Book Review: Exploring Prosperity Preaching

Debra J. Mumford, Exploring Prosperity Preaching: Biblical Health, Wealth, and Wisdom. Valley Forge, PA.: Judson Press, 2012. Pg 160 Paper: $15.99

By Algernon Williams
*Special to Rhetoric Race and Religion

Needless to say, preachers that preach what is commonly called the “prosperity gospel” have had to answer a myriad of questions ranging from questions on whether or not the preaching and teaching of prosperity is sound Christian doctrine, or do they do this to line their own pockets. In her book, Exploring Prosperity: Preaching Biblical Health, Wealth, and Wisdom, Homiletics professor and Baptist minister Debra Mumford addressed these and other issues that focus on the preaching of prosperity. Mumford offers a historic reflection of the prosperity gospel movement, which is critical for those interested in the origins and questioning the interpretations of the prosperity doctrines preached because many preachers offer prosperity gospel messages today.

Mumford’s work offers two main strengths: the historic overview of prosperity preaching and describing the controversy of the doctrine. The first part of the book is devoted to the landscape of prosperity theology, and to her credit, Mumford carefully examined the message and the people credited for the formulation and formation of the prosperity movement. By the end of the book, a reader knows the parents of prosperity theology of past and present and some current preachers who are upholding the doctrine.

Along with a careful and thoughtful foundation, the outline Mumford sets as the theological critique to her explorations is clear. A reader may not always agree with the biblical exegetical approaches, but Mumford is consistent in her application of terms.

In the end, the book seems to accomplish its worthy objective. This is a helpful text for anyone who wants to understand prosperity preaching.