Blessed: A History of the American Prosperity Gospel

Kate Bowler's Blessed traces the development of the prosperity gospel movement in American Christianity from its roots in the nineteenth century to its current form. The book examines how this theology, which connects faith with financial success and physical health, became a powerful force in American religious life. Through extensive archival research and interviews, Bowler documents the key figures and institutions that shaped prosperity theology across different eras. She follows the movement from its early foundations in New Thought philosophy through the post-war healing revivals and into the rise of televangelism and megachurches. The narrative spans both famous prosperity preachers and lesser-known ministers, examining their teachings, methods, and impact on American religious culture. Bowler chronicles the movement's evolution from small revival meetings to multimedia empires and its spread across denominational and racial lines. This history reveals how prosperity gospel teachings reflect and respond to core American values about faith, wealth, and success. The book provides a framework for understanding how this controversial movement became deeply embedded in American religious life while drawing both devoted followers and fierce critics.

Readers describe this as a balanced, well-researched examination of the prosperity gospel movement that avoids taking partisan stances. Many note Bowler's accessible writing style and her ability to explain complex theological concepts. Liked: - Thorough documentation and extensive research - Personal stories and interviews that illustrate broader trends - Clear explanations of how prosperity theology developed over time - Neutral academic tone while covering controversial subject matter Disliked: - Some sections become repetitive - Too much focus on historical details rather than modern analysis - Limited coverage of prosperity gospel critics and theological rebuttals - Academic writing style can feel dry at times Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (386 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (165 ratings) Sample review: "Bowler manages to maintain scholarly objectivity while writing about a movement that provokes strong reactions. She lets the historical record and interviews speak for themselves." - Goodreads reviewer

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📖 Author Kate Bowler began researching this book while battling stage IV colon cancer, which added a deeply personal dimension to her examination of the prosperity gospel's teachings about health and suffering. 🏫 The book originated from Bowler's doctoral dissertation at Duke University, where she conducted over 100 interviews and visited nearly 50 prosperity gospel churches across the country. 💰 The term "prosperity gospel" wasn't widely used until the 1970s, though the movement's roots trace back to the New Thought movement of the late 19th century. 🌟 Oral Roberts, one of the key figures discussed in the book, pioneered televangelism and founded a university that became a major training ground for prosperity gospel preachers. 📱 The prosperity movement has successfully adapted to digital platforms, with modern prosperity preachers having some of the largest social media followings among religious leaders—a development Bowler explores in the book's final chapters.