The Relationship of Money to the Christian Faith

by Steve Crosby

The relationship of money to the Christian faith has long been a volatile topic. Historical and contemporary attitudes differ greatly, and tend to be polarized. Medieval monks sanctified poverty. Today’s prosperity preachers beatify riches. Both claim(ed) the Scriptures as their authority and realization of Christ’s kingdom as their goal. Modern prosperity preachers don’t deny the gap. They view themselves as divinely sanctioned remediators to historically deficient thought and practices regarding wealth. This is a highly debatable proposition.

The issues of money and prosperity don’t readily yield themselves to tidy theological packaging. On the one hand, the Scriptures speak clearly of the futility and danger of riches, yet on the other, they declare that prosperity is proof of the blessing of God. The same Scriptures say that material prosperity doesn’t necessarily indicate the endorsement and blessing of the Lord, because even the wicked prosper. Read more