Top 10 Things Americans Worship (And Shouldn’t)

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3) The Money

Money. Everybody wants to have a ton of it. Why? Because, in a way, money represents power (and freedom). With money you can live your life the way you want to. No work. All play. But, why do we not all have a ton of money? It is very hard to get. Money doesn’t have any real value itself (that is why just printing tons of money ends so badly in places like Venezuela and Zimbabwe). No, it is simply a representation of the value humans have produced themselves. To make money (legitimately) you must produce. To make a lot of money, you must produce a lot. And that is where the rub begins. People have strong feelings toward those who possess money; some seeing them as strong men who are capable leaders, thinkers, and producers, while others see them as exploitative, evil, greedy, money-grubbers (and anywhere in-between).

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Problems abound in both of these views. The first person ascribes a sort of super-human quality to the man (or woman) who has money; not necessarily because they are skilled, or hard-working, a visionary, etc., but because they have money. They believe in (maybe even worship?) the person because of the money they possess (and assume the rest). The second view has a similar problem. These people demonize the rich because they covet their wealth. Everyone wants to be rich, but not everyone produces (or even is able to produce) enough to get there. “If I can’t get there, that other guy must have cheated. Let’s cut him down.” Either way, hallowing money and viewing it in this unhealthy way is a sure-fire map to folly. Money itself is not evil. It is a tool. But the love of money can be.


For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – Paul the Apostle (1 Tim. 6:10)


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About Patrick Stephens 163 Articles
Patrick is the founder and lead editor of the publication. Currently a pastor of many years by trade, Patrick served in the US Army and did his graduate work at both Miami University in Oxford, OH (Social Sciences) and the University of Dayton (Theology) — earning an advanced degree. He enjoys bringing a larger historical and philosophical perspective to his projects. Also, he likes comic books.