The theological structure of word of faith

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Anthony, Christopher, John (2024). The theological structure of word of faith. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

“The theological structure of Word of Faith” advances a constructive theology of Word of Faith as a system of six interconnected theological features (namely trichotomy, faith, positive confession, healing, prosperity and the Jesus Died Spiritually doctrine – JDS) in order to add clarity, context and theological depth to analysis of the controversial Word of Faith movement.

To achieve the goals of clarification and critical analysis, my research adopts a two-part method. First, since many of the existing analyses of Word of Faith are to some extent reliant on the debated Kenyon-connection thesis that Word of Faith populariser Kenneth E. Hagin largely derived his theology from E. W. Kenyon and that Kenyon derived his theology from unorthodox sources, I re-read the theological context in which trichotomy, faith, positive confession, healing and prosperity developed in order to analyse the reception history of each theological feature and to provide the basis for the second part of each chapter. The second part of each chapter analyses the theological function of each feature in relation to the other features and asks whether or not these interrelated features function as a system.

My research unearths a number of under-acknowledged or overlooked sources of Word of Faith doctrine, something that significantly impacts critical evaluation of the movement’s theology. Ultimately, I conclude that Word of Faith theology does indeed operate as a system of six interconnected theological features.

My discovery of a broader theological source base than has previously been shown develops existing narratives relating to the development of the movement’s theology. At the same time, the discovery of additional sources re-contextualises Word of Faith within its own Pentecostal and pre-Pentecostal setting. Deeper knowledge of the movement’s theological genesis brings with it the opportunity for sharper critical insight relating to how each theological feature functions and how the movement’s various beliefs operate in relation to one another.

As a result, this thesis provides a robust means by which the theology of contemporary Word of Faith movements can be identified, analysed and evaluated.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):