Sample Header Ad - 728x90

Christianity

Q&A for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more

Latest Questions

4 votes
0 answers
53 views
Have there been any Christian groups in history (other than WoF) who teach calling restorations into existence by word of faith?
One feature of the [Word of Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) movement's teaching is that you can "call things into existence" by faith, by which proponents primarily apply to health and wealth, since they say that because - we are given promise (Mark 11:22-24), - we are given a sh...
One feature of the [Word of Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) movement's teaching is that you can "call things into existence" by faith, by which proponents primarily apply to health and wealth, since they say that because - we are given promise (Mark 11:22-24), - we are given a share in Jesus's divinity as children of God, - God wants to give us good things (Matt 7:11), - we inherit Abrahamic blessings if we have faith that can move mountains (Matt 17:20) we can also speak restorations into existence **just like how Jesus *as man* was given the power by God and was able to**: - declare someone to be healed in the manner of Genesis 1 (see [this interpretation of Matt 9:24](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/a/102587/10672)) , - command the demons to leave a possessed person (Matt 8:28-34) or - calms the storm simply by speaking (Mark 4:35-41), noting that Jesus's disciples can do "greater things" (John 14:12) BY FAITH **following the example** of post-Pentecost healers like Paul & Peter, while noting that Jesus could not work many miracles in Nazareth because of unbelief (Matt 13:58). Of course [WoF movement is *not* Biblical](https://www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html) , but my question is a HISTORICAL one, **whether a similar movement has happened in the past 20 centuries**, *even if* it was not as "full featured" as the 20th century charismatic-tinged Word of Faith movement. More specifically I'm asking whether the element of **calling restorations into existence by word of faith** has ever been taught before, **especially keeping in mind that Jesus, Paul and Peter were doing that as well**. Please note that the work of restoration itself **IS** orthodox because we Christians are also called into Jesus's ministry of restoration, although understood more along the lines of restoring injustice, human dignity, and most importantly peace with God through repentance, which then flows over into the restoration in our horizontal relationships, bringing healing to humanity's many facets of brokenness. The preaching of the gospel can be seen as a means to this end. For example, orthodox Christians *can* declare "your sins have been forgiven" to a repentant person, or declare "Jesus loves you" to them (thus removing shame and bringing psychological healing), which in a sense bringing something not previously there into reality. I wonder whether there has been any group that teaches this style of explicit declaration **as a standard practice by *all* members of the group**, apart from Catholic priests declaring "I absolve you from your sins" during the Catholic [Sacrament of Penance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacrament_of_Penance) .
GratefulDisciple (27012 rep)
Jul 23, 2024, 05:46 PM • Last activity: Jul 23, 2024, 08:17 PM
0 votes
1 answers
363 views
What Christian traditions reject Word of Faith teachings as heretical but still affirm the power of faith and its role in activating God's promises?
[Word of Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith): > Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection **have the right to physical health**, **that our words have power**, and that **true faith is more than s...
