FAITH, HEALTH AND PROSPERITY
A Report on 'Word of Faith' and 'Positive Confession' Theologies by The Evangelical Alliance (UK) Commission on Unity and Truth Among Evangelicals
Edited by Andrew Perriman. Paternoster Press. 241 pages. £8.99
ISBN 1 84227 188 1
After seven years of research and discussion the EA Theological Commission has produced an in-depth report into the biblical legitimacy of the 'Word of Faith' movement: those who preach the so-called 'health and wealth gospel,' in which the degree of 'faith' exercised is directly proportional to the physical and material 'blessings' received. 'Faith' is seen as a commodity, the sole purpose of which is worldly 'prosperity'. Often it is purchased by donations to a particular ministry.
Conscious that evangelicals have often condemned this movement, the Commission has clearly avoided a polemic and the bulk of the report is firmly upheld by biblical references. The teaching in question is thoroughly scrutinised, and its dangerous theology and, often blasphemous, rhetoric fully documented.