The dangers of prosperity
Excerpt from ‘Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up’ by David W Bercot
Context: The author is quoting some of the writers of the early church (approx 100 – 300AD
Hermas wrote, “These are those who have faith indeed, but also have the riches of this world. When tribulation comes, they deny the Lord on account of their riches and business… As a result, those who are rich in this world cannot be useful to the Lord unless their riches are first cut down. Learn this from your own case. When you were rich, you were useless. But now you are useful and fit for life.” He also advised, “Refrain from much business and you will avoid sin. Those who are occupied with much business also commit many sins, being distracted by their business affairs instead of serving the Lord.”
Clement described wealth as “a weight that ought to be removed and taken away as though it were a dangerous and deadly disease”.
Cyprian wrote “But how can they follow Christ when they are held back by the chain of their wealth?...They think that they own, when actually it is they who are owned.”
Lactantius warned “Satan, having invented false religions, turns men away from the heavenly path and leads them into the way of ruin. That path seems to be level and spacious and delightful with all kinds of flowers and fruits. For Satan places on this path all things which are esteemed on earth as good things – wealth, honor, leisure, pleasure, and all sorts of enticements.”
Mark Felix answered the Romans “That many of us are called poor, this is not our disgrace, but our glory. As our mind is relaxed by luxury, it is strengthened by poverty. Yet who can be poor if he does not long for anything? If he does not crave the possessions of others? If he is rich towards God? He is rather poor, who, although he has much, desires more.”