The prosperity gospel teaches that faith and giving produce health and wealth. It directly contradicts biblical teaching and is condemned by evangelical scholars as a serious theological error. 5/100 Avoid.
The prosperity gospel — also called health-and-wealth gospel, Word of Faith theology, or name-it-and-claim-it — teaches that God wants all Christians to be physically healthy and financially wealthy, and that faith (often expressed through giving to a ministry) produces these material blessings. Its most prominent teachers include Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, and Creflo Dollar.
The prosperity gospel contradicts Scripture at multiple points. 2 Timothy 3:12: 'Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.' James 1:2-4 instructs joy in trials — not faith to escape them. Paul describes contentment 'in need' (Philippians 4:11-12) — not claiming prosperity. The heroes of Hebrews 11 are commended for faith expressed through suffering and deprivation, not health and wealth.
The prosperity gospel causes profound harm: sick people who die are told they lacked faith; poor people are exploited for tithes with promises of financial return; the gospel is replaced with a self-improvement scheme. The documentary American Gospel: Christ Alone provides the strongest evangelical critique. This is not a disputable matter — it is a false gospel. See our Joel Osteen guide and Christian Discernment guide.
For a thorough evangelical critique: The Gospel Coalition on prosperity gospel.
Many prosperity gospel churches also exhibit cult-like control patterns alongside their false theology. See our guides on Is Elevation Church a Cult?, Is Bethel Church a Cult?, and our Church Assessment hub for specific assessments of churches where prosperity gospel and high-control patterns overlap.