What is the Word of Faith Movement?

cmzbishopenterpris
Sep 2, 2024
11 min read

What exactly is Word of Faith (WOF) or Word-Faith theology and where did it originate? The purpose of this blog post is to be a pillar page for future content. Please note that this article will be for educational purposes only. This is all research-based.

The Word of Faith Movement, often referred to as the Faith Movement, Faith Cure Movement, Word-Faith, or Prosperity Gospel is a theological doctrine that emphasizes the power or force of faith and positive confession. It is associated with the broader Pentecostal and Charismatic movements but has distinct teachings that set it apart.

Just a note: please do not let the amount of information in this post overwhelm you. We will be going into all of this over the next few months.

Root Belief Systems of the Word of Faith Movement

The blending of these different religious and philisophical traditions has made the Word of Faith movement what it is today. This by no means is an exhaustive list, and I may add to this.

Gnosticism

Gnosticism is a collection of religious ideas that emerged in the late 1st century AD among Jewish and early Christian sects, emphasizing personal spiritual knowledge. It was denounced as heresy by not only church fathers, but we see its core beliefs addressed in the Word of God by several New Testament books.

Core Beliefs

Many Gnostic systems embraced a dualistic worldview, assuming a fundamental cosmic duality between the spiritual realm of light/heaven (the Pleroma) and the material realm of darkness (the Kenoma).
Some Gnostic sects promoted ascetic practices, such as celibacy, fasting, and renunciation of possessions, to transcend the physical world.
Gnostics believed that everyone possessed a divine spark or seed of light that originated from the spiritual realm.
Gnostic cosmology often incorporated a complex system of aeons or emanations, representing different aspects or levels of the divine realm. These aeons were seen as divine beings or entities emanating from the ultimate, unknowable God.
Gnosticism emphasized the importance of acquiring secret knowledge or gnosis as a means of salvation.
Many Gnostic groups held a negative view of the God portrayed in the Old Testament of the Bible, considering him to be the demiurge or an inferior deity.

It's important to note that the primary belief about Jesus from the Gnostics was that He came to impart salvation by gnosis by awakening them to their true divine nature that had been suppressed by the evil material realm/world.

*This information was taken from a study we have done in our TCM Discord server.

The New Thought Movement

New Thought, also referred to as Higher Thought (distinct from 'New Age'), is a spiritual and philosophical ideology rooted in religious and metaphysical principles. The New Thought Movement primarily emerged in the United States in the 19th century. This movement was started by a man by the name of Phineas P Quimby, an inventor and faith-healer. Quimby became a touring Mesmerist, then a physician, then stumbled upon psychotherapy and the placebo of the "talking cure." He finally concluded that healing occurred due to mental and spiritual alignment, which inspired a new generation of "positive thinkers," spurring the connection between thought and healing. (fn-Kate Bowler p 13)

Christian Science

Christian Science is a movement that took Quimby's conclusions and combined them with a Christological framework. Its founder, Mary Baker Eddy, began to teach that Jesus came to save the world, not through His divinity, but by demonstrating right thinking. He saw the earth as it truly was-an illusion where the mind tricked people into dangerous misconceptions. She taught that the heart of Christianity was knowledge, and believers must be re-educated in this new mental "science." (fn-Kate Bowler, p 13)

The Keswick Movement

Essek W Kenyon was a man who influenced Kenneth Hagin. Kenyon embraced the teachings of the Keswick Movement. The Keswick Movement is also known as the Higher Life Movement that originated in England in the early 19th century. After salvation one must have another encounter with the Spirit; otherwise, he or she will not progress into holiness or the “deeper” things of God. This second encounter with the Spirit, in Keswick terminology, is called “entire sanctification,” “the second blessing,” or “the second touch.” This emphasis on a second, post-salvation experience corresponds with the Pentecostal idea of the “baptism” of the Spirit. Some Keswick teachers would even say that sinless perfection is possible after one receives the “second blessing.” I will go into this movement more at a later date.

