.

There is more going on behind this movement than meets the eye. I suggest you take a closer look at Christianity in the Global South.

23.08.2010

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down David_Hausmann (0)
Switzerland
@ David_Allen_Bledsoe:
Thanks, I will study more this issue. Thanks for your help.

24.08.2010

: Reply Flag 0 Thumbs Up Thumbs Down Joseph_Paul_Cadariu (5)
United States

How unbelievably sad and distressing. Don’t you think God grieves with all that’s going on in His name. We must proclaim Christ the Redeemer, remain true to scripture. Hebrews 11:6 He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek HIM. Number 1: HE is the Rewarder. Number 2: He chooses how to reward those who seek HIM. HE IS THE REWARDER, AND HE IS THE REWARD.

I Timothy 8:10 tells it all: FOR THE LOVE OF MONEY IS THE ROOT OF ALL EVIL...(ALL SORTS OF EVIL). Mammon has taken his place in the church, and deceivers are leading the poor, the uneducated and the most vulnerable into great error and deceit.

20.08.2010