Prosperity Gospel Research Articles

Economic influence of prosperity gospel on individual followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

The study sought to investigate how prosperity gospel influences the economic aspect of its followers in neo-Pentecostal movements in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. In Kenya, Neo-Pentecostal movements are growing and spreading from urban to rural areas, as witnessed in Karingani Ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. There has been an increase in self-founded churches, commonly known as charismatic movements, over the past decade. The Functionalism Theory guided the study in analysing the prosperity gospel's influence on its followers' economic aspect. The theory indicates that religion is a social influencer that leads to changes in behaviour and perception or worldview that are essential to economic growth. The study applied the descriptive survey design. Yamane’s formula was applied to obtain a sample size of 288 respondents. In addition, six pastors were selected from the churches; the total sample was 294 respondents. In the six selected churches, a larger population was between (20-50 years); the majority were women and indicated to be small business owners and employed in the private sector. The research instruments utilised were questionnaires, interviews, and focused group discussions. The study's findings revealed that prosperity teachings in Neo-Pentecostal movements positively influenced its followers. Prosperity teaching with biblical grounding had influenced adherents in these movements to have financial, investment, and entrepreneurial abilities through seminars, idea sharing, and continuous assistance from members, which have impacted their followers to experience social status mobility. This paper recommends a future study on how perceived YouTube or social media incomes can benefit all adherents.

Impact of prosperity gospel on the political aspect in selected neo-pentecostal movements in Karingani ward, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya

This study sought to investigates how prosperity gospel influences the political aspect of followers. The prosperity gospel is a teaching that is highly taught in neo-Pentecostal movements, finding acceptability and adaptability in the world, attracting many in neo-Pentecostal movements, hence, how does the gospel influence adherents' political aspect? Neo-Pentecostal movements have increased in numbers over the past decade in Karingani Ward Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. The Functionalism Theory guided the study to analyse the influence of prosperity gospel on the political aspect of its followers. The study applied the descriptive survey design. Yamane’s formula was applied to obtain a sample size of 281 respondents. In addition, six pastors were selected from the churches, and the total sample was 294 respondents. The research instruments utilised were questionnaires and interviews. The study's findings revealed that prosperity teachings in Neo-Pentecostal movements had positive and negative impacts on the political aspect of followers, which is, voting and supporting specific political leaders and a given political party. On the other hand, the teaching of prosperity in these movements resulted in disunity in the church, ethnic tension, members leaving the church, and fights extending to communal daily living. The study concludes that the involvement of prosperity gospel preachers in political discussion in church significantly influences the political conviction, choices, voter turnout, and social interaction of members of these movements. Therefore, a policy formulation should be recommended that controls direct clergy influence on politics.

Money That Matters: Coins, Banknotes, and Mediation in Tanzanian Prosperity Ministries

Based on long-term ethnographic research in Tanzania, this article contributes to existing scholarship on adaptations and modifications of the so-called gospel in African contexts. I show how the Prosperity Gospel has taken shape in an environment of intense religious/spiritual/medical competition and, not least, of widespread cultural concerns with the moral legitimacy of wealth generated through alliances with spiritual forces. However, I also argue that a deeper understanding of the ways in which the Prosperity Gospel has become contextualized can be reached by moving beyond a focus on cultural concerns with wealth and paying close attention to the exuberance of meanings attributed to money in its most concrete and tangible form, coins and banknotes, as well as to the religious/ritual practices involving money that such meanings inspire. I pursue my analysis by zooming in on two areas where cultural understandings of money as exceeding its materiality and its use value are prevalent: the use of powers of witchcraft to extract money from others and the practice of bride wealth. Whereas the first has to do with understandings of material money as imbued with spiritual powers, the second can be seen as an example of a gift economy, since money given by a groom to his parents-in-law by virtue of containing parts of his soul or his essence becomes the foundation of a relationship of mutual respect between them. In the last part of the article, I show how both understandings are entangled with Prosperity teachings and inform ritual practices involving material money.

KRITIK TERHADAP PENGAJARAN VISUALIASI DAN AFIRMASI TEOLOGI KEMAKMURAN BERDASARKAN EKSPOSISI KEJADIAN 15:5-6

What faith is and how to express it are two essential questions that seem easy but are complicated to answer. According to the prosperity gospel adherents, faith must be expressed through imagining (visualization) and saying (affirmation), as written in Genesis 15:5-6. However, for some groups, this teaching deviates from the truth according to the Bible and is more similar to the law of attraction. This article intends to criticize the visualization concept and to explore what is faith according to Genesis 15:5-6 by using the library research method combined with text exposition. The conclusion is that according to Genesis 15:5-6, true faith focuses on God's will entirely without the help of the power of human thoughts and words. Thus, visualization teaching, apart from being unbiblical, is also humanistic and tends to lead to syncretism.

