The Prosperity Gospel

[Arial]

9 Things You Should Know About the Prosperity Gospel​

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | JOE CARTER

A recent survey finds an increasing number of churchgoers in the United States subscribe to beliefs associated with the prosperity gospel. “In the last five years, far more churchgoers are reflecting prosperity gospel teachings,” says Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, “including the heretical belief that material blessings are earned from God.” The problem, as McConnell points out, is not with the idea that God provides material blessings (all good things provided to God’s children come from him [Rom. 8:32]) but with the false teaching that we do anything to earn such favor.

Here are nine things you should know about the prosperity gospel.

1. The prosperity gospel goes by many names and brands.​

The prosperity gospel is an umbrella term for the “health and wealth gospel” or “name it and claim it” theology. Many people will recognize its most popular brand, the “Word of Faith” movement. It’s a contemporary Christian movement that has garnered both a massive following and considerable controversy.

This doctrine teaches that God wills the financial prosperity and physical well-being of his people and that faith, positive speech, and donations to select Christian ministries can increase one’s material wealth and health. As Stephen Hunt explains,

The doctrine of the assurance of divine physical health and prosperity through faith is at the forefront of this expression of Christian faith. It means that “health and wealth” are the automatic divine right of all Bible-believing Christians and may be procreated by faith as part of the package of salvation, since the atonement of Christ includes not just the removal of sin, but also the removal of sickness and poverty.

 

[Arial]

2. The prosperity gospel has its roots in the occult movement known as New Thought.​

The New Thought movement is a spiritual philosophy that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. While not explicitly Christian, it was influenced by Christian ideas, as well as by Eastern philosophies, metaphysical traditions, and the emerging fields of psychology and self-help.

The movement focuses on the power of positive thinking (the belief that positive thoughts manifest positive outcomes, while negative thoughts bring about negative circumstances), the law of attraction (the idea that since “like attracts like,” visualizing and focusing on desired outcomes will attract those circumstances into one’s life), and the belief that the mind has the power to heal the body and attract prosperity.

New Thought incorporates elements of Christian mysticism and Scripture but interprets them in a metaphysical context. Phrases from the Bible like “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matt. 7:7) are often interpreted as affirmations of the law of attraction. However, New Thought also incorporates ideas from Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern philosophies, making it a syncretic spiritual framework.

3. The ‘father of the prosperity gospel’ was a faith-healing preacher from Oklahoma.​

The man who could be considered the father of modern prosperity gospel teaching is Oral Roberts. Born in 1918 in Pontotoc County, Oklahoma, Roberts rose to prominence in the mid-20th century and played a significant role in shaping modern Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity. He grew up in poverty and struggled with tuberculosis as a teenager. He claims he decided to dedicate his life to Christian ministry after being miraculously healed during a revival meeting.

His ministry was one of the first to realize the potential of television as a medium for spreading the gospel, and his programs reached millions of viewers. The faith-healing evangelist became so influential that he started his own school, Oral Roberts University. At the height of his influence, Roberts oversaw a ministry that brought in $110 million in annual revenue.

 

[Arial]

4. The Word of Faith movement helped spread the prosperity gospel.​

While Roberts was one of the first to combine New Thought principles with faith healing, the most prominent evangelist of the prosperity gospel—and the father of the Word of Faith movement—was Kenneth E. Hagin (1917–2003). In 1962, Hagin founded Kenneth Hagin Ministries to spread his teachings, which emphasize speaking words of faith as a way to manifest health, wealth, and other blessings.

One of his most influential ideas was his distinguishing between the logos (the written Word of God) and the rhema (the spoken or revealed Word). He argued that rhema is the means by which believers activate God’s promises. As Russell S. Woodbridge says, “More than any other factor, the Word of Faith movement was the vehicle responsible for spreading prosperity teaching across the United States in the late 20th century.”

5. The concept of seed-faith is a cornerstone of the movement.​

The doctrine of seed-faith posits that financial giving—particularly to ministries that promote prosperity gospel preachers—can be likened to planting a seed that will eventually yield a harvest of blessings. You sow a financial “seed” into a ministry as an act of faith and, in turn, God will multiply that seed in the form of various blessings, which could be financial prosperity, physical healing, or other forms of favor. Essentially, it represents a transactional relationship between the believer and God, facilitated through a financial gift.

