If You Pray Right: A Study of Prosperity Theology's Role in the Shaping of American Christian Faith-Based Social Services Organizations
| dc.contributor.advisor | McGuire, Anne Marie | |
| dc.contributor.author | Hawkins, Molly Marie | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2021-07-15T17:25:39Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2021-07-15T17:25:39Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2021 | |
| dc.description.abstract | This thesis seeks to explore the role of prosperity theology in the shaping of the landscape of American Christian faith-based social services organizations (FBOs), with specific attention focused on those FBOs that serve people experiencing homelessness. Prosperity theology refers to a Christian theological framework that emphasizes a personal and transactional relationship with God that necessitates strong faith in order to receive material and financial blessings from God on earth. Through analysis of discussions with four Christian FBOs that serve people experiencing homelessness, I explore the extent to which particular FBOs implement prosperity thought into their theological frameworks and practice. This mainly manifests in an organization's understanding of the causes of homelessness, as well as what is necessary in order to escape cycles of poverty and homelessness. I conclude that some American Christian FBOs do incorporate elements of prosperity thought into their frameworks of operation to varying extents, while others openly reject prosperity theology. I conclude by discussing the implications of organizational inclusion or exclusion of prosperity thought for individuals experiencing homelessness, personally and psychologically. I conclude that organizations that incorporate prosperity thought into their frameworks may add to senses of guilt or shame that an individual may feel on account of being homeless, but also offer a theological framework that provides more certainty for a better future. Conversely, organizations that do not incorporate prosperity thought into their frameworks likely do not add to senses of guilt and shame that may already be felt by homeless persons, but also cannot offer the same kind of theological certainty that other FBOs can. These implications are important for donors and supporters of FBOs to consider when deciding which organizations to give monetary resources and support to. | |
| dc.description.award | The Religion Prize | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Haverford College. Department of Religion | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/10066/23695 | |
| dc.language.iso | eng | |
| dc.rights.access | Open Access | |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ | |
| dc.title | If You Pray Right: A Study of Prosperity Theology's Role in the Shaping of American Christian Faith-Based Social Services Organizations | |
| dc.type | Thesis |