[Word of Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) : > Word of Faith is a movement within charismatic Christianity which teaches that those who believe in Jesus' death and resurrection **have the right to physical health**, **that our words have power**, and that **true faith is more than simply mental knowledge, it is deeply held belief that cannot be shaken**. The movement was founded by the American Kenneth Hagin in the 1960s, and has its roots in the teachings of E. W. Kenyon. > **Teachings** > > Distinctive Word of Faith teachings include **physical, emotional, financial, relational, and spiritual healing** for those who keep their covenant with God. **The movement urges believers to speak what they desire, in agreement with the promises and provisions of the Bible, as an affirmation of God's plans and purposes. They believe this is what Jesus meant when he said in Mark 11:22–24 that believers shall have whatsoever they say and pray with faith**. The term word of faith itself is derived from Romans 10:8 which speaks of the word of faith that we preach. Many dismiss *Word of Faith* teachings as heretical (for instance, as discussed in [*Is the Word of Faith movement biblical?*](https://www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html)) . Simultaneously, there is a belief among many that [Christianity is testable](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/q/97877/61679) , implying that Christianity encompasses promises that can be tested through sincere and faithful engagement. I'm interested in the views of those situated at the intersection of both groups. What Christian traditions consider Word of Faith teachings heretical but continue to uphold the belief in the empowering role of faith to activate God's promises? --- **Notes** 1. By activating/testing God's promises, I'm specifically referring to the belief in promises that can be tested *on this side of the grave*. Therefore, promises that only become actualized *on the other side of the grave*, such as resurrection to eternal life, for the purposes of this question, do not count. 2. My use of the word *activate* has been criticized as inappropriate in the comments section. My observation in response is that my use of this word in the context of God's promises is not novel. With a quick search one can easily find several examples of churches/ministries that have used it in this way. For instance: - [GOD’S PROMISES AREN’T AUTOMATED, THEY’RE ACTIVATED](https://www.redeemercoast.church/blog/2021/1/22/gods-promises-arent-automated-theyre-activated) - [3 Keys to Activating God’s Promises in Your Life](https://faithisland.org/bible/3-keys-to-activating-gods-promises-in-your-life/) - [Activating the Promises of God: Unlock the Power of the Bible & Empower Your Life](https://www.amazon.com/Activating-Promises-God-Unlock-Empower-ebook/dp/B0CR31XPYS/) - *"Perhaps they did not believe that such a simple action could **trigger the promised healing**. Or perhaps they willfully hardened their hearts and rejected the counsel of God’s prophet."* *"The principle of **activating** blessings that flow from God is eternal.* [...] *In fact, it can be seen in heaven because small acts of faith are required to **ignite God’s promises**."* *"I invite you to faithfully **activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God**. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord. With these invitations, I pray that the Holy Ghost will guide and direct you so that you, like the faithful person described in Proverbs, will “abound with blessings.” I testify that your Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, live, are concerned with your welfare, and delight to bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."* (source: [Abound with Blessings](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/04/41renlund?lang=eng)) What I'm having a hard time verifying is whether any of these ministries denounce *Word of Faith* teachings as heretical, or if they are tacitly endorsing them.
user61679
Jan 14, 2024, 10:23 PM • Last activity: Jan 17, 2024, 11:01 PM
1 votes
0 answers
94 views
How do Word-of-Faith and Pentecostal churches interpret Romans 12 when Paul says to think "according to the measure of faith that God has assigned"
The little personal interaction I've had with [Word-of-Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) and Pentecostal churches is that they believe that with enough faith God can and will do anything through you. Is my summary correct? If so, how then do they interpret [Romans 12:3-6](https://w...
The little personal interaction I've had with [Word-of-Faith](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_of_Faith) and Pentecostal churches is that they believe that with enough faith God can and will do anything through you. Is my summary correct? If so, how then do they interpret [Romans 12:3-6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012%3A3-7&version=ESV) : > **Romans 12:3-6 (ESV)** - For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, ***each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned***. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; It seems to say that God gives us a measure of faith and that we should work inside of that.
LCIII (9497 rep)
Jun 22, 2021, 12:52 PM • Last activity: Jun 22, 2021, 02:35 PM
18 votes
2 answers
2987 views
What is the Word of Faith teaching on "little gods"
Rather than assuming Wikipedia is accurate, I thought I'd as for a better sourced answer to the question. [Wikipedia's article on the Word of Faith movement][1] lists various controversies regarding Word of Faith teachings. Among them is the "Little gods controversy" > Many Word of Faith teachers ha...