Roberts articulated the seed-faith concept using a threefold model: (1) plant a seed: give something valuable (usually money) as your seed to a ministry; (2) expect a miracle: have faith your act of giving will trigger divine intervention; (3) harvest the miracle: receive the divine blessings in a manifold manner, often expected to be in material or financial forms.

 

[Arial]

6. Television was the primary tool that helped to spread prosperity gospel teachings.​

Televangelism—the practice of using television to broadcast religious services and programs—began to flourish in the 1970s and 1980s with the deregulation of broadcasting and the expansion of cable television. Many of the most famous televangelists were associated with the prosperity gospel movement and its teachings.

Roberts was one of the first to use the medium to attract large audiences. His pilot and chauffeur, Kenneth Copeland, also became one of the most notorious (and wealthy) prosperity preachers. Roberts and Copeland paved the way for the televangelists who became famous in the 1980s, including Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, Robert Tilton, and Fred Price. In the 21st century, the most prominent prosperity gospel leaders got their start before a televised audience, including Joel Osteen, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, T. D. Jakes, and Paula White.

7. The prosperity gospel discounts what the Bible teaches—especially about wealth and suffering.​

Many Christian scholars and ethicists argue the prosperity gospel’s focus on material prosperity undermines the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility, compassion, and the normalcy of suffering.

“I don’t know what you feel about the prosperity gospel—the health, wealth and prosperity gospel—but I’ll tell you what I feel about it,” pastor John Piper told a gathering of more than 1,000 college students in November 2005. “Hatred.”

In 2014, Piper outlined six keys to detecting the prosperity gospel:

• absence of a serious doctrine of the biblical necessity and normalcy of suffering
• absence of a clear and prominent doctrine of self-denial
• absence of serious exposition of Scripture
• failure to deal with tensions in Scripture
• church leaders who have exorbitant lifestyles
• prominence of self and marginalization of the greatness of God

8. Prosperity gospel beliefs are common among American churchgoers.​

A 2023 study from Lifeway Research finds more than half (52 percent) of American Protestant churchgoers say their church teaches that God will bless them if they give more money to their church and charities, with one in four (24 percent) strongly agreeing with this teaching. In a 2017 study, only 38 percent of churchgoers made that same claim.

Churchgoers are more likely today than in 2017 to believe God wants them to prosper financially (76 percent vs. 69 percent) and that they have to do something for God in order to receive material blessings from him (45 percent vs. 26 percent). Today, three in four churchgoers (76 percent) believe God wants them to prosper financially, including 43 percent who strongly agree. Fewer (45 percent) believe they have to do something for him in order to receive material blessings from God, with 21 percent strongly agreeing.

 

[Arial]

9. The prosperity gospel is a false gospel.​

In a 2015 article for The Gospel Coalition, the Christian ethicist David W. Jones explained five theological errors of prosperity gospel teaching:

• The Abrahamic covenant is a means to material entitlement.
• Jesus’s atonement extends to the “sin” of material poverty.
• Christians give in order to gain material compensation from God.
• Faith is a self-generated spiritual force that leads to prosperity.
• Prayer is a tool to force God to grant prosperity.

“In light of Scripture, the prosperity gospel is fundamentally flawed,” Jones said. “At bottom, it is a false gospel because of its faulty view of the relationship between God and man. Simply put, if the prosperity gospel is true, grace is obsolete, God is irrelevant, and man is the measure of all things. Whether they’re talking about the Abrahamic covenant, the atonement, giving, faith, or prayer, prosperity teachers turn the relationship between God and man into a quid pro quo transaction.”

 

[Carbon]

9 Things You Should Know About the Prosperity Gospel​

SEPTEMBER 2, 2023 | JOE CARTER

A recent survey finds an increasing number of churchgoers in the United States subscribe to beliefs associated with the prosperity gospel. “In the last five years, far more churchgoers are reflecting prosperity gospel teachings,” says Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, “including the heretical belief that material blessings are earned from God.” The problem, as McConnell points out, is not with the idea that God provides material blessings (all good things provided to God’s children come from him [Rom. 8:32]) but with the false teaching that we do anything to earn such favor.

Here are nine things you should know about the prosperity gospel.

