So because Albert Pujols is a Christian he should play for less money than he is worth?!! Seriously? Albert Pujols has been quietly doing many things in St. Louis to help people and did not seek attention for it. The media captured the beautiful story of his work with children with downs syndrome. To compare him to LeBron James is an insult. Albert is not going around drawing attention to himself, setting up media conferences or shows to make a big announcement about where he is going to play. No, I can't imagine that the people in St. Louis will ever compare Pujols to James; they will just miss him!

The income really doesn't matter, and it shouldn't; what he does with his income will tell the tale--is his devotion to the Lord seen in abundant generosity? The family foundation is a great beginning; the amounts given, and to which causes, will prove (or not) his Godly dedication or his self-centeredness.

Good for him. I'm glad to see that he got the contract. I'm sure many eyes will be on him to see what he does with his success and how he handles it. It is a huge responsibility.

The Bible has its share of God-fearing, wealthy men who handled their wealth in ways that pleased God--and not all of them were kinds of Israel or Judah! Praise God for giving us an example for our generation!

I read this article and was anxious to see what others wrote in the comments section - fearing a jealous response (yes, I should not have feared this - but should hoped for the best).

I was pleased to see a Biblical attitude toward monetary wealth in the early comments.

Abraham was a "1 %" kind of guy. Job too. Oh, and Joseph (later years). And David. (you can continue the list...)

Money is a magnifier of the heart - either a generous one, or a selfish one.

Since the love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, the love of a lot of money can, but does not necessarily mean all sorts of evil. The tough part of it is, that despite both wealthy and poverty stricken individuals being faithful - in the pages of Scripture and in life - is that inevitable disconnect betwwn fantastically wealthy individuals and the world where most people live. Content in all circumstances is the Apostle's testimony.

As to staying in St. Louis - did Pujols "owe" that community and the Cardinals something, unuestionably he does. Figure out how to balance the business side of things with the loyalty side. For example, would Ernie Banks have left the Cubs, or Lou Gerhig the Yankees, for a better deal, where money is the primary consideration?

Two thoughts. First if he were to attend my church and tithe, I would want him to sign for $300 million! And second, if he brings a World Series Championship to Anaheim, as an Angels fan, I would rejoice!

So The Pujols impact in Los Angeles may rub off on all other Cali Celebs that will show even with his huge contract that doesn't mean Albert will leave his wife and family like the Hollywood Celebs would probably do. So maybe having an Angles Celeb is the best thing for California to show all other celebs including Kobe Bryant tha you can still earn millions, still be a Christian and love your family at the same time.

To clarify, I've no problem with Albert Pujols earning this money, or earning it in LA.

It changes nothing about what I think of him, nor does it change the "more than the game" aspect of his story.

-Scott

The important thing is what he does with the money. If he continues to help children with Down Syndrome and gives even more of his money to that cause and other worthwhile causes that bring glory to God, I have no problem with his earnings at all. It's the person who has greed and retains everything for their own self-gratification that gives wealthy people a bad name.

Maybe the real question is about how North Americans are so easily seduced by sports and entertainment. There seems to be little in the New Testament that supports the pursuit of amusement.

I rather think that the real questions is why do we, as Christians, feel justified in being so judgmental.

What makes pujols a hypocrite are his public comments expressing his desire and willingness to remain a cardinal for life then when the money isn't good enough he ignores those desires and comments and runs to another team. It isn't about wealth for a christian but honesty, integrity, character etc.and not raising stumbling blocks to Christ and this episode has done the oposite of those positives. What can pujols do with 254 million that he can't do with 198? I do not see God in this at all because God did not get the glory and He and christianity got another black mark against them in the unbelieving world. Signing for a lesser amount would have shown humblness as well which is a biblical command.

HE owes nothing to anyone but his family and God as far as his decisions go. He should ignore everyone else. We need to stop making money the evil. The bible never says anywhere that money is evil. If you think it does, I recommend re-reading the passages.

This article is geared toward provoking jealousy. Who are we to judge what another man receives for his living? Why should that line of thought even be encouraged? CT is proving itself to be full of liberal, almost marxist, commentators. This magazine frequently uses it's 'christianity' as a guise to encourage class warfare. I don't consider that very christlike, or good.

