The biblical concept of prosperity
published: Monday | December 29, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

MR. DELROY Chuck's article on Christmas Eve on the subject of giving betrays a misunderstanding of the biblical concept of prosperity. Like many prosperity preachers, he is driven by the assumption that when the Bible speaks about prosperity it is talking about material prosperity and wealth that are supposed to become readily available to those who give.

The biblical concept of giving aestablishes the sovereignty of the gift given. There are no strings attached and there is no expectation of reward of any kind because one gives. Christian giving is predicated on the grace of God and the sinner's gratitude for his redemption from the shackles of sin.

For the Christian to expect something in return for having given is to play a quid pro quo game with God. This is the greatest effrontery. There is indeed a central place for prosperity preaching in the Christian message, but let us understand what true prosperity is, and let us not confuse it with the pop materialistic preaching that characterises so much of American/Evangelical preaching today.

I am, etc.,

Rev. RALSTON NEMBHARD

stead6655@aol.com

Via Go-Jamaica