Is Money a Sign of God's Blessings? Behind the So-Called "Prosperity Gospel"
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Date: 13 March 2008
The “Prosperity Gospel” – the Message, the Critique and the Senate Investigation
If God loves you, God will bless you with money– so say the preachers of the so-called Prosperity Gospel. The "Health and Wealth" doctrine is sometimes linked with the Word of Faith Christian movement, which emphasizes believing and speaking the word of God.
Recently, the finances and lavish lifestyles of six televangelists--most of them adherents of prosperity theology--came under the microscope of Republican Senator Charles Grassley. This hour we look at the controversial movement from the inside out, starting with the story of a former member.
Dr. Milmon Harrison, Professor of African-American and African Studies, University of California – Davis, and author of Righteous Riches: The World of Faith Movement in Contemporary African-American Religion
Sarah Posner, investigative journalist, author of God’s Profits: Faith, Fraud and the Republican Crusade for Values Voters, and author of the weekly blog, the FundamentaList.
Honoring the Body: Taharah
Begins at 22:56
In Judaism, one of the holiest rituals is the washing of the body for burial, called taharah. In this award-winning documentary, producer Rebecca Sheir explores taharah through the eyes of three people who have performed the rite themselves.Produced by Rebecca Sheir, host and producer at the Alaska Public Radio Network
Honoring the Body: Taharah was the winner of the 2006 Third Coast International Audio Festival Director's Choice Award
Quaker Singer-Songwriter Carrie Newcomer
Begins at 41:57
With her deep, earthy voice and gift for lyrical songwriting, it's no wonder Carrie Newcomer has been called folk music's "Prairie Mystic." Newcomer is also a practicing Quaker, and her new album finds her exploring the spirituality and grace of everyday life. This week, she joins us for a live, in-studio performance.
