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 PrintableVersion Faith, health and prosperityA report on 'Word of Faith' and 'Positive Confession' theologiesPulling punchesFAITH, HEALTH AND PROSPERITY After seven years of research and discussion the EA Theological Commission has produced an in-depth report into the biblical legitimacy of the 'Word of Faith' movement: those who preach the so-called 'health and wealth gospel,' in which the degree of 'faith' exercised is directly proportional to the physical and material 'blessings' received. 'Faith' is seen as a commodity, the sole purpose of which is worldly 'prosperity'. Often it is purchased by donations to a particular ministry. Conscious that evangelicals have often condemned this movement, the Commission has clearly avoided a polemic and the bulk of the report is firmly upheld by biblical references. The teaching in question is thoroughly scrutinised, and its dangerous theology and, often blasphemous, rhetoric fully documented. Nevertheless, there seems a definite feeling throughout the book that the Commission desired not to appear wholly critical of the movement. This has somewhat blunted the impact of their conclusions. The Bible-believing Christian, familiar with the movement only through the evidence presented here, is left anticipating a sharper final rebuke than is actually presented. The impression is given that, come-what-may, the Commission was determined to present a number of positive aspects of the movement. Still, the biblical references are considerable; and therefore the report is an excellent resource for anybody in contact with, or wishing to further understand this burgeoning movement. But for the rest of us, this rather stodgy report does not make for light reading. Stephen J.Doggett, © Evangelicals Now - July 2003 |
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