If You Believe That Money Is Evil, Why Do You Carry Any? Question 14.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, argues against the idea that money is evil by posing a rhetorical challenge:

“If money is evil, why do you carry any? Are you a hypocrite?”

He likens money to inherently wicked things like pornography and alcohol, suggesting that those who criticize prosperity theology fail to distinguish between money as a tool and its potential misuse. Shuttlesworth claims that prosperity is essential for evangelism, asserting that more money leads to more souls won for Christ.

This blog critically evaluates Shuttlesworth’s arguments, examining his statements through the lens of Scripture and sound theological reasoning.

1. Is Money Evil? A Biblical Perspective

Shuttlesworth’s Assertion

Shuttlesworth challenges the notion that money is inherently evil by equating it with universally condemned sins, such as pornography and drunkenness. He mocks those who criticize prosperity theology, accusing them of hypocrisy for using money while denouncing it as wicked.

What Does the Bible Say?

1. Money as a Neutral Tool: The Bible does not teach that money itself is evil. Instead, it warns against the love of money:

   
   

   • 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”This verse clarifies that money becomes dangerous when it is idolized or prioritized over God.

     
     

2. Stewardship Over Wealth: Money is often depicted in Scripture as a tool for stewardship, generosity, and advancing God’s purposes:

   
   

   • Luke 16:9: “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”Jesus encourages the use of wealth for Kingdom purposes, emphasizing its temporary nature.

     
     

3. Warnings Against Greed: While money is neutral, the Bible repeatedly warns against greed and materialism:

   • Matthew 6:24: “You cannot serve both God and money.”

     
     

Critical Analysis

Shuttlesworth’s comparison of money to inherently sinful acts like pornography is misleading. Scripture distinguishes between tools (like money) that can be used for good or evil and behaviors (like sexual immorality) that are intrinsically sinful. His argument oversimplifies the biblical teaching on money, focusing more on mockery than sound exegesis.

2. The Role of Prosperity in Evangelism

Shuttlesworth’s Claim

Shuttlesworth asserts that prosperity is crucial for winning souls, arguing that financial resources enable evangelism and that neglecting prosperity equates to indifference toward the lost.

Biblical Evaluation

1. The Cost of Evangelism: Financial resources can indeed support missionary work and church ministries. Paul acknowledged the role of financial support in his ministry (Phil. 4:15-18). However, Scripture never equates prosperity with effectiveness in evangelism.

   
   

2. God’s Power Over Resources:

   • Matthew 10:9-10: When Jesus sent out His disciples, He instructed them to take no money, relying instead on God’s provision through those they ministered to.

     
     

   • Acts 3:6: Peter, lacking money, healed a man by the power of Jesus, demonstrating that the gospel’s power is not dependent on wealth.

     
     

3. Faithful Stewardship Over Financial Abundance: While financial resources can aid evangelism, the Bible emphasizes faithful stewardship, generosity, and dependence on God over the accumulation of wealth. The widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44) highlights that even small contributions, given with the right heart, are significant in God’s Kingdom.

   
   

Critical Analysis

Shuttlesworth’s claim that “the more money you have, the more souls you can win” oversimplifies the relationship between resources and evangelism. While money can facilitate ministry, the Bible consistently teaches that the power of the gospel lies in the work of the Holy Spirit, not in financial abundance.

3. The “Religious Mindset” Argument

Shuttlesworth’s Claim

Shuttlesworth criticizes a so-called “religious mindset” that he claims equates money with evil, arguing that this perspective blinds believers to scriptural commands related to giving, stewardship, and generosity.

Biblical Response

1. The Call to Stewardship: The Bible calls believers to view money as a resource entrusted to them by God for His purposes:

   
   

   • 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace.”

     
     

2. Warnings Against Misplaced Priorities: While money is a tool, Jesus consistently warns against allowing wealth to become a distraction or idol:

   
   

   • Mark 8:36: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

     
     

3. Generosity as Worship: True biblical giving is motivated by worship and led by the Holy Spirit, not by coercion or manipulation:

   
   

   • 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

     
     

Critical Analysis

While Shuttlesworth correctly highlights the importance of generosity, his tone and rhetoric risk alienating those who approach money cautiously due to biblical warnings. His argument would benefit from a more nuanced acknowledgment of the balance Scripture teaches.

4. Money and the Gospel

Shuttlesworth’s Claim

Shuttlesworth argues that prosperity is essential for fulfilling the Great Commission, claiming that indifference toward financial abundance equates to indifference toward the lost.

Biblical Perspective

1. The Power of the Gospel: The Bible teaches that the gospel’s effectiveness is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit, not in material resources:

   
   

   • Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”

     
     

2. The Simplicity of Evangelism: Many of Jesus’ and Paul’s most impactful moments required no financial resources, relying instead on faith, obedience, and God’s provision.

   
   

Critical Analysis

While financial resources can aid the spread of the gospel, Shuttlesworth’s emphasis on prosperity risks reducing evangelism to a transactional framework. The gospel’s power lies in the message of Christ crucified, not in monetary wealth.

Conclusion: Is Money Evil, and Does Prosperity Equal Evangelism?

Jonathan Shuttlesworth’s argument conflates biblical principles of stewardship and generosity with an overemphasis on financial prosperity. While money is a neutral tool that can be used for good or evil, the Bible teaches that the power of the gospel lies in God’s Spirit, not in material wealth.

True prosperity in Scripture is characterized by stewardship, generosity, and dependence on God. Evangelism is most effective when driven by faith, love, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit—not by the accumulation of resources.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)