God versus Mammon.

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#1
Mammon is a demon who, according to Christian theology, embodies the cardinal sin of greed. Mammon's greed is so powerful that innocents can be drawn into it and corrupted, so that like Mammon they will focus all their attention on building up worldly treasure as opposed to those virtues they can take with them into the kingdom of heaven.

In many churches today, all kinds of entertainment accompanied by an entrance fee is offered with the desperate hope that God and Mammon can both be embraced, and this in spite of our being warned (Matthew . 6 24) that together they cannot be worshipped for the simple reason that we will come to love the one and despise the other. In many pulpits, a diluted version of the Gospels is preached, with the abundant blooms of Gospel Truths being severely pruned to make them better fit the garden of the understanding (or so it is hoped) of ordinary folk.

Paul, who kick-started faith in Christ in the pagan gentiles had no illusions about that which should be preached. Paul preached the Cross of Christ and Him crucified followed by His death defeating resurrection that opened up to all believers the hope of eternal life and it was that which he unfailingly preached to his hearers, for he knew full well that within those words is where the real power of the Gospels to strengthen the faithful and to convert and save the unbeliever resides. Enabling Paul to do that required the visionary understanding of his faith that God will work with and strengthen all those who believe in Him and will work His wonders through them.

If Gospel Truths were preached on each and every occasion from each and every pulpit there would be no need for spurious events to be held which might put a few bottoms on seats but which detract from the real purpose of churches which is the 'Salvation of Souls' for that is the real and only means of Glorifying God.
 

Oncefallen

Idiot in Chief
Staff member
Jan 15, 2011
6,030
3,259
113
#2
Mammon is a demon who, according to Christian theology, embodies the cardinal sin of greed.

Prove it.

There is no reference to mammon being an entity of any sort anywhere in scripture.
 

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#3
Prove it.

There is no reference to mammon being an entity of any sort anywhere in scripture.
Do not allow semantics to lessen the impact but in the Bible, Mammon is personified in Luke 16:13, and Matthew 6:24, the latter verse repeating Luke 16:13. In some translations, Luke 16:9 and Luke 16:11 also personify mammon; but in others, it is translated as 'dishonest wealth' or equivalent. Early mentions of Mammon appear to stem from the personification in the Gospels, e.g. Didascalia, "Do solo Mammona cogitant, quorum Deus est sacculus"; and Saint Augustine, "Lucrum Punice Mammon dicitur" (Serm. on Mt., ii). Gregory of Nyssa also asserted that Mammon was another name for Beelzebub.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#4
Mammon is a demon who, according to Christian theology, embodies the cardinal sin of greed. Mammon's greed is so powerful that innocents can be drawn into it and corrupted, so that like Mammon they will focus all their attention on building up worldly treasure as opposed to those virtues they can take with them into the kingdom of heaven.

In many churches today, all kinds of entertainment accompanied by an entrance fee is offered with the desperate hope that God and Mammon can both be embraced, and this in spite of our being warned (Matthew . 6 24) that together they cannot be worshipped for the simple reason that we will come to love the one and despise the other. In many pulpits, a diluted version of the Gospels is preached, with the abundant blooms of Gospel Truths being severely pruned to make them better fit the garden of the understanding (or so it is hoped) of ordinary folk.

Paul, who kick-started faith in Christ in the pagan gentiles had no illusions about that which should be preached. Paul preached the Cross of Christ and Him crucified followed by His death defeating resurrection that opened up to all believers the hope of eternal life and it was that which he unfailingly preached to his hearers, for he knew full well that within those words is where the real power of the Gospels to strengthen the faithful and to convert and save the unbeliever resides. Enabling Paul to do that required the visionary understanding of his faith that God will work with and strengthen all those who believe in Him and will work His wonders through them.

If Gospel Truths were preached on each and every occasion from each and every pulpit there would be no need for spurious events to be held which might put a few bottoms on seats but which detract from the real purpose of churches which is the 'Salvation of Souls' for that is the real and only means of Glorifying God.
Mammon is a demon? where did you get this from?