Women in Pentecostal churches and mental wellbeing during the COVID- 19 pandemic: The case of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe

Pentecostalism, to which the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe belongs, is one of the fastest growing brands of Christianity in Zimbabwe. Most Pentecostal churches promise divine health, deliverance, miracles and prosperity to their members. In the Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe, women constitute the greater percentage of the church membership. Despite the fact that Pentecostal churches make promises of a good life, a church is generally expected to be a safe haven to its members. This paper wished to examine whether the Pentecostal church response to COVID-19 helped to build or destroy the mental health of its majority members, the women. The findings however show that the church mostly affected women’s mental health in a negative way as it grappled with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article therefore contests the claim of providing a good life as done by some Pentecostal churches. This was a qualitative study and utilized findings from a sample of 15 members of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe who were selected using purposive sampling. The findings suggest that the women were stressed by the teachings on marriage and emphasis on collection of money, discrimination against single women, the prosperity gospel, and patriarchy.

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel. By Jonathan Root

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel. By Jonathan Root

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel by Jonathan Root (review)

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel by Jonathan Root (review)

Extravagance amidst Extreme Poverty? A Focus on ‘New Religious Movements’ within the Development Discourse in Zimbabwe.

During the early 80s, Zimbabwe witnessed a rapid growth of the Third Wave Religious Right Movement (TWRRM), commonly known as New Religious Movements (NRMs). These movements pride themselves on the premise that the gospel of prosperity is its central maxim. The article investigates the theological and developmental contribution of the gospel of prosperity towards its adherents' existential necessities and needs. It is on this premise that these churches have registered considerable success and popularity. This article thus seeks to provide empirical evidence on the contribution of three Charismatic churches and specifically highlight the benefits produced by this type of ‘gospel’ to the basic existential needs of Zimbabweans. The article will further explore whether or not this type of ‘gospel’ contributes to community development. In exploring the contributions of the gospel of prosperity and community development, the study will use a phenomenological approach by E. Husserl as a framework. The term means fundamentalist independent groups which often consider themselves as ‘Bible Christians, born again and charismatic, not as Pentecostals (Kalu 2008, 8). The third wave implies there was the first wave, which was the missionary evangelicalism of the 19th century. The second wave of response was in the 1920s with a “pneumatic challenge with white theology” (Kalu 2008: 8, Mpofu 2014). This African initiative in Christianity thrived on communality and incorporation of facets of primal religion and culture (Ethiopianism and Zionism). The third wave of response gave birth to charismatic Christianity, a movement of revival and renewal, a third response to white cultural domination and power (Anderson 2001). This third wave differs from Pentecostals, deriving from Pentecost with a focus on the gift of the holy spirit. Founders or pastors of this third response are central to lifestyle choices based on religious discourse. The founder leader is understood as the voice and message of God.

Prosperity theology versus theology of sharing approach

Theologians are split into two groups: those who embrace prosperity theology and those who oppose it; both sides on scriptural grounds. Those criticising it embrace cessationism in its diversity, while its supporters are mainly found among Pentecostals and Charismatics, who are continuationists. Continuationists believe and teach that all gifts of the Spirit are still available to the church today, therefore should be practised by the church just as they were operative during the apostolic era. Therefore, it is clear that prosperity preachers are continuationists. They believe and practice healing and miracle gifts today. A review of the literature, biblical texts, historical teachings, and Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal (also referred to as charismatic and neo-charismatic) form the basis of this article. It addresses the positive features of prosperity teachers’ beliefs and methods as well as how they exploit the dreams, fears, and aspirations of people living in poverty. The theology of sharing, as articulated by Nicholas B.H. Bhengu, is proposed as a solution to creating parity between the rich and the poor.Contribution: This article seeks to balance opposing theological approaches with the prosperity gospel. It does this by introducing a theology of sharing as taught by Nicholas Bhengu based on the philosophy of Ubuntu, a way of life among African people. The challenge for theologians on both sides of the argument is finding a way to accommodate the other side’s contributions.

