Both the ‘Word of Faith’ and ‘Prosperity Gospel’ theological perspectives have sparked considerable debate. Although they claim to elevate faith and prosperity, they can frequently misinterpret essential biblical concepts. They tend to focus excessively on material wealth and personal benefit rather than faith’s transformative power.
The ‘Word of Faith’ movement originated in the mid-20th century, with roots tracing back to E.W. Kenyon and later popularized by Kenneth Hagin. This perspective posits that Christian believers can influence their physical and material circumstances through positive declarations of faith. This belief system, however, encounters several challenges:
The ‘Prosperity Gospel’ emerged more prominently during the latter half of the 20th century, with figures like Oral Roberts and later Joel Osteen becoming its leading proponents. This perspective suggests that material wealth and success are signs of God’s favor. However, this belief is not without its issues:
But, it is much more crucial that, despite the issues associated with these perspectives, we must remember that faith, particularly saving faith, is pleasing to God, as stated in Hebrews 11:6:
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Saving faith is the faith that results in salvation, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Moreover, it’s through faith that we live out the Christian life, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:7:
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
Q: What is the Word of Faith movement?
A: The Word of Faith movement is a Christian perspective that asserts believers can influence their physical and material circumstances through positive declarations of faith.
Q: What challenges are associated with the Word of Faith movement?
A: The Word of Faith movement is often criticized for misinterpreting the concept of faith, overemphasizing health and wealth, and unduly asserting human sovereignty over divine sovereignty.
Q: What is the Prosperity Gospel?
A: The Prosperity Gospel is a Christian theological perspective suggesting that material wealth and success are indications of God’s favor.
Q: What issues are associated with the Prosperity Gospel?
A: The Prosperity Gospel is often criticized for encouraging materialism, misrepresenting God’s blessings, and struggling to adequately explain suffering in the lives of believers.
Q: How is faith pleasing to God?
A: Faith is pleasing to God because it demonstrates trust in His promises, sovereignty, and timing. Saving faith, in particular, is the means through which individuals accept the gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This is illustrated in Hebrews 11:6, which states,
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Q: What is saving faith?
A: Saving faith is the faith that leads to salvation, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” It is this faith, rooted in the grace of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, that is fundamental to the Christian belief.
