Righteous Riches

Righteous Riches by Milmon F. Harrison Oxford University Press, March 2005 $16.95, ISBN 0-195-15388-X

The Word of Faith "prosperity" movement has taken the African American religious community by storm in recent years, resulting in the rise of sprawling church campuses, wealthy, charismatic pastors, and a whole-new vocabulary for thousands of Christians, including celebrities, athletes and ordinary folks alike. Faith, positive confession and a sacrificial commitment of time and money, according to the doctrine, will pave the way to health, wealth and peace of mind.

Is this really the way, however? Milmon F. Harrison, a former member of a large Word of Faith church in California, takes a critical look at the movement, its leaders and its doctrine. In addition to his own insider status, Harrison interviewed several current and former members. Those interviewed discussed the road that led to the prosperity movement, as well as the difficulty that they sometimes face as they process the teachings of the church and apply them to their everyday lives.

The doctrine, while uplifting in its emphasis on faith and God's promises of prosperity, appears at times to fault the believer if he is not experiencing the material wealth and freedom from sickness that God wills for us. Members deal with that pressure in different ways, according to Harrison, including filtering what is taught by the pastor to conform to their own beliefs; venting to other trustworthy members; taking a break from the church or at least from working there; and when it all becomes too much, leaving the church all together.

Righteous Riches was very insightful and informative, providing a somewhat sympathetic glimpse into a world that shocks some with its glitz and glamour, and clearing up some common misconceptions of the movement. The book also portrays the passion with which many members express their belief in the movement and loyalty to the ministry. Current members may find the critique hard to take. Former members may find that they are not alone in their disillusionment. Anyone, however, who is intrigued, ambivalent or dismayed by what they think they know about this topic should take the time to read it.

Tracey D. Weaver is a freelance writer living in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

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