The “Prosperity Gospel" movement has its roots in America long before Kenneth Hagen, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollars and others were born. This "Gospel" is the child of a marriage between the “Holiness" movement which began with American Methodists in the 19th century and the Transcendentalist or New Thought movement.
The Holiness Restoration Movement
The “Holiness" movement began among traditional Methodist Christians in America who sought to restore the fundamental doctrines and practices of the faith. They placed a strong emphasis upon personal and collective holiness and sanctification. Other “restoration movements” began in the America at the same time giving birth to the Stone-Campbell Movement (Churches of Christ, Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, and the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ) and Mormonism.
The Holiness Movement worked to find an expression of the Christian faith that was practical, reverent, and spirit-filled. There were four key concepts of the Holiness Movement:
- regeneration by grace through faith;
- entire sanctification as a second definite work of grace, received by faith, through grace, and accomplished by the power and ministry of the Holy Spirit;
- the assurance of salvation by the witness of the Holy Spirit; and
- living a holy life. (There was an emphasis on the spirit gifts).
Connecting the Holiness Movement to the Prosperity Gospel
Dr. Charles Cullis, an Episcopalian physician met Phoebe Palmer, leader of the American Holiness movement in one of her “Tuesday Meetings for the promotion of Holiness.” After experiencing a radical transformation of heart, Cullis began a healing ministry which expanded into revivals, sanitariums, books, and many publications.
Cullis later held healing revivals called "Faith Conventions". One man who was healed of a heart ailment by Cullis at a Faith Convention held in in Old Orchard Beach, Maine, was Albert Benjamin Simpson. AB Simpson, who would later found the Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination, had a powerful and influential healing ministry as well.
Pentecostalism and the Healing Movement and the Holiness Revival in the US.
AB Simpson and John Alexander Dowey -- influenced by Charles Parham -- moved the Healing Movement into the 20th century. Parham influenced the Azusa Street Revival through William Seymour. John G. Lake worked with Dowey (was a deacon in his church) and was undoubtedly influenced by Dowey’s belief that healing is part and parcel of the atonement of Christ. Dowey and Lake inspired the “healing rooms” which are in existence today. Cullis inspired a similar ministry which established “faith homes” for healing.
All these men were friends of Carrie Judd Montgomery, a healer, preacher, and writer. Montgomery opened her first healing home in 1882. Her husband, George S. Montgomery was healed when prayed for by John Alexander Dowie in 1888. Carrie Judd Montgomery became personal friends with Charles Cullis, A.B. Simpson, William Booth, Minnie Abrams, Elizabeth Baxter, Maria Woodworth-Etter, William J. Seymour and was connected to Smith Wigglesworth, Aimee Semple McPherson, John G. Lake.
The Link to Mind Science and New Thought
EW Kenyon, called by many the father of the “Word of Faith Movement” was influenced strongly by A.J. Gordon. A.J. Gordon, an influential pastor, was a close friend of A. B. Simpson and Dr. Charles Cullis. Kenyon briefly attend the Emerson School of Oratory where the was a strong influence of Transcendentalism and New Thought teaching. Kenyon also taught that that healing is part and parcel of the atonement or Christ.
E W Kenyon directly influenced the life and ministry of Kenneth Hagin. Hagin, through his protégées such as Kenneth Copeland, Charles Capps, Jerry Savelle, Creflo Dollar, Hobart Freeman, and many others through his books, periodicals, radio programs, and the Rhema Bible School.
Prosperity Gospel is Not New
The “Prosperity Gospel” movement is not new. Like its “Holiness” progenitors, teachers of this "Gospel" seek to restore the blessings and authority they believe Christians experienced 2000 years ago. They believe these blessings include physical and spiritual healing, deliverance from demonic oppression, wholesome family life, sanctification, and financial prosperity.
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