Rather than assuming Wikipedia is accurate, I thought I'd as for a better sourced answer to the question. Wikipedia's article on the Word of Faith movement lists various controversies regarding Word of Faith teachings. Among them is the "Little gods controversy" > Many Word of Faith teachers have sought to emphasize the full meaning > of the believer's status as a child of God (through Christ) by using > phrases such as "little gods" to describe them, a practice that has > garnered some criticism from some other segments of the Christian > community. And later on... > Suffer the Children, a documentary highlighting some of the teachings > of the Word of Faith movement, has a video clip of Creflo Dollar > teaching the "little gods" doctrine to his congregation based on the > notion that "everything reproduces after its own kind": > > - Dollar: "If horses get together, they produce what?" > - Congregation: "Horses!" > - Dollar: "If dogs get together, they produce what?" > - Congregation: "Dogs!" > - Dollar: "If cats get together, they produce what?" > - Congregation: "Cats!" > - Dollar: "So if the Godhead says 'Let us make man in our image', and everything produces after its own kind, then they produce what?" > - Congregation: "gods!" > - Dollar: "gods. Little "g" gods. You're not human. Only human part of you is this flesh you're wearing." So what is the teaching? Do they teach that people are truly divine? (Compared to, for example, the mainstream or the LDS definition of divinity ) I want to be very clear that I'm not interested in hearing criticisms and comparisons from the other segments of the Christian community. I'm not interested in whether the "little gods" teaching is true. I'm operating under the assumption that what the Word of faith movement teaching is simply misunderstood by the other segments of Christianity. I'm just wondering what the actual teaching ***is***, not whether it's true or heretical. That said, it is perfectly reasonable for someone to explain why the Word of Faith adherents believe this to be true. (In other words, inclusion of apologetic reasoning explaining the merit behind the teaching is allowed.)
David Stratton (44287 rep)
Jun 21, 2013, 02:47 AM • Last activity: Jan 31, 2021, 02:30 AM
0 votes
1 answers
238 views
Does spiritual death mean loss of faith or doing a deadly sin (or sins) or separation from God?
According to [Word-of-Faith movement][1], Jesus suffered both physical and spiritual death. They mean by spiritual death that he suffered in hell after dying, before resurrection. And suffering in hell means separation from God. I ask what is the separation from God?, What does it mean? Hence, I ask...
According to Word-of-Faith movement , Jesus suffered both physical and spiritual death. They mean by spiritual death that he suffered in hell after dying, before resurrection. And suffering in hell means separation from God. I ask what is the separation from God?, What does it mean? Hence, I ask: Does spiritual death mean loss of faith or doing mortal sin (or sins) or what? The Term separation from God is unclear to me.
salah (251 rep)
Jan 11, 2020, 10:03 PM • Last activity: Feb 12, 2020, 03:01 PM
11 votes
1 answers
1916 views
Did the disagreement between the Catholic Church and Protestant Church on the issue of salvation by grace alone end in 1999?
This is question is for an effort to understand the current movement of bringing unity among Christian denominations. A question was asked before: [Is Pope Francis holding and professing different views from the traditional Catholic Church in the doctrine of salvation & teachings about marriage?](ht...
This is question is for an effort to understand the current movement of bringing unity among Christian denominations. A question was asked before: [Is Pope Francis holding and professing different views from the traditional Catholic Church in the doctrine of salvation & teachings about marriage?](https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/71725/is-pope-francis-holding-and-professing-different-views-from-the-traditional-cath) So I am asking this question with that one as the background. There is a video [BISHOP TONY PALMER DIES - Watch full original Pope Francis video here !](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pK_ChnMVqR8) in which [Bishop Tony Palmer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Palmer_(bishop)) & [Kenneth Copeland](https://www.kcm.org/) are present and **Bishop Tony says around the 26th minute that in 1999 a document was signed between Catholic Church & Protestant Church regarding the Doctrine of salvation that salvation is by Faith Alone equipping us for good works.** And that it ended the protest between Catholics & Protestants. Is that true? If it is true which is that document? Is that document in the Catholic Church website as Bishop Tony claims? Bishop Tony further shows a video that he claims to have been taken by the request of the Pope. In that, the Pope requests Kenneth Copeland for unity among Christian Denominations and also his prayers. Does the official Catholic teaching now agree with the Protestant church in the doctrine of salvation? Is the division between Catholics & Protestants now just propaganda of some evangelical leaders as Bishop Tony claims? What is the Catholic Church's official response regarding this call for unity with Protestants from the Pope? Where all have the Catholic churches and the Protestant churches agreed on doctrine after Luther brought the reformation? Are there no irreconcilable differences between the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church on fundamental doctrines?
