Critique of the Prosperity Gospel

[Willie Pep]

La Civiltà Cattolica has published an interesting critique of the Prosperity Gospel.

The “prosperity gospel” is a well-known theological current emerging from the neo-Pentecostal evangelical movements. At its heart is the belief that God wants his followers to have a prosperous life, that is, to be rich, healthy and happy. This type of Christianity places the well-being of the believer at the center of prayer, and turns God the Creator into someone who makes the thoughts and desires of believers come true.

The risk of this form of religious anthropocentrism, which puts humans and their well-being at the center, is that it transforms God into a power at our service, the Church into a supermarket of faith, and religion into a utilitarian phenomenon that is eminently sensationalist and pragmatic.

The article focuses on the history of the Prosperity Gospel movement, its origins in the United States, its spread around the world and its relationship to a certain interpretation of the American Dream. Highly recommended reading in my opinion.

https://laciviltacattolica.com/the-prosperity-gospel-dangerous-and-different/