As far as church services. There are so few new members at most churches. I think the word needs to be taught to feed the sheep. Not gospel 101. That needs to be taught out in the streets as disciples of Christ go into the world..
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#5
Do not allow semantics to lessen the impact but in the Bible, Mammon is personified in Luke 16:13, and Matthew 6:24, the latter verse repeating Luke 16:13. In some translations, Luke 16:9 and Luke 16:11 also personify mammon; but in others, it is translated as 'dishonest wealth' or equivalent. Early mentions of Mammon appear to stem from the personification in the Gospels, e.g. Didascalia, "Do solo Mammona cogitant, quorum Deus est sacculus"; and Saint Augustine, "Lucrum Punice Mammon dicitur" (Serm. on Mt., ii). Gregory of Nyssa also asserted that Mammon was another name for Beelzebub.
Why would you go to a different language and not use the origional greek to prove your point? What is this you are using Latin?
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
24,685
13,374
113
#6
Do not allow semantics to lessen the impact but in the Bible, Mammon is personified in Luke 16:13, and Matthew 6:24, the latter verse repeating Luke 16:13. In some translations, Luke 16:9 and Luke 16:11 also personify mammon; but in others, it is translated as 'dishonest wealth' or equivalent. Early mentions of Mammon appear to stem from the personification in the Gospels, e.g. Didascalia, "Do solo Mammona cogitant, quorum Deus est sacculus"; and Saint Augustine, "Lucrum Punice Mammon dicitur" (Serm. on Mt., ii). Gregory of Nyssa also asserted that Mammon was another name for Beelzebub.
A personification is not a demon. Demons are spiritual entities, not mere personifications. One does not cast out a personification.
 

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#7
Why would you go to a different language and not use the origional greek to prove your point? What is this you are using Latin?
My original post used simple English to be easily understood and so I suppose I expected readers to take what I said in a literal sense and not to complicate the message. Mammon, however you might conceive it should in no way be allowed to compete with God. For whatever reason the love of money has become a leading driver in many, if not all areas of the world and has thereby relegated God's word to a footnote. To use a little understood foreign language falls into the same category as Paul's warning about tongues when not translated - it is not edifying. Let us then go back to Mammon as being an excessive love of money and the fact that as Christ tells us it is not compatible with the love of God.
 

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#8
A personification is not a demon. Demons are spiritual entities, not mere personifications. One does not cast out a personification.
How do you know this.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#9
My original post used simple English to be easily understood and so I suppose I expected readers to take what I said in a literal sense and not to complicate the message. Mammon, however you might conceive it should in no way be allowed to compete with God. For whatever reason the love of money has become a leading driver in many, if not all areas of the world and has thereby relegated God's word to a footnote. To use a little understood foreign language falls into the same category as Paul's warning about tongues when not translated - it is not edifying. Let us then go back to Mammon as being an excessive love of money and the fact that as Christ tells us it is not compatible with the love of God.
I agree, The love of money is sin and destructive.

Just trying to resolve the demon issue..
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#10
How do you know this.
demons are fallen angels. They are induvidual spiritual creations which followed satan when the heavenly rebellion took place.
 

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#11
To quote from an earlier post of your - Where did you get this information from?
 
Apr 15, 2017
2,867
653
113
#12
Mammon is a demon who, according to Christian theology, embodies the cardinal sin of greed. Mammon's greed is so powerful that innocents can be drawn into it and corrupted, so that like Mammon they will focus all their attention on building up worldly treasure as opposed to those virtues they can take with them into the kingdom of heaven.

In many churches today, all kinds of entertainment accompanied by an entrance fee is offered with the desperate hope that God and Mammon can both be embraced, and this in spite of our being warned (Matthew . 6 24) that together they cannot be worshipped for the simple reason that we will come to love the one and despise the other. In many pulpits, a diluted version of the Gospels is preached, with the abundant blooms of Gospel Truths being severely pruned to make them better fit the garden of the understanding (or so it is hoped) of ordinary folk.

Paul, who kick-started faith in Christ in the pagan gentiles had no illusions about that which should be preached. Paul preached the Cross of Christ and Him crucified followed by His death defeating resurrection that opened up to all believers the hope of eternal life and it was that which he unfailingly preached to his hearers, for he knew full well that within those words is where the real power of the Gospels to strengthen the faithful and to convert and save the unbeliever resides. Enabling Paul to do that required the visionary understanding of his faith that God will work with and strengthen all those who believe in Him and will work His wonders through them.

If Gospel Truths were preached on each and every occasion from each and every pulpit there would be no need for spurious events to be held which might put a few bottoms on seats but which detract from the real purpose of churches which is the 'Salvation of Souls' for that is the real and only means of Glorifying God.
mam-mo-nas'
Of Chaldee origin (confidence, that is, figuratively wealth, personified); mammonas, that is, avarice (deified): - mammon.

The 7 Churches in Revelation is how the Church age will go in popular belief among the people, and if any faults God always has people in the truth.

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

This is what is coming up soon when the nations come together and work for peace on earth, but not by the guidance of God, but the new age movement, which Jesus will deliver the saints from that temptation that shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth.

