While researching the topic of prosperity in the book of Proverbs for a sermon this weekend, I ran across an article in Time magazine called, “Does God Want You to be Rich?” Included are some interesting statistics based on a national survey of Christians in America.
God wants people to be financially prosperous. Agree: 61 percent Disagree: 26 percent
Material wealth is a sign of God’s blessing. Agree: 21 percent Disagree: 73 percent
Poverty can be a blessing from God. Agree: 45 percent Disagree: 49 percent
Jesus was not rich, and we should follow his example. Agree: 48 percent Disagree: 44 percent
If you give away your money to God, he will bless you with more money. Agree: 31 percent Disagree: 63 percent
Christians in the U.S. don’t do enough for the poor. Agree: 49 percent Disagree: 43 percent
Giving away 10 percent of your income is the minimum God expects. Agree: 39 percent Disagree: 57 percent
Any surprises?
And then there is this thoughtful treatment of the topic, a Master’s thesis entitled A Study of Poverty and Prosperity in the Book of Proverbs.