1. The prosperity gospel goes by many names and brands.​

The prosperity gospel is an umbrella term for the “health and wealth gospel” or “name it and claim it” theology. Many people will recognize its most popular brand, the “Word of Faith” movement. It’s a contemporary Christian movement that has garnered both a massive following and considerable controversy.

This doctrine teaches that God wills the financial prosperity and physical well-being of his people and that faith, positive speech, and donations to select Christian ministries can increase one’s material wealth and health. As Stephen Hunt explains,

The doctrine of the assurance of divine physical health and prosperity through faith is at the forefront of this expression of Christian faith. It means that “health and wealth” are the automatic divine right of all Bible-believing Christians and may be procreated by faith as part of the package of salvation, since the atonement of Christ includes not just the removal of sin, but also the removal of sickness and poverty.

Yes, this is like the theology of glory. Very misleading and false.

 

[Carbon]

His ministry was one of the first to realize the potential of television as a medium for spreading the gospel,

And robbing people blind

and his programs reached millions of viewers. The faith-healing evangelist became so influential that he started his own school, Oral Roberts University. At the height of his influence, Roberts oversaw a ministry that brought in $110 million in annual revenue.

Just 110 million? Oh, the poor guy.

 

[Carbon]

• absence of a serious doctrine of the biblical necessity and normalcy of suffering

Indeed. What it is, is the theology of glory. If you do well, have faith, and do the right thing you will have plenty. Be prosperous.

Unlike the theology of the cross. Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, Col 1:24.

Some people actually believe if someone is not well, or is suffering financially or however, it's because of a lack of faith or sin in their lives.

What arrogance.

 

[makesends]

Good warning!

I wish more people that visit or attend here could understand that the philosophy of the whole range --faith healing to prosperity gospel-- is not Christian, but is visible by many different ways to know it to be, instead, fleshly, and immature at best, but more often, pagan and superstition, and can even overlap a sort of witchcraft/ divination. The worst thing I see about it is that it is not only seductive to the flesh, but that it sometimes directly attributes the related deeds of the flesh (such as self-derived "faith") to the Holy Spirit.

 

[Arial]

Indeed. What it is, is the theology of glory. If you do well, have faith, and do the right thing you will have plenty. Be prosperous.

Unlike the theology of the cross. Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, Col 1:24.

Some people actually believe if someone is not well, or is suffering financially or however, it's because of a lack of faith or sin in their lives.

What arrogance.

It is a gross misuse of the use of the word "faith" in the Bible----which always refers to the saving faith that is given by God, uniting a person with Christ through regeneration.

The Christology that some of the preachers/teachers present is so wrong as to raise the question as to whether or not it is the real Jesus they ask hearers to "invite into their lives."

I have heard our Lord called the first born again man.

I have heard them say "If Jesus can do it, so can I/we."

I don't think I have ever heard them preach Christ and him crucified, and I went to many of their churches for 20 some years and saw them on TV. They preach Christ and what you can get from him and he has to give you. They teach that he laid down his precious life so we can never suffer and live wallow in dollars and self indulgence, while they steal from the poor and needy to buy their own jets and diamonds.

 

[makesends]

Indeed. What it is, is the theology of glory. If you do well, have faith, and do the right thing you will have plenty. Be prosperous.

Unlike the theology of the cross. Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, Col 1:24.

Some people actually believe if someone is not well, or is suffering financially or however, it's because of a lack of faith or sin in their lives.

What arrogance.

It is a gross misuse of the use of the word "faith" in the Bible----which always refers to the saving faith that is given by God, uniting a person with Christ through regeneration.

The Christology that some of the preachers/teachers present is so wrong as to raise the question as to whether or not it is the real Jesus they ask hearers to "invite into their lives."

I have heard our Lord called the first born again man.

I have heard them say "If Jesus can do it, so can I/we."

I don't think I have ever heard them preach Christ and him crucified, and I went to many of their churches for 20 some years and saw them on TV. They preach Christ and what you can get from him and he has to give you. They teach that he laid down his precious life so we can never suffer and live wallow in dollars and self indulgence, while they steal from the poor and needy to buy their own jets and diamonds.

The teaching that I have heard is, as @Josheb mentioned in a thread concerning Molinism and Open Theism, a sidelining of the real purpose of God's creating and of Redemption, to give place to earthly matters. It actually claims that God's purpose for us is to be happy, fulfilled, healthy and wealthy NOW.

