The prosperity teaching later figured prominently in the Word of Faith movement and 1980s televangelism.
It was during the Healing Revivals of the 1950s that prosperity theology first came to prominence in the United States, although commentators have linked the origins of its theology to the New Thought movement which began in the 19th century. This is believed to be achieved through donations of money, visualization, and positive confession.
The atonement (reconciliation with God) is interpreted to include the alleviation of sickness and poverty, which are viewed as curses to be broken by faith. The doctrine emphasizes the importance of personal empowerment, proposing that it is God's will for his people to be blessed. Prosperity theology views the Bible as a contract between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity. The practices of some preachers have attracted scandal and some have been charged with financial fraud. Secular as well as some Christian observers have also criticized prosperity theology as exploitative of the poor.
Prosperity theology has been criticized by leaders from various Christian denominations, including within some Pentecostal and charismatic movements, who maintain that it is irresponsible, promotes idolatry, and is contrary to the Bible. Material and especially financial success is seen as a sign of divine favor. Prosperity theology (sometimes referred to as the prosperity gospel, the health and wealth gospel, the gospel of success, or seed faith) is a religious belief among some Protestant Christians that financial blessing and physical well-being are always the will of God for them, and that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth. Not to be confused with The Gospel of Wealth.
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