Siju George (599 rep)
Nov 1, 2019, 09:36 AM • Last activity: Nov 25, 2019, 10:02 AM
5 votes
1 answers
697 views
What is the difference between Eastern Orthodox doctrine of deification and the "little g" god doctrine of the Word of Faith movement?
I noticed that the *[Word of Faith][1]* movement is under a lot of fire for the "little g" god doctrine, but it appears to me that it is almost, if not exactly, the same as the deification/divinization doctrine taught by the early church fathers and still maintained as Eastern Orthodox doctrine toda...
I noticed that the *Word of Faith * movement is under a lot of fire for the "little g" god doctrine, but it appears to me that it is almost, if not exactly, the same as the deification/divinization doctrine taught by the early church fathers and still maintained as Eastern Orthodox doctrine today. **What is the difference between the Eastern Orthodox doctrine of deification/divinization and the "little g" god doctrine of the Word of Faith movement?**
eliyah (979 rep)
Sep 13, 2014, 09:30 AM • Last activity: Nov 1, 2016, 06:07 PM
0 votes
1 answers
182 views
Are the word of faith/prosperity doctrines biblical?
From my understanding and study, here are some of their main teachings: - God wants us to be prosperous in this life (health, wealth, relationships etc) - If we don't receive we don't have enough faith (faith is a like a force) - we are little gods; we have creative power to speak things into realit...
From my understanding and study, here are some of their main teachings: - God wants us to be prosperous in this life (health, wealth, relationships etc) - If we don't receive we don't have enough faith (faith is a like a force) - we are little gods; we have creative power to speak things into reality (i.e think positively and that thing will come to pass - often related to success) (name it, claim it) - Jesus was tortured in hell/hades by demons, for 3 days to atone for our sin (the cross wasn't the end of his suffering. - There are some other niches of teaching within these doctrines I simply can't remember currently (these are the main ones above) From listening to some of these preachers they do use verses to back up their claims; are these actually what the bible says, or are they being twisted? *I do have my own thoughts about the truth of these teachings, however I am not going to include them, as I still want to neutrally approach the topic/question.*
Jordan (11 rep)
Aug 2, 2015, 07:28 PM • Last activity: Aug 2, 2015, 10:39 PM
-1 votes
1 answers
212 views
What did Jesus mean by "mustard seed of faith"?
What did Jesus mean when he talked about a mustard seed of faith?
What did Jesus mean when he talked about a mustard seed of faith?
Ben-Pat (5 rep)
Jul 8, 2015, 01:28 PM • Last activity: Jul 8, 2015, 04:35 PM
1 votes
1 answers
205 views
What O.T passages do premillenialists believe to be about the Millennial Kingdom?
What passages do premilleialists, that is, those who believe the "1000 year reign of Christ to be a literal event to occur only after the second coming of Christ, find in the Old testament that they believe to be prophesying about the Millennial Kingdom?
What passages do premilleialists, that is, those who believe the "1000 year reign of Christ to be a literal event to occur only after the second coming of Christ, find in the Old testament that they believe to be prophesying about the Millennial Kingdom?
brilliant (10250 rep)
Jun 25, 2013, 08:38 AM • Last activity: Jun 25, 2015, 08:37 PM
9 votes
1 answers
2173 views
Which denominations follow prosperity theology?
In the comments of [an answer][1] to another [question][2], the topic of prosperity theology was raised, and someone stated that a large portion of Christianity is in some way supportive of prosperity theology. I am defining prosperity theology as the following: > Financial blessing is the will of G...
