With his signature combination of controversy-avoidance and biblical cherry-picking Joel Osteen promotes the good life.
Barbara Ehrenreich’s Bright-Sided Explores the Dark Side of Positive Thinking
A new book reveals the historical roots and conservative uses of the positive thinking movement, showing how it encourages victim-blaming, political complacency, and a culture-wide flight from realism.
Heresy, Bad Taste, or Capitalist Adventure: Is it Still Pentecostalism?
In this chronicle of mutations within the Pentecostal movement, we learn to distinguish among the Prosperity Gospel, Word of Faith, and New Apostolic Movements—and we learn why it matters.
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...
Gordon Gekko Gets God: The Heritage Foundation of Theology
Even after the “revelation” that letting unregulated moneymen run the country isn't a good idea, the neoliberals at the Heritage Foundation are still churning out the message; like the latest book by “theologian” Jay W. Richards, Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism is the Solution And Not the Problem.
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?
O(pinn)ion: Cosmic Lessons: When the Ministry Pulls a Madoff
A minister’s son plays Bernie Madoff and swindles his father’s congregation out of millions. Is it helpful to see events like this in terms of God's plan?
Media Fails to Report on Joel Osteen’s Unsavory Choice of Charity
In a recent visit to Yankee Stadium, the Family Osteen preached its Cotton Candy Gospel. Why did the media overlook the deep pockets of the sponsors of the costly event and the dubious nature of the charity they pushed?
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"...
A flock, maybe, but certainly not sheep; nuances of the pulpit-pew relationship.