Good for Albert! I'm a life-long Cardinal fan and a Christian pastor, and I'm very happy for him. Baseball is a business, and Albert deserves whatever the market will bring. Knowing his track record, I'm sure that he will give generously from the abundance that God has provided. A big contract for him means that ministries will be financially blessed. He gave Cardinal fans 11 great years, 3 pennants and 2 WS championships, and now the Angels are paying the price for it. I'm just glad the Cardinals won't have to face him, unless of course they meet the Angels in the WS! God Bless Albert Puhols!

I hope they react with sadness as more stumbling blocks have to Christ have been raised. I do not agree with those who cheer this bonanza because christians have a bigger picture to worry about and it is for eternity. Yes there are rich men in the Bible BUT they did not say one thing then do another to get their wealth. The ends also do not justify the means. It is sad to see how God is lost in all of this as people focus on money not the teachings of Christ. I also do not see God glorified in any of this nor His hand in it. I am reminded of Gideon who when asked by God to free the Israelites said he was from the weakest people of Is. and did not see how he could be used of God. Then he was told to trim his force unless people took their eyes of God and took the credit for their salvation. I see that happening here there is too much money and people are going to take the credit and forget about God and His role.

Sorry. A Cardinal cannot become an Angel. It's theological impossible.

While we as Christians should not be appalled at the $250M contract that is based on market forces, we should be appalled at the professional sports industry that continues to extort money from governments to fund their industry (build their stadiums). Taxpayers of all economic levels, including the poor, are forces to pay for these playgrounds through sales taxes, and other taxes. As you can see from the $250M contract, there is enough money in the sports industry to build their own stadiums and fund their own industry. All Christians, including Albert, should be appalled at the injustice perpetuated by the professional sports industry.

Good for him....!!!!!!

My response as a Christian is congratulations. What else should I think?

Whether or not what Pujols was right depends upon your version of Christianity. But what he did was certainly not good for baseball, in terms of long term health of the game. I compare him to Robin Yount, who was offered a huge salary to leave the Brewers for the Angels. He stayed the Brewers for a lesser salary and Milwaukee will always love him for it. Yount is a better role model for youngsters who want to see something good in baseball.

My biggest concern is the comments made by Deidre Pujols since the signing. She told a St. Louis area Christian radio station that they were "insulted" by the Cards initial offer. It was "only" five years. Of course, it was a guaranteed $20 something million per year...but "only" for five years. Then she went on to say she was "angry at God" because she didn't want to leave St. Louis and yet that's apparantly what they had to do...because, after all, the Angels made the biggest offer. St. Louis's final offer was $210 million...the Angels went $255. Of course, they didn't HAVE to leave St. Louis. They could have taken $45 million less and still made over $200 million while staying in St. Louis. But she's angry with God because they "had" to move to LA to get $255 million? Chinese pastors praise God from their prison cells. Christians in Islamist countries are imprisoned and/or killed, and I could go on and on. That was an UNBELIEVABLE statement that the cynical will pounce on...and who can blame them?

I think Albert should praise God for the new contract. Especially since he professes to be a Christian and is apparently very giving and charitable with his money already. I think that will do good for the cause of Christ in his life.

However, on the other hand, I read this CNN article a few days ago from a sports writer praising Pujols' exit from St. Louis in a "finally, thank God" kind of attitude. It naturally peaked my curiosity so I read it. It seems, according to the writer, that Pujols was respected and loved for his baseball but not for his attitude or demeanor with fans. Which almost carries more weight.

Often he was rude, distant and completely turned off to his fans. Some wonder if it's because he humbly refused any glory focused on him. However, I am skeptical of that approach and wonder why his approach to fans seems opposite of his verbal testimony of Christ.

Read the article and see what you think. I think if it's true, he may be undoing any good he's done with charity and professing Christ. I would love to know CT's thoughts and readers' thoughts too.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/09/opinion/pearlman-pujols/index.html?hpt=hp_c3

Praise God for providing him a means to increase his giving and contribute long after his Baseball career is over. Our Gifts and talents are to be used ot edify the church. As long as he's doing that, does it matter hwo much he should make? Should a Christian Garbage collecter earn less than a non-Christian. Jehova-Jirah, the Lord that provides.