I call this worshiping the gumball god … but it’s the same principle at work. Ya puts in yer prayers, ya pulls the lever, ya gets a response … usually shiny tasty gumballs. Yep … that there’s the god I wanna worship.
Of course, the cynic in me wonders if the ministers who preach this actually believe it or just see it as a handy way to keep the cash flowing in.
But like I said, that’s just the cynic in me. He’s feeling rather vocal today. And I’ve run out of spirtiual duct tape. 😉
LOL … yeah, I ran out of it too!
Preachers of the god-who-promises-to make-all-your-wishes come-true are incredibly common in Brazil and among the expat Brazilian communities around the world. Money is usually involved, especially in the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God denomination. It’s common in another form in the U.S., though. The likes of Joel Osteen make everyone believe that God is interested in our wealth, health and sense of personal fulfillment. While I don’t deny that God loves us, I reject the thought that His mission in this universe is to make everyone feel good according to what they think is best.
The not so cynic in me has experienced a sermon where the minister said; ” If you want to be blessed like me, look at my wonderful house and cars, then you need to sow a seed of faith and continue giving to Gods work in this place…” Hmm we thought- and left!
Sally, in the interest of forming my own ‘seed’ ministry, I’m curious if a person has to start by giving to others, or if they start by being the person who others give to.
I would love to be a great help to everyone on this forum by being the person you are blessed through by giving to me. 😀
Yes. I’m a giver by being willing to let go of my own blessing in order to be given to for your blessings.
Hmmm… I think this is coming together nicely. Now I need a new flashy robe…
LOL …
This has given me more giggles … I have to stop.
I think people should give to my fabric collection. After all, I quilt for charity. I will make Patrick’s flashy robe for him too.
When they make a “god” in their minds who is not “God”, they have made an image of a god in their mind that does not exist, thereby breaking the second of the Ten Commandments: Ex:20:4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image And making an “image” of a false god in their minds…
Great free teaching on evangelism based on the Ten Commandments: http://www.livingwaters.com/learn/hellsbestkeptsecret.htm
