The New Pentecostal Message? An Introduction to the Prosperity

In this review of The New Pentecostal Message? An Introduction to the Prosperity Movement, the book is recommended for readers seeking a clear, academic introduction to the rise and reach of prosperity preaching worldwide. Lewis Brogdon compiles historical context and critical questions that help explain why Pentecostal, Charismatic, and nondenominational preachers have carried prosperity themes across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. This review finds the volume most valuable as a concise primer for students, pastors, and interested lay readers wanting a thoughtful, readable overview rather than a polemic.

Key Features

• Global reach: Explains how prosperity teaching has influenced congregations across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa, giving readers a worldwide perspective.
• Contextual analysis: Situates prosperity preaching within Pentecostal and Charismatic movements so readers can assess continuity and change in modern preaching.
• Scholarly perspective: Summarizes two decades of academic and church-led study to present informed, research-based observations.
• Media attention addressed: Notes mainstream media coverage from outlets like CNN, ABC, and Time magazine to frame public perception and controversy.
• Accessible argument: Frames the central question - whether prosperity preaching is the new Pentecostal message - in a way that is approachable for non-specialists.

Who It's For

The book is best for seminary students, church leaders, and readers curious about contemporary Christian movements who want a focused introduction to the prosperity movement and its ties to Pentecostalism. It works well as a classroom supplemental text or as preparatory reading for church study groups discussing modern preaching trends.

Readers looking for devotional material, a how-to guide for prosperity teaching, or an exhaustive historical monograph should look elsewhere; this volume is primarily analytic and interpretive rather than prescriptive or deeply archival.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Provides a concise, global overview of the prosperity movement that is useful for classroom discussion.
• Draws on two decades of scholarship and church commentary to offer informed context rather than mere opinion.
• Addresses mainstream media coverage, helping readers understand public controversy around prosperity preaching.

Cons

• Not a primary-source history or exhaustive study, so readers seeking detailed archival research may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	The New Pentecostal Message? An Introduction to the Prosperity Movement
Authors	Lewis Brogdon, Vinson Synan
Subject focus	Prosperity movement within Pentecostal and Charismatic contexts
Geographic scope	North America, Asia, Europe, South America, Africa
Approach	Scholarly introduction and interpretive review
Intended audience	Students, church leaders, interested lay readers

Our Verdict

The New Pentecostal Message? is a compact, thoughtful introduction for anyone wanting to understand how prosperity preaching fits within Pentecostal and Charismatic movements worldwide. Its value lies in clear framing, academic grounding, and attention to media and church responses, making it a worthwhile purchase for study groups and those seeking an informed overview rather than a definitive history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover global examples?
Yes. The review highlights discussion of the prosperity movement across North America, Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa.

Is this a scholarly work or popular read?
It reads as an accessible scholarly introduction that summarizes research and church perspectives for a general audience.

Will I find practical preaching advice here?
No. The book is interpretive and analytical rather than a how-to manual for prosperity teaching.