The Word-Faith Controversy: Understanding the Health and Wealth Gospel

by Robert M. Bowman Jr.

A bibilcal examination of the word of faith movement that helps sort out through the controversies and recognize scriptual teachings.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801063442
• ISBN13: 9780801063442
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Baker Bytes
• Length: 254 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Balanced and Systematic approach

While I haven't read many books on the Word of Faith movement yet, I believe Robert Bowman's has to be one of the best ones out there. He takes a very balanced and systematic approach to dissecting the historical and theological traditions of the movement. He also does a great job--perhaps one of the best that I've ever seen in any critical work--of not interjecting his personal beliefs in with his analysis. While I'm sure his beliefs affect his analysis (as all of ours do), he does not offer social or personal commentary on his research. This is welcome and helps the reader come to his or her own conclusion. Of course the question at hand is whether or not the Word of Faith movement is based on some heresy. Bowman argues that the best of Word-Faith theology is grounded in the evangelical healing tradition, but that some of its specific (and signature) doctrines indeed cross the line of being unorthodox if not heretical. He argues that Word-Faith is not a cult, nor do its teachers intend it to be, but that its doctrines as formulated especially by Kenneth Copeland are leading massive numbers of Christians astray. He argues this point well through a number of chapters where he analyzes each doctrinal component as compared with Scripture, as does he weave in how his assessments differ from other commentators' (such as Hannegraff and DeArteaga). I think his more debatable and less well-argued points come in where he questions some of the faith statements of the larger Pentecostal-Charismatic community. While he is right to leave "no stone unturned" or allow any "sacred cows" to sneak in the back door, I found his biblical assessment of themes such as Christ's nature in the believer, the question of dominion over sickness, and other aspects of the Holy Spirit's indwelling to be more suspect. In no way is he hostile or polemical to charismatic theology per se, but his powerful exegesis prevalent in his other analyses (i.e. the Trinity) is wanting. I was less convinced to be worried about these aspects of the Word-Faith or larger charismatic community. Anyway, a great read on the subject. Very comprehensive and thoughtful. Takes some time to work through.

The Balanced Approach Is The Best Approach

Robert Bowman has taken a chance with this book. One might refer to his strategy as 'triangulation' if one were cynical. Bowman has made two penetrating observations: 1. The Word of Faith movement is not all bad or completely useless; and 2. The Word of Faith movement is not all good or biblical, either. Bowman rightly describes the movement as a 'mess' in the introduction. He calls into account the claims of D.R. McConnell, Mike Horton, and Dave Hunt - as well as his former boss, Hank Hannegraaff - but he also calls into account the erroneous teachings of the Hagin-Copeland-Capps clan. If Rob is anything, he is 'too fair.' Rather than riding a hobby horse, he tries at every point to give the Faith movement the benefit of the doubt while still issuing his clear view that the movement has some major problems. Many books on this topic thrive on sensationalism; this is not one of those books. That is the best thing that can be said in the entire controversy.

Great Insights, Research on Word-Faith Movement

Dr. Robert Bowman is one of the best Christian apologetic researchers around. His books always contain numerous sources of information on whatever topic he addresses whether it is Mormonism or in this case the health and wealth gospel or more properly, the Word-Faith Movement. In this book, Dr. Bowman tackles the issues of the Word-Faith movement from their false teachings to many of their claims such as positive confession or hyper-prosperity. He does so in grace. I found Dr. Bowman's book not to be a negative attack on Word-Faith teachers but a biblical examination of the facts. I think we all should agree that no man is above the watchful eye of the inerrant Word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13). We should all submit fully our lives and doctrines to the test of Scripture (John 8:31-32; Acts 2:42; 1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:1; 2 Peter 1:16-21). Whether you are a pastor in the Word-Faith Movement, a Christian seeking to understand the Word-Faith Movement, or simply someone curious about this movement within Christianity, I would urge you to get this great book.

This is a good one!

Bowman is a breath of fresh air. William DeArteaga speaks warmly of Bowman in his book "Quenching The Spirit" which is a defence of the charismatic controversy. Bowman in turn seems to regard DeArteaga's book well in spite of pointing out some of DeArteaga's arguments as not "cogent." This is how Christians should try understand each other: State your case and make sure you properly represent the other side. Bowman is careful to mention right from the get-go that he does not consider WoF heretical, but would rather see WoF be more careful in persuing biblically sound and mature Pentacostalism. Most "defenders of orthodoxy" have been quite harsh with their words and very sloppy with their exegesis. Most "defenders of orthodoxy" claim to meekly speak the truth in love and then go on the attack like a prosecuting attorney. Some well-known WoF critics don't even speak the truth, as Bowman isn't shy to point out. However, the fundamentalist fighting spirit is a perversion of the biblical spirit, as much as liberalism is a perversion of biblical theology. With this book, Robert Bowman may have brought in some healing to the body of Christ. The author isn't out to condemn anyone, yet he carefully points out certain problems in the WoF belief system. He gives a good and useful little history of the WoF movement and its roots, which will serve a beginner well. It did me.

Well-researched, balanced approach

Robert Bowman indicates that this book is the "culmination of about fifteen years of research, study, and dialogue." It shows. 'The Word-Faith Controversy' is a well-researched book that provides the reader with a balanced approach to the Word-Faith debate. I consider this to be the most significant critique of the Word-Faith movement published to-date.As in his other books, Robert Bowman Jr demonstrates his ability to present all sides of a complex issue with great clarity - as well as with gentleness and respect. In the process, he carefully documents why he considers the Word-Faith movement to be "neither soundly orthodox nor thoroughly heretical."Bowman also evaluates books that denounce the Word-Faith movement - books that have become standard works of reference on which many Christians have based their own views regarding the controversy. They include, for example, D.R. McConnell's "A Different Gospel," and Hank Hanegraaff's "Christianity in Crisis." If you have read these books on the Word-Faith movement, I highly recommend you read Bowman's book as well. (As the Bible says, "The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him." - Proverbs 18:17 NIV)Because of Bowman's gentle, reasoned, and well-documented approach, I feel as comfortable sharing this book with friends in the Word-Faith movement as I do recommending it to the movement's critics.Highy recommended!