Gabriel Raeburn, a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard known for his insights into the prosperity gospel, delves into its surprising ties to Donald Trump. The conversation reveals how prosperity preaching intertwines wealth with divine favor, influencing both politics and public perception. Raeburn highlights the historical roots of this theology and its evolution, examining how charismatic leaders mirror tech moguls in their anti-government rhetoric while benefiting from state support. Together, they explore the glitzy intersection of faith, wealth, and power in contemporary American life.
The prosperity gospel's evolution reflects a shift from traditional Pentecostal modesty to an embrace of wealth as a divine blessing, transforming social and theological perspectives.
The alignment of prosperity gospel leaders with political figures like Donald Trump illustrates a shared value system that intertwines financial success with spiritual legitimacy, reshaping American political discourse.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Prosperity Gospel
The prosperity gospel has roots primarily in the Pentecostal movement, particularly emerging from healing revivals in the 1950s and evolving into a significant religious movement by the 1970s. During this time, many Pentecostals experienced poverty linked to the Great Depression and later breakthroughs with discoveries of wealth, like oil in Tulsa, shaping a narrative that material success was a testament to faith. Key figures such as Oral Roberts played a pivotal role in this development, encouraging believers to view financial prosperity as a divine blessing rather than a temptation. Roberts' innovative teachings, such as the Blessing Pact, directly linked monetary contributions to spiritual and financial rewards, establishing a foundational principle that continues to influence the movement today.
The Theological Shift in Pentecostalism
The transition from traditional Pentecostal beliefs, which often embraced modesty and anti-materialism, to a focus on wealth and prosperity marks a significant theological shift. Oral Roberts introduced a radical interpretation of scripture, famously asserting that it is not sinful to be wealthy, which departed from the previous ethos of the movement. As Pentecostalism became mainstream, a change in social dress codes and ostentatious displays of wealth mirrored the broader culture, indicating a departure from earlier modest practices. This evolution highlights a tension within the movement, as many contemporary practitioners embrace prosperity theology while grappling with the origins of their beliefs.
Political Engagement of Prosperity Theology
The political landscape for Pentecostals and charismatics dramatically shifted in the late 20th century, especially with figures like Pat Robertson running for president and mobilizing their followers politically. In 1988, Robertson's grassroots efforts involved engaging with Assemblies of God and Word of Faith churches, marking a significant entry point for Pentecostals in political advocacy. The eventual alignment of prosperity gospel practitioners with Donald Trump indicated a blend of shared values regarding wealth and power, fostering a transactional relationship between politics and religious practices. Trump's appeal to these groups relied on his financial status, which many followers interpreted as evidence of divine blessing, further integrating prosperity theology into political discourse.
Connections to Silicon Valley and Beyond
The partnership between prosperity gospel leaders and tech billionaires reflects a shared distrust of institutional oversight and a desire for autonomy in both spiritual and economic spheres. This relationship is characterized by a mutual valuation of charismatic leadership and an anti-statist ideology, aligning their interests against bureaucratic governance. Figures like Peter Thiel exemplify this intersection, where tech leadership is imbued with a quasi-religious aura, paralleling the reverence for charismatic church leaders. As both groups envision transformative change—either through spiritual or technological means—their collaborative efforts underscore a unique blend of religious fervor and entrepreneurial ambition shaping the American socio-political landscape.
Why does Donald Trump look and sound like a Prosperity Gospel preacher? What are the actual ties of the president to this tradition of Christian healers and televangelists?
In this episode of Spirit & Power, Dr. Leah Payne speaks with Dr. Gabriel Raeburn - Senior Research Fellow, Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program, Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Initiative - about the health and wealth preachers who love Donald J. Trump, and their affinities with tech billionaires like Elon Musk & Peter Thiel. Fully embracing the glitz and glam of Trump's 21st Century second term, prosperity preachers are setting their own political agendas and living the high life with their favorite president, a long way from their impoverished, Depression-Era roots.
