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Prosperity gospel is a fringe belief, even among evangelicals. It's definitely real, but the amount of attention it gets on the Internet is disproportionate to

Prosperity gospel is a fringe belief, even among evangelicals. It's definitely real, but the amount of attention it gets on the Internet is disproportionate to its real-world influence. From Wikipedia: > Mainstream evangelicalism has consistently opposed prosperity theology as heretical[37] and prosperity ministries have frequently come into conflict with other Christian groups, including those within the Pentecostal and Charismatic movements.[39] Critics, such as Evangelical pastor Michael Catt, have argued that prosperity theology has little in common with traditional Christian theology.[83] Prominent evangelical leaders, such as Rick Warren,[9] Ben Witherington III,[9] and Jerry Falwell,[84] have harshly criticized the movement, sometimes denouncing it as heretical.[9]

UncleOxidant 3y ago
Most of the growth in evangelicalism is happening in the Charismatic/Pentecostal branches. https://www.prri.org/spotlight/the-future-of-born-again-evangelicalism-is-charismatic-and-pentecostal/ https://www.prri.org/spotlight/the-future-of-born-again-evan... Also, Jerry Falwell has been dead for several years, perhaps look to his son Jerry Falwell Jr's practices of flaunting wealth courting the wealthy for a more recent example. Yes, a lot of evangelicals denounce the prosperity gospel, but then they go on to act like it's their vibe. The prosperity gospel has permeated Christian Evangelical culture in the West to a degree that it's hard for the fish to see the water anymore. And in places like Africa it's often the mainstream teaching.
- Amezarak 3y ago
  Sure. Prosperity gospel is a minority belief even among Pentecostals and other charismatic groups. “Charismatic”, as your article mentions, simply refers to the belief in very free distribution of the specific “charisma”/gifts of the Holy Spirit, most famously speaking in tongues, a very common practice among Pentecostals. This is indeed essentially the only faction that believes it at all, but its still not common and even many of the (alleged) famous adherents, like Joel Osteen, will deny having anything to do with it and condemn it - because they know they’d be deemed heretical for it. That’s really saying something, when speaking in tongues is sufficient for many orthodox and Catholic figures to suggest charismatics are being influenced by demons.

UncleOxidant 3y ago

Most of the growth in evangelicalism is happening in the Charismatic/Pentecostal branches. https://www.prri.org/spotlight/the-future-of-born-again-evangelicalism-is-charismatic-and-pentecostal/ https://www.prri.org/spotlight/the-future-of-born-again-evan... Also, Jerry Falwell has been dead for several years, perhaps look to his son Jerry Falwell Jr's practices of flaunting wealth courting the wealthy for a more recent example. Yes, a lot of evangelicals denounce the prosperity gospel, but then they go on to act like it's their vibe. The prosperity gospel has permeated Christian Evangelical culture in the West to a degree that it's hard for the fish to see the water anymore. And in places like Africa it's often the mainstream teaching.

Amezarak 3y ago
Sure. Prosperity gospel is a minority belief even among Pentecostals and other charismatic groups. “Charismatic”, as your article mentions, simply refers to the belief in very free distribution of the specific “charisma”/gifts of the Holy Spirit, most famously speaking in tongues, a very common practice among Pentecostals. This is indeed essentially the only faction that believes it at all, but its still not common and even many of the (alleged) famous adherents, like Joel Osteen, will deny having anything to do with it and condemn it - because they know they’d be deemed heretical for it. That’s really saying something, when speaking in tongues is sufficient for many orthodox and Catholic figures to suggest charismatics are being influenced by demons.