Prosperity theology

Prosperity theology, also known as prosperity doctrine or the Prosperity Gospel, is the doctrine that prosperity, particularly financial prosperity, and success in business or personal life is external evidence of God's favor. This favor may be preordained, or granted in return for efficacious prayer or merit-making.

In Christianity

Prosperity theology is commonly a part of televangelist, charismatic, and Pentecostal churches although it is not exclusive to these traditions (see also Cargo Cult for instance). Prosperity theology proponents within these traditions make the claim that God wants Christians to be "abundantly" successful in every way, including financially. In answering critics, proponents claim that prosperity's ultimate purpose is the funding of evangelism and Christian work throughout the World. However, critics counter that it is the accumulation of wealth and material goods and not "Gospel work" that is the major hallmark of this movement.

Scriptural support for the Prosperity Gospel is based largely on a Bible verse (Deuteronomy 8:18) "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day" (New American Standard Bible)^[1]. Critics, on the other hand, claim that the doctrine is used by its proponents to become wealthy at the expense of persons who give or that the doctrine's focus on material wealth is misguided. Some of the evangelists supporting prosperity theology include Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Nasir Saddiki, Robert Tilton, T.D. Jakes, Paul Crouch, Joel Osteen, and Peter Popoff and internet evangelist Chris Mentillo. Pat Robertson calls this theory the "Law of Reciprocity" on his show, The 700 Club^[2]. The theology was previously the basis of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker's PTL Club but was renounced by them in the 1990s following Jim Bakker's prison term for fraud.

See also

• Toronto blessing
• Predestination
• Asceticism
• Irresistible grace
• Providentialism
• Law of Attraction

References

1. ^ Ulmer, K: "Making Your Money Count", page 72. Regal Books, 2007
2. ^ http://www.cbn.com/spirituallife/cbnteachingsheets/giving_and_tithing.aspx

• The Protestant Ethic Thesis Donald Frey, Wake Forest University, eh.net
• "capitalism", latter-rain.com
• "Between Faith and Fund-Raising", By JULIAN GEARING, ASIAWEEK, SEPTEMBER 17, 1999 VOL. 25 NO. 37
• "Expect God's Favor: Interview with Joel Osteen"
• Time Magazine Cover Story: "Does God want you to be rich?"

Links

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