What is Prosperity theology?
'''Prosperity theology''' is a [[religious belief]] that if the believer is [[wealthy]] and in good [[health]], this is always the will of [[God]]. It is most common among certain groups of [[Protestantism|Protestant]] [[Christian|Christians]]. It is also known as '''prosperity gospel''', the '''health and wealth gospel''', the '''gospel of success''', or '''seed faith.{{Cref2|A}}''' These groups also believe that [[faith]], positive speech, and [[Donation|donations]] to [[Religion|religious]] causes will increase one's material wealth.{{Sfn|Wilson|2007}} Prosperity theology sees the Bible as a [[contract]] between God and humans: if humans have faith in God, he will deliver security and prosperity.{{Sfn|Walton|2009}} The doctrine says that it is God's will for his people to be blessed. The [[Salvation (Christianity)|atonement]] is interpreted to include the healing of sickness and lessening of poverty. Both are [[Curse|curses]] that can be broken by faith. This is believed to be achieved through donations of money, visualization, and positive confession. Groups in favor of prosperity theology started in the United States in the 1950s. The origins may go back to a movement callled New Thought, which started in the 19th century. The basic ideas were important for another movement, called Word of Faith. In the 1980s [[televangelism]] was sometimes successful because of these ideas. In the 1990s and 2000s, prosperity theology was adopted by influential leaders in the [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal Movement]] and [[Charismatic Movement]] in the United States and has spread throughout the world. Prominent leaders in the development of prosperity theology include E.&nbsp;W. Kenyon,{{Sfn|Bowler|2013}} Oral Roberts,{{Sfn|Coleman|2000}} A.&nbsp;A. Allen,{{Sfn|Robins|2010}} Robert Tilton,{{Sfn|Robins|2010}} T.&nbsp;L. Osborn,{{Sfn|Harrell|1975}} [[Joel Osteen]], Creflo Dollar,[8] [[Kenneth Copeland]],{{Sfn|Coleman|2000}} Reverend Ike,{{Sfn|Harrell|1975}} and Kenneth Hagin.{{Sfn|Brown|2011}} Leaders from other Chr