For then the world has a choice to stay with God for the hypocrites, get with God, or follow the world.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

This is the popular belief of the people at this time which they love money and material things, and enjoy their wants which is popular in America, which this can only happen at the time of technology.

Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Pro 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Pro 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Pro 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

The last generation before Jesus comes back, and they will devour the poor from off the world, and the needy from among men, which we see millions of dollars and billions of dollars is not good enough for them, which this can only happen at the time of technology.

Paul said that charity, love in action, is greater than faith, and faith works by love.

Paul said he could have all faith so that he could remove mountains, but if he did not have faith he is nothing.

And if anybody preaches that God blesses the saints with their wants to withdraw yourselves from them having food and clothing be content.

For the love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law, and if they love money they have erred from the faith.

James said if they do not have charity then their faith is dead so a person is justified by works, and not faith alone.

John said if they do not have charity then the love of God does not dwell in them, so do not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

The rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and He said to obey the commandments that have to do with loving people, and the rich man said he did that from his youth, and Jesus said but you lack one thing sell all the things you have and give to the poor then you will be perfect to be able to inherit eternal life.

For love is the fulfilling of the law which includes caring about the needs of people, for if you belong a kingdom that is based on love how can you care about money and material things above people.

But there is many people that claim Christianity that are going by their wants and think they are alright, and say we have faith we are saved, but that is not love, and love is greater than faith, and if you do not have love then you do not have faith.

For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, so to have faith you have to have faith in the proper perspective according to the operation of the kingdom of God that is based on love, and not selfishness.
 

Derek1955

Active member
Jul 2, 2020
131
112
43
91
#13
mam-mo-nas'
Of Chaldee origin (confidence, that is, figuratively wealth, personified); mammonas, that is, avarice (deified): - mammon.

The 7 Churches in Revelation is how the Church age will go in popular belief among the people, and if any faults God always has people in the truth.

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

1Th 5:1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
1Th 5:2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
1Th 5:3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
1Th 5:4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

This is what is coming up soon when the nations come together and work for peace on earth, but not by the guidance of God, but the new age movement, which Jesus will deliver the saints from that temptation that shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth.

For then the world has a choice to stay with God for the hypocrites, get with God, or follow the world.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

This is the popular belief of the people at this time which they love money and material things, and enjoy their wants which is popular in America, which this can only happen at the time of technology.

Pro 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
Pro 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
Pro 30:13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.
Pro 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

The last generation before Jesus comes back, and they will devour the poor from off the world, and the needy from among men, which we see millions of dollars and billions of dollars is not good enough for them, which this can only happen at the time of technology.

Paul said that charity, love in action, is greater than faith, and faith works by love.

Paul said he could have all faith so that he could remove mountains, but if he did not have faith he is nothing.

And if anybody preaches that God blesses the saints with their wants to withdraw yourselves from them having food and clothing be content.

For the love of money is the root of all evil for it neglects the poor and needy, and love is the fulfilling of the law, and if they love money they have erred from the faith.

James said if they do not have charity then their faith is dead so a person is justified by works, and not faith alone.

John said if they do not have charity then the love of God does not dwell in them, so do not love in word, or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

The rich man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, and He said to obey the commandments that have to do with loving people, and the rich man said he did that from his youth, and Jesus said but you lack one thing sell all the things you have and give to the poor then you will be perfect to be able to inherit eternal life.

For love is the fulfilling of the law which includes caring about the needs of people, for if you belong a kingdom that is based on love how can you care about money and material things above people.

But there is many people that claim Christianity that are going by their wants and think they are alright, and say we have faith we are saved, but that is not love, and love is greater than faith, and if you do not have love then you do not have faith.

For faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, so to have faith you have to have faith in the proper perspective according to the operation of the kingdom of God that is based on love, and not selfishness.

I'm uncertain as to the relevance.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#15
Mammon is a demon who, according to Christian theology, embodies the cardinal sin of greed. Mammon's greed is so powerful that innocents can be drawn into it and corrupted, so that like Mammon they will focus all their attention on building up worldly treasure as opposed to those virtues they can take with them into the kingdom of heaven.

In many churches today, all kinds of entertainment accompanied by an entrance fee is offered with the desperate hope that God and Mammon can both be embraced, and this in spite of our being warned (Matthew . 6 24) that together they cannot be worshipped for the simple reason that we will come to love the one and despise the other. In many pulpits, a diluted version of the Gospels is preached, with the abundant blooms of Gospel Truths being severely pruned to make them better fit the garden of the understanding (or so it is hoped) of ordinary folk.

