Download or read book Blessed written by Kate Bowler and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2013-05-08 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How have millions of American Christians come to measure spiritual progress in terms of their financial status and physical well-being? How has the movement variously called Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, or simply prosperity gospel come to dominate much of our contemporary religious landscape? Kate Bowler's Blessed is the first book to fully explore the origins, unifying themes, and major figures of a burgeoning movement that now claims millions of followers in America. Bowler traces the roots of the prosperity gospel: from the touring mesmerists, metaphysical sages, pentecostal healers, business oracles, and princely prophets of the early 20th century; through mid-century positive thinkers like Norman Vincent Peale and revivalists like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin; to today's hugely successful prosperity preachers. Bowler focuses on such contemporary figures as Creflo Dollar, pastor of Atlanta's 30,000-member World Changers Church International; Joel Osteen, known as "the smiling preacher," with a weekly audience of seven million; T. D. Jakes, named by Time magazine one of America's most influential new religious leaders; Joyce Meyer, evangelist and women's empowerment guru; and many others. At almost any moment, day or night, the American public can tune in to these preachers-on TV, radio, podcasts, and in their megachurches-to hear the message that God desires to bless them with wealth and health. Bowler offers an interpretive framework for scholars and general readers alike to understand the diverse expressions of Christian abundance as a cohesive movement bound by shared understandings and common goals.

Download or read book God Greed and the Prosperity Gospel written by Costi W. Hinn and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2019-07-09 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A captivating first-person look at one of the world's most powerful prosperity dynasties that offers a unique perspective on greed, the Church, and the journey toward Truth. Millions desperate for hope and solutions are enticed by the promise of the prosperity gospel--that God will do whatever they need with just a little faith and a financial gift. All the while, prosperity preachers exploit the poor and needy to stockpile their riches. What can followers of the true gospel do to combat the deception? Through a remarkable and fascinating journey, Costi Hinn went from a next-generation prosperity preacher to the first to abandon the family faith and share the true gospel. Nephew of the world-famous televangelist, Benny Hinn, Costi had a front-row seat to the inner workings and theology of the prosperity gospel. But as Costi's faith deepened, so did his questions about prosperity teaching. As the deceptions in his past were exposed, Costi came face to face with the hypocrisy and devastation caused by his belief system, and the overwhelming truth about the real Jesus Christ. This captivating look into the daily lives of one of the world's leading prosperity dynasties offers a thoughtful perspective on the perils of greed, the power of the true gospel, and hope for the future of the global church. Through real-life stories, Costi challenges and equips readers to be living lights pointing the way to the true gospel and the saving grace of Christ. God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel will bolster your faith and encourage your own journey toward the Truth. Spanish edition also available.

Download or read book Health Wealth and Happiness written by David W. Jones and published by Kregel Publications. This book was released on 2017-07-25 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Be faithful in your giving and God will reward you financially. It's not always stated that blatantly but the promises of the Prosperity Gospel--or the name-it-and-claim-it gospel, the health-and-wealth gospel, the word of faith movement, or positive confession theology--are false. Yet its message permeates the preaching of well-known Christian leaders: Joyce Meyer, T. D. Jakes, Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, and many more. The appeal of this teaching crosses racial, gender, denominational, and international boundaries. Why are otherwise faithful Christians so easily led astray? Because the Prosperity Gospel contains a grain of biblical truth, greatly distorted. For anyone who knows that Prosperity Gospel theology is wrong but has trouble articulating and refuting the finer points, this concise edition contains all the robust arguments of the hard-hitting original edition in a shorter, more accessible form.

Download or read book The biblical and theological examination of prosperity theology written by Basilius Kasera and published by GRIN Verlag. This book was released on 2013-09-10 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Master's Thesis from the year 2012 in the subject Theology - Systematic Theology, grade: B, , course: Theology - Systematic Theology (Ethics), language: English, abstract: This thesis conducts a biblical and theological analysis of the prosperity theology’s (PT) impact amongst the poor. The main problem is to seek ways of effectively responding to the biblical, theological, and ideological problems raised by PT in Namibia, without overlooking the social issues of poverty and suffering, which this theology claims to be solving. The subject under discussion is found in various denominations but especially amongst neo-Pentecostal churches and it is not a standardised theology. Through interacting with the various views of the proponents and opponents this research proposes that although PT may have certain positive aspects, it is a theology established upon faulty hermeneutics and is not helpful in providing biblically and theologically sound solutions to the problem of poverty. The research aims to show that Christians have a biblical mandate to care for the poor and to work towards assisting the poor to help themselves. However, we do not foresee a time in the here and now when poverty will be totally abolished. Living with this painful reality, we have the duty of continuously pointing people to the future hope in Christ. On the other hand, our looking to the future hope does not exempt us from doing our best in helping people in the here and now as God enables us. The research shows that the gospel is the hope for humanity and we should do away with methods and practices that do not have their roots in Scripture. Moreover, the church has a duty to warn against any theology that is conducted in an irresponsible manner and is given to reductionist arguments when it comes to providing solutions to human problems. Therefore, the research seeks to suggest biblical, theological and practical ways of responding to the issue of poverty and ministry to the poor.

