Glossary

9.1 The prosperity gospel and its critics

14 min read•august 19, 2024

The , a controversial Christian movement, gained traction in African American churches during the mid-20th century. It promises material wealth and success as signs of God's favor, diverging from traditional Christian teachings on poverty and suffering. This shift has had a significant impact on African American religious communities.

Key figures like and popularized prosperity gospel teachings, emphasizing faith as a spiritual force to unlock blessings. Critics argue these beliefs exploit vulnerable populations and distort biblical teachings on wealth. Despite controversies, the movement continues to influence African American religion and mainstream culture.

Origins of prosperity gospel

  • The prosperity gospel emerged in the mid-20th century, drawing from various religious and cultural influences
  • It represents a significant shift in emphasis from traditional Christian teachings on poverty, suffering, and self-denial to a focus on material abundance and success as signs of God's favor
  • The prosperity gospel has had a particularly strong impact within African American churches and communities, offering a message of hope and empowerment in the face of economic and social challenges

Roots in Pentecostalism

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  • The prosperity gospel traces its roots to the Pentecostal movement of the early 20th century, which emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit and the gifts of healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues
  • Pentecostal preachers often emphasized the importance of faith and positive confession in receiving God's blessings, including physical health and financial prosperity
  • The prosperity gospel built upon these Pentecostal teachings, placing even greater emphasis on the material rewards of faith

Influence of positive thinking movement

  • The prosperity gospel also drew inspiration from the positive thinking movement of the mid-20th century, popularized by authors such as Norman Vincent Peale (The Power of Positive Thinking)
  • Positive thinking philosophy taught that one's thoughts and attitudes could shape reality, and that by focusing on success and abundance, one could attract these things into one's life
  • The prosperity gospel incorporated these ideas, teaching that faith and positive confession could unlock God's blessings and overcome poverty and lack

Key figures in prosperity gospel

  • The prosperity gospel has been shaped by a number of influential preachers and teachers, many of whom have built large ministries and media empires around their message
  • These figures have played a key role in popularizing the prosperity gospel and spreading its teachings to a wide audience, particularly within African American churches and communities
  • While controversial, these leaders have had a significant impact on the religious landscape of the late 20th and early 21st centuries

Oral Roberts

  • Oral Roberts was a pioneering televangelist and faith healer who helped lay the foundation for the prosperity gospel movement in the 1950s and 60s
  • He taught that faith could bring about physical healing and financial prosperity, and encouraged his followers to "plant seeds" of faith through donations to his ministry
  • Roberts founded Oral Roberts University, which became a major center for the training of prosperity gospel preachers and leaders

Kenneth Hagin

  • was another key figure in the early prosperity gospel movement, known as the "father of the modern faith movement"
  • He taught that Christians could use their faith to access God's promises of health and wealth, and that poverty was a curse that could be broken through positive confession
  • Hagin's teachings had a major influence on later prosperity gospel preachers, including Kenneth Copeland and Frederick K.C. Price

Creflo Dollar

  • is a contemporary prosperity gospel preacher and founder of World Changers Church International, a megachurch based in Atlanta, Georgia
  • He is known for his teachings on faith, prosperity, and success, and has been criticized for his lavish lifestyle and use of church funds
  • Dollar's ministry has a significant following within the African American community, and he has been a vocal advocate for the prosperity gospel message

T.D. Jakes

  • T.D. Jakes is a prominent African American pastor, author, and filmmaker, and one of the most well-known faces of the prosperity gospel movement
  • He is the founder of , a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, and has built a large media empire around his teachings on faith, success, and personal empowerment
  • While Jakes has distanced himself somewhat from the label of "prosperity preacher," his message continues to emphasize the importance of faith in achieving one's dreams and goals

Core beliefs of prosperity gospel

  • The prosperity gospel is characterized by a set of core beliefs and teachings that emphasize faith, positive confession, and the promise of material blessings
  • These beliefs represent a significant departure from traditional Christian teachings on wealth, poverty, and the nature of God's blessings
  • While controversial, these beliefs have proven appealing to many believers, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds

