With his signature combination of controversy-avoidance and biblical cherry-picking Joel Osteen promotes the good life.
Prosperity, Spiritual Warfare, and the “On-Demand” God
Given that so many powerful Pentecostals and Charismatics, like Senator John Ensign and Sarah Palin, are embroiled in high-profile scandals, one might expect to hear more about the movements that unite them. Anthea Butler, a leading scholar on Pentecostalism and American religious history, traces the various movements and their theologies of wealth, healing, and dominion.
Prosperity Televangelist Brought to Court on Fraud Charge
One of six prosperity preachers being investigated by the senate, Creflo Dollar (and his son) now face a $10M lawsuit for stealing a texting scheme...
The Ponzi Prosperity Gospel
From an anonymous teacher with an inside view of the Prosperity Gospel. What happens when a theology of giving all you've got for a God who will enrich you meets the poorest and least educated?
Houston Megapastor to have his “Opening Day” at Yankee Stadium
Pastor Joel Osteen won't have a home team advantage this weekend in the Bronx, but chances are the crowd will be with him. What's this generation bringing to the Osteen brand?
RDQuiz: Prosperity Gospel Self-Examination
Does your pastor regard the current economic crisis as a “test from God”? 5 points. And you might want to protect your social security number.
RDBook: Selling the Good News
Who put the mega in megachurch? Two new books, one on star evangelicals and one that focuses on African-American televangelists, tell the story—and explain the remarkable influence of celebrity preachers in the religious marketplace.
From 'Hour of Power' to 'Minutes of Impotence'
It's sink or swim for the "Prodigal Sons" of Televangelism like 30-year-old Frederick Price Jr. who takes over his father's ministry after "Hip Hop Sunday"...
As the economy collapses where are the snake-oil salesmen promising untold wealth to the most fervent believers? Right where they've always been, sadly...