Examining the Culture of Prosperity Churches Through the Lens of the Oneness Movement (OM)

Prosperity churches, often referred to as proponents of the "prosperity gospel," advocate for the belief that faith, positive speech, and donations to the church will result in material wealth, success, and physical well-being. This theology promises that God rewards financial giving and personal devotion with tangible benefits in this life. While this mentality may appeal to many seeking better circumstances, it raises important questions about the deeper purpose of spirituality, human growth, and the collective evolution of consciousness.

Through the lens of the Oneness Movement (OM)—which emphasizes expanding human consciousness and aligning with the principles of compassion, wisdom, and justice—prosperity churches can be analyzed through two contrasting lenses: lower consciousness (LC) and higher consciousness (HC).

Lower Consciousness (LC) in Prosperity Theology

LC, in the context of OM, refers to an ego-driven perspective, focusing on material gain, self-interest, and limited awareness of interconnectedness. Prosperity churches, with their emphasis on wealth and success as markers of divine favor, often embody this LC mindset. Here’s how:

1. Focus on Materialism and Self-Interest

• Ego-Centric Desires: Prosperity theology places significant importance on acquiring wealth, health, and success as outward signs of spiritual favor. This focus on materialism can be interpreted as a lower consciousness approach, where the ego’s desires for personal gain are at the forefront.

• Transactional Spirituality: The idea that giving money to the church will result in financial blessings turns spirituality into a transactional relationship, driven by self-interest. This reinforces the ego’s desire for accumulation and reinforces the illusion of separation, as it focuses on individual gain rather than collective well-being.

2. Reinforcement of Separation and Competition

• Comparison and Separation: In prosperity theology, material wealth often becomes a sign of God’s favor. This leads to a worldview where individuals may measure their spiritual worth against others based on their financial success. This creates a sense of competition and division, as those who are wealthy are seen as more blessed or favored, while those who struggle are perceived as lacking in faith or effort.

• Sustaining Economic Inequality: Prosperity churches can sometimes exploit those in lower economic brackets, asking for donations with promises of future wealth that may never materialize. This perpetuates cycles of inequality, as those who are already struggling may be giving away resources they cannot afford to lose, all in pursuit of financial miracles.

3. External Validation of Spiritual Success

• Spiritual Success as Material Gain: The belief that material wealth is a reflection of spiritual success leads to an over-identification with external markers, such as houses, cars, and income. This external validation pulls individuals further away from the intrinsic values of self-awareness, compassion, and interconnectedness that HC promotes.

Higher Consciousness (HC) and Spirituality in OM

HC, from the perspective of OM, is characterized by a deep understanding of interconnectedness, compassion, and an alignment with higher values that transcend the ego’s desires for material wealth. Let’s contrast this with how prosperity theology could be viewed through a higher consciousness lens:

1. Shift from Material to Spiritual Fulfillment

• Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Values: HC emphasizes that true fulfillment comes not from external, material possessions, but from internal growth, spiritual connection, and service to others. In contrast to prosperity theology’s focus on wealth, OM encourages individuals to seek personal and collective transformation through cultivating virtues like compassion, wisdom, and justice.

• Serving the Whole: HC recognizes that individual well-being is tied to the well-being of all. Rather than accumulating wealth for personal gain, the focus shifts to sharing resources, elevating others, and contributing to the collective good. This creates a more sustainable and compassionate model of prosperity, where true wealth is found in service to others and alignment with the greater good.

2. Abundance Redefined

• Abundance as Interconnectedness: In OM, abundance is redefined as the richness of connection, love, compassion, and shared human experience. The abundance mindset of HC does not focus on accumulating wealth but on the richness of one’s spiritual life and the recognition that all beings are interconnected.

• Letting Go of Attachments: While prosperity theology teaches that one’s faith can be a means to acquire wealth, HC teaches the letting go of attachments to material possessions. True freedom and fulfillment are found in transcending the ego’s need to hoard and consume, recognizing that the universe itself provides everything we need for growth and fulfillment.

3. Equality and Compassion

• Recognizing Unity: In HC, there is no hierarchy based on wealth or success. All beings are recognized as equal fragments of Oneness, deserving of compassion and love. OM promotes a worldview where people are not judged by their material success but by their growth in consciousness, their compassion toward others, and their contributions to the well-being of the collective.

• Supporting Collective Flourishing: In contrast to the competitive mindset often reinforced by prosperity theology, HC encourages cooperation and collective support. The idea is to lift each other up, ensuring that no one is left behind, especially those who are marginalized or struggling. Compassionate action, service to others, and seeking justice become the true measures of spiritual success.

Recommendations for Shifting Toward Higher Consciousness

For those within prosperity churches or who are influenced by its teachings, OM would suggest the following steps to align with HC and create a more expansive, compassionate spiritual life:

1. Focus on Inner Growth Over Material Gain

• Shift the focus of spiritual practice from acquiring wealth to cultivating inner virtues, such as compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness. Recognize that personal growth and spiritual fulfillment are not tied to material success but to how one navigates life with love and wisdom.

2. Embrace Collective Well-Being

• Prosperity should be redefined to include the well-being of others, not just individual wealth. Supporting community projects, donating to causes that promote equality and justice, and sharing resources generously are ways to shift toward a more collective sense of prosperity.

3. See Abundance as Connection, Not Possession

• Recognize that true abundance comes from feeling connected to others, the Earth, and all forms of life. Let go of the attachment to material wealth and focus on creating meaningful relationships, contributing to collective well-being, and living in harmony with the planet.

4. Practice Generosity Without Expectation

• In HC, generosity is an act of love, not a transaction to receive more wealth. Practice giving without expectation, supporting causes and people out of compassion and the desire to contribute to the flourishing of others.

Conclusion

Through the lens of the Oneness Movement, the prosperity gospel reflects a lower-consciousness approach, focused on material wealth and external validation. In contrast, OM and higher consciousness encourage a shift toward intrinsic values, collective well-being, and spiritual growth that transcends the ego’s desire for accumulation. By moving beyond the pursuit of material gain and focusing on compassion, justice, and service, we can create a more just and harmonious world, grounded in Oneness.