A charismatic theological movement that emerged from the teachings of E. W. Kenyon in the early 20th century and was popularized by Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Oral Roberts, Benny Hinn, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, and Joel Osteen. Core teachings (varying by teacher): (1) Christians can declare or "speak" things into existence using "faith words"; (2) God wants every believer to be wealthy and physically healthy; (3) sickness and poverty are attacks from Satan that faith should defeat; (4) Jesus became sin and went to hell to wrestle Satan, rather than finishing salvation on the cross; (5) believers are "little gods" — a doctrine that, in strong versions, approaches Mormon theology.
The Word of Faith movement is one of the most theologically aberrant large-scale movements in modern Christianity. Major problems. (1) It makes faith a power that forces God rather than trust that submits to God. The "name it and claim it" framing treats faith as a magical lever. Biblical faith rests in God's revealed will, including God's right to say "no" (Paul's thorn, 2 Corinthians 12, was not removed despite prayer). (2) It denies Christ's finished work. The claim that Jesus went to hell and wrestled Satan is heretical; the cross was "finished" (John 19:30), and Jesus commended His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46) before descending in victory (1 Peter 3:18-19, Ephesians 4:8-10). (3) It makes believers "little gods" (Copeland, Hagin). This is direct theological error approaching Mormonism's deification teaching; the NT distinction between Creator and creature is absolute. (4) It manipulates the vulnerable. The poor, the sick, and the desperate are told their lack of faith causes their suffering — creating guilt, exploitation, and massive financial extraction by the movement's leaders (multiple prosperity teachers have built private-jet fleets). (5) It is a false gospel. It preaches a Jesus who wants you rich, not a Jesus who calls you to take up your cross. When this is called "Christianity," the word Christianity is stolen. Scripture's actual promise: persecution, suffering, discipline, and ultimate glory (Romans 8:17, 2 Timothy 3:12). Health and wealth when God wills; godliness with contentment always.