DEFINITION | WORD OF FAITH

1. Definition of Word of Faith

a) The movement known as the Word of Faith, and its teachings, are promoted by radical elements in the greater Charismatic movement - although all Charismatics do not accept the divergent doctrines. Teachers of the Word of Faith have (at least recently) become highly recognized spokespeople of the overall Charismatic ideology.

b) Those in this movement lay claim that God's word promises Christians good health and unlimited wealth. They believe that if any Christians becomes sick or poor it is because they lack the knowledge to 'appropriate' promises to themselves. The way to great health and prosperity, it is taught, is by their speaking or confessing their faith in what they believe are iron-clad promises from God. This professing of faith, according to Word of Faith teachings, binds God to fulfill his promise - making him under the control of a human who speaks words of faith.

c) Those who believe in this faith movement feel that prayer to God which asks for something is not needed. Adherents are taught never to end their petitions to God with 'If it be Your will, Father.' Such a prayer, it is believed, shows not only a lack of faith but also a lack of studying the Bible enough to know all of God's promises. Believers are encouraged to search the scriptures to discover for themselves what are considered God's "unconditional promises" and to confess verbally that the blessings they want can now be theirs for the taking.

d) A typical saying those who adhere to such teachings are suppose to memorize is "What I confess, I possess." A related catch phrase used in the movement's books is "confession brings possession." Some of those who are critical of the movement refer to the primary doctrine they believe as "name it and claim it."