"Does the Prosperity Gospel Really Work?" and Other Interesting Stuff from Around the Web

This is interesting.  According to an AP story, close associates of Kenneth Copeland have somehow managed to significantly improve their own personal financial status.  Copeland's brother-in-law and son have made huge profits in real estate.  Members of his board have made big bucks through various speaking engagements at Copeland's church.  Hmmm . . .  Prosperity principle in action?  Or just old fashioned nepotism and "insider" benefits?   click here: Those close to televangelist prosper (OneNewsNow.com)

Speaking of televangelists, seems that our perpetually smiling friend Joel Osteen is also doing pretty well despite the current economic woes.   Why?  Seems like a bunch of folk think the solution to $5.00 a gallon gasoline, and the depressed housing market, is to tithe to Joel, who is teaching them to be "victors" not "victims."  Why didn't I think of that?  Click here: God Wants Me to Be Rich - WalletPop

Let me get this straight.  Before leaving on recess, our Congress does nothing about a comprehensive engery policy which deals with increasing supply and lowering demand . . . and that the only thing they actually talked about was re-instituting the 55 MPH speed limit?  And we wonder why our congress has a 9% approval rating????  I'm with Sammy Hagar on this one.  "I Can't Drive 55!"  Besides, according to my fuel calculator, I get much better mileage @ 72 MPH than I do at 55.  Click here: The Insanity of Drive-55 Laws - WSJ.com

I hate to admit, but I can really relate to this guy.  I've got an old Trimmer lawn mower with a 3.5 HP Briggs and Stratton.  The stupid thing goes through pistons and points like crazy, and just kills my shoulder trying to start it.  I finally got a lawn service.  If I didn't live in the nanny state, wacking the stupid thing might be an option.  Click here: FOXNews.com - Man Accused of Shooting Lawn Mower for Not Starting - Local News | News Articles | National News | U

Comments

[Stan McCullars]

Thomas Sowell recently wrote "We don't look to arsonists to help put out fires but we do look to politicians to help solve financial crises that they played a major role in creating."
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/ThomasSowell/2008/07/23/bankrupt_exploiters_part_ii

Substitute "energy" for "financial" above and it holds true.

[Lloyd]

It's interesting watching the political candidates, and all of the stuff that they are promising before the election.

Yesterday, after church, we went to Mimi's Cafe for dinner. My bill came to $50.00, plus a nice tip. I told my wife, when we were walking out of the restaurant, maybe it would be good if Obama did get elected, after watching his campaign promises -- it seems like the government might be paying for all of us Americans to eat out! (And we'll also get free healthcare, as well.)

Unfortunately, most of the politicians prey on gullible Americans, and the "name it, claim it", and the "blab it, grab it", T. V. hucksters steal from the biblically illiterate. I think that Obama, and most of the politicians would be excellent televangelists!

[Ike]

Even Joel Osteen doesn't have a lawn service........he has artificial turf!!!

[Wayne Rohde]

As long as people are gullible, the prosperity gospel will "work" ... for those who preach it (i.e., get others to buy into it).

[Steve]

Getting a law service is great. I only pay the 12 yr old boy down the street $20 for front and back.

[Bryan]

From the Osteen article: "I learned you can't separate the message from the presentation of that message."

Interesting direct correlation to Neil Postman's "media is the message" -- at least Joel Osteen understands this. However, it is too bad that Osteen doesn't understand that his message and his presentation lack the Gospel.

[Chad V.]

Ha!! The lawn mower incident happened in my town. We saw it on our evening news. Funny that you picked up on that story Dr. Riddlebarger.

[cls]

Justin Peters has a great seminar exposing prosperity/health and wealth "preachers." See: http://www.justinpeters.org and be sure to watch "demo!"

He spoke at my church on this and comes highly recommended by my pastor, Dr. John MacArthur...

[cls]

ps: Its not on the overview of his seminar, but in the actual presentation, Mr. Peters also exposes the teachings of Joel Osteen very well.