The dangers of faith based on emotions

There is a worrying trend amongst young Christians whom have been lead to believe that their faith is dependant upon their emotional and physical well being along with their financial status. This is commonly known as the ‘prosperity’ doctrine, a doctrine that has no place in Christianity and we will discuss its implications here.

This feel good theology is prominent amongst Pentecostals (a term that has been greatly misused) and seeks to send a message to their parishioners that is focused on the ‘self’ and has little to do with God. Although they do convey some forms of truth in their messages concerning Jesus Christ, it is often watered down to make it a more palatable message, rarely engaging with the perils of sin and selfishness, and mostly concerned with monetary gain and healthy living. This ‘theology’ sounds more like a series of motivational talks mingled with God’s word.

So what’s wrong with this emotionalist based faith? Well the implications are many and varied the results destructive. If someone’s faith is based on this emotionalist theology what will become of this person if they are forced to endure hardships? What happens if they contract cancer and are advised that it is incurable? What if they lose their job and as a result lose their house and possessions? Based on Pentecostal dogma these trials would perplex this person, and may ultimately leave them questioning their faith. They are lead to believe that their pastors cure cancer and other diseases, often these ‘miracles’ are performed on stage and resemble a circus show where they blaspheme the Lord and His Spirit.

This form of Christianity (I use the term rather loosely) is increasingly drawing people away from the truth and it is not surprising to observe why. In an age where narcissism is ubiquitous, a theology that focuses on the ‘self’ caters perfectly for those wishing to become more ‘spiritual’ without having to deny themselves, carry their cross and follow the Lord on the difficult narrow path that leads to life. Jesus states that the two greatest commandments are to love your God with your entire being and to love your neighbour as yourself, and if we are to love our God with our entire being, how then can we adhere to a theology that focuses on materialistic gain and self love? For love of the world is enmity of God! Matthew 22:36-40 and James 4:4.

This feel good theology is derived by taking stories from the Old Covenant and forcing them unto the world today, which lives in the age of the New Covenant. All things that occurred in the Old Covenant were a shadow of things to come. For example, while the Lord did abundantly bless those who followed Him in truth, this was a mere shadow of the blessings that we shall receive in Heaven should we finish the race during the new covenant age, remember that during the Old Covenant age the gates of paradise were not opened as our Lord had not yet been glorified. These faithful men and women were blessed with material needs, favourable weather for crops and protection from their enemies by the Lord as He promised these things to them should they follow His commandments. Another example is the punishment that Israel would endure for turning their back on God; they would be chastised in various forms for disobeying the Lord and playing the harlot with other gods. In this New Covenant period, those who turn away from God are not chastised (many of these people seem to be blessed with material wealth) openly as in the times of the Old Covenant, but they will face punishment on the day of judgement.

Our faith, the Orthodox faith, is a faith that focuses on self denial (not self hatred or self loathing) where we are called to allow God to enter into our lives so that we can live according to His will and not that of our own. We are called to deprive ourselves of worldly desires and thirst for spiritual perfection, we are called to “beat our bodies into submission” 1 Corinthian 9:27 and to “set our minds on things above” Colossians 3:2.

To conclude, any form of Christianity that focuses on the ‘self’ is spawned by satan and should be avoided, our faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is sufficient for us and we should not expect to live incident free lives. Brothers and sisters, this is a lie that has lured countless millions on to a path not narrow but wide and easy, our path should be narrow and the way difficult! Let us always remain on this path and count it as joy when trials and tribulation befall us.