Download or read book An Examination of the Prosperity Gospel written by Aaron Phillips and published by . This book was released on 2015 with total page 134 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The prosperity gospel teaches that the Bible promises health, wealth and uncommon success to all believers. A problem surfaces when the prosperity that is promised does not materialize to all members of the congregation. In examining the validity of this teaching, extensive writings, books, articles and sermons by leading proponents, have been reviewed. Additionally, interviews with at least one hundred pastors inform this writing. The purpose of the research is to furnish contemporary, active insight to this project. The conclusion of this writer is that the prosperity gospel offers an unbalanced application of scripture, which results in a departure from a clear biblical orientation for articulating the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Hence the ramifications of the prosperity message when measured by fundamental Christological dogma leads to doctrinal poverty.

Download or read book Invading Babylon written by Lance Wallnau and published by Destiny Image Publishers. This book was released on 2013-07-16 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: You were transformed to transform your world! For too long, Christianity has been defined by a false concept of church. As a result, believers have built walls around their lives, keeping culture at a distance. As Christians have tried to keep culture out of the church, unfortunately, the church has kept itself out of the culture. This was never Jesus’ design for the your life! Before church was established as a place that people “came to,” Jesus instituted it as an army that brought transformation to society, starting with salvation and continuing with seven spheres of influence: Church, family, education, government, media, arts, and commerce. Six revolutionary voices in the modern church deliver Invading Babylon. This essential guide will equip you to: Understand your vital role in shaping society. Release God’s will in your sphere of influence. Become an unstoppable citizen in God’s Kingdom. It’s your time to arise and be a light in a dark world.

Download or read book Prosperity Theology and the Gospel written by Lausanne Movement and published by Hendrickson Publishers. This book was released on 2022-05-03 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prosperity theology--the belief that financial and physical well-being is God's will for his followers--has become prevalent in modern-day Christianity. For Christians looking to better understand how it is affecting the life and growth of the church around the world, this book is an accessible and practical resource. Evaluating the prosperity theology movement from a biblical and evangelical perspective, the authors encourage readers to think critically about the ways in which the theology we follow can lead toward or away from the kingdom of God. Prosperity Theology and the Gospel is in four parts: The first part turns our attention to God's word and looks at what the Bible says about the issue of prosperity. Part 2 looks at the issue from different perspectives--be it historical, ethical, or sociological. Part 3 considers the impact of prosperity theology in different regions of the world through several case studies. Part 4 proposes how we might respond to some of the challenges we have identified and what could be a way forward for us all. Each chapter is followed by ideas for further thought and discussion. Contributors include Femi Adeleye, Christopher Wright, Joel Tejedo, Valdir and Maicon Steuernagel, and many others.

Download or read book PROSPERITY GOSPEL and it s effect on the 21st Century Church A Historical and Theological perspective on the Prosperity Gospel written by DR. JEFFERY B. BOWENS and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2012-01-27 with total page 129 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Prosperity Gospel has been one of the most talked about discussions of the 21st century, particularly within the Christian Community. The battle line has been drawn by prominent theologians, influential scholars, pundits, and televangelists alike, who are on different sides of this debate and no one is conceding ground to anyone else. The narrow view simply places emphasis and focus on a more capitalistic view of prosperity, such as exquisite homes, fashionable wardrobes, excessive wealth, expensive cars, material and temporal possessions. Things which are tangible and are seen have come to symbolize for many prosperity and achieving the American dream. On the other hand the broader perspective of prosperity is associated with possessing good health, accomplishing ones goals, experiencing a changed life, having a healthy home life, seeing others become productive members of society, and maintaining a perpetual fellowship with the creator. Wherefore, this material will help the reader to be more distinct and precise in defining the different nuisances of prosperity from a historical and theological perspective.