 

[Carbon]

It is a gross misuse of the use of the word "faith" in the Bible----which always refers to the saving faith that is given by God, uniting a person with Christ through regeneration.

The Christology that some of the preachers/teachers present is so wrong as to raise the question as to whether or not it is the real Jesus they ask hearers to "invite into their lives."

I have heard our Lord called the first born again man.

I have heard them say "If Jesus can do it, so can I/we."

I don't think I have ever heard them preach Christ and him crucified, and I went to many of their churches for 20 some years and saw them on TV. They preach Christ and what you can get from him and he has to give you. They teach that he laid down his precious life so we can never suffer and live wallow in dollars and self indulgence, while they steal from the poor and needy to buy their own jets and diamonds.

Very sad.

 

[Arial]

The teaching that I have heard is, as @Josheb mentioned, a sidelining of the real purpose of God's creating and of Redemption, to give place to earthly matters. It actually claims that God's purpose for us is to be happy, fulfilled, healthy and wealthy NOW.

Yes it is 100% man centered and earth bound. There are a lot of true Christians caught up in it. And here perhaps God laughs. Because no matter how many wolves are allowed into the flock, no one can take a single one of his elect out of his hands. And no matter how deceived a person is because the church has been even more dumbed down than even the general population, nothing can stop his sheep from hearing his voice and following him, and nothing can stop or even hinder God from gathering his flock. But woe unto those shepherds we read about it Ez 34.

 

[makesends]

Yes it is 100% man centered and earth bound. There are a lot of true Christians caught up in it. And here perhaps God laughs. Because no matter how many wolves are allowed into the flock, no one can take a single one of his elect out of his hands. And no matter how deceived a person is because the church has been even more dumbed down than even the general population, nothing can stop his sheep from hearing his voice and following him, and nothing can stop or even hinder God from gathering his flock. But woe unto those shepherds we read about it Ez 34.

We are all familiar with the claim that God does not ordain all things whatsoever comes to pass, among their several different reasoning, for the reason that if God ordained all things, then why obey, why work, etc, 'since it is all automatic'.

Not that you, Arial, said so, but rather, you were pointing out what seems to me to even be a funny irony concerning eons of Satan's work (that God even intended it for His purposes, and worse, that Satan can't help but oppose God even though he must know that God intends Satan's very desperate hate and rebellion). But there is the sometimes mistaken notion I have heard by several of the Reformed or Calvinists that since God has ordained certain ones to reprobation, that there is no point in feeling bad for 'my own failure' to adequately preach or represent the Gospel, or even to live an obedient testimony to the goodness of God.

While it is true that God has "determined everything", as I put it, establishing all things, the fact is that he does it by means, such as by our disobedience as well as by our obedience. Many are driven from Christianity, and that by God's ordaining their reprobation, by the hypocrisy of believers, (to their shame), hardening the hearts of the unbeliever, blinding their eyes and stopping their ears. I know several missionary kids and preachers kids who want nothing to do with the Christianity they have seen and in which they grew up. And some of them that I know have already died, and as far as I know are forever lost. While that is in keeping with God's decree and purposes, I can't absolve myself of responsibility there, but, as always, must throw myself upon the grace and mercy of God. Because even my disobedience or selfishness or self-righteousness, or any other hypocrisy, is by God's decree and so to his praise, but to my disgrace.

 

[Josheb]

The teaching that I have heard is, as @Josheb mentioned in a thread concerning Molinism and Open Theism, a sidelining of the real purpose of God's creating and of Redemption, to give place to earthly matters. It actually claims that God's purpose for us is to be happy, fulfilled, healthy and wealthy NOW.

As we can see from the six opening posts there is a lot wrong with Prosperity Theology (a label we can add to the list of oxymorons). Although I'd place the birth in folks like Kenyon, rather than Roberts (who I briefly met about forty years ago), and suggest it is giving prosperity preachers too much credit to say they're rooted in the occult's "New Thought," both the "theology" (a questionable term for what they teach) and the practices of preachers are straight out of hell, imo. I've met many of them, including a couple of the big names like Copeland, Hagin and Hinn, and I would use one word to describe them all.

greasy​

They look that way, sound that way and if you ever shake hands with one of them, then you'll consciously want to wash your hands afterward (heaven forbid they'd "lay hands" on you to manifest some gift of (some) spirit). I felt very much akin to the times I've interacted with former DC mayor Marion Barry. But maybe I'm just biased and being ornery. I went to go check Hinn out a couple of nights when his "revival" was in town and had the opportunity after one of the shows to ask him about Jesus and Christianity. He can preach the gospel. He simply prefers to do so for profit, and he is very good at preying, not just praying.


