God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel
How Truth Overwhelms a Life Built on Lies
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4.5 • 49 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
A compelling insider account by the nephew of a renowned prosperity preacher on the perils of greed and the power of the true gospel.
Costi Hinn—nephew of the world-famous televangelist, Benny Hinn—had a front-row seat to the inner workings of the prosperity gospel: "In one sermon I heard growing up, my uncle taught us that if we wanted God to do something for us, we needed to do something for him."
In God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel he gives a chilling account of how prosperity preachers exploit the poor and needy and what it was like to grow up in one of the world's most powerful prosperity dynasties. As Costi began to question the lifestyle he was living and look for an answer to the injustice he saw, he found himself on a journey that eventually led him to abandon the family faith in favor of the overwhelming truth about the real Jesus Christ.
This is Costi's story of escape from a false teaching that has ensnared millions. And it’s a call to the church to be salt and light throughout the earth and to stand up for the truth when Jesus Christ is being falsely represented as a commodity.
If you want to learn how to reach those caught in deception, or if you've been confused in the past by the insidiously blurred lines between prosperity theology and the true gospel, this book will bolster your faith and encourage your own journey toward the Truth.
Spanish edition also available.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Hinn (Defining Deception), the nephew of Israeli Christian televangelist Benny Hinn, rails in this convincing, vociferous work against the "health and wealth" theology of prosperity gospel preachers as anti-Christian, exploitative, and abusive. Part memoir, part critique of prosperity gospel theology, Hinn's candid work delves into his childhood and young adulthood within the family's ministry. He then explores his first inklings of doubt at Dallas Baptist University and his subsequent rejection of his role as "the next great anointed healer" when he is forced to choose between his family and his fianc e, who feels she must hide her asthma because Hinn's family made her feel as if "sickness is not allowed in home." Hinn rebuilds his spiritual life and ministry within a more mainstream, conservative evangelical faith and, in the book's final chapters, offers a theological critique of prosperity gospel practices, suggestions for a moderated understanding of God's role in human well-being, and thoughts on how to reach out to family and friends who believe the prosperity gospel message. Hinn's testimony will be most meaningful to Christians who have grown up in but are skeptical of the prosperity tradition.
Customer Reviews
Riveting and True!
My mother died from breast cancer, because she had laid hands on herself and so she said she was healed, despite the obvious physical signs. She was a dedicated follower of many of the prosperity gospel preachers. Despite being on a fixed income she was also very consistent in supporting them financially and purchasing their materials. I was saddened and amazed at all the items I found after her death. Prayer shawls, a scripture walking stick, anointed handkerchiefs, special anointing oil, and the list goes on. And yes there were several Benny Hinn books. Thanks to Costi for having the courage to write this book and shining the light of truth about the danger of the prosperity gospel message. From personal experience I know that what you are saying is 100% true. Thanks also to your wife for having the courage to speak the truth in love to you.
Good book
Very honest and open look at prosperity preaching.
An Engaging Testimony
The value of this book is found in the story it tells of a young man breaking free from the “family business“ of the prosperity gospel and finding his own faith and identity. The section of the book which offers guidance how to confront the heresy of the prosperity gospel And build constructive relationships with people who suffer from this deceptive belief system it’s not as strong.