While most of my weekend at the beach involved the recounting of football stories embellished and exaggerated, there were a few moments of serious discussion. One of the subjects was about the growth in at least Texas, NC, and Arkansas of what one person described as “Prosperity Churches” — Mega-churches using modern music, messages of material prosperity, etc. that are attracting large audiences and worshippers. We all suspected this growth of prosperity churches is not limited to our home states. Like coat hangers they seem to be multiplying at night.
Compare that to the movie I watched last night about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his words about struggle and the costs of grace.
Different times, different messages but it got me thinking. Especially a quote of Bonhoeffer’s I haven’t been able to locate but I am sure is documented somewhere. He said that after the war he believed the church would need to develop a new language — a new way of describing what it means to be a follower of Christ.
It got me thinking. I don’t believe the message of prosperity is the language he is talking about. I also don’t want to judge what others believe and see as where the light shines brightest. Bonhoeffer said that the language would be so wonderful so clear and true all would understand. Is that possible? I don’t know.
Anyway, I ask you all to give this some thought and please email me or post a comment. We might just explore this question from time-to-time over the year.
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