Standard of Truth Podcast: Season 2, Episode 38 – “Prosperity Theology Part 1”

Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Guest: Professor Richard Leduc
Release Date: September 22, 2022

Introduction

In the 38th episode of Season 2 of the "Standard of Truth" podcast, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Professor Richard Leduc delve into the intricate and often controversial topic of Prosperity Theology. This episode, titled “Prosperity Theology Part 1,” seeks to unravel the theological underpinnings and historical contexts that have shaped the belief that righteousness directly correlates with material wealth, health, and overall prosperity within the Latter-Day Saints (LDS) community.

Listener Engagement and Email Discussion

Timestamp [00:01 - 09:01]:
The episode begins with Dr. Dirkmaat welcoming listeners and introducing Professor Richard Leduc. They discuss their tradition of reading listener emails, emphasizing their focus on positive and uplifting messages. Marlene, one of their listeners, sends in a heartfelt email that becomes the cornerstone of the episode’s discussion.

Notable Quote:

• Marlene [02:16]: “Well, in here, and we found we've actually done focus groups and studies. It's the 12th, 13th listen.”

Marlene’s Inquiry on Prosperity Theology

Marlene’s email raises a critical question about the prevalent belief among some LDS members that personal righteousness and hard work are guaranteed to result in blessings such as wealth and health. She challenges this notion by referencing her own experiences and observations, particularly from her mission in Germany, where despite her faithfulness and diligence, results did not align with the promised prosperity.

Notable Quote:

• Marlene [08:36]: “I know that if we are righteous, we are blessed with money, health, prosperity, etc. So then the reverse must be true. If we are having a hard time and not feeling blessed... then we must be sinful or being punished by God.”

Theological Foundations and Calvinism

Professor Leduc responds by exploring the origins of the belief that all experiences are manifestations of divine will, tracing it back to Calvinist theology. He explains how Calvinism’s emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty lays the groundwork for interpreting all events, including suffering, as either rewards for righteousness or punishments for sin.

Notable Quotes:

• Professor Leduc [11:19]: “If you think you're doing something to quote, unquote, save yourself, you're not. God chose to save you. God does whatever God wants to do.”
• Professor Leduc [25:54]: “It's classic Bill.”

Historical Context: Justification of Slavery

To illustrate the dangers of a rigid interpretation of divine will, Professor Leduc references a 1742 sermon by Reverend James Bate. This sermon blatantly justifies slavery by claiming it as God’s will, arguing that Africans were destined to be servants due to their lineage from Ham and Canaan. Such historical precedents highlight how theology can be manipulated to support immoral practices.

Notable Quote:

• Professor Leduc [26:27]: “For this preacher, it's God's will that Africans be enslaved. And if it wasn't God's will, well, then they wouldn't be enslaved.”

LDS Church History and Suffering

The discussion transitions to LDS Church history, where Leduc and Dirkmaat shed light on instances where early church members endured significant hardships not due to personal sin but as a consequence of external persecutions and internal struggles. For example, Joseph Smith and his family faced relentless persecution, loss of land, and personal tragedies, challenging the simplistic cause-and-effect relationship between righteousness and prosperity.

Notable Quote:

• Professor Leduc [36:16]: “The missionaries' sincere efforts didn't always result in success, questioning the efficacy of the equation 'faithfulness plus hard work equals baptisms.'”

Critique of the Prosperity Gospel

Central to the episode is the critique of the Prosperity Gospel within the LDS community. The hosts argue that the belief system fosters unrealistic expectations and places undue blame on individuals for circumstances beyond their control. They emphasize that attributing all suffering to personal sin disregards broader societal and existential factors.

Notable Quotes:

• Marlene [40:58]: “That if any of those things happen to us once... something was wrong with my faithfulness or hard work.”
• Professor Leduc [48:34]: “If you're a missionary, the way God blesses me is he takes away the agency from that German... forcing him into whatever baptismal font I find there.”

Personal Anecdotes and Real-World Implications

The conversation becomes more personal as Marlene shares her frustrations with teachings that suggest suffering is solely a result of personal failings. She recounts examples from church history, such as the tragic losses endured by early members like Mercy Fielding and the hardships faced by Joseph and Emma Smith, to illustrate that piety does not always shield one from adversity.

Notable Quote:

• Marlene [54:43]: “I just wish Emma was more righteous. I just feel like if she had worked harder then she wouldn't have lost her baby.”

Philosophical and Ethical Considerations

Professor Leduc delves into the philosophical dilemma posed by Calvinist determinism, questioning how an all-powerful and benevolent God can permit suffering, especially when it seems disproportionate or unjust. He challenges the notion that God’s will is the sole determinant of all events, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of divine agency and human suffering.

Notable Quote:

• Professor Leduc [55:26]: “Where's the agency in that? The reality is we think that agency answers every ill but this world is filled with injustices.”

Conclusion and Future Discussions

The episode concludes with a commitment to further explore the roots and repercussions of Prosperity Theology in the LDS community in subsequent episodes. Dirkmaat and Leduc underscore the importance of reassessing theological doctrines to foster a more compassionate and realistic understanding of suffering and divine will.

Notable Quote:

• Professor Leduc [65:50]: “In our next episode, we're going to talk about specifically some of the reasons why this prosperity gospel is sometimes found inside of Latter Day Saints where people really believe that as long as you're righteous you're going to be more wealthy than other people around you.”

Key Takeaways

• Prosperity Theology Critique: The episode provides a thorough examination of Prosperity Theology, highlighting its historical roots in Calvinism and its implications within the LDS community.

• Historical Lessons: By referencing historical instances like Reverend James Bate’s sermon, the hosts illustrate the potential misuse of theology to justify unethical practices.

• Real-Life Implications: Personal anecdotes and church history examples underscore the disconnect between the promise of prosperity and the reality of suffering experienced by members.

• Philosophical Depth: The discussion touches upon profound philosophical questions regarding divine sovereignty, free will, and the existence of evil.

Final Thoughts

"Prosperity Theology Part 1" serves as a compelling critique of a belief system that equates spiritual devotion with material success. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful analysis, Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc encourage listeners to reflect on the complexities of faith, suffering, and the true nature of divine blessings.

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