[OPINION] The problem with feel-good Christianity

[OPINION] The problem with feel-good Christianity

‘When it comes to corruption, inequality, and injustice, many Christians would prefer to be silent’

At the center of contemporary Christianity is the self. We have enough evidence to show that this is the case.

Around the Philippines, fellowships and congregations echo the same mantra: “I’m blessed,” “I’m favored,” “I’m loved,” and “I’m saved.” Even the claim that “I have a purpose” can only make sense in relation to the self.

These familiar words are evident too in the very names of congregations and fellowships. It doesn’t matter if they’re evangelical, Catholic, or charismatic. I’m sure many of you can readily identify some of them. 

Worship songs, the most efficient conduit of theological thought, are all about the self as well. Those of us exposed to compositions from Hillsong and other Western churches know that many of them lyricize the triumph of the self over personal troubles.

One way or another, these religious expressions speak of personal breakthrough, happiness, and success, all couched in a theological language. 

In fact, so pervasive have they become that they are now taken for granted even in non-religious settings. We find so much inspiration listening to motivational speakers (often with Christian backgrounds) who tell us that it’s good to find your meaning and happiness in life.

To feel good and be fulfilled. That’s what much of Christianity is all about now in our society.

So, what’s the problem?

Dismissive of suffering and hardships, feel-good Christianity makes individual well-being the end goal of Christian life.

Theologians have long debated the merits of feel-good Christianity. They don’t dismiss prosperity. In fact, they tell us that prosperity is multidimensional in the Scriptures, perhaps close to the idea of human flourishing.

In feel-good Christianity, however, prosperity is typically a material concern alone. And that’s what bothers them.

In the Philippine context, my colleague, Erron Medina, and I documented the transformation of the prosperity gospel from the time of Brother Mike Velarde to the contemporary period. Much of it now rests on self-help, what we call the prosperity ethic. (For those who are interested, our scholarly article is downloadable for free here.)

And yet the consequence of feel-good Christianity is even more far-reaching. Many of those who consider themselves “spiritual” are unable to make the link between their convictions and the needs of society.

To be sure they are willing to help when called upon. This is why local churches are effective in responding to humanitarian needs in their communities.

But when it comes to corruption, inequality, and injustice, many Christians would prefer to be silent.

Years ago an evangelical friend reprimanded me on social media for my critical statements on political matters. He argued that Christians should instead maintain their “peace” with themselves and other people.

That was when I began realizing the profound consequences of feel-good Christianity.

His remark saddened me then. And it continues to trouble me.