2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

There is a fundamental difference between those who preach for a wage earned and those who preach for an exploited profit. The former may well teach scripture well. The latter twist, misuse and abuse God's word but that's recognizable only by those who studied for themselves. Paul acknowledged "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill," but those guys preach for personal aggrandization and greed.

 

[makesends]

As we can see from the six opening posts there is a lot wrong with Prosperity Theology (a label we can add to the list of oxymorons). Although I'd place the birth in folks like Kenyon, rather than Roberts (who I briefly met about forty years ago), and suggest it is giving prosperity preachers too much credit to say they're rooted in the occult's "New Thought," both the "theology" (a questionable term for what they teach) and the practices of preachers are straight out of hell, imo. I've met many of them, including a couple of the big names like Copeland, Hagin and Hinn, and I would use one word to describe them all.

greasy​

They look that way, sound that way and if you ever shake hands with one of them, then you'll consciously want to wash your hands afterward (heaven forbid they'd "lay hands" on you to manifest some gift of (some) spirit). I felt very much akin to the times I've interacted with former DC mayor Marion Barry. But maybe I'm just biased and being ornery. I went to go check Hinn out a couple of nights when his "revival" was in town and had the opportunity after one of the shows to ask him about Jesus and Christianity. He can preach the gospel. He simply prefers to do so for profit, and he is very good at preying, not just praying.


2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

There is a fundamental difference between those who preach for a wage earned and those who preach for an exploited profit. The former may well teach scripture well. The latter twist, misuse and abuse God's word but that's recognizable only by those who studied for themselves. Paul acknowledged "Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill," but those guys preach for personal aggrandization and greed.

Haha! That is accurate! Greasy!!! Slimy, I would have said.

I have to differ slightly with your statement, "The latter twist, misuse and abuse God's word but that's recognizable only by those who studied for themselves." Some of us grew up being daily drenched in the scriptures --ok yes, it was the KJV, but, still-- there is a certain urgency and direction and focus endemic to the Word of God that these false teachers miss completely, but those who, even if they don't study for themselves, hear from use of scriptures, that makes the false noticeably "off", and obviously not trustworthy. Call it, as some might say, "a catch in my spirit", or "a halting by the Spirit", or whatever, it was there.

Also, we know that whether or not it is by discernment or by whatever else God uses, the Elect will finally not fall away, regardless of what direction they went. These false teachers can only deceive them so far, and no more.

 

[Arial]

We are all familiar with the claim that God does not ordain all things whatsoever comes to pass, among their several different reasoning, for the reason that if God ordained all things, then why obey, why work, etc, 'since it is all automatic'.

Not that you, Arial, said so, but rather, you were pointing out what seems to me to even be a funny irony concerning eons of Satan's work (that God even intended it for His purposes, and worse, that Satan can't help but oppose God even though he must know that God intends Satan's very desperate hate and rebellion). But there is the sometimes mistaken notion I have heard by several of the Reformed or Calvinists that since God has ordained certain ones to reprobation, that there is no point in feeling bad for 'my own failure' to adequately preach or represent the Gospel, or even to live an obedient testimony to the goodness of God.

While it is true that God has "determined everything", as I put it, establishing all things, the fact is that he does it by means, such as by our disobedience as well as by our obedience. Many are driven from Christianity, and that by God's ordaining their reprobation, by the hypocrisy of believers, (to their shame), hardening the hearts of the unbeliever, blinding their eyes and stopping their ears. I know several missionary kids and preachers kids who want nothing to do with the Christianity they have seen and in which they grew up. And some of them that I know have already died, and as far as I know are forever lost. While that is in keeping with God's decree and purposes, I can't absolve myself of responsibility there, but, as always, must throw myself upon the grace and mercy of God. Because even my disobedience or selfishness or self-righteousness, or any other hypocrisy, is by God's decree and so to his praise, but to my disgrace.

