Prosperity theology is 'false' and a 'parody of the grace of God', says Lausanne

The Lausanne Movement has warned that a "false" prosperity theology is gaining ground around the world, including in the West.

The warning follows a meeting of some 40 thinkers, pastors and practitioners from all continents near São Paulo at the start of the month to consider the nature of prosperity theology and its impact around the world.

Lausanne was clear to make a distinction between biblical preaching on money and finances, and forms of prosperity theology that "undermine the truth of the Gospel, parody the grace of God, and attribute a power to the preacher".

These forms of prosperity theology, the movement said, are a "travesty of the power of the Holy Spirit at work through the accurate preaching of the Scriptures".

False prosperity theology is being preached around the world, with World Vision International's Femi Adeleye telling the consultation that its spread is due in part to the influence of American televangelists.

"The false theology has found widespread appeal in the West," Lausanne said. Keep reading

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