David W. Jones and Russel S. Woodbridge have written an important and much needed book on the prosperity gospel titled, Health, Wealth and Happiness. In light of the overwhelming popularity of Joel Osteen, the recent controversy surrounding T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer’s $23,000.00 commode (not toilet, so glad they clarified…), and the federal investigation into the ministries of six prosperity preachers ending in 2010, a book like this needed to be written.
Jones and Woodbridge write with the intellect and crispness of scholars and the clarity of pastors. The first chapter traces the beginnings of the prosperity gospel back to the New Thought movement of the late 1800’s. New Thought gave rise to the belief system of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the ministry of Norman Vincent Peale, and was especially appealing to universalists like Mary Baker Eddy who founded Christian Science. The authors identify the pillars of New Though Philosopy as 1) a distorted view of God, 2) an elevation of mind over matter, 3) an exalted view of humankind, 4) a focus on health and wealth, and 5) an unorthodox view of salvation.
Chapter one is important, because in Chapter two, Jones and Woodbridge draw the comparison tight between New Thought and the prosperity gospel by showing that the five pillars of New Thought Philosophy are alive and well in the teaching of the prosperity gospel. No doubt because of the popularity of Joel Osteen, they use his example to show how the prosperity gospel looks like New Thought philosophy. Osteen is shown to not only redefine the gospel, but humanity, the scriptures, and basic tenets of theology as well.
In chapter three, the authors point out the errors of the prosperity gospel writing,
the prosperity gospel turns the gospel of Christ into a human-focused religion. The prosperity gospel teaches believers to depend on their own works, thoughts, and efforts in order to succeed in life. The biblical gospel shows people that they are sinners and must rely on Jesus’ work on the cross in order to become accepted in the Beloved.
Further, on the atonement, prosperity preachers have claimed that both physical healing and financial prosperity have been provided for on the cross (89). Prosperity preaching puts the focus for healing and prosperity, not in the sovereign hand of God, but in the faith of the believer. Notice the nuance, power is found in faith, not in the object of one’s faith. In stark contrast, Jesus teaches that faith as big as a grain of mustard seed is sufficient to move mountains.
The first half deals with the errors of the prosperity gospel. The second half deals with corrections to the prosperity gospel. The final three chapters definitely pale in comparison to the first three chapters. However, of the three chapters in the second half of the book, chapter four on suffering is certainly the best.
In an effort to provide a corrective to the prosperity gospel movement, Jones and Woodbridge seek to recover the biblical ideal of suffering. Contrary to the teaching of the prosperity gospel, the authors claim that suffering is indeed biblical and is sometimes necessary for our sanctification. God actually has a plan in suffering. Suffering is not good, but God certainly accomplishes good through suffering.
In conclusion, I recommend this book strongly for the first three chapters and found the concept of the fourth chapter important in the overall argument of the book. I also believe that their intention in the final two chapters to commend biblical stewardship and giving is important in helping believers to establish a Christian understanding of prosperity, wealth, and wellness. Nevertheless, I do believe that better treatments are available on stewardship and giving such as Randy Alcorn’s, Money, Possessions, and Eternity. I commend the authors for taking up this important issue.
