Prosperity preachers

Facebook is alive and well with stories from moderate preachers who are finally attacking "Prosperity Preachers " like Joyce Meyer and Joel Osteen, who say that people can leverage their way with God by shelling out the cash to them, basically.   I dislike both of them and I dislike what they preach.   Joyce Meyer is arrogant and has a primer in theology  -- certainly not ready for prime time and Joel took his dad's church and is moving on with it.  Not to mention her IRS investigations in which she (and her second husband and children) are richly blessed and that is not a debatable fact.  A far cry from the life I led in my home as a pastor's child or my life as a President's wife at the University.   And she is teaching me a theology course!  Not as long as I have breath enough to get up and turn the television off.

I can't stomach these people or their theology.  I would turn completely from religion if I thought that they spoke for my God.  I am continually finding my God as I move through experiences and sadnesses and happinesses.   And I find that he gives me strength as I ponder my mistakes....along the way.   I don't shell out to him thinking I can win his favor.  The idea is reprehensible to me.   I can't bear these standard-bearers who are getting wealthy off the backs of people who do not have the money to waste.

It seems like the church is trying to meet the times by jumping on any thing and everything.  Deliver me from a church that spends most of its time bringing in musical groups,  amateur theatrical groups, and all the entertainment world.   I passed a church in Cape Girardeau yesterday advertising a "Pet Blessing service" on their billboard.   I am not a pet lover so I found that a bit strange for a church program advertisement.

  I will stay home and study and I will get far more out of it than listening to Joyce Meyer or Joel Osteen on television.   I have learned to create my own church, in the sanctity of my home...and I don't even need to leave home.   I leave home to expand this church into ministry and it is working for me.  I'm not knocking it for others;  it is just not the road on which I am currently working.  God did not fail me;  the church has just failed to meet my needs in these years. 

And part of it is because of Joyce Meyers of the world.