Book Review – God’s Will is Prosperity by Gloria Copeland

God’s Will Is Prosperity by Gloria Copeland

Rating: 2/5

A little background is probably in order before the review proper – I received this book from a friend probably two years ago, and I just recently read it for the first time. I should say that I have heard the name Kenneth Copeland, and knew that this book is written by his wife, but know very little beyond the name. Obviously the title indicates that the book may lean towards a “prosperity Gospel” message, and since I have little or no background in reading this “genre” I was curious to read this book. Now that you have an idea of where I am coming from, or not coming from, the review –

First the good:

1. Encouraging a strong foundation in God’s Word.

Over and over again this book encourages immersing yourself in Scripture. SOAK yourself in God’s Word, meditate on the Word of the Lord, spend time reading the Bible. This is certainly something that should be encouraged, and is in this book. However, what the book means my immersing yourself in the Word and what I mean might be two different things, we’ll get to that in a minute.

2. Suggesting a complete reliance on God.

Whether it comes to finances, health, or life decisions, this book suggests that we are able to rely completely on God. This sounds simple, but is it? In reality this is very CHALLENGING – I know it can be a challenge to me. Especially in the area of finances, which is the focus of most of this book.

For example, this book suggests a complete elimination of debt in your life in accordance with Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law”. Sure, most of us could live completely DEBT FREE - if we never wanted to own a house, go to college, or engage in other minor details of life. Likewise, does complete reliance on God for your finances mean that we are not to “hoard” money? This would mean no long-term savings, no retirement accounts. Doesn’t this indicate a lack of reliance on God? Or does it indicate financial wisdom and making the best use of the resources that God has given you dominion over? This is a large topic, perhaps worthy of its own post, but suffice it to say the suggestion is challenging.

The not-so-good (that’s the “Christian” way to say bad ):

1. The book confuses needs and wants.

In my mind the opposite of lacking something is having something – not having an abundance of something. Wealth is not the opposite of lack, having your needs met is opposite of lack. For example the book quotes Matthew 6:25,33 – “”Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?…But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.’ “. Sounds to me like God will provide for our NEEDS, not promise us abundant wealth. But this verse is used as a foundation for the message that God promises wealth to believers.

2. There is an incorrect focus on receiving material blessing for personal benefit.

Mark 4:20 – “‘But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.’.” This scripture is used to as the premise for receiving a hundredfold material return on a material gift. However, if you look at the context of the scripture, Jesus is CLEARLY referring to the sowing the Word, not material goods. Turns out context is important in reading, especially Scripture. Which brings me to my next point.

3. There is danger in creating arguments out of a shotgun blast of scriptures.

This book illustrate the dangers of pulling out individual verses and lining them up to prove a point, especially a predetermined point. Note I am not saying that the author of this book had a predetermined point, just point out that particular danger is more acute. What we SHOULD do is to try to determine what the Word is saying in its context. Then we can test that against what other Scriptures are saying in context.

I will give you one example of this from the book that I find striking. On page 79 we find – “Bless – affectionately, gratefully praise – the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word (Ps. 103:20, Amplified Bible). When you keep God’s Word in your mouth, you keep your angels working to bring to pass whatever you say.” When I read that verse in context, I have a hard time making the jump from angels hearkening to the voice of His word, to angels working to bring to pass whatever I say when I quote the Word of God – especially when I quote it out of context!

For more on this see my recent post “Reading someone else’s love letter”.

Reading this book has reinforced my conviction that I need to pursue a solid foundation in understanding the Bible and its implications, something that may take a lifetime (or more) to pursue.

Currently Reading:

Parents’ Guide to the Spiritual Growth of Children (Heritage Builders)

On Deck:

Rob Bell – Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith

Long Term Reading Projects:

Everything by N.T. Wright – next book: The Climax of the Covenant

Everything by Brevard Childs – next book: Old Testament Books for Pastor and Teacher

Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch

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