Prosperity Teachings, Part 1

Shawn McCraney addresses the challenges in American Evangelicalism by discussing the controversial prosperity teachings and highlighting their parallels with Mormonism, drawing from his experience to provide insights to those leaving Mormonism. He emphasizes the importance of authentic, informed discourse on theological issues such as Calvinism and encourages balanced apologetics to best serve audiences interested in both Mormon matters and broader Christian topics.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of evaluating religious teachings and claims directly against the Bible, rejecting systematic theologies and human interpretations that attempt to confine God's nature. He warns that not all faith healings are divine, with some potentially deriving from evil forces, citing instances like Joanna Michaelson's testimony and biblical examples, urging discernment in recognizing true versus false spiritual works.

Believers must discern genuine spiritual actions from deceptions by evaluating teachings against the entirety of the Word, as true miracles glorify God and don't exploit financial gain, unlike the deceptive practices of prosperity theology. Faith healers who perform miracles but contradict biblical teachings or seek monetary compensation for divine acts raise a significant red flag, as evidenced in the Bible where neither Jesus, the apostles, nor prophets like Elisha took money for healings, highlighting the dangers of prosperity teachings often rooted in historical schemes.

Prosperity theology, often referred to as the "prosperity gospel," teaches that financial blessings and physical health are God's will for Christians and can be achieved through faith, positive speech, and donations to ministries. This movement emphasizes personal empowerment and material wealth, often using selective and non-contextual biblical interpretations, and draws parallels with movements like "word of faith," while critics argue that it diverges significantly from New Testament teachings.

Shawn critiques the prosperity movement, tracing its origins to the misuse of the speaking in tongues within Pentecostal churches, which evolved through the faith healing revivals of the 1950s into a focus on deliverance, healing, and financial prosperity based on faith. Key figures like Oral Roberts promoted concepts such as the "blessing pact" and "seed faith" doctrines, claiming that faith and contributions would lead to significant financial returns, a notion that was further popularized by A. A. Allen and others, ultimately shaping the prosperity theology within charismatic movements.

Prosperity theology equates immense wealth with faith, claiming that material abundance reflects God's favor, a viewpoint popularized through television by figures like Oral Roberts and televangelists such as Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. However, the Bible indicates that while God blesses some believers with wealth, the love of money is deemed the root of all evil, emphasizing that trust in God should not depend on financial status but rather on faith in His guidance regardless of one's economic condition.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the importance of living an abundant life filled with joy and fulfillment rather than merely enduring hardship until the afterlife, reflecting the promise of God's intervention and care for one's desires. He also addresses the dynamics within Mormonism, suggesting that true change in the faith will come from honest insiders like Grant Palmer who reveal truths to the church hierarchy, alongside grassroots efforts to engage members in seeking biblical truth.

Shawn argues that while unofficial representatives of the LDS Church attempt to defend Mormonism, they lack official endorsement and often focus on winning arguments rather than truth, contrasting himself as a follower of Jesus seeking truth and rebirth for LDS members through faith in Jesus Christ. Emphasizing diversity within Christianity, Shawn likens understanding different Christian denominations and perspectives to valuing the unique diversity created by God, while challenging the LDS Church to align more closely with biblical teachings.

Shawn argues that true spirituality embraces diversity and freedom, contrasting it with the uniformity and self-deception found in strict religious practices like those of the LDS Church. He claims that faith in Jesus alone is what leads to God's grace, while criticizing Mormon doctrine as contradicting true biblical Christianity and suggesting that genuine Christians will eventually separate from Mormon beliefs.

Mormonism claims to be the only true church, contending that acceptance is necessary for an afterlife with God, but criticism arises as its doctrines are seen as opposed to biblical truths and historical Christianity. Accusations against critics often include calling them liars or attacking their character rather than addressing concerns about doctrinal discrepancies and interpretations of Christianity.

Jesus frequently challenged the incorrect teachings and attitudes of religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of understanding and applying true teachings, as documented in the scriptures. By listening and reflecting on His words, one can significantly impact their life and personal growth, both in this world and beyond.