Asbury Theological Seminary TH701 O1 - Spring 2014 Contemporary Theology Professor: Dr. Joseph Okello
THEOLOGY OF PROSPERITY The homegrown theological attitude that has swept across America and exported around the globe is part of what is referred to as a theology of success, which “fits in as well to the materialistic, achievement-oriented climate of the North America” (Smith) of the last four decades. A good definition of the teaching of the theology of prosperity was presented by the Lausanne Theology Working Group as “the teaching that believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth and that they can obtain these blessings through positive confessions of faith and the ‘sowing of seeds’ through the faithful payments of tithes and offerings” (Lausanne Theology Working Group). The leaders of the movement model what they preach for their followers. “They live in opulent settings, drive top-of-the-line automobiles, and wear the latest and most expensive designer clothing. And they teach all who will listen that all these blessings may be theirs, as well” (Lausanne Theology Working Group). Prosperity teaching is a phenomenon that cuts across denominational barriers (Lausanne Theology Working Group), but it has been within Western Neo-Pentecostal Christianity where it has been developed. Its roots can be found in the “Faith Movement many may recognize as a form of Pentecostal Christianity by a variety of other labels, such as the Gospel of Wealth and