Faith as a spiritual force

  • Prosperity gospel teaches that faith is not just a passive belief, but an active force that can shape reality and bring about tangible results
  • By exercising faith through prayer, positive confession, and giving, believers can tap into God's power and unlock his blessings in their lives
  • Critics argue that this view of faith is more akin to magic or positive thinking than biblical Christianity

Positive confession

  • Prosperity preachers emphasize the power of positive confession - the idea that one's words have the ability to shape reality and bring about desired outcomes
  • Believers are encouraged to speak positively about their finances, health, and relationships, and to avoid negative confessions that could limit God's blessings
  • This teaching has been criticized as a form of "name it and claim it" theology that treats God as a cosmic vending machine

Seed faith offerings

  • Many prosperity gospel preachers teach that giving money to the church or ministry is a key to unlocking God's blessings and financial breakthrough
  • Believers are encouraged to "sow seeds" of faith through their offerings, with the promise that God will multiply their giving and provide a supernatural harvest of wealth and abundance
  • Critics argue that this teaching exploits vulnerable people and enriches prosperity preachers at the expense of their followers

Wealth as a sign of God's favor

  • Prosperity gospel teaches that financial success and material wealth are signs of God's favor and blessing upon a person's life
  • Poverty, by contrast, is often viewed as a curse or a lack of faith that can be overcome through positive confession and giving
  • This teaching has been criticized for promoting a "health and wealth" gospel that neglects the biblical emphasis on self-denial, sacrifice, and concern for the poor

Prosperity gospel in African American churches

  • The prosperity gospel has had a significant impact within African American churches and communities, particularly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries
  • Its message of hope, empowerment, and financial breakthrough has resonated with many black Christians, who have faced a long history of economic and social marginalization
  • However, the prosperity gospel has also been criticized for promoting an individualistic and materialistic view of success that neglects systemic issues of inequality and injustice

Appeal to economically disadvantaged communities

  • The prosperity gospel's promise of financial blessing and abundance has been particularly appealing to African American communities, which have historically faced high rates of poverty, unemployment, and economic insecurity
  • Prosperity preachers often frame their message in terms of empowerment and self-determination, encouraging believers to take control of their financial destiny through faith and positive confession
  • For many African Americans, the prosperity gospel offers a sense of hope and agency in the face of systemic barriers and limited opportunities

Emphasis on empowerment and self-improvement

  • Prosperity gospel teachings often emphasize personal responsibility and self-improvement, encouraging believers to take charge of their lives and pursue their dreams and goals
  • This message of empowerment has resonated with many African Americans, who have long struggled against racism, discrimination, and limited access to education and economic opportunities
  • Prosperity preachers often frame their message in terms of breaking free from the "slave mentality" of poverty and lack, and claiming one's rightful inheritance as a child of God

Integration with Black liberation theology

  • Some prosperity gospel preachers have sought to integrate their message with themes of black liberation theology, which emphasizes the role of the church in fighting against systemic racism and oppression
  • Preachers like T.D. Jakes and Creflo Dollar have sometimes framed their teachings in terms of economic justice and empowerment for the black community
  • However, critics argue that the prosperity gospel's focus on individual success and wealth accumulation is ultimately at odds with the social justice emphasis of black liberation theology

Theological critiques of prosperity gospel

  • The prosperity gospel has faced significant criticism from many Christian theologians and leaders, who argue that its teachings are inconsistent with biblical Christianity and promote a distorted view of God and faith
  • These critiques often focus on the prosperity gospel's overemphasis on material blessings, its neglect of suffering and social justice, and its promotion of a transactional relationship with God
  • While proponents of the prosperity gospel often defend their teachings as biblically sound, critics argue that they represent a serious departure from orthodox Christian doctrine

