Pentecostalism and the prosperity Gospel have arisen significantly during the past twentieth century presenting us with a number of contradictions in terms of Christian compliance.
The prosperity gospel also known as the ‘health and wealth gospel’ or the prosperity theology is rooted in the premise that material wealth and physical well-being are the prerogative of every believer in relation to the measure of their faith, theological positivism particularly in their speech, as well as their donations to ministries and charities.
Many Christians are uncomfortable with this brand of Christianity on the grounds that it is fallacious and unscriptural. A range of stalwart Christian leaders showcase their testimony through the ‘Word of Faith Movement’ and have galvanised many subscribers from mainstream Pentecostalism to their perspective. Although he recognises this criticism, Joel Edwards makes some salient observations and presents some leading questions:
With its roots in Pentecostalism, the faith movement, commercialized to become a gospel of wealth, set itself the task of transitioning from ‘negative faith’ to a ‘positiva faith’ rooted in a re-reading of the New Testament and a God who acts in the material world.
‘…in very basic terms, prosperity theology sits on the edge of Christian orthodoxy for ..its over-emphasis on financial and material gain as the authentication of faith [and] for the wider concerns about fideism…making faith an efficacious supplement or substitute for the cross.’
The faith movement has sought to link holiness ethics and prosperity.
The prosperity Gospel encourages adherents to embrace life choices that lead to stability and secure, enriching and sustainable family life grounded in high ethical codes, non- addiction to abusive drugs, fidelity and debt free livelihood.
The prosperity movement has an important ‘Achiles heel’: a faith that measures its success in material wealth nurtures its own ethical failure.
A real cause for concern is the lack of accountability amongst the leadership within this brand of Christian witness.
Does God grant prosperity to believers?
What does Scripture such as Isaiah 58:11; Matthew 6:11; Matthew 9:27, Mark 10:46-51 Luke 11:3 ; Luke 17:12; Philippians 4:19 have to say about the mission of God to supply our needs?
Is there any benefit in recognising prosperity theology as a younger family members of traditional Pentecostalism rather than an outcast?
How do we as Pentecostals develop best practice in our discipleship training to ensure that fundamental virtues such as holiness and integrity are modelled and learnt to face the challenges in some of our worldview and behaviour where competitiveness and corruption even within our faith communities seem to be the norm?
How do we make sure that the theology we profess points to the Godhead rather than to a ‘charismatic personality’, an ‘idolized personality’ a ‘self-appointed champion’ or some other egocentric terms of reference?
Edwards reminds us that we can encounter challenges with our Pentecostal brothers and sisters due to our level of theological maturity, our cultural contexts, lack of biblical literacy and ego-centric assumptions and become a hindrance to the Christian witness. He highlights the value of ecumenical settings in which
Christ-centered biblical theology is embraced and Jesus is given the credit for the blessings of health, wealth, and power in the interest of the mission of God.
Resources Needed
Pentecostalism and the Prosperity Gospel (Chapter 4 ) by Rev Dr Joel Edwards Challenges of Pentecostal Theology in the 21st Century (edited by Phyllis Thompson, SPCK 2020]
Ideally every participant should have their own preferred version of the Bible including youth versions to help young people to understand difficult passages.
Paper and pens for note taking is always a good idea…
Some questions for discussion
What does the bible say about Prosperity?
Read Genesis 39:2-6. Deuteronomy 8:18 Joshua 1:8 Job 22:21Proverbs 3:9-10 Proverbs 10:22: Proverbs 28:25 Jeremiah 29:11-14 Luke 6:38 Luke 12:15 Philippians 4:19 I Timothy 6:10
Is the Prosperity Gospel a call to faith in action?
Use the below songs to help you have a time of praise and worship
Something to think about and do in the coming days…
Write a prayer using the ACTS template :Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication with reference to what you have discussed in this session.
Identify and think about something you value and treasure which you previously took for granted. In the light of this session, reflect on it. See if it inspires you to use it as a focus for a prayer of thanks-giving, or to share something similar with someone or a point of reference for a testimony.
Access and read the article about David Cho and consider lessons you can apply for your own discipleship growth and development:
Writing a journal as you progress through this course will be a useful tool to aid your reflection, clarify your thoughts, feelings and chart your learning.
Try to write regularly after each session. Here are few prompts to get you started:
What have you learnt?
What has challenged you?
What do you want to explore further?
How are you going to use what you have gained from the course?
Prayer
Dear Lord, we thank You for just being ‘You’.
Thank you for the guidance you provide for us to access your wisdom to make the right decisions in our relationships with people and the material things in our world.
Help us to see and treat people and the material things as you do.
May we not seek to create idols amongst ourselves but seek to glorify you and your work in ourselves and others.
Help us to be forever committed, confident and comfortable to comply to the truth of your word. In Jesus’ name we pray,
