ERLC’s Moore takes on family ‘prosperity gospel’

ERLC’s Moore takes on family ‘prosperity gospel’

NASHVILLE — American Christians have adopted a version of the prosperity gospel when it comes to their families, says Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. 

In his new book “The Storm-Tossed Family: How the Cross Reshapes the Home,” Moore says he saw a common theme in conversations with people in different states of marriage or parenting crises. They often withdraw from the church thinking something is wrong with them. 

“We falsely believe if we love Jesus … we will have nothing but peace and tranquility in family relationships,” Moore said. That attitude “misunderstands what the Bible teaches about the family as an arena of spiritual warfare.”

“The Storm-Tossed Family,” released Sept. 15 by B&H Publishing Group, offers guidance on the family in the context of the atoning death of Jesus, spiritual warfare and the church, while addressing the topics of marriage, sexuality, divorce, children, parenting and aging. (BP)