Accusations of heresy and false teaching

  • Many Christian leaders have accused prosperity gospel preachers of promoting heresy and false teaching, arguing that their message is not supported by scripture and leads people away from genuine faith
  • Critics often point to passages like 1 Timothy 6:9-10, which warns against the love of money and the pursuit of wealth, as evidence that the prosperity gospel is unbiblical
  • Some have even gone so far as to label the prosperity gospel a "different gospel" (Galatians 1:6-9) that distorts the true message of Christianity

Overemphasis on material blessings

  • One of the main criticisms of the prosperity gospel is that it places too much emphasis on material blessings and worldly success, at the expense of spiritual growth and faithfulness to God
  • Critics argue that the Bible teaches that the Christian life is often marked by suffering, sacrifice, and self-denial, and that the pursuit of wealth and comfort can be a hindrance to genuine discipleship
  • They point to passages like Matthew 6:19-21, which warns against storing up treasures on earth, and Luke 12:15, which warns against greed and materialism

Neglect of suffering and social justice

  • Another common critique of the prosperity gospel is that it neglects the reality of suffering and injustice in the world, and fails to address the needs of the poor and marginalized
  • Critics argue that the Bible calls Christians to a life of compassion, generosity, and solidarity with the oppressed, and that the prosperity gospel's focus on individual success and wealth accumulation is a distortion of this message
  • They point to passages like James 2:5, which teaches that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith, and Luke 4:18-19, which describes Jesus' mission to bring good news to the poor and oppressed

Distortion of biblical teachings on wealth

  • Critics of the prosperity gospel argue that it distorts the Bible's teachings on wealth and poverty, and promotes a transactional view of God that is more akin to a cosmic vending machine than a loving Father
  • They point out that while the Bible does contain promises of blessing and provision for God's people, these blessings are not always material in nature, and are often tied to obedience and faithfulness rather than the size of one's offering
  • Critics also argue that the prosperity gospel ignores the many biblical warnings against the dangers of wealth and the importance of contentment and generosity (e.g. 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Hebrews 13:5)

Sociological critiques of prosperity gospel

  • In addition to theological concerns, the prosperity gospel has also faced criticism from sociologists and other social scientists, who argue that its teachings can have harmful social and economic consequences, particularly for vulnerable populations
  • These critiques often focus on the way that the prosperity gospel can exploit the hopes and dreams of the poor, reinforce economic inequalities, and promote an individualistic view of success that neglects systemic issues
  • While proponents of the prosperity gospel often frame their message in terms of empowerment and self-determination, critics argue that it ultimately serves to maintain the status quo and benefit those who are already wealthy and powerful

Exploitation of vulnerable populations

  • One of the main sociological critiques of the prosperity gospel is that it exploits the hopes and dreams of vulnerable populations, particularly the poor and economically disadvantaged
  • Critics argue that prosperity preachers often target their message to those who are most desperate for financial breakthrough and willing to give sacrificially in the hopes of receiving a miracle
  • They point out that many prosperity gospel churches and ministries are located in low-income communities, and that their teachings can encourage people to give beyond their means in the hopes of receiving a supernatural return

Reinforcement of economic inequalities

  • Another common critique of the prosperity gospel is that it reinforces economic inequalities and promotes a view of success that is tied to wealth and material possessions
  • Critics argue that by emphasizing individual prosperity and success, the prosperity gospel neglects the structural and systemic issues that contribute to poverty and inequality
  • They point out that many prosperity preachers themselves live lavish lifestyles and accumulate significant wealth, often at the expense of their followers who are encouraged to give sacrificially

Individualistic focus vs systemic change

  • Critics of the prosperity gospel argue that its focus on individual success and empowerment can obscure the need for systemic change and collective action to address issues of poverty and inequality
  • They point out that while the prosperity gospel may offer a sense of hope and agency to individuals, it does little to challenge the underlying economic and social structures that perpetuate disadvantage and marginalization
  • Some argue that the prosperity gospel's emphasis on personal responsibility and self-improvement can actually serve to blame the poor for their own struggles, rather than addressing the systemic barriers and injustices that contribute to poverty

