Prosper, consume and be saved. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maddox, Marion
• Is Part Of: Critical research on religion. Volume 1:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 115
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: envy evangelism -- Hillsong -- prosperity gospel -- religion and politics -- theology of consumption; Religion -- Periodicals; Religion -- Research -- Periodicals; Religion and sociology -- Periodicals; Religion and politics -- Periodicals; 200.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2050303213476108
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-3032

Abstract

A Sydney-based megachurch with global reach, well-known for its "prosperity gospel" of financial acquisition, has developed an additional strand: a detailed theology of consumption. The affinity between a theology of guilt-free—indeed, obligatory—consumption and late capitalism goes some way towards explaining the attraction this minority strand of Christianity holds for politicians, including those without personal religious commitments, in a secular electorate.