False hope religion? Socio-economic turmoil and the rise of prosperity gospel in Zimbabwe

The socio-economic and political meltdown in Zimbabwe that began in the year 2000 caused significant changes in how people related to religion. Zimbabwe has endured one of the world's most puzzling economic catastrophes, characterised by extreme unpredictability and instability. Since the year 2000, Zimbabwe's socio-economic landscape has changed dramatically following the introduction of radical economic policies such as land redistribution and indigenisation. Since then, the economic fortunes of Zimbabwe have nosedived, with economic convulsions and unpredictability becoming the norm. This peculiar period of the country’s history has also seen far-reaching changes in the religious sector as prosperity gospel has risen to become probably the most influential religious force in the country. This paper documents how, in the face of socio-economic challenges, Zimbabweans have sought solace in charismatic churches championing prosperity. It argues that the uncertainties triggered by collapsing social and economic fabric have led to the rise of a charismatic prosperity gospel movement in Zimbabwe. Its growth has been aided by a 'spiritual healing' infrastructure that supports believers in various ways.

The Prosperity Gospel: How Greed and Bad Philosophy Distorted Christ’s Teaching, by Thomas Storck

The Prosperity Gospel: How Greed and Bad Philosophy Distorted Christ’s Teaching, by Thomas Storck

Materialization Mechanics: Bridging Physics to The Biblical Gospel of Prosperity

This study explores the intersection of quantum mechanics and spiritual beliefs, particularly the Biblical Gospel of Prosperity, to understand the role of consciousness in manifesting material reality. The paper examines how observation in quantum mechanics – the collapse of the wave function into a concrete state – resonates with the Biblical principle of belief actualizing potential. It argues that, as quantum entities exist in a state of potential realized upon observation, the human mind, when aligned with divine intention and attentive faith, can shift reality onto a path of prosperity. Incorporating quantum and biblical references, the paper delves into the concepts of ‘intention’ and ‘attention’ as transformative forces. It discusses how, within the quantum framework, the observer's mind influences the materialization of potential outcomes. Analogously, it correlates to the Biblical assertion that faith and intention can invoke God’s will to provide the conditions necessary for prosperity. The discussion is anchored in scriptural exegesis and interpretations of prosperity within a Biblical context, juxtaposed with the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics and the theory of quantum consciousness. It proposes a model where the mind’s role in reality creation is a collaborative process with the divine, reflecting a synergy between spiritual belief and scientific understanding. This interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge the gap between science and spirituality, suggesting that Materialization Mechanics in the physical world and the metaphysical teachings of prosperity are not mutually exclusive but are interconnected realms influenced by human consciousness and divine providence.

A Review Article of Jonathan Root, Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel

A Review Article of Jonathan Root, Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel. By Jonathan Root. Foreword by Daniel Vaca. Library of Religious Biography. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2023. xiv + 254 pp. $26.00 paper.

Oral Roberts and the Rise of the Prosperity Gospel. By Jonathan Root. Foreword by Daniel Vaca. Library of Religious Biography. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2023. xiv + 254 pp. $26.00 paper.

Anthropology Bright and Dark

Abstract In “Dark Anthropology,” Sherry Ortner questions the critical potential of anthropological studies of ethics, and particularly of research focused on studying cultural articulations of the good. She promotes instead the study of people's critiques of the neoliberal darkness that besets their lives. Suggesting that critical, dark anthropology is handicapped by opposing itself to the study of the good, I reconsider the critical potential of the anthropological study of difference. This critical potential has been attenuated, I argue, by relativism's focus on the negative sides of various cultural formations. I argue instead for an approach to difference based on value pluralism and its claims about the diversity of the good. I illustrate the potential of the comparative study of the good in these terms in part by considering contemporary research on prosperity gospel Christianity and also recent work from many parts of the world on hierarchy as a valued social form.

The Prosperity Gospel in Africa: An African Pentecostal Hermeneutical Consideration, by Marius Nel.

Book review

Exceptional Times for an Exceptional People: How the Prosperity Gospel, Christian Nationalism, and Race Affect Americans’ Economic Attitudes and Behavior

Abstract How does identifying with the Prosperity Gospel or as a Christian Nationalist affect political attitudes? Religion has long been a key factor in explaining public opinion, partisanship, and political ideology, though recently scholars have turned to these two theological worldviews to explain support for Donald Trump, conservative political activism, and political extremism. But these theological identities have varying effects based on race, often cutting against the direct effects of race and religion on politics. Further, while scholars have analyzed these identities on attitudes such as immigration, social/moral policies, and foreign policy, less attention has been paid to the relationship with attitudes toward spending, debt, and the economy. This paper uses two national surveys to connect the Prosperity Gospel and Christian Nationalism with race in predicting economic values and beliefs. In general, both are found to predict economic conservatism, though mostly among whites, while Prosperity Gospel adherence decreases personal economic conservatism. Both theological identities also help to explain agreement with nationalist and populist policies, helping to make sense of the relationship between (white) Christianity and support for Donald Trump.

