Whenever the year starts or during Chinese New Year, it’s common for us to wish someone a “Prosperous New Year.” This is embedded to us Christians, and for some, it’s another way of saying “May God bless you”. However, this practice of well-wishing, often ties into the broader concept of the Prosperity Gospel — a controversial doctrine that links faith with financial success. This doctrine is often mistaken as Christian in origin when in fact, it steers us away from the true message of the Gospel.
The Prosperity Gospel is the belief that God rewards faith with wealth and success. It views the Holy Spirit as a tool for personal gain rather than as a guide to follow God’s will. This movement originated in the late 19th century, combining ideologies of New Thought, Pentecostalism, and American individualism. It equates Christian faith with financial success, making it particularly appealing in today’s materialistic world. Many well-known American televangelists, such as Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, have spread this theology, commercializing faith and preaching a message of wealth. These “mega-church” preachers suggest that prosperity is a sign of God’s favor and that Christians should expect material blessings if they remain hopeful and faithful.
In the Philippines, Catholic Charismatic preachers adopted and adapted elements of this teaching. Bro. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai encourages people to adhere to their faith and hope for financial prosperity. Similarly, Bo Sanchez, another Catholic preacher known for his “Truly Rich Club” and “The Feast” community, emphasizes wealth creation, investment strategies, and upward mobility. He teaches practical financial management using biblical principles related to wealth. He declared that money magnifies the goodness or the evil in a person and he believes that being wealthy allows individuals to do more good in the world. His community primarily appeals to the middle to upper class, while Bro. Mike’s El Shaddai caters to the general masses. Even though these local preachers insist they are not prosperity gospel advocates, their focus on financial success as a sign of God’s blessing aligns with the principle of prosperity teaching.
This raises the question: Is it wrong to be rich?
First of all, Jesus Christ never declared material wealth to be evil. In fact, several saints, including St. Edward the Confessor of England, St. Stephen of Hungary, and St. Louis IX of France, were born into wealth. However, these kings and royalties used their riches to serve God and others. The problem arises when wealth becomes a measure of faith. Jesus addressed the dangers of materialism, by stating that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24). He warned that wealth could become an obstacle to spiritual fulfillment if one becomes too attached to it. While material wealth is not inherently condemned, we must recognize that all material possessions are temporary and can be taken away anytime like in the story of Job in the Bible. What truly matters is our commitment to serving God and how we use our resources to help others. In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus made it clear that wealth in this life does not guarantee eternal reward. True wealth, according to Jesus, is found in serving God and others, not in amassing earthly possessions. Christians are called to share whatever wealth they have and help those in need. The reason why God blesses us with material things is not because we are good, but because God is good. That is why we should not desire material wealth, and remember St. Paul’s message to the Galatians, that the flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other.
“For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Spirit, and those of the Spirit are opposed to the flesh. They are in conflict with one another, so that you cannot do what you want.” — Galatians 5:16
Jesus’s life and teachings consistently reflect His deep compassion for the poor. The parable of the Nativity, for instance, highlights the contrast between the humble shepherds, who were directly visited by an angel, and the wealthy Three Kings, who had to follow a distant star — demonstrating God’s special love for the poor. The Virgin Mary, even though she came from a well-off family and inherited everything after St. Anne’s passing, together with St. Joseph, chose to give away two-thirds of their wealth and embraced a life of simplicity. According to the visions of some mystics, there were times when they had little to eat, yet God always provided for them. Jesus and the Virgin Mary, after St. Joseph died, ate once a day, around 6 PM, sustaining themselves on bread and occasionally fish. If Our Lord Jesus Christ, our King, embraced this life of simplicity, isn’t it right to imitate Him because no slave should be greater than his master?
”Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you: if they have kept my word, they will keep yours also.” — John 15:20
Many proponents of prosperity teachings, like Bo Sanchez, argue that the goal of wealth is to bless others and to create a platform for greater good. However, this philosophy can conflict with traditional Christian teachings that emphasize seeking God’s Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). The Gospel teaches that Christians should not prioritize material wealth or success but should focus on eternal life with God. We cannot serve two masters at the same time.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” — Matt 6:24
Tithing, an Old Testament concept in which Israelites were required to give 10% of their produce, is a controversial aspect of prosperity teachings. It has become a favorite topic of many prosperity gospel advocates as they encourage their followers to give generously to their church in exchange for God’s blessings, a practice that can easily be perceived as manipulative and abusive. St. Thomas Aquinas, in Question 87 of Summa Theologica, explains that while tithes are not strictly required under the New Law, they remain a moral duty for supporting the Church and its ministers. The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not mandate tithing or fixed obligation. Instead, it encourages believers to give freely and from the heart because God values cheerful givers.
“Each person should give as much as he has decided in his heart, not with reluctance or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7
The American Dream, a concept of financial success created in the early 20th century, closely mirrors Prosperity Gospel beliefs. This ideology suggests that anyone can achieve greatness and richness through hard work, faith, and perseverance, which oftentimes eclipses the call for humility, selflessness, and trust in God’s will. The American Dream is a great heresy and so is the Gospel of Prosperity.
“For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” — Matt 16:24
While the prosperity gospel may seem appealing, especially in this world that values material success, remember that Jesus does not promise financial prosperity. The true riches of life comes from seeking God’s Kingdom, serving others, and living in alignment with Christ’s example of humility and love. As Catholics, we are not called to worship money or possessions, but rather to focus on seeking the true riches – the rewards of heavenly afterlife in the Kingdom of God. True riches is not having everything in this world, but living the Word of God in every moment of our life. Jesus teaches that if we want to follow Him, we must take up our cross everyday.
“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.“ — Luke 9:23
Lastly, let us always remember that the path to salvation is narrow and not measured by earthly success.
“Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and those who find it are few in number.” — Matthew 7:13-14
