The Problem with the Prosperity gospel

I want to express my viewpoint clearly: I have no problem with wealth itself; my concern lies with wealth that is acquired through manipulation and greed, particularly when it distorts the essence of Truth. Many people utilize the blessings of wealth from God to accomplish incredible work for the Kingdom. However, the Prosperity Gospel is not grounded in Scripture. It becomes an issue when individuals take advantage of others for donations to their ministries by misinterpreting biblical verses to sustain their lavish lifestyles. For example, when ministers assert they possess healing abilities and request money in exchange for a blessed handkerchief, I find that extremely concerning. Likewise, when leaders pressure their followers to give more so they can buy private jets “for ministry purposes,” that crosses a significant boundary. Guilt-tripping individuals into financing a luxurious lifestyle is simply unacceptable. While it is true that God wants us to prosper financially, spiritually, physically, and relationally, this should never come at the expense of His Gospel and the Truth. It’s easy to attribute financial difficulties to a lack of tithing, but we must also examine the reasons behind the decline in tithing. Many people lack confidence that their donations will be used effectively, largely due to the issues I’ve mentioned. If this is how the church chooses to handle funds, I would rather live simply, even if it means being perceived as having a poverty mentality. The church's reputation regarding financial management has diminished, and unless we address these concerns and have open conversations, trust will keep fading away. You may label me however you wish, but I perceive reality clearly. I don’t anticipate that those who are not saved will comprehend divine principles, nor do I expect every believer to have complete understanding, as the Holy Spirit unveils truth in His own timing. Nevertheless, if we continue with self-serving actions, we may inadvertently become a barrier for non-believers.
The Apostolic church faced challenges from false teachers who twisted the truth of the gospel for personal gain, often using it to exploit divine power (Acts 8:9–24; 19:11–20). Throughout church history, various misleading doctrines have surfaced. The modern prosperity gospel movement began in the 1950s, emerging from the post–World War II Pentecostal revival, significantly influenced by Oral Roberts, a well-known American televangelist. His influential works, such as If You Need Healing Do These Things and The Miracle of Seed-Faith, were pivotal in disseminating the prosperity gospel. This movement gained traction with prominent televangelists like Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart in the 1980s. Key figures like E.W. Kenyon and Kenneth E. Hagin also played vital roles in shaping this movement. Scripture teaches that material wealth and physical prosperity are not reliable indicators of God’s favor, nor does suffering automatically imply His disapproval. The Bible cautions that the pursuit of material wealth can lead to pitfalls (Luke 12:15) and that suffering may often be a precursor to blessings (Matt. 5:10; 1 Peter 3:14). It emphasizes that the Christian journey includes both prosperous and challenging times (Phil. 4:12). Believers are warned against placing their trust in riches (Ps. 62:10) and are encouraged not to depend on their wealth (1 Tim. 6:17). Prosperity gospel proponents take advantage of their followers' aspirations for wealth, status, and power, shifting focus away from Christ, eternal life, and God's glory, instead advocating for living one’s "best life now." This message particularly appeals to those in economically disadvantaged regions and developing countries, as it offers hope for social advancement and relief from poverty and illness.