Download or read book Everything Happens for a Reason written by Kate Bowler and published by Random House. This book was released on 2018-02-06 with total page 208 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A meditation on sense-making when there’s no sense to be made, on letting go when we can’t hold on, and on being unafraid even when we’re terrified.”—Lucy Kalanithi “Belongs on the shelf alongside other terrific books about this difficult subject, like Paul Kalanithi’s When Breath Becomes Air and Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal.”—Bill Gates NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY REAL SIMPLE Kate Bowler is a professor at Duke Divinity School with a modest Christian upbringing, but she specializes in the study of the prosperity gospel, a creed that sees fortune as a blessing from God and misfortune as a mark of God’s disapproval. At thirty-five, everything in her life seems to point toward “blessing.” She is thriving in her job, married to her high school sweetheart, and loves life with her newborn son. Then she is diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. The prospect of her own mortality forces Kate to realize that she has been tacitly subscribing to the prosperity gospel, living with the conviction that she can control the shape of her life with “a surge of determination.” Even as this type of Christianity celebrates the American can-do spirit, it implies that if you “can’t do” and succumb to illness or misfortune, you are a failure. Kate is very sick, and no amount of positive thinking will shrink her tumors. What does it mean to die, she wonders, in a society that insists everything happens for a reason? Kate is stripped of this certainty only to discover that without it, life is hard but beautiful in a way it never has been before. Frank and funny, dark and wise, Kate Bowler pulls the reader deeply into her life in an account she populates affectionately with a colorful, often hilarious retinue of friends, mega-church preachers, relatives, and doctors. Everything Happens for a Reason tells her story, offering up her irreverent, hard-won observations on dying and the ways it has taught her to live. Praise for Everything Happens for a Reason “I fell hard and fast for Kate Bowler. Her writing is naked, elegant, and gripping—she’s like a Christian Joan Didion. I left Kate’s story feeling more present, more grateful, and a hell of a lot less alone. And what else is art for?”—Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love Warrior and president of Together Rising

Download or read book Know the Heretics written by Justin S. Holcomb and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2014-04-29 with total page 177 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a lot of talk about heresy these days. The frequency and volume of accusations suggest that some Christians have lost a sense of the gravity of the word. On the other hand, many believers have little to no familiarity with orthodox doctrine or the historic distortions of it. What’s needed is a strong dose of humility and restraint, and also a clear and informed definition of orthodoxy and heresy. Know the Heretics provides an accessible “travel guide” to the most significant heresies throughout Christian history. As a part of the KNOW series, it is designed for personal study or classroom use, but also for small groups and Sunday schools wanting to more deeply understand the foundations of the faith. Each chapter covers a key statement of faith and includes a discussion of its historical context; a simple explanation of the unorthodox teaching, the orthodox response and a key defender; reflections of contemporary relevance; and discussion questions.

Download or read book Anatomy of the Prosperity Gospel written by Abiodun Jemilohun and published by . This book was released on 2019-09-20 with total page 229 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book is a diligent examination of the Prosperity Gospel in light of the written Word of God. In it, you would find the origin, the elements and the fruits of the Prosperity Theology laid out in a candid manner.

Download or read book Material Prosperity and Perfect Health written by Mustafa Abubakar and published by . This book was released on 2021-03-31 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Prosperity theology is plaguing Africa and the world's nations, replacing the true gospel of salvation with a kind of "gospel" that is no gospel at all, leading many astray. False teachers spread their message like a virus, teaching that God in Christ wants us to be physically healthy and materially prosperous. They rarely preach sermons about sin and repentance. Therefore, salvation for them is deliverance from sickness and poverty. It is temporal rather than eternal. Mustafa writes this book with the passion of the apostle Paul who wrote, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel- 7 which is really no gospel at all." (Galatians 1:6-7). Mustafa explains the prosperity gospel and compares it with the Word of God. He is biblical from beginning to end, exposing its evils while offering hope through the true gospel.