Paul, who kick-started faith in Christ in the pagan gentiles had no illusions about that which should be preached. Paul preached the Cross of Christ and Him crucified followed by His death defeating resurrection that opened up to all believers the hope of eternal life and it was that which he unfailingly preached to his hearers, for he knew full well that within those words is where the real power of the Gospels to strengthen the faithful and to convert and save the unbeliever resides. Enabling Paul to do that required the visionary understanding of his faith that God will work with and strengthen all those who believe in Him and will work His wonders through them.

If Gospel Truths were preached on each and every occasion from each and every pulpit there would be no need for spurious events to be held which might put a few bottoms on seats but which detract from the real purpose of churches which is the 'Salvation of Souls' for that is the real and only means of Glorifying God.
Mammon simply represents power or wisdom . God's power that works in us .The power of the unseen faith as it is written And the other power of the things seen. The temporal .

In that way no man can serve what I call "two teaching Masters' as Lord. Hate one love the other or love one hate the other. .The word of God and the god of this temporal world. In that way nothing of itself is evil other than the evil one.

I think that can be seen in a series of parable in Luke 16.The Pharisees after wisdom of men through a law of the fathers made sola scriptura without effect calling it a heresy (Acts 24) They where trying to convince Jesus that seeking after workers with familiar spirits (necromancy) as a teaching Master has greater richness than trusting in the things not seen, things of God. Jesus in effect revealed to them if they will not heard all things written in the law and the prophets. The whole Bible .The Christians master. Then neither would they believe if arose from the dead.

Faith comes by hearing the work of God as it works in us. not seeing after the corruptible things of this world. The lust of the flesh lust of the eyes the source of false pride.

No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented .And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 19- 31

Which master .Hate necromancy patron saints or Love the word of God the hearing of faith that richly works in those who do hear the voice, as it is written?
 

JaumeJ

Senior Member
Jul 2, 2011
21,230
6,526
113
#16
In my time we understand mammon to be material goods in general.


Image: wandervogeldiary.wordpress.com
Definition of mammon : material wealth or possessions especially as having a debasing influence you cannot serve God and mammon — Matthew 6:24 (Revised Standard Version) Other Words from mammon More Example Sentences Learn More about mammon Other Words from mammon
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,420
12,905
113
#17
Gregory of Nyssa also asserted that Mammon was another name for Beelzebub.
While Gregory did make this comparison, there was no real basis for this. The Greek word is μαμωνᾶς (mamōnas ) which means wealth personified. Not a demon.

At the same time, idolizing wealth would indeed be making money into an idol. Hence the Bible says that covetousness is idolatry, and no one can serve God and idols at one and the same.
 
E

EleventhHour

Guest
#18
A personification is not a demon. Demons are spiritual entities, not mere personifications. One does not cast out a personification.
While I agree, I think what the OP perhaps is referencing has to do with literature where Mammon in "Paradise Lost" is demon who is the personification of wealth... however not sure how that ties into scripture. :unsure:
 

TheDivineWatermark

Well-known member
Aug 3, 2018
10,214
1,980
113
#19
That reminds me of a sermon I heard a snippet of, while flipping through the car radio channels (I cannot now recall "who" the speaker was, but that's irrelevant :D ), and I just caught the part where he was saying, "You can tell A LOT about a person [/Christian] by viewing their checkbook record [/similar]"... and I thought to myself, really? how so? I mean, what if what you find there is something like, "$ 1000.oo / month [total] written out to Saks Fifth Avenue"... One could *assume* they were buying all of that for themselves and conclude one thing, but what if what is REALLY happening (behind the scenes) is that they are buying clothes every month to donate it to various charities... How can one "know" simply by viewing their "checkbook record" and without their disclosing the real purpose behind the spending?? Isn't that just "assuming the worst" instead of "KNOWing". lol
 

Prycejosh1987

Active member
Jul 19, 2020
953
166
43
#20
In many churches today, all kinds of entertainment accompanied by an entrance fee is offered with the desperate hope that God and Mammon can both be embraced, and this in spite of our being warned (Matthew . 6 24) that together they cannot be worshipped for the simple reason that we will come to love the one and despise the other. In many pulpits, a diluted version of the Gospels is preached, with the abundant blooms of Gospel Truths being severely pruned to make them better fit the garden of the understanding (or so it is hoped) of ordinary folk.
An entrance fee?, that is crazy i havent seen this before, i didnt even know that happens. These people could end up cursed or if they are lucky lose a lot of reward at the judgement seat of Christ.