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"Some may well interpret this as judgment on the leaders who have abused their positions or proved immoral in other respects," said Blomberg, a New Testament professor at Denver Seminary. "And many may simply assume this is the time to call others and themselves to an even truer faith so that the 'system will work' as it is supposed to in their minds."

In Grady's view, the notion that "God blesses us so we can be a blessing" is biblical. What is needed, he believes, is a shift to a more selfless movement where people "realize that God wants to bless us so that we can feed the poor, lift up the broken, and transform society.

"We need that kind of prosperity," he said, "and I think that is where things are going."

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Our special section on Pentecostalism has more articles on the prosperity gospel, including:

Gospel Riches
Africa's rapid embrace of prosperity Pentecostalism provokes concern—and hope.(July 6, 2007)

First Church of Prosperidad
Arlene Sanchez Walsh on the African-style prosperity gospel right in our backyards—in immigrant Latino churches. (July 6, 2007)

What Really Unites Pentecostals?
It's not speaking in tongues. It may be the prosperity gospel. (December, 5 2006)

Pentecostal Connections
Full Gospel's forbidden fruit. (April 1, 2006)

Full Gospel's Fractured Thinking
The problems with shunning the life of the mind. (March 30, 2006)

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February 2009, Vol. 53, No. 2