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To: Les H who wrote (48161)	10/7/2025 2:59:52 PM
From: Les H	Respond to of 48860

Paula White, Trump's spiritual advisor, as well as Joel Osteen, better get to work on editing the databases: The cleansing of the Temple challenges Prosperity Christianity because it demonstrates Jesus' opposition to commercial exploitation of worship, his focus on ethical purity over wealth, and his criticism of corrupt practices that profited the wealthy while hindering access for the poor. Prosperity Christianity, which emphasizes material wealth as a sign of God's favor, contrasts sharply with Jesus' action of driving out merchants and money changers who had turned the Temple into a "den of thieves" and a marketplace rather than a house of prayer. Jesus' Intent in Cleansing the Temple Restoring a House of Prayer: Jesus' primary purpose was to restore the Temple to its intended function as a sanctuary for prayer and communion with God. Condemning Commercialism: By expelling the money changers and animal sellers from the Court of the Gentiles, Jesus condemned the commercialization of the sacred space, which prioritized profit over piety. Challenging Corrupt Elites: His actions were a direct challenge to the authority of the Temple leadership, particularly the Annas family, whose wealth was tied to these exploitative practices. Emphasizing Genuine Worship: The event served as a powerful statement that true worship is rooted in sincerity, righteousness, and internal moral reform, not just ritual compliance or personal financial gain. Conflict with Prosperity Christianity Focus on Wealth vs. Spirituality: The cleansing highlights a fundamental disagreement over the role of wealth and commerce in religious life. Jesus viewed the money changers' activities as greed that desecrated the Temple, a view directly opposed to Prosperity Christianity's teaching that wealth is a blessing from God and a reward for faith. Exploitation vs. Blessing: While Prosperity Christianity often interprets wealth as a sign of God's approval, the Temple incident illustrates Jesus' view that such wealth, when gained through unethical means, is a corruption of God's house. Inner Purity vs. External Riches: The event underscores Jesus' call for internal, moral purity and spiritual devotion over the external trappings of wealth and commerce, a stark contrast to the Prosperity Gospel's emphasis on material abundance.