A Critique of Prosperity Theology in the Context of Ghanaian Christianity

The economic situation in contemporary Ghana makes everyone yearn for economic progress. In Ghana, like many other parts of Africa, religion is responsible for providing the economic, spiritual, and health needs of its adherents. The predominantly Christian population in Ghana makes many people look up to Christianity to provide the road map to the country’s success. In this regard, the prosperity theology/gospel is the most dominant approach to seeking health and wealth among Ghanaian Christians. Though very persuasive, prosperity theology prompts so much debate about its influence on the religious and socio-economic life of Christians and the society at large. On the one hand, it is considered as promoting unethical behaviour and failing to yield qualitative growth for the church. On the other hand, it is considered as attracting a large following to the Christian faith. The need to evaluate the impact of this type of teaching is an urgent theological and pastoral concern because it is the most appealing Christian approach to socio-economic breakthrough for contemporary Ghanaian Christians. This paper, therefore, sought to address the problem of the lack of a balanced assessment of the prosperity gospel and how its weaknesses can be addressed. The study is a literature-based research that gathered data from publications on the subject matter. Through a critical analysis and evaluation of the information gathered, the authors evaluated the overall impact of the prosperity theology on the holistic life (social, spiritual, economic and political) of its adherents and having noted some pitfalls, recommended how this popular theology can be refined. Apart from providing guidelines for addressing the challenges associated with the prosperity theology, the paper also has the potential of yielding ethical renewal for people to live responsibly as they work toward improving their socio-economic and spiritual lives. Keywords: Prosperity, Christianity, Ghana, Salvation

The pastor’s ‘love offering’: prosperity gospel and a child witchcraft accusation narrative

ABSTRACT This reflective first-person narrative study emerged from a personal encounter in a village near Eket City in Nigeria. This article adopts a multidisciplinary approach with a theological concentration to understand the issues of beliefs, uncertainty, religious leaders, and prosperity gospels and how these factors contribute to witchcraft labelling. This study brings an untold story to the forefront, using moral narrative techniques. The encounter provoked two lines of reflection. First, it questions the role of Pentecostal leaders: are they rescuers or complicit parties in witchcraft accusations? Second, it examines the ethical implications of these leaders accepting gifts in contexts where poverty is pervasive. The notion of ‘the love offering’ poses ethical questions as it relates to congregants presenting gifts to their clergy, frequently side-lining their moral obligations. As delineated in this study, this dynamic provokes critical inquiry: Are these gifts genuinely acts of love, or are they made in anticipation of a reciprocal benefit from the pastor? Readers are left to draw their own conclusions as they engage with this narrative article.

Ethical Investigation of Material Possession Among Contemporary Christians in Nigeria

Purpose: God created material possession for sustenance of man on earth. Material possessions are indispensable in life and living a purposeful life requires having basic material possessions. Material possession that some Christians at this contemporary time desire to acquire include latest vehicles, glamorous attire, attractive and solid houses, estates, clothes, electronic equipment and gadgets, plots of land, billions of dollars in their foreign accounts, productive firms at home and abroad and many of such. The greed of humans makes them pursue material possessions of the world at the expense of moral and spiritual values. Undue quest for material acquisition through bribery and corruption is detrimental to the moral and spiritual standard of Christian life.
 Methodology: The paper identified compromise of some Christians, abuse of prosperity gospel, increase of social vices in the society, abandoned and inhabitable houses as challenges attached to material possessions among some Christians.
 Findings: The paper argues that acquiring material possession is not sinful, but undue means of material acquisition is against the will of God. Appropriation of Christian ethical response discussed in this paper is believed to promote biblical understanding of material possessions and godly ways of utilizing them to the glory of God and blessing of humanity.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that all Christians and responsible citizens should avoid every unethical way of acquiring material possession and learn to be contented in God. The true Church of Jesus Christ must uphold proactive teachings of the Bible on what constitutes true material possession.