Progressive Pentecostalism/Neo-Pentacostalism

Historians trace the movement back to Topeka, Kansas, in 1901, when student Agnes Ozman received the gift of tongues during a prayer meeting at Charles Fox Parham’s Bethel Bible College. (fn) Neo-Pentacostalism stems from an event called Asuza Street Revival. The Azusa Street Revival was a historic Pentecostal revival meeting that took place in Los Angeles, California and is the origin of the Pentecostal movement. It was led by William J. Seymour, an African American preacher. It began with a meeting on April 14, 1906, and continued until roughly 1915. The revival was characterized by ecstatic spiritual experiences accompanied by miracles, dramatic worship services, speaking in tongues, and inter-racial mingling. The participants were criticized by the secular media and Christian theologians for behaviors considered to be outrageous and unorthodox, especially at the time. Today, the revival is considered by historians to be the primary catalyst for the spread of Pentecostalism in the 20th century.

Core Beliefs and Teachings of the Word of Faith Movement

Disclaimer: I no longer agree with any of these. This is an educational article only. I will be using this to make much more content in the future. There are other beliefs as well, but they are not the core beliefs. I may add to this later.

Positive Confession

One of the central tenets of the Word of Faith Movement is the concept of positive confession. This doctrine teaches that words have creative power and that believers can speak things into existence. According to this belief, verbal affirmations of faith can bring about physical healing, financial prosperity, and other desired outcomes, and God MUST obey the words of humanity.

Prosperity Gospel

The movement is strongly associated with the prosperity gospel, which asserts that God wants believers to be prosperous in all areas of life, including health, finances, and relationships. Adherents believe that faith, positive speech, and donations to religious causes will increase one's material wealth and well-being, with the emphasis being on "sowing a seed."

Faith as a Force

Faith is viewed not just as trust in God but as a tangible force that can manifest desired outcomes through speaking and other actions. Because God spoke things into existence, and we are made in His likeness and image, we can too. I will elaborate more on this soon.

Healing and Miracles

The Word of Faith Movement places a strong emphasis on divine healing and miracles. Followers believe that physical ailments can be healed through faith and positive confession, often rejecting medical intervention in favor of spiritual solutions. It is taught that it is ALWAYS God's will for people to be healed physically.

Revelation Knowledge

The idea of revelation knowledge is believed to be directly imparted by God to an individual's spirit, transcending ordinary human knowledge and understanding that would be acquired with just the five senses. It is a deeper spiritual insight into the truths of God that believers can access by faith and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Believer's Authority

This is the idea that Christians possess spiritual authority here on earth that many have not fully yet utilized. It allows believers to do the work God intends for them by exercising "power" over the devil and demons through prayer and faith. It is taught that believers have access to the authority of Christ because He is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Because we are co-heirs with Christ, we have that authority as well being seated in heavenly places.

You can see more of the teachings and phrases used here.

Historical Figures of the Word of Faith Movement

The Word of Faith Movement emerged in the mid-20th century, influenced by earlier Pentecostal and Charismatic teachings. Key figures in the development of this movement include:

Essek William Kenyon
Helena Blavatsky
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Phineas P. Quimby
Kathryn Kuhlman
Smith Wigglesworth
John G. Lake
Kenneth Hagin
Oral Roberts:
Kenneth Copeland
Charles Capps
Earl Paulk

Disclaimer: This is by no means an exhaustive list of the historical figures in this movement. I will be talking about each of these and how they were involved or influenced those directly involved in the Word of Faith Movement.

Criticism and Controversy of the Word of Faith Movement

The Word of Faith Movement has faced significant criticism from both within and outside the Christian community. Common points of contention include:

Theological Errors of the Word of Faith Movement

Critics argue that the movement's teachings distort traditional Christian doctrines, particularly regarding suffering, the nature of faith, and the role of God’s sovereignty.

They also point to a lack of transparency and accountability among Word of Faith leaders, particularly concerning finances. You can see some of those in the Academic Perspectives for books and resources to find more information if you would like.

Major Theological Errors

Misuse of Scripture
Character of God and Man
Suffering
Faith as a Force
Positive Confession
Little gods Doctrine
Christology/Atonement Errors
Revelation Knowledge
Believers Authority
The Nature of the Holy Spirit
Prosperity Theology
Fire Baptism/Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Academic Perspectives of the Word of Faith Movement

Robert M. Bowman Jr.

Robert M. Bowman Jr., an evangelical theologian, has written extensively on the Word of Faith Movement. His book, "The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel," is regarded as a balanced and comprehensive critique of the movement. Bowman explores the origins of the movement, evaluates its teachings from a biblical standpoint, and warns against both uncritical acceptance and complete rejection. He advocates for constructive dialogue and a deeper understanding of the movement's core beliefs.

