The Catholic Defender: With Catholic Fellow Apologist Gary Michuta and guest William Hemsworth Answering The Claims Of The Prosperity Gospel
- Donald Hartley
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Gary Michuta's appearance on Hands on Apologetics on Virgin Most Powerful Radio.
The show is hosted by Catholic speaker and apologist Gary Michuta.
This Podcast We discuss what the prosperity gospel teaches and how to answer their claims with scripture.
I show that it is a man centered theology that needs to be confronted as it is spreading throughout the world.
The prosperity gospel—often referred to as the "health and wealth gospel," "name it and claim it," or the "Word of Faith" movement—teaches that God wills the physical, financial, and material prosperity of all believers. According to this theology, exercising faith, making positive confessions, and giving to specific ministries (often termed "seed faith") will guarantee health and wealth, while a lack of these often results in sickness or poverty.
Biblical, historical, and theological critiques argue that the prosperity gospel is a "false gospel" and a significant distortion of Christian doctrine, often exploiting vulnerable people for the financial gain of its teachers.
Followers are told that because God is a good father, He wants His children to have an "abundant supply" of money and perfect health. It is argued that poverty and sickness are not part of God's will for a believer.
The Bible teaches that God cares for our needs, but it does not guarantee material wealth or immunity from sickness. Jesus stated that "in this world you will have trouble" (John 16:33), and the apostle Paul spoke of learning to be content with both plenty and hunger (Philippians 4:12).
Jesus was not wealthy, and neither were the apostles; they often lived in want and faced persecution, which contradicts the "best life now" theology.
The Bible presents suffering not as a sign of failed faith, but as a way to rely on God's strength. Paul explicitly stated, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
The core of the biblical gospel is reconciliation with God through the forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The "blessings of Abraham" mentioned in Galatians 3:14 are interpreted as the gift of the Holy Spirit, not financial wealth.
Help them listen to Jesus. Your Bible hero and mine, Mary (sister of Martha) gives us a simple priority for the Christian life—sit at Jesus' feet and listen to his teaching (Luke 10:38-42). ...
Help them find hope in Jesus. ...
Help them be satisfied in Jesus.
The prosperity gospel is widely considered unbiblical by mainstream Christian theology, as it distorts the gospel by equating financial wealth and physical health with God’s blessing and personal faith. It promotes a quid pro quo relationship with God, suggesting that believers can command financial returns through giving.
Prosperity theology is considered heretical by almost all other Christian denominations, and has been criticized by leaders from various Christian denominations, including Pentecostal and charismatic movements, who maintain that it is irresponsible, promotes idolatry, and is contrary to the Bible.
The Bible says: “A joyful heart is good medicine” - Proverbs 17:22 What if I told you that joy is not just your nature as a believer, but it can also be medicine on your sad days and a strategic weapon of victory.
The phrase "even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs" (from Matthew 15:27/Mark 7:28) signifies that even the marginalized or outsiders can receive blessings or benefits (crumbs) from a greater source (the master's table), despite not being the primary recipients (children), demonstrating humility, faith, and that divine grace extends beyond the chosen people. A Canaanite woman told this to Jesus to show that while His mission was for Israel ("children"), Gentiles ("dogs") also needed His healing, and He granted her request due to her great faith.
Children: Represent the people of Israel, who were God's chosen people.
Dogs: Represent the Gentiles (non-Jews), who were considered outsiders.
Bread/Table:
Represents God's blessings, healing, and salvation, initially meant for Israel
Crumbs: Represents a small portion of that blessing that even outsiders could receive.
The Woman's Faith: Her response showed she accepted her outsider status but believed Jesus' power was so great that even a little bit (a crumb) would be enough to heal her daughter, leading Jesus to praise her faith and grant her request.
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