Q: What exactly is "prosperity theology?" How does it work, and why is it wrong?
A: The term "prosperity theology" was coined years ago to describe a set of beliefs - or a biblical world view - that are based on the assumption that God rewards godliness with material blessings. Someone preaching prosperity theology, for example, will tell you that "God wants you to be rich!" Truly that is what they believe.
In churches or groups that embrace prosperity theology, you'll typically find an obvious and disappointing focus on money and material wealth. In fact, you'll find people manipulating their apparent godliness in order to make themselves eligible for and legitimately expecting financial wealth as a reward for that godliness.
Why is prosperity theology wrong? Because it's simply not true. It misrepresents who God is, and misleads people in how they should respond to God. It encourages perverted motives. God wants us to be content with what we have - and not be greedy for more. (John 6:6) It misrepresents God's intent toward us. And it misrepresents God's promises.
When it comes to Christians and wealth, we are to be obedient (godly) just because we love Him. And we should not expect material blessings in exchange for doing what God expects us to do anyway. (Luke 17:7-10)
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