“Fallacies do not cease to be fallacies because they become fashions.” — G.K. Chesterton
It really bothers me to hear from some certain Protestant circles, the fallacy of the “Gospel of Prosperity.” Whatever happened to “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let his take up his cross each day and follow me?” (Luke 9: 23). Look at the path that Christ chose for himself! Christ promises us his love and his peace, but not prosperity, wealth and health. The peace of Christ is more fulfilling than anything the world can offer, even if it is accompanied by great hardship and sufferings.
This “prosperity Gospel” is something I encountered frequently, growing up as an Evangelical Protestant. My family was poor and so many times I thought it was because we were bad or not blessed by God. The Catholic vision of redemptive suffering was something new and beautiful for me.I had no idea that we could offer up our suffering in union with Christ. The crucifix also was a consolation to see, that yes, Jesus the Son of God, himself suffered and knew what it was like to be abandoned. It helped me so much! I am so glad to be Catholic and able to gaze upon the crucifix and meditate on Christi’s sufferings. I don’t feel alone.