Prosperity gospel's influence on mainstream culture

  • The prosperity gospel has had a significant influence on mainstream culture, particularly in the United States, where its teachings have been embraced by a wide range of individuals and organizations beyond the church
  • Its message of positive thinking, self-improvement, and has resonated with many people, particularly in the realms of business, self-help, and personal development
  • However, critics argue that the prosperity gospel's influence on mainstream culture has contributed to a materialistic and individualistic view of success that neglects deeper spiritual and moral values

Crossover appeal to non-religious audiences

  • One of the key factors in the prosperity gospel's influence on mainstream culture has been its ability to appeal to non-religious audiences, particularly those interested in personal development and self-improvement
  • Many prosperity preachers have framed their message in terms of universal principles of success and abundance, rather than exclusively Christian language and doctrine
  • This has allowed their teachings to gain traction among a wider range of individuals, including those who may not identify as Christian or regularly attend church

Adoption by motivational speakers and self-help gurus

  • The prosperity gospel's emphasis on positive thinking, self-improvement, and material success has also made it attractive to motivational speakers and self-help gurus, many of whom have incorporated its teachings into their own programs and products
  • Figures like Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, and Joel Osteen have all been influenced by prosperity gospel teachings, and have helped to popularize its message to a wider audience
  • However, critics argue that this adoption of prosperity gospel principles by secular self-help gurus can strip the message of its religious context and promote a shallow and materialistic view of success
  • The prosperity gospel has also had a significant presence in popular media and entertainment, particularly in the United States
  • Its teachings have been promoted by a range of celebrities and public figures, from athletes and musicians to politicians and business leaders
  • Prosperity gospel themes and language have also been incorporated into popular films, television shows, and music, often in subtle or indirect ways
  • However, critics argue that this mainstreaming of prosperity gospel ideas can contribute to a culture of materialism and consumerism, and obscure the deeper spiritual and moral dimensions of success and fulfillment

Responses to critics by prosperity gospel advocates

  • Faced with significant criticism from both theological and sociological perspectives, proponents of the prosperity gospel have often mounted vigorous defenses of their teachings and practices
  • These responses typically involve appeals to biblical authority, personal testimonies of financial breakthrough, and accusations of persecution or misunderstanding by critics
  • While these defenses have often been persuasive to prosperity gospel followers, they have generally failed to address the underlying concerns and critiques raised by detractors

Biblical justifications for teachings

  • One of the primary ways that prosperity gospel advocates have responded to critics is by offering biblical justifications for their teachings, often citing specific passages or promises related to wealth, success, and blessing
  • Proponents argue that the Bible contains numerous examples of God's desire to prosper and bless his people, from the wealth of Abraham and Solomon to the promises of abundance in Deuteronomy 28
  • They also point to passages like Philippians 4:19 and 3 John 2 as evidence that God wants his people to experience financial and material blessings
  • However, critics argue that these passages are often taken out of context and do not support the prosperity gospel's overemphasis on material wealth and success

Testimonies of financial breakthroughs

  • Another common response by prosperity gospel advocates is to offer personal testimonies of financial breakthroughs and answered prayers as evidence of the effectiveness of their teachings
  • Many prosperity preachers regularly share stories of individuals who have experienced dramatic increases in income, debt cancellation, or other financial miracles as a result of their faith and giving
  • These testimonies are often used to encourage followers to continue giving and believing for their own breakthroughs, and to counter accusations that the prosperity gospel is a scam or a false teaching
  • However, critics argue that these testimonies are often anecdotal and do not represent the experiences of the majority of prosperity gospel followers, many of whom continue to struggle with poverty and financial hardship

Accusations of persecution and misunderstanding

  • Finally, prosperity gospel advocates have often responded to critics by accusing them of persecution, jealousy, or misunderstanding of their teachings
  • Some proponents argue that criticism of the prosperity gospel is rooted in a "poverty mentality" or a lack of faith, and that detractors are simply envious of the success and abundance enjoyed by prosperity preachers and their followers
  • Others suggest that critics have misunderstood or misrepresented the prosperity gospel, and that its teachings are actually in line with biblical principles of faith, giving, and blessing
  • However, critics argue that these accusations are often used to deflect legitimate concerns and critiques, and to maintain the authority and influence of prosperity gospel leaders over their followers

