How Pervasive is the Prosperity Gospel? A Brief Word from John Piper

I obtained the video below from my friend Spencer Haygood, and commend it to anyone who comes across this weblog.

During all my years as a pastor, I have had to contend with the heresy known as the "Prosperity Gospel," or "Word of Faith" gospel. I abhor this message, chiefly because it replaces Christ's death and resurrection with the promise of good health and lots of money. In short, it presents a supposed answer to poverty and sickness, but never addresses what causes poverty, sickness, divorce, murder, rape, depression, and thousands of other problems. It never addresses the sin problem, but instead only scratches the itch of a western culture enamored with all things that glitter. For this reason, this is the most damnable of all false gospels proclaimed in the west, and for years I have been forced from time to time to expose such false prophets as Kenneth Copeland, Jesse Duplantis, Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, and others who proclaim it.

But a recent message from John Piper now has me wondering: has the prosperity "gospel" now become so prevalent that it even affects, and infects, my own attitudes and actions?

Spend the next three minutes or so watching this short clip. Its challenging, convicting, sobering, and neccesary, I believe, for where we are today.