(no subject)
I have mixed feelings towards Joyce Meyer. To start with I have personally found the majority of her teaching very helpful. I usually feel uplifted after listening to her. And as for her books they are easy to understand and make a lot of sense. Some of the scripture she uses is taken out of context at times, but she is one of the few tv evangelists I can listen to and not feel condemned afterwards - her focus seems to be on empowering people rather than criticising. I like her positive approach as opposed to many other tv evangelists out there who seem to be all about hellfire and damnation. On the other hand, I think about the $10mil or so a month she brings in and I think "what a waste". She says she invests it in ministries etc. but honestly I think she could be using it far more effectively then she is. Eg, she could use the money to tackle problems such as homelessness, health, employment, etc. at a government level rather than just within the church sphere. That would have a much greater impact toward the attitude that non-christians have towards christians in general as she could set a really good example with huge ramifications. As to the criticism of materialism etc. I don't want to make a judgement about that - on the surface to me it looks like that it's a problem for her, but I don't know her personally so don't feel in a position to comment on her character. I don't begrudge preachers who are wealthy and who enjoy it to a point. I don't think there is anything wrong with being wealthy as a christian depending on the heart of the person and intent. I do have a problem however if preachers take money that wasn't meant for them personally. I don't know if this is the case or not for Joyce - I have heard that she does spend money that wasn't meant for her but meant for her ministries etc, but I have also read the audit reports for her ministry which says otherwise. I am wary of rumours - they're usually exagerrated or untrue (but often deceptively believable) so the jury's still out on that one. Overall though, I believe that God is using her for good. The great thing about God is he is able to use us to do his work despite our weaknesses and thorns.