In recent years, two teachings have gained wide popularity both inside and outside the church: the Law of Attraction and the Prosperity Gospel. Promoted in self-help books, social media, and even some pulpits, they promise health, wealth, and success to those who follow their formulas. To many, these messages sound like hope in an uncertain world. Yet beneath their appealing surface, both rest on foundations far removed from biblical truth.
The Law of Attraction suggests that the universe responds to human thoughts and desires, delivering blessings when individuals focus positively. The Prosperity Gospel teaches that financial abundance and physical well-being are signs of God’s favor. Though they sound spiritual, both movements originate outside of Scripture and subtly reshape Christian faith into a pursuit of personal gain.
Roots and Historical Background
The Law of Attraction grew out of the 19th-century New Thought movement in America. Figures like Phineas Quimby and William Walker Atkinson blended mesmerism, Eastern ideas, and metaphysical speculation. They taught that sickness, poverty, and failure result from negative thinking, while success comes from visualizing the life one desires. These ideas found modern expression in books like The Secret and continue to influence popular culture.
The Prosperity Gospel shares similar roots. In the early 20th century, E. W. Kenyon merged Christian language with New Thought ideas, teaching that believers could “speak” health and wealth into existence through faith-filled words. This laid the groundwork for the Word of Faith movement, further developed by preachers like Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, and others. With the rise of televangelism and global media, the Prosperity Gospel spread rapidly.
Both movements also reflect ancient patterns found in pagan religion, where prosperity was seen as proof of divine approval. Fertility cults promised abundance to those who performed rituals or gave offerings. The Prosperity Gospel repeats this logic, replacing ritual with faith declarations and calling it Christianity.
Wealth in Scripture
The Bible does not condemn wealth, and Jesus never taught that having riches is inherently wrong. What Scripture warns against is trusting in wealth or making it an idol. The love of money—not money itself—is the root of many kinds of evil. Wealth can distract, deceive, and distance people from depending on God.
Scripture presents wealth as a test of stewardship. Believers are warned not to place their hope in riches but in God, who provides everything. The rich are called to be generous, to care for the poor, and to use their resources to advance God’s kingdom. The accumulation of wealth is never condemned, but hoarding it selfishly or viewing it as a sign of spiritual superiority is.
Jesus cautioned that riches can choke out spiritual growth and make it harder to enter the kingdom. Yet He also welcomed the wealthy and honored faithful givers. The issue is not how much one has but where one’s treasure lies. Storing up treasure in heaven is the mark of a faithful heart.
The True Source of Blessing
Biblical blessing is not measured by outward success but by one’s relationship with God. Paul declared himself content whether in poverty or abundance because his strength came from Christ. He saw hardship, not comfort, as the training ground of faith.
God’s promises center on salvation, sanctification, and eternal reward, not financial gain. Trials, sacrifice, and generosity are normal parts of the Christian life. The goal is not to manipulate spiritual laws for personal benefit but to seek first the kingdom of God and trust Him to provide what is truly needed.
Conclusion
The Law of Attraction and the Prosperity Gospel appeal to human desires but distort the message of Scripture. Their roots in paganism, New Thought, and self-focused religion expose them as counterfeits. They reduce God to a cosmic vending machine and faith to a technique for self-enrichment.
The Bible offers a better way. Trust in God’s providence. Seek His kingdom. Use whatever resources you have to serve others. Whether rich or poor, the true reward is Christ Himself.
Discussion Questions
- How does the Prosperity Gospel distort the biblical view of wealth and blessing?
- In what ways does the Law of Attraction contradict the doctrine of God’s sovereignty?
- What dangers arise when Christian faith is reduced to a tool for personal success?
- Why is it important to understand the historical and philosophical roots of these teachings?
- How can believers cultivate a biblical view of contentment and generosity?
Want to Know More?
- David W. Jones and Russell S. Woodbridge, Health, Wealth & Happiness: Has the Prosperity Gospel Overshadowed the Gospel of Christ?
A biblical critique of the Prosperity Gospel, including its roots and implications for Christian faith. - Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
A trusted guide to interpreting Scripture responsibly, which helps expose theological errors in movements like Word of Faith and New Thought. - Mary Alice Chrnalogar, Twisted Scriptures: Breaking Free from Churches That Abuse
A look at how Scripture can be manipulated to support unbiblical systems of control and distortion. - Costi W. Hinn, God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel
A firsthand account from inside the Prosperity movement, exposing its manipulation and calling readers back to the true gospel. - Kate Bowler, Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel
A well-researched historical overview of how prosperity teaching emerged and shaped American religious culture.
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