Download or read book The Fallacy of the Prosperity Gospel written by Nelson R Grimmett and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2024-07-24 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In "The Fallacy of the Prosperity Gospel," Nelson Grimmett offers a thought-provoking and deeply biblical critique of the widely popular but misguided belief that God desires His followers to be financially wealthy. Drawing from his extensive knowledge of Scripture and his experience as the senior pastor of Great Plains Apostolic Church, Grimmett debunks the myth that material prosperity is a sign of divine favor. Through a careful examination of biblical texts, Grimmett exposes the dangers and inaccuracies of the prosperity gospel. He begins by exploring the humble life of Jesus Christ, who, contrary to the claims of prosperity preachers, lived a life marked by simplicity and reliance on God rather than earthly wealth. Grimmett then delves into the teachings of the apostles, highlighting their emphasis on spiritual growth, contentment, and stewardship. Each chapter addresses a different aspect of the prosperity gospel, from the misinterpretation of key scriptures to the pitfalls of seeking wealth over spiritual fulfillment. Grimmett's analysis is both thorough and accessible, making complex theological concepts understandable for all readers. He combines historical context, personal anecdotes, and scriptural exegesis to build a compelling case against the prosperity gospel. Grimmett's passion for preserving sound biblical doctrine shines through as he calls believers to refocus their lives on eternal treasures rather than fleeting riches. He emphasizes the importance of godliness with contentment, wise stewardship, and a heart of generosity. By returning to these foundational truths, Grimmett believes that Christians can experience true spiritual prosperity and fulfillment. "The Fallacy of the Prosperity Gospel" is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the biblical perspective on wealth and to align their faith with the true teachings of Jesus Christ. Nelson Grimmett's insightful and heartfelt book encourages readers to seek first the kingdom of God, trust in His provision, and live a life marked by humility and devotion.

Download or read book The Prosperity Gospel Truth or Lie written by Jean Maurice Prosper and published by WestBow Press. This book was released on 2012-11-30 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this actual generation, God is practically absent. The World is now a place where personal glory, fame and riches is the prime goal of everybody. The society is now a success driven one and the importance of having money and riches has never been more important. Christianity have unfortunately been caught up in this movement and we now have a new type of gospel known to many as the Prosperity Gospel. For many, this gospel is the intention or blessings that God has declared for his followers, for others this is simply a twisted and corrupted version of the real Gospel. This book is an invitation to review the claims of the prosperity gospel and at the same time, review what the Bible really teaches. Are we born to be rich and possess the world ? Are we to live in extreme riches and abundance until our Lord returns or are we called to live out as followers and disciples of Jesus, being content with what we have and leaving everything we need to Jesus? Does God really promises all the riches of the world to all of us once we start following Jesus ? Join me in this interesting and most important exploration of the hottest topic around, The prosperity gospel.

Download or read book In Search of Health and Wealth written by Hermen Kroesbergen and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2014-01-07 with total page 141 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The prosperity gospel is very influential in Africa, in Pentecostal churches, and in Reformed churches. But what is the prosperity gospel? Where did it originate? Is it biblically sound? How should we evaluate the prosperity gospel? Does it represent a wrong way of looking for health and wealth, or can we learn something from it? In this book the authors provide an analysis from different perspectives on the highly debated topic of the prosperity gospel. It is intended to be accessible and helpful both to academic colleagues and to ordinary ministers. Most of the authors are lecturers at Justo Mwale Theological University College in Lusaka (Zambia). Together with Prof. L. Togarasei from the University of Botswana, they use their theological skills to examine and assess this important topic from an African and Reformed perspective. The articles in this book will help anyone who wants to deeply explore and evaluate the intriguing phenomenon of the prosperity gospel in Africa. Book jacket.

Download or read book More Than a Healer written by Costi W. Hinn and published by Zondervan. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 193 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How does healing fit into God's will, especially when God doesn't heal? Our hearts, our bodies, and our world are desperate for healing. We all experience brokenness, and we rightfully look to Jesus for restoration. But many Christians have been taught the lie that God will heal us if our faith is strong enough, and that he is punishing us when bad things happen. Growing up in one of the world's leading faith-healing dynasties, Costi Hinn witnessed the tragedy of people chasing after healing more than the Healer. In this book he provides biblical clarity to some of the most challenging questions of the Christian faith. Does grace guarantee healing? How do we catch ourselves from slipping into the trap of seeking God for what he can do for us and not for who he really is? Beginning with the vivid memory of the night he discovered his son's cancer diagnosis—Costi unpacks the layered feelings and questions we have about God and his healing power, and he provides practical principles for growing closer to Jesus. With gentle clarity and biblical wisdom, he explains how to: Faithfully pray for healing while trusting in God's sovereignty. Navigate tough conversations about the topics of divine healing, love, and justice. Hold on to faith even in the most painful trials. More than chasing after the Jesus we want, this hopeful and encouraging book will guide you to discovering the Jesus we truly need—and the true power and hope that comes from a genuine relationship with him.

Download or read book Your Best Life Now written by Joel Osteen and published by FaithWords. This book was released on 2007-09-03 with total page 270 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, Joel Osteen offers unique insights and encouragement that will help readers overcome every obstacle in their lives.