Prosperity Theology

This article by R. Albert Mohler, Jr. provides a much-needed perspective. I have been meaning to post on something like this idea for quite a while, so this article gives me a great reason to do so. Also, I am going to make my comments from an "LDS perspective." The idea of "prosperity" is very common in the LDS church, based on certain references in the Book of Mormon linking prosperity to obedience. The problem with this idea has many facets. First, the Lord does not consider "prosperity" to be having a lot of worldly possessions and status. Second, LDS people "know" they are members of the only true and living church, which only feeds into this idea that obedience to the Lord's commandments will bring material prosperity. There are way too many stories and suggestions that paying your tithing will mean you are blessed with material prosperity. It is simply not completely true. Sometimes it may be true depending on the individual and what the Lord determines is best for that individual, but generally speaking, material prosperity is not promised by Scripture and any indication otherwise should be considered the exception and not the rule. Also, I think most people tend to associate being "blessed" in any way with attaining some material benefit. I think this only shows our tendency toward material matters as opposed to spiritual. Clearly, our focus should be on spiritual matters.