The formation of a prosperity theology that takes full account of an ‘ideal’ considered hermeneutical strategy in the light of the strengths and weaknesses of the hermeneutics of Word-faith and non-Word-faith prosperity teaching

The question addressed by this thesis is the extent to which prosperity teaching, both Word-faith and non-Word-faith, may be regarded as legitimate in its interpretation of Scripture, regarded by all concerned as the final authority on matters of faith and doctrine. This thesis will derive a considered ‘ideal’ or complete hermeneutical strategy based on the teaching of well-respected hermeneutics scholars, which will be used to evaluate the interpretation of Scripture by all parties to this prosperity debate. These include Word-faith and non-Word-faith prosperity teachers, as well as those critical of Word-faith prosperity teaching, and a group of commentators on their teaching, providing the scholarly context to this thesis.
Works highly critical of Word-faith prosperity teaching have been produced between 1979 and 1992, asserting that such prosperity teaching is not legitimate scriptural teaching. So this thesis will evaluate the hermeneutics of prosperity teachers, their critics and the commentators of Word-faith prosperity teaching, using the ‘ideal’ hermeneutical strategy derived in this thesis.
This thesis therefore begins with an analysis of the pioneers and forerunners of prosperity teaching from the nineteenth and early twentieth century who demonstrate that prosperity teaching has some early roots, adding a degree of legitimacy to prosperity teaching. Then, the interpretation of all parties to the prosperity debate is evaluated using the considered hermeneutical strategy
derived, supported by the views of contemporary commentators on the scriptures consulted. In the light of this evaluation legitimate prosperity themes are identified and analysed to formulate a categorised prosperity theology having three categories of righteousness, wisdom and faith as they apply to the prosperity of the believer The categorised prosperity theology thus derived will also provide a prosperity classification which believers of all persuasions should be able to assess their position on biblical prosperity and thereby find prosperity advice applicable to them.