In the comments of an answer to another question , the topic of prosperity theology was raised, and someone stated that a large portion of Christianity is in some way supportive of prosperity theology. I am defining prosperity theology as the following: > Financial blessing is the will of God for Christians, and that earthly prosperity is a reward for those who follow God. I personally don't know of any mainstream denominations that espouse prosperity theology (most that I've heard of are non-denominational or independent churches - e.g. Joel Osteen's congregation). I'm not asking if prosperity theology is Biblical or not, I'm asking **are there any mainstream denominations that espouse prosperity theology?**
SSumner (1667 rep)
Jun 18, 2013, 02:38 PM • Last activity: Nov 17, 2014, 03:18 AM
2 votes
3 answers
1998 views
Is Orthodoxy more important than Orthopraxy?
Orthopraxy is the application of orthodox beliefs in the form of rituals and customs. Approved practices are all orthopraxic. I’ve been told (and I can’t unsee it now) that most Protestant groups focus on orthodox requirements often at the expense of orthopraxic requirements. # Examples of Mandated...
Orthopraxy is the application of orthodox beliefs in the form of rituals and customs. Approved practices are all orthopraxic. I’ve been told (and I can’t unsee it now) that most Protestant groups focus on orthodox requirements often at the expense of orthopraxic requirements. # Examples of Mandated Practises commonly ignored **1. Head covering** > **1 Corinthians 11:5, 6**: But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Co%2011:5-6&version=KJV) > **1 Corinthians 11:6**: For if a wife will not cover her head, then she should cut her hair short. But since it is disgraceful for a wife to cut off her hair or shave her head, let her cover her head. [English Standard Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Co%2011:6&version=ESV) > **1 Corinthians 11:10** For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Co%2011:10&version=KJV) Two commonly ignored orthopraxic commands of the Bible involve wives. These are not followed by most evangelical denominations. In our Word of Faith denomination, as best I can remember, it is said that the text in 1 Corinthians is in reference to harlots. This is given as the reason why wives do not need to cover their head. **2. Rules on clothing and adornment** > **1 Peter 3:1-3**: Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Pe%203:1-3&version=KJV) > **Mark 15:24**: And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mar%2015:24&version=KJV) In the Word of Faith denomination, many members believe in prosperity. Yet our denomination does not actually have a problem with wearing much gold (as one from the outside might imagine). A watch and a ring are common on the most wealthy. In certain groups, there is a very common tradition of what I characterize as over- or under-dressing not just for church but in all things. I’m not necessarily referring to expensive clothes either. *Why do so many Biblicaly literalist Protestants disregard this verse?* I’m aware of Pentecostal Holiness groups who do not do even wear makeup because of this verse and I’m equally aware that Jesus wore a very nice set of seemingly ordinary clothes and that he now wears a large gold band. **3. Changing practises over time** > **Romans 12:2**: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rom%2012:2&version=KJV) > **1 Corinthians 13:4**: Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. [King James Version](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Co%2013:4&version=KJV) *In general, why do Protestant evangelical Bible literalist Christians allow things like venue and peer pressure to override orthopraxic practices as described by the Bible?* In this case I’m referring to the command on love from [1 Corinthians 13:4-7](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Co%2013:4-7&version=KJV) which is the orthodox passage that describes orthopraxic commands. There’s an idea, it seems to me, that when I start being paid I should stop making an effort to always follow my beliefs. I do understand that certain actions, such as witnessing, might be deemed to be stealing from your employer’s time, but I see no real reason to explain a lack of compassion. (And even for witnessing, breaks are common.) # Summary 1. Why do so many literalist Protestants disregard the rulings on clothing and adornment in 1 Peter? 2. Why is the command to be loving not followed in business contexts? How can venue, circumstance, and peer pressure override a Biblical commandment? I am well aware of the explanation that the Bible is out of date or out of touch and written for another culture. However, I’m looking for an answer from a literalist perspective which accepts that the Bible is accurate for today as well as yesterday. I’m also already aware of the idea that Christians don’t have to do anything as they’re already going to heaven.
user4060
Jun 22, 2013, 05:11 AM • Last activity: Jul 16, 2014, 11:03 PM
Showing page 1 of 12 total questions