Theology of Prosperity as the Leading Ideological System of Charismatic Communities in Modern Christianity

Abstract

The aim of the article is to define the doctrinal features of the theology of prosperity, its spiritual and socio-cultural origins, the reasons for its spread in the neo-Protestant environment, as well as the representation of the traditionalist views of this non-Christian phenomenon.Research methodology. The comparative method is used to distinguish the theology of prosperity from the traditional Christian doctrine.Results. In modern Protestantism and other Christian denominations, the charismatic movement that promotes itself as the correct version of Christianity is rapidly spreading. This movement does not have a clearly defined doctrine, organizationally divided into almost independent congregations, but the basis of its ideology is the common phenomenon — the theological substantiation of the necessity of the successful life and material enrichment — the theology of prosperity. The reasons for the spread of this phenomenon are both in purely Protestant features and in the aspiration of a modern man not to torture the difficult path of the spiritual perfection, but to live a prosperous and comfortable life. The theology of prosperity refers to the numerous projects for the renewal of Christian theology, which have been updated on the day of postmodern.Novelty. The theology of prosperity was first analyzed as a postmodern theological project, defined as a modernization line in Christianity, using pseudo-biblical rhetoric.The practical significance. The material in this article can be used in the preparation of the academic disciplines in religious studies and the history of contemporary culture.Keywords: theology of prosperity, neo-Christianity, charismatics, neo-Pentecostalism, ecumenism, consumer society.