Straight White American Jesus
Spirit and Power S2: E1: Prosperity Gospel, Prosperity President
Mar 6, 2025
In this conversation, Dr. Leah Payne hosts Gabriel Raeburn, a Harvard research fellow specializing in the prosperity gospel, and Bradley Onishi, who explores religion and politics in Silicon Valley. They examine the captivating ties between Donald Trump and the prosperity gospel, emphasizing how it shapes political agendas today. The discussion also highlights the intriguing connections between charismatic figures and tech billionaires, exploring their shared influence on American values and the paradox of prosperity amidst government dependence.
48:04
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Quick takeaways
- The prosperity gospel emphasizes financial prosperity as a divine reward for faith, intertwining healing with material wealth through testimonies of success.
- The podcast discusses the relationship between prosperity gospel leaders and political figures like Donald Trump, revealing implications for policy influenced by religious narratives.
Deep dives
The Prosperity Gospel Movement
The prosperity gospel emerged from the Pentecostal movement, gaining significant traction during the 20th century. Its core belief is that financial success is a reward for faithfulness and that God materially blesses believers. Historical figures like Oral Roberts played a pivotal role in shaping this theology, interpreting scripture to assert that wealth is not only permissible but reflective of divine favor. This perspective gained popularity in a post-World War II context, particularly among those grappling with previous economic hardships and the newfound wealth from events like oil discoveries.
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