ABSTRACT
Beliefs about God’s causal influence in everyday life are among the most compelling features of the American religious landscape. One reason why belief in divine agency remains prominent is due to its practical implications. Perhaps no belief exemplifies this more than the “prosperity gospel”—a transdenominational doctrine that emphasizes that God grants material prosperity, good health, or relief from sickness to those who have enough faith (Anderson 2004). Scholars have also referred to this as the “health and wealth gospel” or “prosperity theology” (Coleman 2000; Hunt 2000). Simply put, this belief conveys a potent and appealing message: God wants you to thrive.
