new research<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\nIn a study by Lifeway Research, conducted last September and published this week, over half of churchgoers (52%) reported that their church teaches God will bless them if they donate more money.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This marks a steep increase from the 38% who said the same in 2017.\u00a0<\/p>\n
African American churchgoers were the most likely to say that their church teaches that they will receive more blessings if they give more money (71%).<\/p>\n
Younger churchgoers \u2014 those aged 18 to 34 (63%) and 35 to 49 (66%) – were more likely than older churchgoers\u2014those 50-64 (53%) and over 65 (31%) – to say that their church teaches this.<\/p>\n
The proportion of churchgoers who believe God wants them to be financially prosperous has also risen in the last six years from 69% to over three quarters (76%) today.<\/p>\n
The survey of 1,002 US adults found that among different denominations and faith traditions, Methodists are most likely to believe God wants them to prosper financially (93%) but the belief was also common among those identifying as evangelical (80%).\u00a0<\/p>\n
Commenting on the results of the study, Lifeway Research’s executive director, Scott McConnell, said that financial difficulties triggered by inflation and the pandemic may be a factor in the growing popularity of the prosperity gospel.<\/p>\n
“In the last five years, far more churchgoers are reflecting prosperity gospel teachings, including the heretical belief that material blessings are earned from God,” said McConnell.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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