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, including financially. Proponents claim^{[citation needed]} 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^{[citation needed]} 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 supporting prosperity theology include Kenneth Copeland^{[citation needed]}, Benny Hinn^{[citation needed]}, Nasir Saddiki^{[citation needed]}, Robert Tilton^{[citation needed]}, T.D. Jakes^{[citation needed]}, Paul Crouch^{[citation needed]}, Joel Osteen^{[citation needed]}, and Peter Popoff^{[citation needed]}. Pat Robertson calls this theory the "Law of Reciprocity" on his show, The 700 Club^{[citation needed]}.