- There is a disputed proposal that this article should be merged with Full Gospel
- See talk page.
The Word of Faith movement or word-faith theology developed in the latter half of the 20th century in mainly Pentecostal and Charismatic churches. Its beginnings trace back to an early twentieth century evangelical pastor, E.W. Kenyon (died 1948), who preached that God would award financial and other gifts if the faithful would ask. Kenyon coined the phrase, "What I confess, I possess." Kenneth E. Hagin is often credited with being the father of the modern Word of Faith movement, using a four-part formula he claimed to have received from Jesus: "Say it; do it; receive it; tell it."
Proponents of the doctrine include Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Marilyn Hickey, among others. They teach that Christians must claim the riches God has promised them, whether in material goods, health, social position, or roles within the church.
Detractors, such as Hank Hanegraaff and Norman Geisler, denounce word-faith theology as aberrant and contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Hanegraaff has characterized the basis of the teaching as follows: "Faith is a force, and words are the containers of that force; what you speak becomes reality on the basis of God's promise to grant us what we ask for." Hanegraaff, among others, claims that this teaching goes against God's sovereignty and his prerogative to grant or deny what the praying one asks for. He also speaks against the movement because its followers tend to put "faith in faith" ahead of "faith in God"; that is, they are focused on their prayers and wants ahead of the one to whom they pray.
Detractors and proponents alike acknowledge that word-faith theology finds echoes in the "prosperity gospel" often preached on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
Relevant Passages
- John 10:10
- Luke 19:12-29
- Luke 6:38
- 3 John 1:2
- Isaiah 53:5
- John 15:11
- 2 Corinthians 7:13
- James 5:13-16
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