I am not exactly sure what you are saying in relation to my post---though I do understand what you are saying and agree.

A long time ago, even before I was introduced to Reformed theology or had even heard of it, I was reading Nehemiah and was struck to the core by his cry to God and his lament over Jerusalem as he sat in captivity. "Our walls are broken down and our gates are burned with fire." It was like something that burned in me and over the years it has never left, though my understanding of how the walls of Christ's church are broken down and our gates burned with fire, has changed much. It was like a battle cry in my heart to take up sword and shield.

And I have wondered at why God has allowed it to go so far. And why he does not shut the mouths of the false teachers who are preying on the sheep. And have wondered why I was pliable in his hands when he brought the truth of these matters to my attention and showed me the truth of his sovereignty and monergism in salvation, and most caught up in that word of faith deception are not, if they are his people (the ones that are). And I don't know, but some of the things I have thought it might be, are: a winnowing, a test of faith, a show of his power to keep his people, a great apostasy, to call his people to prayer for the church. God laughing at the vain efforts of the devil. It could be all of those things and much, much more. God never works in singularities, his work is always multifaceted, like a kaleidoscope turning, nothing added, nothing taken away, yet always connected and together.

But I know only this: that it is serving his perfect purposes every step of the way. And I know prayer is needed and with earnest concern that Nehemiah had for Jerusalem, and so is contending for the faith. By his soldiers at arms.

 

[fastfredy0]

Anyone here know of a 'stock selection' site run by a 'Prosperity Gospel' group? I need some winning picks.

 

[makesends]

I am not exactly sure what you are saying in relation to my post---though I do understand what you are saying and agree.

A long time ago, even before I was introduced to Reformed theology or had even heard of it, I was reading Nehemiah and was struck to the core by his cry to God and his lament over Jerusalem as he sat in captivity. "Our walls are broken down and our gates are burned with fire." It was like something that burned in me and over the years it has never left, though my understanding of how the walls of Christ's church are broken down and our gates burned with fire, has changed much. It was like a battle cry in my heart to take up sword and shield.

And I have wondered at why God has allowed it to go so far. And why he does not shut the mouths of the false teachers who are preying on the sheep. And have wondered why I was pliable in his hands when he brought the truth of these matters to my attention and showed me the truth of his sovereignty and monergism in salvation, and most caught up in that word of faith deception are not, if they are his people (the ones that are). And I don't know, but some of the things I have thought it might be, are: a winnowing, a test of faith, a show of his power to keep his people, a great apostasy, to call his people to prayer for the church. God laughing at the vain efforts of the devil. It could be all of those things and much, much more. God never works in singularities, his work is always multifaceted, like a kaleidoscope turning, nothing added, nothing taken away, yet always connected and together.

But I know only this: that it is serving his perfect purposes every step of the way. And I know prayer is needed and with earnest concern that Nehemiah had for Jerusalem, and so is contending for the faith. By his soldiers at arms.

So often, anymore, when I read a post or hear someone talk like you do here, the thought comes, that He did, and continues to do, all this at His own expense. Why He doesn't just dash it all away, like I would have done, I don't understand, except that He is not like us, and that I know He has something better in mind than this is bad. But it is so full of riddles and deepness that I can't help but be glad and amazed, though it tears me up.

I didn't mean to correct anything in your post, but to add to it. (I'm allowed, since it is not scripture )

 

[Arial]

Anyone here know of a 'stock selection' site run by a 'Prosperity Gospel' group? I need some winning picks.

I know that is a joke but that little inner click as listed in one of the OP posts sometimes does recommend investments in various things, to all their affiliate churches across the country. Iraqi dollars was one of them a number of years ago. And then they get their followers to pyramid scheme all their friends and relatives. It is a disgrace. I don't know how many my sister has tried to involve me in and once my mother with a direct investment into her pastors ponzy scheme. I am behind my sister's back shaking my head no, no, no. I already knew by that time that guy was a farce and a crook. He ended up in prison in Texas for seventeen years. Got out, came back, stated up his church again even though he was never allowed to have a church. He had not been rehabilitated. It technically isn't his church, he just preaches there. My sister did finally recognize his true colors and went to a different Word of Life church.