Is It Hypocritical to Speak Against Prosperity While Enjoying Lavish American Luxury? Question 16.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, accuses American critics of prosperity theology of hypocrisy. He states:

“When I hear an American criticize the prosperity message, I know I’m listening to a liar and a hypocrite. People who criticize the prosperity message often live better materially than the preachers they criticize—they just hide it.”

While claiming he is not against people, Shuttlesworth’s rhetoric throughout the book labels critics as “enemies of the church,” “church haters,” and worse. This chapter, directed specifically at Americans, seeks to undermine critiques of prosperity theology by equating criticism with hypocrisy.

This blog will evaluate Shuttlesworth’s claims, examine scriptural critiques of prosperity theology, and highlight the importance of a balanced, biblically faithful approach to teachings on wealth and prosperity.

1. The Biblical Perspective on Wealth and Hypocrisy

Shuttlesworth’s Accusation

Shuttlesworth accuses critics of prosperity theology of living materially lavish lives while denouncing financial prosperity. While this could be true for some individuals, his broad generalization fails to engage with the theological critiques of prosperity theology itself.

What Does the Bible Say?

Wealth as a Blessing and a Danger: The Bible acknowledges that wealth can be a blessing but consistently warns against the spiritual dangers of desiring riches:
- 1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
- Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”
Hypocrisy in Wealth: Scripture condemns hypocrisy, particularly when actions fail to align with God’s commands:
- Matthew 6:33: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Critical Analysis

Shuttlesworth’s accusation of hypocrisy assumes that critics of prosperity theology oppose financial blessings outright. However, many critics—including Jesus and Paul—warn not against wealth itself but against its dangers, such as greed, materialism, and misplaced priorities. Critiques of prosperity theology often aim to protect believers from these pitfalls, not to condemn material blessings.

2. Scriptural Critique of Prosperity Theology

Warnings About Wealth

The Bible provides a balanced theology of wealth, recognizing its potential benefits while cautioning against its dangers:

Luke 12:33: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail.”
Ephesians 4:28: “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.”
Matthew 5:11-12:Jesus promises persecution for righteousness, not riches.

The Danger of Ignoring Warnings

Shuttlesworth’s prosperity theology often overlooks the Bible’s clear warnings about wealth’s potential to lead believers astray:

1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God.”
Luke 8:14: “The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.”

3. The Crunch in Prosperity Theology

Ignoring the Balance

The core issue with prosperity theology is its tendency to ignore the Bible’s balance on wealth. While Scripture speaks of blessings, it also warns of the spiritual dangers of pursuing riches.

Proverbs 30:8-9 offers a wise perspective: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

A Theology Rooted in Eternity

Prosperity theology often presents financial success as a primary goal, but the Bible calls believers to invest their lives in eternal treasures:

Matthew 6:19-21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Investing in material wealth is a weak investment in light of eternity. Believers deserve to know the full biblical teaching, which prioritizes spiritual growth, generosity, and eternal rewards over earthly riches.

4. Shuttlesworth’s Contradictory Rhetoric

Contradictory Tone

Shuttlesworth claims he is not against people, yet his rhetoric consistently mocks, insults, and labels critics as enemies of the church. This inconsistency undermines his argument and creates unnecessary division.

Equating Criticism with Opposition to God

By framing critiques of prosperity theology as attacks on God’s blessings, Shuttlesworth dismisses legitimate concerns about the dangers of materialism and theological imbalance.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Wealth and Faith

Shuttlesworth’s argument that American critics of prosperity theology are hypocrites oversimplifies the debate and ignores the Bible’s nuanced teaching on wealth. While some critics may live materially comfortable lives, this does not invalidate their theological concerns.

The Bible clearly teaches that wealth can be both a blessing and a spiritual danger. Prosperity theology must address this balance, warning believers against the pitfalls of greed, idolatry, and misplaced priorities. A gospel focused on wealth risks leading believers into temptation and turning them away from eternal treasures.

Ultimately, a biblical theology of wealth prioritizes stewardship, generosity, and faith in God’s provision, pointing believers to invest their lives in what truly matters—eternity.

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

(PhD Student)