Christian talk-show host Reuben Armstrong has Christians—and non-Christians— talking with his new self-published book Snakes in the Pulpit. Not only does Armstrong attack the so-called "prosperity preachers" who "use the Word of God for fame and fortune," but calls for four of the proponents to immediately resign: Clefro Dollar, T. D. Jakes, Eddie Long and Joel Osteen.

Some random thoughts:

1. I agree that prosperity preaching is unbiblical and deserves to be challenged (see my previous posts).

2. The apostles Paul and John were not afraid to name names in their challenges of unbiblical preaching.

3. And Paul encouraged Timothy to confront first century prosperity preachers:

"If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He [has] been robbed of the truth and [thinks] that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction (2 Timothy 6:3-9).

4. However, the apparent tone (calling these preachers "snakes"), does seem a bit venomous and not in keeping with Paul’s admonition in confronting sin:

"Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself" (Galatians 6:1, emphasis mine).

5. Will this book cause more harm than good? Already the blogsphere is slithering with comments such as:

"Preachers are nothing but self-aggrandizing charlatans and pimps." [Hooper]

"i don't trust NO ONE with the salvation of my spirit but me: not Jesus and FO SHO NOT one of these fake pastors, of which 95% of these pastors are." [PrivateEyes]

"why isn't he giving the book for free... i believe dude is about money too." [SleepyAngel30]

6. Like SleepyAngel30, I wonder if Armstrong is attempting to gain his own “fame and fortune” with this book. And if he does, will he "fall into the same temptation" to live the lifestyle of the ones he confronts?

Hmmm? What do you think?