Name it and claim it
From RationalWiki
Name it and claim it is a theology taught by some televangelists, faith healers, and Pentecostal preachers. Some of them think the "name it and claim it" label is derogatory and prefer it be called "Word of Faith" or the "prosperity gospel". The gist of "name it and claim it" is that the Bible contains numerous promises from God to Christian believers, but that believers have to first "claim" the promise before it can become effective. These "promises" may include healing from disease, exorcism of evil spirits, power to engage in spiritual warfare against Satan, or various supernatural gifts supposedly from the Holy Spirit.
Since the Bible includes promises that God will meet the needs of believers, some "name it and claim it" preachers focus on this promise in particular and apply it in ways that would make the actual Jesus Christ want to vomit. Do you "need" that new car? Just name it, and claim it! Do you "need" a lot of money? Do you "need" that winning lottery ticket? You get the idea.[1] Often these preachers solicit money for their own lavish lifestyles by encouraging tithing, or giving 10% of one's annual income, to the corporation church. For example, former heavyweight champ Evander Holyfield once gave $3.5 million to Creflo Dollar after a title fight. Holyfield's house is now going through foreclosure proceedings.[2] The US Senate has also opened up investigations into several Name it and Claim it "ministries."
Word of Faith theology is also called "Blab it and grab it" by less kind detractors.
[edit] Prominent promoters
- Jim Bakker back in the PTL Club days, although in his book I Was Wrong he says he has come to reject those beliefs.
- Todd Bentley
- Kenneth Copeland
- Paul Crouch
- Creflo Dollar
- Kenneth Hagin
- Benny Hinn
- Bob Larson claims not to promote it, but does.
- Joel Osteen makes me feel warm inside.
- Pat Robertson has attempted this practice on a grander scale by ordering hurricanes to change their course in the name of Jesus.
[edit] See also
[edit] Footnotes
- ↑ This philosophy doesn't always work, so some churches urge responsibility in managing one's finances.
- ↑ http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4081131&categoryid=3286128
