Prosperity theology
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Prosperity theology or Prosperity doctrine is the doctrine that prosperity and success in business is external evidence of God's favor. This favor may be preordained, or granted in return for prayer or merit-making.
Prosperity theology is commonly a part of televangelist and pentecostal churches which claims God wants Christians to be successful in every way, especially in their finances. Proponents of this dogma claim that its purpose is funding of preaching throughout the World, and is based largely on a Bible verse (Deuteronomy 8:18) which says, "God gives you the power to get wealth to establish his covenant."[citation needed] 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 adhering to prosperity theology include Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Nasir Saddiki, Robert Tilton, T.D. Jakes, Paul Crouch, and Peter Popoff. Pat Robertson calls this theory the "Law of Reciprocity" on his show, The 700 Club.
The tenets of prosperity theology make it seem to be the Creationist equivalent of the theory of Social Darwinism.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- 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?"
