The level of grift is astounding.

November 14, 2024
History of Christianity in America and Canada
Mark Noll, Chapter 18: The Recent Past 2001–2018

The early twenty-first century saw a rise in megachurches centered on the prosperity gospel. Also called “name it and claim it”, the theology posits that God wants us to have the desires of our heart. In order to achieve them, we must believe we already possess it.

Pentecostal ministries, such as that of Oral Roberts, laid the foundation for prosperity gospel megachurches. Originally, the focus was on healing the body, but the theology evolved into a focus on financial health — which translates to wealth. These churches really take advantage of the old adage “you have to spend money to make money” seriously, with every church service beginning with a mini sermon on tithing. And, the preacher always points out, “Ten percent is the minimum! The more you step out in faith, the greater your blessings.” I stepped out in faith way too often and way too much.

The most significant distortion, and the most sinister, is turning Jesus’ redemptive work and God’s grace into a financial transaction. It’s predictable such a movement would be born of our hyper-capitalist society, but the level of grift is astounding. I know firsthand the level of manipulation I was naïve enough to buy…