Future of prosperity gospel in African American religion

  • Despite facing significant criticism and challenges, the prosperity gospel remains a powerful and influential force within African American religion, with a significant presence in many churches and communities
  • Its message of hope, empowerment, and financial breakthrough continues to resonate with many black Christians, particularly those from econom

Key Terms to Review (20)

Black church tradition: The black church tradition refers to a rich and diverse set of religious practices, beliefs, and communal activities primarily within the African American community, rooted in a history of oppression and resilience. It encompasses various denominations, styles of worship, and theological perspectives, often emphasizing social justice, community empowerment, and cultural identity. This tradition plays a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural lives of African Americans, providing a space for collective expression and activism.
Civil rights movement: The civil rights movement was a pivotal series of events and actions during the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and securing equal rights for African Americans in the United States. This movement was deeply intertwined with various religious institutions and leaders, particularly the Black Church, which provided spiritual support, organizational structure, and moral guidance for activists.
Consumerism in religion: Consumerism in religion refers to the tendency of individuals to approach their spiritual lives in a way that mirrors market behaviors, emphasizing personal choice, satisfaction, and material success. This concept highlights how religious practices and beliefs can be influenced by consumer culture, where spirituality is often packaged and marketed like any other product, leading to a focus on individual benefits rather than communal or traditional values.
Creflo Dollar: Creflo Dollar is a prominent American pastor and televangelist known for his advocacy of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes can lead to financial success and physical well-being. His teachings have sparked considerable debate and criticism, particularly regarding the ethical implications of wealth accumulation in religious contexts and the commercialization of faith.
Critique of materialism: The critique of materialism refers to the philosophical and theological arguments against the belief that physical possessions and wealth are the primary indicators of success and fulfillment in life. This critique often challenges the notion that material wealth can lead to spiritual or personal well-being, emphasizing instead the importance of spiritual growth, ethical living, and community support. Within the context of religious movements, this critique often intersects with calls for social justice and moral responsibility.
Divine blessing: Divine blessing refers to the favor and approval that is believed to come from a higher power, often associated with prosperity, success, and well-being. In many religious contexts, especially within the prosperity gospel movement, divine blessings are viewed as tangible rewards for faithfulness, obedience, and financial contributions to religious causes. This concept raises questions about the nature of faith, the role of material wealth in spiritual life, and the ethical implications of equating financial success with divine favor.
Faith healing: Faith healing is the practice of seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual healing through prayer, belief, and the invocation of divine intervention. This concept is often rooted in religious traditions, where practitioners believe that faith can lead to miraculous recoveries and improved well-being. Faith healing is particularly prevalent within certain Christian denominations, where it aligns with teachings about the power of faith and prayer in overcoming illness.
Faith vs. works: Faith vs. works is a theological debate concerning the means by which individuals attain salvation and spiritual fulfillment. This discussion revolves around whether faith alone in divine grace is sufficient for salvation, or if good deeds and adherence to moral laws (works) are also necessary. The interplay of these two concepts becomes particularly relevant in examining the prosperity gospel and its critics, where the emphasis on faith as a tool for obtaining material blessings often raises questions about the role of moral actions in religious life.
Kenneth Hagin: Kenneth Hagin was an influential American pastor and author, widely recognized as a key figure in the development of the prosperity gospel movement. He is often referred to as the 'father of faith' for his teachings on faith and healing, which emphasized the belief that God wants believers to prosper spiritually, financially, and physically. Hagin's teachings have sparked both fervent support and significant criticism within Christian communities, particularly regarding the emphasis on wealth and material success.
Lakewood Church: Lakewood Church is a non-denominational Christian megachurch located in Houston, Texas, known for its charismatic leadership and emphasis on the prosperity gospel. It was founded by John Osteen in 1959 and has since grown to become one of the largest churches in the United States, with a significant following and a strong media presence. The church's teachings often focus on positive thinking, personal success, and financial well-being, which align closely with the principles of the prosperity gospel.
