Spirit and Power: Charismatics and Politics in American Life S2: E1 - Prosperity Gospel, Prosperity President
Mar 6, 2025
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.
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Healing Leading to Wealth Example
- A woman sent a prayer cloth from evangelist Jack Coe to her sick husband, who was healed.
- She placed the cloth in her business’s cash register and reported financial blessing, connecting healing with wealth.
Healing to Prosperity Theology
- Prosperity gospel expands Pentecostal healing gifts to include material wealth and financial blessings.
- This transition is coherent with Pentecostalism yet marks a significant theological break from earlier anti-materialist views.
Oral Roberts’ Emotive Healing Services
- Oral Roberts' healing services included physical, emotional expressions crossing racial boundaries.
- These dynamic services contrasted with more orderly, segregated evangelist crusades like Billy Graham's.
