Poverty and Prosperity: A Common Union

The contrast between poverty and prosperity is a complex and often perplexing phenomenon in Asia’s dynamic landscape. It is not uncommon to see a landscape of metropolises and burgeoning economies alongside areas entrenched in poverty and struggle in many Asian countries. This intricate interplay between affluence and destitution shapes the continent’s social, economic, and cultural fabric. It presents a multifaceted narrative that defies simplistic categorization.

In many Asian countries, rapid industrialization and urbanization have fueled remarkable economic growth. It is a powerful force behind lifting millions out of poverty and ushering in an era of unprecedented prosperity. Nations like China, India, and South Korea have emerged as global economic powerhouses. Soaring skyscrapers and bustling marketplaces are symbolic of progress and opportunity. Nevertheless, amid this glittering façade of success, numerous pockets of poverty still exist. They are often relegated to the margins of society.

Conversely, in regions plagued by persistent poverty, the allure of prosperity theology, which offers a promise of material blessings and financial abundance to adherents, offers a glimmer of hope amidst despair. The promise of material blessings and financial abundance to its adherents resonates deeply with many Asians grappling with economic hardship. However, such theology’s correctness, efficacy, and ethical implications remain subjects of vigorous debate, even in evangelical circles.

Faith and Blessing: An Appealing Call to Asians

Prosperity theology has found fertile ground in the diverse landscapes of Asia. Its promise of material blessings and abundance has proven very appealing to the marginalized. Across the continent, from the bustling cities of East Asia to the rural villages of South Asia, this theology has gained traction among individuals. It pulls individuals seeking relief and empowerment in the face of economic uncertainty and social upheaval. Prosperity theology has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a narrative of divine favor and material prosperity accessible to all who dare to believe.

The rise of charismatic religious leaders and evangelists, often seen on platforms such as television, the internet, and social media, have popularized prosperity theology across Asia. Through compelling sermons, testimonies of miraculous blessings, and promises of financial breakthroughs, these charismatic figures have captivated audiences. They have fostered a culture of prosperity consciousness among believers.

Prosperity Theology in Asia

How can we engage these issues from a more robust biblical perspective? According to Huu-Thien Tran N. and Daniel Owens, sound biblical theology offers a preferable alternative. They offer an insightful critique of Prosperity Theology (PT) as a global phenomenon in light of the Old Testament (p. 229). In their book chapter entitled, “Prosperity Theology in Asia: Description and Evaluation in Light of the Old Testament,,” the authors seek to highlight a better biblical theology of prosperity than that of PT. The authors seek to correct common misreading, and thus misunderstanding, of Scriptural texts that support the PT agenda (p. 233).

Drawing from years of experience in Christian ministry in Vietnam, Tran and Owens carefully observe how PT’s influence strongly appeals to downtrodden Asians. They set out to challenge the veracity of the PT claim that believers with true faith in Christ can turn spiritual power and blessings into material realities (p. 230).

After offering a brief overview of PT in Asia (pp. 229-233), the authors proceed to assess PT’s version of prosperity and suffering (pp. 233-241) as well as prayer and healing (pp. 241-246). These major topics permeate the PT approach to deliverance and wholeness.

The authors rightly affirm that human longing for these things is universal. It ultimately reflects the deeper universal longing for the kingdom of God (p. 245). The Bible has much to say about the vision of human flourishing. Rightly understood, the Scriptures offer a lasting richness beyond what PT can offer. As the psalmist says, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71).

Without diminishing the reality of suffering and the promise of blessing, the authors approach these subjects with a strong commitment to sound biblical interpretation. Moreover, they show us that a right biblical theology of sin and salvation impacts our view on prayer and healing.

The article highlights the central issue in this discussion – making much of Jesus, not ourselves. Then and only then will all things, including misery and pain, really make sense. We are to believe, as John Chrysostom says, that poverty produces great wealth – the spiritual riches of godliness, justification, sanctification, and countless others that God bestows.¹

A Rich Future

As Asia continues to navigate the complexities of rapid development and societal change, the future of PT stands at a crossroads. Its critique through the lens of sound doctrine and biblical orthodoxy gains increasing prominence. While it has garnered significant popularity across the continent, its theological foundations have faced mounting scrutiny from scholars, theologians, and Christian leaders committed to upholding doctrinal integrity. PT has been examined and found wanting. Tran and Owens conclude that it “offers a vision of the Christian life that neither does justice to the complexity of how the Bible treats wealth, suffering, and healing, nor fits the lived experience of God’s people through the ages” (p. 247).

The future of prosperity theology will be shaped by its ability to withstand theological scrutiny, adapt to cultural contexts, and resonate with the timeless truths of the Christian faith. Drawing from the plausible arguments of Tran and Owens, prosperity theology in its current form cannot be sustained. It’s possible to envision some PT teachers ultimately moving in a more biblical direction with a renewed emphasis on sound doctrine and biblical orthodoxy. This can only be achieved through a faithful grounding in the transformative power of the gospel message toward a spiritually enriching expression of faith. Prosperity theology can be transformed to a sound biblical theology of prosperity that truly centers on the biblical gospel.

Consequently, our character is transformed into Christlikeness, as the Apostle Paul says: “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:3-5).

Check out this book, Exploring the Old Testament in Asia: Evangelical Perspectives, for a full treatment of “Prosperity Theology in Asia.”

John Leones Jr. is a faculty member and current chair of the Theology Department at the International Graduate School of Theology. He is married to Awit and has two children, Timothy John and Trinity Jan. An ordained minister and church planter, he previously served as the pioneering pastor-teacher of Borongan City Evangelical Church in Borongan City, Eastern Samar, Philippines. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Theological Studies with AGST.