Prosperity vs. The Prosperity Gospel (09.21.23)

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Plain Bible Teaching Podcast

This week we’re talking about the “prosperity gospel.” According to a new study, a growing number of churchgoers believe that if they give more to the church, God will bless them more financially. The Bible does not teach this, but we need to be careful not to dismiss what the Bible teaches about prosperity when we reject the “prosperity gospel.” So we’re going to discuss that today.

STORY – Prosperity Gospel Beliefs on the Rise Among Churchgoers

“Financial prosperity is a goal for many Americans, and most believe it’s God’s plan for them too but that they need to give a little more to ensure that blessing.

“According to a study from Lifeway Research, 52% of American Protestant churchgoers say their church teaches God will bless them if they give more money to their church and charities, with 24% strongly agreeing. This is up from 38% of churchgoers who agreed in a 2017 Lifeway Research study.

“Additionally, churchgoers are more likely today than in 2017 to believe God wants them to prosper financially (76% v. 69%) and that they have to do something for God in order to receive material blessings from Him (45% v. 26%).”

[…]

“Belief that God wants people to prosper financially is also more common in some religious settings than others. Methodist (93%) and Restorationist movement (88%) churchgoers are among the most likely to hold this belief. And those with evangelical beliefs are more likely than those without such beliefs to agree (80% v. 74%).” (Lifeway Research)