The Word of Faith movement is a loose, informal grouping of Christian ministries, churches, and media personalities that emphasize the power of faith, positive confession, and a particular understanding of the Atonement to bring about physical healing, financial prosperity, and personal success. Originating primarily within Pentecostal and Charismatic traditions, it is often considered a distinct theological stream within these broader movements.
Origins and Development
The theological roots of the Word of Faith movement are often traced to the late 19th and early 20th century New Thought movement, particularly the teachings on mental healing and positive thinking, and the early Pentecostal emphasis on divine healing and the power of God. More direct influences are frequently attributed to:- E. W. Kenyon (1867–1948): An American evangelist and author who taught on "positive confession" and the legal aspects of the Atonement, asserting that believers have a legal right to health and wealth based on Christ's sacrifice. He popularized phrases like "What I confess, I possess."
- Kenneth Hagin Sr. (1917–2003): Widely regarded as the "father" of the modern Word of Faith movement, Hagin founded Kenneth Hagin Ministries and Rhema Bible Training College. He claimed to have received direct revelations from God and built upon Kenyon's teachings, emphasizing the use of faith to "call things that be not as though they were" (Romans 4:17).
From the mid-20th century onwards, the movement expanded significantly through various ministries, particularly via televangelism, radio, and large conferences. Prominent figures who emerged as key leaders and popularizers include Kenneth Copeland, Oral Roberts (in his later ministry), Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, and Joyce Meyer, among many others.
Core Teachings
While there is no central denominational structure or creed, the Word of Faith movement generally shares several key theological tenets:- Positive Confession: This is a central doctrine, teaching that spoken words, when coupled with faith, have creative power and can supernaturally bring about desired realities. Believers are encouraged to "confess" biblical promises and personal desires, believing that God will honor these declarations. Negative words or confessions are believed to bring negative outcomes.
- Prosperity Theology (Prosperity Gospel): A cornerstone of the movement, this doctrine asserts that God desires believers to be financially prosperous and physically healthy, and that these blessings are a natural outcome of faith, tithes, and offerings. Poverty and sickness are often seen as curses or results of a lack of faith, rather than simply part of the human condition or divine purpose.
- Divine Healing: Emphasizing that healing for all diseases was provided in Christ's atonement (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24), the movement teaches that believers can access and appropriate this healing through faith. Sickness is often viewed as an attack from Satan that can be overcome by spiritual authority and positive confession.
- Faith as a Force: Faith is often described as a tangible "force" or "substance" that can be exercised and directed by believers to achieve desired results. This contrasts with a view of faith primarily as trust in God's character and will.
- "Little gods" Doctrine (Controversial): Some Word of Faith teachers, notably Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Hagin, have taught that born-again believers are "little gods" or possess a divine nature due to their spiritual union with Christ. This teaching has been highly controversial and often criticized as heretical for diminishing the unique divinity of God.
- Identification with Christ: The belief that believers are spiritually identified with Christ in his death, resurrection, and ascension, and therefore share in his authority and victory over sin, sickness, and poverty.
Practices and Characteristics
- Mega-churches and Televangelism: Word of Faith ministries often operate large churches with extensive media presences, reaching global audiences through television, radio, and the internet.
- Emphasis on Personal Revelation: Many leaders claim to receive direct revelations, visions, or words from God, which are then taught to their followers.
- Conferences and Bible Schools: The movement utilizes large-scale conferences and operates its own Bible colleges and training centers to disseminate its teachings.
- Charismatic Worship: Services typically feature lively worship music, spontaneous prayer, and the exercise of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, and divine healing.
Criticisms and Controversies
The Word of Faith movement has faced significant criticism from various Christian denominations and theological perspectives:- Heresy Accusations: Critics argue that certain teachings, such as the "little gods" doctrine, the emphasis on faith as a force, and the depiction of God as bound by human confession, stray into heresy by diminishing God's sovereignty and Christ's unique divinity.
- Misinterpretation of Scripture: Critics contend that many Word of Faith teachings rely on eisegesis (reading meaning into the text) rather than exegesis (drawing meaning from the text), often taking biblical verses out of their historical, literary, and theological context.
- Materialism and Self-Focus: The strong emphasis on material prosperity is often seen as promoting materialism and self-centeredness, diverting attention from spiritual growth, social justice, and selfless service.
- Blaming the Victim: The teaching that sickness, poverty, or misfortune are results of a lack of faith can lead to victims feeling blamed for their suffering, potentially causing guilt and despair.
- Financial Accountability: Many ministries have faced scrutiny over their financial practices, high salaries of leaders, and lack of transparency regarding the use of donations.
- Inadequate Theology of Suffering: Critics argue that the movement's theology often fails to adequately address the biblical themes of suffering, sacrifice, and the Christian's role in a fallen world, offering an overly simplistic view of trials.
Despite criticism, the Word of Faith movement continues to be a powerful and influential force within global Christianity, particularly in developing nations where its message of hope for improvement resonates deeply.
Related Terms
- Pentecostalism
- Charismatic Movement
- Prosperity Gospel
- New Thought
- Divine Healing