A view of the prosperity gospel (Reprinted by permission)

The gospel rewritten
published: Sunday | June 12, 2005

Elaine Murphy, Contributor

SOME TIME AGO I experienced the distinct displeasure and horror of witnessing Ian Boyne interview Bishop Henry Fernandez on TVJ's 'Religious Hard Talk'. The Fernandez discourse consisted of arguments justifying the gratuitous pursuit of wealth by purveyors of the gospel. As a Christian, the shame and pain was hard for me to bear. My emotions ran the gamut from outrage to pity at the thought of this confused, self-styled 'man of the cloth', and the hundreds, even thousands of viewers who may have been swayed by the profession of his own gospel.

During the interview the bishop reiterated again and again the virtues of being a wealthy pastor of a congregation 6,000 strong, the necessity of owning his own private jet, and made comparison of his role with that of a CEO of any major corporation. Not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with these aspirations. The only problem is as they relate to dispensing the gospel, freely received and meant to be freely given.

FINANCIAL, WORLDLY SUCCESS

But the bishop's views and orientation belie this commission, and reflect a strong trend in evangelical, namely, charismatic circles today, where financial and worldly success has all but replaced the hope of heaven. The simple message of the gospel is slowly being silenced by the wealth and power of these mega-churches and their pursuit not after righteousness, but after all the luxuries that money can buy. Although the gospels are replete with warnings about the pursuit of Mammon and its corruptive power, these evangelists, through convincing oratory and their own charisma, are succeeding in changing the main focus of the church to a gospel that enriches their personal coffers, even at the expense of their congregations.

Trinity Broadcasting Network, the most prominent 'Christian' TV channel, during its most recent telethon, unapologetically asked viewers to each "sow a seed faith offering" of US$1,000 to help finance their satellite emissions to promulgate their particular gospel around the world.

MIRACLE FOR MONEY THEOLOGY

From their gilded, heavily ornate set in their California studios, this 24-hour network entertains viewers worldwide with the latest gospel music and a heavy dose of the miracle-for-money theology.

You will notice that there is no real study of the Word, no earnest desire to search for the truth, 'line upon line and precept upon precept'. Most of the programming represents an apologia for the prosperity gospel, an attempt to justify the never-ending cycle of greed. Those who heap unto themselves 'itching ears' will find this particular brand of gospel tantalising, since it promises financial freedom and health to those who generously give. So, many who are having financial, health, marriage and emotional problems desperately latch on to this prospect of a 'breakthrough' and willingly part with their last dollar.

Notice how frequently the phrase "I believe the Lord is saying?" prefaces most of the televangelists' teachings, since the Bible is no longer their guidebook on how to grow in the faith. These charlatans now constitute an authority superior to God's word in their churches. Why should you question the Lord when he is "doing a new thing"? Their justification, not mine.

HEAVY JUDGEMENT

Those who earnestly seek the Lord these days had better believe that the visible church is now coming under heavy judgement. The wheat is, while I write, being separated from the tares. There is a distinct famine of the word, that true gospel that is supposed to represent our daily bread. Is it alarming to say that poison is being served in church? If you are hungry for the word and you need some reinforcement of your faith, don't expect the televangelist to help you; he is too busy selling his particular brand of gospel. What millions around the world are watching daily by satellite TV is not the message left by the Messiah but variations on the great American Dream, or paraphrased to read: The Seven Steps to Success, or How to Think and grow Rich.

These trends are even more poignant, vis-a-vis the Matthew 24 account of the signs of the end. "And many false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many." (vs.11) It is important that you understand that the deception will take place right inside the church, and it will be so subtle, the truth mixed with lies, that if it were possible, "they should deceive the very elect." (Matt. 24:24) Jesus is saying that His people will not be fooled. Not by the signs and wonders and the prevalence of supernatural power.

In the Boyne interview, this particular Bishop never once defended the faith nor emphasised the redemptive power of the blood shed by Jesus Christ. His main focus was money, its acquisition, and the private jet he had in his crosshairs. I watched a slightly bemused Ian Boyne graciously humour this man who shamelessly and glibly rattled on about his deals on the golf course, among other things. Perhaps instead of playing golf he should spend more time prayerfully studying the message of the gospel and Paul's epistles to learn the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

BLINDED BY MONEY?

I was touched by the statement of the author of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren, who claims that for all the millions he has earned through his runaway bestseller, his lifestyle would not change and the funds would be directed towards spreading the Gospel. Not so with these televangelists; high performance vehicles, mansions and private jets are their God-given right, and the congregation must pay for this high-life.

So I prefer to donate money to The Gideons Society, who just give away Bibles. It is safer that way, and I do not feel like I am helping to send anyone on the road to perdition. I have ceased watching TBN, since I find that they have moved from confused to dangerous. I am still in search of a body of believers who believe the Word, and that the Word alone represents the voice of God, without laying myself open to the corrosive voices distorting the simple message of salvation. There must be those who wish to spend quality time studying the Bible to discern and live the truth therein.

II Kings Chapter 5 recounts the story of Naaman, captain of the Syrian army and a leper, who was instructed to dip seven times in the River Jordan by the prophet Elisha, if he was to be healed. This story is a perfect picture of salvation, the number seven being symbolic of the Messiah and his provision of salvation from eternal death through dying to self and being reborn.

The Jordan itself represents death to self. Naaman reluctantly did as the prophet instructed and was indeed healed. Verse 14 states "his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." The disease of sin, the death to self and the rebirth all beautifully woven inside this account. Yet the story is not yet complete. To show his gratitude, Naaman offered Elisha gifts, pleading with him to "take a blessing." Elisha point blank refused. Yet Gehazi, the prophet's servant, secretly pursued Naaman and concocted a story in order to receive the gifts of silver talents and rich garments Elisha refused.

Confronted by Elisha, Gehazi initially denied accepting the gifts, but there was no escape from that which Elisha already knew. The rest of the story is an ominous warning to all those who merchandise the gospel of salvation. Pastors who are fleecing the flock need to stop, think and refocus. God may use you to bring the gospel, but it is possible for you to lose your soul because of the powerful lure of Mammon.

I tell you, the arch-villain and terrorist Osama Bin Laden, in all his evil misdirected zealousness, worth millions of dollars yet living in a cave, is more convicted in his own beliefs than many of these gospel vendors.

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You can send your comments to Elaine Murphy at elimurf@hotmail.com or infocus@gleanerjm.com