I want to update my thoughts about Paula White. People have been asking.
When Paula was first appointed to President Trump’s WH Faith Council, I had shared a post (on my Facebook page) from the X platform written by another pastor who worked directly with her during Trump’s first term. The firsthand account revealed many good qualities about her leadership during that term and this pastor was giving his endorsement concerning her role and responsibilities. I had mentioned my own decision to support Trump’s choice based on corroborating reports of Paula’s collaboration with other pastors who are biblically solid. I was ready to give her a chance.
Since her most recent announcement of asking for donations during Easter with promises of angelic assistance, long life, and freedom from sickness, it has only stirred more controversy surrounding her appointment. I’ve seen the headlines and watched the appeal. No, it’s not a good look. Her financial appeal is not appropriate or even in touch with the broader evangelical base of the Church. I was disheartened to see it. In the article written by The Christian Post, Paula stated that she doesn’t believe in the prosperity gospel the way people think: “I do not believe in the 'prosperity gospel' as I've been accused of believing it," she told CP. "I do believe that all good things come from God, and I also believe that God teaches us so much through our suffering.”
Interestingly, just last week I spoke with another well-known leader in the Charismatic Church who shared she still firmly believes in the prosperity gospel. But when she started detailing what that meant to her, I found that I actually believed a lot of the same principles. I believe that God is an abundant Father who does not want us to live in poverty. I believe in sowing and reaping and my husband and I have seen the power of giving when it’s unto the Lord. I believe God wants me to “prosper.” I ended up telling this leader that though I likely agree with many of the scriptural principles she cited, I would not use the term “prosperity.” It carries too many triggers and is associated with misuse of funds and greed. Perhaps what started (decades ago) as a revelation of God’s goodness and abundance, has turned into a money-making scheme and manipulative ideology that most believers want nothing to do with. We definitely need some new terminology and better practices when it comes to money and ministry.
Paula has also been affirming Mother Moon in recent years which suggests alignment with false gods and even the occult. Given her high profile in political circles, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of it is for optics and diplomatic leverage. Even so, I too am troubled by her affirmation of some specific practices and beliefs associated with this cult. But at this point I’m not sure that Paula has intentionally deceived everyone in order to bring curses on the White House. I do believe there is an unhealthy mixture and that she is not acting in godly wisdom. Nor is she speaking for the majority of Christians in this nation.
Bottom line is that I agree we need to stay alert and pray for both Paula and this faith council. I’ve had enough contact up close with some of these groups to know how much political posturing there is in those circles - even among “faith leaders.” As I said the last time, the reformations needed in leadership are going to take time. Let’s pray that those leaders who are pure in heart as well as sound in biblical doctrine, would have the loudest voices and carry the most weight when it comes to making faith-based decisions for the nation. And let’s pray that Paula would be able to shed some old practices and gain some new perspective and conviction regarding the core tenets of faith that are non-negotiable for anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ.
Wanda Alger
I want to update my thoughts about Paula White. People have been asking.
When Paula was first appointed to President Trump’s WH Faith Council, I had shared a post (on my Facebook page) from the X platform written by another pastor who worked directly with her during Trump’s first term. The firsthand account revealed many good qualities about her leadership during that term and this pastor was giving his endorsement concerning her role and responsibilities. I had mentioned my own decision to support Trump’s choice based on corroborating reports of Paula’s collaboration with other pastors who are biblically solid. I was ready to give her a chance.
Since her most recent announcement of asking for donations during Easter with promises of angelic assistance, long life, and freedom from sickness, it has only stirred more controversy surrounding her appointment. I’ve seen the headlines and watched the appeal. No, it’s not a good look. Her financial appeal is not appropriate or even in touch with the broader evangelical base of the Church. I was disheartened to see it. In the article written by The Christian Post, Paula stated that she doesn’t believe in the prosperity gospel the way people think: “I do not believe in the 'prosperity gospel' as I've been accused of believing it," she told CP. "I do believe that all good things come from God, and I also believe that God teaches us so much through our suffering.”
Interestingly, just last week I spoke with another well-known leader in the Charismatic Church who shared she still firmly believes in the prosperity gospel. But when she started detailing what that meant to her, I found that I actually believed a lot of the same principles. I believe that God is an abundant Father who does not want us to live in poverty. I believe in sowing and reaping and my husband and I have seen the power of giving when it’s unto the Lord. I believe God wants me to “prosper.” I ended up telling this leader that though I likely agree with many of the scriptural principles she cited, I would not use the term “prosperity.” It carries too many triggers and is associated with misuse of funds and greed. Perhaps what started (decades ago) as a revelation of God’s goodness and abundance, has turned into a money-making scheme and manipulative ideology that most believers want nothing to do with. We definitely need some new terminology and better practices when it comes to money and ministry.
Paula has also been affirming Mother Moon in recent years which suggests alignment with false gods and even the occult. Given her high profile in political circles, I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of it is for optics and diplomatic leverage. Even so, I too am troubled by her affirmation of some specific practices and beliefs associated with this cult. But at this point I’m not sure that Paula has intentionally deceived everyone in order to bring curses on the White House. I do believe there is an unhealthy mixture and that she is not acting in godly wisdom. Nor is she speaking for the majority of Christians in this nation.
Bottom line is that I agree we need to stay alert and pray for both Paula and this faith council. I’ve had enough contact up close with some of these groups to know how much political posturing there is in those circles - even among “faith leaders.” As I said the last time, the reformations needed in leadership are going to take time. Let’s pray that those leaders who are pure in heart as well as sound in biblical doctrine, would have the loudest voices and carry the most weight when it comes to making faith-based decisions for the nation. And let’s pray that Paula would be able to shed some old practices and gain some new perspective and conviction regarding the core tenets of faith that are non-negotiable for anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ.
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 722