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Prosperity Gospel
An aberrant theology that teaches God rewards faith—and hefty tithing—with financial blessings, the prosperity gospel was closely associated with prominent 1980s televangelists Jimmy Swaggart and Jim and Tammy Bakker, and is part and parcel of many of today’s charismatic movements in the Global South. Orthodox Christians wary of prosperity doctrine found a friend in Senator Chuck Grassley, who in 2008 began a thorough vetting of the tax-exempt status of six prominent “health and wealth” leaders, including Kenneth Copeland, Bishop Eddie Long, and Paula White.
All Articles
Pray Hard and Prosper?
My encounter with a false health-and-wealth gospel in Nigeria.
Great Falls of Fire
How Jimmy Swaggart’s legacy of scandal shaped the evangelical landscape.
The Bulletin
Count It Up
The Bulletin discusses Marine Le Pen’s embezzlement verdict, Cory Booker’s Senate speech, and Paula White’s Passover promises.
Paula White Gets Passover Wrong
The televangelist misappropriates God’s promises to ancient Israel in Exodus as a prosperity gospel for today.
Yesterday, Today, and Forever 21
Even the yellow plastic bags will someday fade. But the verse they shared is eternal.
The Russell Moore Show
Kate Bowler Tells Us Where We’re Wrong on Suffering
The author and historian addresses the problem of pain, the prosperity gospel, and perseverance.
Wire Story
T. D. Jakes Keeps Preaching Revival After Shooting Down Rumors
Followers continue to flock to the prosperity gospel minister even after his A-list connections spawned recent scrutiny.
I’ve Been a Prosperity Gospel Parent
As a young mom, I tried to do everything right. The longer I parent, the less I seek “success” and the more I rely on God’s grace.
Divine Abundance Is More Than a Charismatic Hobbyhorse
The language of extravagant blessing is thoroughly biblical—even if it’s sometimes abused.
Seek Prosperity Properly During Lunar New Year
It’s not wrong to celebrate our blessings. But Asian theologians and pastors advise how to do so in biblical, godly ways amid the festival’s red envelopes and best wishes.