Robert Bowman's Analysis

Robert Bowman's book, The Word-Faith Controversy, is recognized for its balanced examination of the Word of Faith movement. Bowman explores the movement's origins, tracing its roots to Essek William Kenyon and analyzing the influences on Kenyon’s theology, such as the evangelical faith-cure and early Pentecostal movements. He carefully critiques the movement's teachings, addressing topics like the nature of God, faith, and prosperity theology. Bowman avoids common stereotypes and emphasizes that not all adherents share the extreme views of prominent figures like Kenneth Copeland and Benny Hinn. His work is considered a significant contribution to the study of the Word of Faith movement, providing a fair and objective analysis that encourages constructive dialogue with its adherents.

Influences on the Word of Faith Movement

Bowman identifies the evangelical faith-cure and early Pentecostal movements as significant influences on the theology of Essek William Kenyon, a foundational figure in the Word of Faith movement. He notes that while there are similarities with metaphysical cults, critics often overstate these.

Major Theological Errors

Bowman critiques several theological errors within the Word of Faith movement:

Nature of God: Some teachings suggest unbiblical ideas about God's nature, such as the notion that God has faith.
Nature of Humanity: The movement sometimes promotes the idea of humans as "little gods," which deviates from orthodox Christian doctrine.
Christology: There are problematic teachings regarding the person and work of Jesus Christ, including the "Born-Again Jesus" concept.
Prosperity Theology: The emphasis on health and wealth is seen as a distortion of Christian doctrine.

Robert Bowman analyzes several key figures associated with the Word of Faith movement. These figures include:

Essek William Kenyon: Often referred to as the "grandfather" of the Word of Faith movement, Kenyon's teachings significantly influenced the movement's development.
Kenneth E. Hagin: Considered the "father" of the Word of Faith movement, Hagin was instrumental in popularizing Kenyon's teachings and shaping them into the contemporary Word of Faith doctrine.
Kenneth Copeland: A prominent leader within the movement, Copeland is known for his teachings on faith and prosperity, which Bowman critiques in his analysis.
Charles Capps: Another influential figure whose teachings are examined by Bowman, particularly in relation to the movement's emphasis on positive confession and prosperity.
Benny Hinn: Although Hinn is more closely associated with the prosperity gospel, his teachings are also critiqued by Bowman as part of the broader Word of Faith movement.
Earl Paulk: Included in Bowman's analysis as a representative of some of the more extreme views within the movement.

Bowman takes a balanced approach, critiquing these figures' teachings while cautioning against assuming that their more extreme views represent the entire movement.

Costi Hinn

Costi Hinn, a former insider of the Word of Faith movement and nephew of televangelist Benny Hinn, offers a critical perspective based on personal experience. While specific search results about Costi Hinn's academic work were not provided, he is known for his outspoken criticism of the movement's emphasis on prosperity and healing, which he views as misleading and harmful. Costi Hinn's critiques are often rooted in his personal journey away from the movement and his advocacy for a more traditional evangelical theology.

Influences on the Word of Faith Movement:

Costi Hinn's perspective is informed by his personal experience within the prosperity gospel, which is closely related to the Word of Faith movement. He highlights the influence of figures like his uncle, Benny Hinn, and the broader prosperity gospel's impact on the movement.

Theological Errors

Prosperity Theology: He criticizes the movement's focus on wealth and health as central to God's favor, which he argues is misleading and harmful.
Scriptural Misinterpretation: Hinn points out how the prosperity gospel often misinterprets scripture to support its teachings.

Key Figures Analyzed

Costi Hinn critically analyzes several key figures associated with the prosperity gospel, which is closely related to the Word of Faith movement. The main figure he focuses on is:

Benny Hinn: As Costi Hinn's uncle and a prominent televangelist, Benny Hinn is a central figure in the prosperity gospel movement. Costi provides an insider's perspective on Benny Hinn's teachings and practices, critiquing the lavish lifestyle and theological underpinnings of his ministry.

Costi Hinn also discusses the influence of other figures in the prosperity gospel movement, such as:

Kathryn Kuhlman: Her ministry and teachings influenced Benny Hinn, and by extension, the prosperity gospel movement. Costi mentions her as a significant influence in his family's religious direction.
Oral Roberts: Another influential figure whose teachings shaped the prosperity gospel and were adopted by Benny Hinn.

Costi Hinn's critique is very personal, drawing from his own experiences within the movement and his eventual rejection of its teachings. His analysis is not limited to individuals but extends to the broader theological and ethical issues within the prosperity gospel movement.