What Is the Prosperity Gospel?

The prosperity gospel, also known as the “health and wealth gospel” or the “name it and claim it” gospel, is a religious movement that emphasizes material prosperity and financial success as the primary sign of God’s favor and blessing. According to this teaching, faith, positive thinking, and giving to the church will lead to financial prosperity and physical well-being. This movement has been criticized by many in the Christian community for promoting a materialistic view of God’s blessings and for neglecting other important aspects of the gospel, such as compassion, justice, and spiritual growth.

Examples of prosperity gospel preachers include Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn, Paula White, Eddie Long, Juanita Bynum, Chris Oyakhilome, Kenneth Hagin, Jesse Duplantis, Frederick K.C. Price, Robert Tilton, John Avanzini, Robert Schuller, Mike Murdock, E.W. Kenyon, Fred Price Jr., Marilyn Hickey, and Oral Roberts.

What are the Evils of the Prosperity Gospel?

The prosperity gospel is a theological belief system that teaches that God wants his followers to be materially wealthy and successful in all areas of life. While proponents of this gospel believe that financial prosperity is a sign of God’s favor and a reward for faithful living, critics argue that it is an erroneous interpretation of the Bible that promotes a selfish and greedy lifestyle.

Critics of the prosperity gospel point to several evils associated with this belief system, including:

Greed and materialism: The focus on material wealth can lead people to become greedy and materialistic, valuing money and possessions over spiritual growth and relationships.
Manipulation and exploitation: Some proponents of the prosperity gospel use fear and guilt to manipulate people into giving money to their ministries, often promising a financial return on investment.
Distortion of the gospel message: Critics argue that the prosperity gospel distorts the true message of the gospel, which is about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not material wealth.
Ignoring the plight of the poor: The prosperity gospel can lead people to ignore the needs of the poor and marginalized, focusing instead on their own wealth and success.
False expectations: By promoting the idea that God wants everyone to be wealthy, the prosperity gospel creates false expectations that can lead to disappointment and disillusionment when people do not experience financial success.

How Does the Prosperity Gospel Theology Twist the Scriptures

Prosperity Gospel preachers twist the scriptures by focusing on material wealth and financial gain as the central message of the gospel rather than the teachings of Jesus and the message of salvation through faith in him. They argue that the prosperity gospel misinterprets passages in the Bible that mention blessings and abundance, taking them out of context and using them to promote a message of prosperity and financial gain. They also argue that the prosperity gospel detracts from the true message of the gospel, which is one of love, sacrifice, and service to others, and that it creates a false understanding of God’s character and his intentions for humanity. Critics argue that the prosperity gospel reinforces worldly values and fosters greed and materialism rather than promoting the values of the kingdom of God.

Here are a few examples of how the prosperity gospel can twist scriptures:

Philippians 4:19 – The prosperity gospel may claim that this verse promises that God will meet all of our physical and financial needs if we have enough faith. In reality, this verse is referring to God supplying all of our spiritual needs, including peace and contentment.
Malachi 3:10 – This verse is often used by prosperity gospel preachers to argue that if we give money to the church, God will pour out blessings upon us. However, the context of the verse is about God’s people returning to Him and being faithful in their giving, not about giving money to get rich.
Matthew 6:33 – The prosperity gospel may claim that this verse promises us financial prosperity and success if we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. However, the context of the verse is about seeking God’s priorities over worldly pursuits, not about getting rich.
Proverbs 3:9-10 – This verse is often used by prosperity gospel preachers to argue that if we give money to the church, God will bless us with wealth and prosperity. However, the context of the verse is about wisdom and trusting God in all things, not about getting rich.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 – This verse is often used by prosperity gospel preachers to argue that if we give money to the church, God will bless us with abundance. However, the context of the verse is about generosity and sharing with others, not about getting rich.

These are just a few examples of how prosperity gospel theology can twist the meaning of scripture. It is important to study the Bible in its context and understand its true meaning.

Is it biblically ethical for some pastors to demand “seed money” before they can pray for someone who needs prayers?

No, it is not biblically ethical for pastors to demand “seed money” in exchange for prayer. This practice is often associated with the prosperity gospel and goes against the teachings of Jesus and the principles of biblical Christianity. The Bible teaches that we should give generously and selflessly, but not as a means of buying blessings or favors from God. Furthermore, the Bible also teaches that God hears and answers prayer, regardless of whether or not someone has given money. In essence, the idea of “seed money” is a manipulation of people’s faith and trust in God, and it is not in line with the teachings of the Bible.

What Did Jesus Teach about Riches and Wealth?

Jesus taught about riches and wealth in many of his parables and teachings. He emphasized the importance of being rich in spirit rather than in material wealth and warned against the dangers of greed and the love of money.

In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus tells a story of a man who had great wealth but was focused on increasing his wealth rather than using it for the good of others. He says, “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God says to him, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:19-20).

In another teaching, Jesus says, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).

Jesus also taught the importance of giving and helping others, as seen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, Jesus emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and love to those in need, regardless of their background or social status.

Overall, Jesus taught that wealth and material riches are not inherently evil but that they can easily become a source of temptation and lead people away from God. Instead, he encouraged his followers to focus on spiritual wealth and to use their resources to help others and serve God.

What Did the Apostle Paul Teach about Riches and Wealth?

The apostle Paul had a nuanced perspective on riches and wealth. In some of his letters, he warned against the dangers of wealth and how it can lead to pride, greed, and a focus on material things rather than spiritual things. For example, in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, he wrote, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

However, Paul also recognized that wealth can be used for good if it is used properly. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, he wrote, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” This passage shows that Paul believed in using wealth for the benefit of others, such as supporting the work of the church.

In summary, Paul’s teachings on riches and wealth emphasize the need to be mindful of how wealth can impact one’s relationship with God and to use it for good.

What Did Jesus Teach About Praying for the Sick?

Jesus taught about the power of prayer for the sick in several places in the New Testament. One of the most well-known passages is in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Matthew 21:22). In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus healed many people who were brought to him, and he commanded his disciples to do the same. He said, “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.” (Mark 6:12-13). In Luke, Jesus says, “And when he saw their faith, he said, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The experts in the law and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, ‘Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, ‘Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralyzed man, ‘I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.’” (Luke 5:20-24). These passages show that Jesus believed in the power of prayer and the ability to heal through faith.