Title: Health and Wealth: God’s Will or Not?
Author: Woody Stieffel
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1663259363
Pages: 266
Genre: Christian Books & Bibles
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Health and Wealth: God’s Will or Not? by author Woody Stieffel is a thought-provoking end-time Christian book that evaluates various claims of the Health and Wealth “gospel” that is so extensively spread today as well as the topic of whether miraculous healings are still relevant.
Stieffel starts up by outlining scriptural proof that God cares about human happiness and well-being. He refers to Jesus’ deeds of kindness to dispel any notion that God is exclusively concerned with the spiritual well-being of humans. Though he believes it is God’s goal for mankind to succeed physically as well as spiritually, he claims that emphasizing this through sermons and seminars as it is today has created a major issue in American churches.
Using meticulous scriptural study, Stieffel shows how prosperity eventually tested kings throughout Israel’s history. Solomon’s idolatry, Rehoboam’s collapse, Uzziah’s vanity, Hezekiah’s carelessness, and finally Israel’s total collapse were among the outcomes. Furthermore, he explains the relationship between maturity, divine process, and timing, which he believes God largely considers before showering prosperity on his children.
This enlightening resource covers topics which are very prevalent and delicate in Christian communities today. Using the Bible as the ultimate authority on the truths it seeks to reveal, the book immediately captures the reader’s attention with its unwavering and firm stance. It offers reprimands and corrections with a great deal of grace, interspersed with assurances and encouragement. Its responses to “Does God Have Preferences as to Whom He Heals?” and “What About Christians Who Get Sick?” Topics are essential readings for anybody who wants to understand the dynamics of God’s love and working.
In contrast to many other publications on related subjects, the author of this book is straightforward, calm, and not overly critical or emotional. He is outspoken in his desire for God to use his book to help people see prosperity in the proper light and with objectivity. He has made a tremendous effort to demonstrate life is about more than chasing the supposedly American goal of becoming rich. His book Health and Wealth: God’s Will or Not? is a fantastic resource and an eye-opener for anybody trapped in prosperity dogmas or just looking to learn more about the phenomena.