Material success: Material success refers to the attainment of wealth, possessions, and financial prosperity, often viewed as a measure of an individual's achievements. In various religious contexts, particularly within the prosperity gospel, material success is framed as a sign of divine favor and an indicator of one's faith and devotion. This perspective emphasizes that financial blessings are a direct result of following spiritual principles and teachings.
Oral Roberts: Oral Roberts was an influential American Pentecostal televangelist and faith healer, known for founding Oral Roberts University and popularizing the prosperity gospel movement. His ministry emphasized the belief that God rewards faithfulness with material wealth and physical well-being, which became a central theme in his teachings and sermons. Roberts played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of modern evangelism and drew both fervent support and criticism for his views on faith and prosperity.
Prosperity gospel: Prosperity gospel is a religious belief that emphasizes the idea that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes can lead to personal wealth and physical well-being. This belief is often linked to the teachings of certain Christian denominations, where material success is viewed as a sign of divine favor. The prosperity gospel has been both embraced and criticized, particularly in relation to its impact on Black megachurches, where it has gained significant traction and influence.
Religious capitalism: Religious capitalism refers to the intersection of faith and economic practices, where religious beliefs and institutions are utilized to foster economic growth and promote wealth accumulation. This concept often manifests through movements like the prosperity gospel, which asserts that financial success is a sign of divine favor, leading believers to pursue material wealth as an integral part of their spiritual life.
Seed faith: Seed faith is a religious concept that suggests that a small act of faith or a financial contribution can lead to a greater blessing or return from God. This idea is central to the prosperity gospel, which teaches that God rewards believers with financial success and health when they demonstrate their faith through giving, often in the form of donations to their church or ministry. The underlying belief is that by sowing seeds of faith, individuals can expect an abundant harvest in their personal lives.
Social justice critique: A social justice critique examines how social, economic, and political structures impact marginalized groups, focusing on issues of power, inequality, and systemic injustice. It challenges ideologies and practices that perpetuate oppression, advocating for a more equitable society. This perspective is crucial in understanding the dynamics of faith movements, particularly in relation to theological interpretations that prioritize wealth and success over communal well-being.
T.D. Jakes: T.D. Jakes is a prominent African American pastor, author, and filmmaker known for his dynamic preaching style and the establishment of the Potter's House, a large megachurch in Dallas, Texas. His ministry emphasizes the prosperity gospel, which advocates for faith as a means to achieve financial success and personal fulfillment. Jakes has played a significant role in the rise of Black megachurches and has also been a vocal advocate for women in leadership within religious contexts.
The Potter's House: The Potter's House is a biblical metaphor that signifies God's sovereignty and creative power over humanity, drawing from the imagery of a potter shaping clay. This term is often invoked in religious discussions, particularly within the prosperity gospel movement, which emphasizes the belief that God desires to bless individuals materially and spiritually. The metaphor illustrates how believers can trust in God's divine plan for their lives, aligning with the notion that they can attain prosperity through faith and positive confession.
Theology of suffering: The theology of suffering is a theological framework that seeks to understand and interpret human suffering in the context of divine presence and purpose. This concept often grapples with the question of why a loving and powerful God allows suffering, particularly within the experiences of marginalized communities. It emphasizes the redemptive potential of suffering and how it can lead to spiritual growth, resilience, and a deeper relationship with the divine.
Word of Faith Movement: The Word of Faith Movement is a religious belief system that teaches that faith can directly influence health and prosperity, rooted in the interpretation of biblical scripture. This movement emphasizes the power of positive confession and claims that speaking affirmations can manifest one's desires, particularly in terms of wealth and physical well-being. The movement is closely associated with the prosperity gospel, which argues that financial success is a sign of God's favor.
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