Blessed

A History of the American Prosperity Gospel

By: Kate Bowler

Narrated by: Kate Bowler

How have millions of American Christians come to measure spiritual progress in terms of their financial status and physical well-being? How has the movement variously called Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, or simply prosperity gospel come to dominate much of our contemporary religious landscape? Kate Bowler's Blessed is the first book to fully explore the origins, unifying themes, and major figures of a burgeoning movement that now claims millions of followers in America. Bowler traces the roots of the prosperity gospel: from the touring mesmerists, metaphysical sages, pentecostal healers, business oracles, and princely prophets of the early 20th century; through mid-century positive thinkers like Norman Vincent Peale and revivalists like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin; to today's hugely successful prosperity preachers. Bowler focuses on such contemporary figures as Creflo Dollar, pastor of Atlanta's 30,000-member World Changers Church International; Joel Osteen, known as "the smiling preacher", with a weekly audience of seven million; T. D. Jakes, named by Time magazine one of America's most influential new religious leaders; Joyce Meyer, evangelist and women's empowerment guru; and many others. At almost any moment, day or night, the American public can tune in to these preachers - on TV, radio, podcasts, and in their megachurches - to hear the message that God desires to bless them with wealth and health. Bowler offers an interpretive framework for scholars and general listeners alike to understand the diverse expressions of Christian abundance as a cohesive movement bound by shared understandings and common goals.

©2013 Oxford University Press (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Engrossing History of the Prosperity Gospel

BLESSED traces the Prosperity Gospel from its earliest roots. Kate Bowler not only wrote a very thorough account but she was also easy to follow and listen to in the Audible version. One thing that amazed me is how the prosperity message has seeped into so many facets of today's church. Tracing links to New Thought philosophy and showing how these ideas were adapted over time, the book peels back the facelift that prosperity teachers keep inventing.

Bowler's tone is not cynical or looking down on her subject, but gently questioning, wanting to see the best and going to where the facts lead. This made her account compelling and engrossing in the way her research unfolded.

There are a few minor glitches, like her surprise about one church calling its drug and alcohol ministry "Celebrate Recovery" while one click of on-line research would reveal that Celebrate Recovery is a national ministry with several hundred chapters that was launched by Saddleback Church more than a decade ago.

This history of the Prosperity movement a must read for pastors, church history lovers, and those who wish to understand the pros and cons of the Prosperity Gospel.

great book

this book was very good. a thorough look at this movement. the information provided insight into the thought and beliefs of this movement.

Incredible

Nobody has a better grasp and understand of new Christianity in America than Kate. Read now

For Brave and Thoughtful individuals

If you think the prosperity gospel is far removed from your faith, this book will challenge that thinking. For those committed to the prosperity gospel this book provides its history as well as its strengths and weaknesses. This is not a “feel good” treatise or a self help book. It is a book that will prompt deep reflection, honestly and hopefully a more mature faith.

Excellent and accurate review of a movement-

I laughed, gasped, cried and shouted AMEN at Kate’s humorous but all too true assessment of the Prosperity Gospel phenomenon! It was like a walk down memory lane for me, as I grew up as a Christian through this avenue of Christianity. As she spoke of many of the ministers and ministries it warmed my heart to remember my roots and the journey along the way. Suspect the Spirit led me out of that as I began to question the veracity and Biblical basis for that preaching. No judgment I just didn’t belong there anymore. Thank you Kate for your candor, your thorough, strong and scholarly approach. I grew richly spiritually through the strong discipline and teaching while learning the Word and under these preachers. People in that movement believe that they are right and belong there. The Spirit knows our hearts and honors our motives. What a book!!! Could listen to it over and over!!