FAREWELL
005 - How the Cult of Wellness is Failing Us (with Kate Bowler)
Jan 18, 2024
Professor of religious history at Duke, Kate Bowler, discusses the influence of the prosperity gospel on today's wellness industry. She shares her personal story of being diagnosed with cancer at age 35, challenging the idea of self-improvement. The podcast explores the origins of the prosperity gospel, the power of positive thinking, and the parallels between performing religion and performing health. It also emphasizes the importance of congregational community in navigating challenges and maintaining faith.
57:17
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Quick takeaways
- The wellness and self-improvement industry is deeply influenced by the religious idea of the prosperity gospel, which promises health, wealth, and happiness through personal efforts.
- There are limits to self-improvement and personal control, as certain problems like stage four cancer cannot be overcome solely through positive thinking or individual efforts.
Deep dives
The roots of wellness and self-improvement in the prosperity gospel
The podcast episode discusses how the promises and messaging of the wellness and self-improvement industry can be traced back to the religious idea of the prosperity gospel. It explores the notion that individuals have the power to overcome all limitations and achieve health, wealth, and happiness through personal efforts and positive thinking.
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