Religion and Riches

It is good to know that we are not the only ones struggling with the relationship between Christianity and riches. John Wesley, that amazing 18th century follower of Jesus, once said:

I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches.

This quotation is drawn from Philip Yancey’s editorial “Traveling with Wesley” in the November 2007 issue of Christianity Today.