heretical

Word of Faith / Little Gods

The belief that faith is a force and humans are 'little gods' who can speak reality into existence

What Is It?

The Word of Faith movement teaches that faith is a spiritual 'force' that can be used to manipulate reality, and that believers are 'little gods' with the same nature as God. It claims that spoken words have creative power — that believers can 'decree and declare' things into existence just as God spoke creation into being. This teaching blasphemously elevates humans to divine status and reduces God to a force that must respond to human faith. It originates from metaphysical New Thought teachings, not Scripture.

Key Errors

  • Teaches that humans are 'little gods' with divine nature
  • Claims faith is a force that even God must obey
  • Teaches positive confession creates reality
  • Denies the Creator-creature distinction
  • Originated from New Thought metaphysics, not Scripture

Scripture Refutation

Isaiah 43:10

Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

Isaiah 45:5

I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God.

Ezekiel 28:2

In the pride of your heart you say, 'I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.' But you are a mere mortal and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god.

Psalm 115:3

Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.

Romans 9:20

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'

Historical Context

The Word of Faith movement traces its roots to E.W. Kenyon (influenced by New Thought metaphysics) and was popularized by Kenneth Hagin in the mid-20th century. Hagin's Rhema Bible Training Center produced a generation of prosperity preachers including Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, and Joyce Meyer who spread these teachings globally.

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