Kenneth Copeland Exposé: A Case Study in Heresy, Greed, and Exploitation.

Kenneth Copeland, the charismatic televangelist and founder of Kenneth Copeland Ministries (KCM), has long been a polarizing figure in the Christian world. While his followers hail him as a prophet and a man of God, his critics accuse him of heresy, greed, and manipulating the gospel for personal gain. This exposé delves into the controversies surrounding Kenneth Copeland, focusing on his disdain for historically established Christian views, heretical teachings, false prophecies, promotion of the Word of Faith prosperity gospel, unbiblical practices such as speaking in tongues, and his opulent lifestyle, which includes a luxurious mansion and multiple Gulfstream jets.

Disdain for Established Christian Views

Kenneth Copeland’s teachings have often clashed with historically established views of the Christian church, devaluing them as “religious traditions” and “denominational doctrines.”. He often dismisses centuries of theological reflection and interpretation, claiming that his own revelations and interpretations are superior. Traditional Christian doctrines emphasize humility, servitude, and living a life modeled after Jesus Christ. In contrast, Copeland’s messages frequently focus on personal empowerment, material wealth, and physical health as signs of God’s favor. This significant departure from traditional Christian teachings has led many to question the legitimacy and theological soundness of his ministry.

One of the core issues is Copeland’s interpretation of the Bible. He has been known to take verses out of context to support his claims. For example, Copeland has famously said, “God’s Word is a spiritual law. It functions just like any other natural law.” This statement suggests that biblical promises can be manipulated like physical laws, a concept far removed from the grace-based theology of mainstream Christianity. Critics argue that this approach undermines the fundamental principles of faith, grace, and divine sovereignty that are central to Christian belief.

Pulpit & Pen: Kenneth Copeland’s Living Legacy of Heresy

Copeland has openly taught a different gospel (Galatians 1:6-12) for decades and makes no excuses for it.

Here are just four of his numerous heretical teachings:

1. You Are a god.
Word of faith preachers take Genesis 1:27 way too far. Yes, we are created in God’s image, but that doesn’t mean that we are little gods. The basics of being “in God’s image” is that we have a will, are His most prized creation, and are given the opportunity to live eternally with Him. This has nothing to do with being a deified human. The belief that we are little gods stems from a mixture of errors from other cults and false religions. Mormons teach that Jesus was a god, and that humans can be gods too.[16] Catholics teach that Christians become one with Christ through the Eucharist through a doctrine more commonly known as the “divinization of men.” They teach that “the only-begotten Son of God, wanting to make us sharers in his divinity, assumed our nature, so that he, made man, might make men gods.”

2. God is the Biggest Failure in the Bible.
Copeland goes for shock and awe with his teaching methods. One of his biggest theological blunders was on TBN. He preached, “I was shocked when I found out who the biggest failure in the Bible actually is. The biggest one in the whole Bible is God.[19] In one of his books Copeland clarifies his point by writing, “Adam committed high treason; and at that point, all the dominion and authority God had given to him was handed over to Satan. Suddenly, God was on the outside looking in…After Adam’s fall, God found Himself in a peculiar position…God needed an avenue back into the earth…God laid out His proposition and Abram accepted it. It gave God access to the earth and gave man access to God..Technically, if God ever broke the Covenant, He would have to destroy Himself.”[20] Copeland’s teachings are irreverent and mock the doctrine of the sovereignty of God.

3. Jesus Didn’t Claim He Was God
One of Copeland’s best methods for deflecting criticism of his insane theology is to say that Jesus experienced the same criticism so as to elevate himself in the mind of his followers. Quoting Jesus talking directly to him he writes, “Don’t be disturbed when people put you down and speak harshly and roughly of you. They spoke that way of Me, should they not speak that way of you? The more you get to be like Me, the more they’re going to think that way of you. They crucified Me for claiming that I was God. But I didn’t claim I was God; I just claimed I walked with Him and that He was in Me. Hallelujah. That’s what you’re doing.”[21] John 8:58, John 10:30-33, and John 9:35-38 are all tossed aside so Copeland can teach his money-making version of Christology. Jesus most definitely claimed He was God.

4. Saving Sinners and Defeating Death: So Easy Any Born Again Man Can Do It
Finally, Copeland proves that he’s way outside biblical boundaries in his statements that claim God told him that he could have done what Christ did too. As in, come to earth, be born of a virgin, die, defeat Satan, conquer death, and raise to life. This is due to the word of faith teaching that Jesus was “born-again.” He claims, “The Spirit of God spoke to me. And He said, “Son, realize this: Now follow Me in this, don’t let your tradition trip you up.” He said, “Think this way: A twice-born man whipped Satan in his own domain.” And I threw my Bible down. I said, “What?” He said, “A born-again man defeated Satan. The first-born of many brethren defeated him.” He said, “You are the very image and the very copy of that one.” I said, “Goodness gracious, sakes alive!” And I began to see what had gone on in there, and I said, “You don’t mean–you couldn’t dare mean, that I could have done the same thing?” He said, “Oh, yeah, if you’d had the knowledge of the Word of God that He did, you could have done the same thing, ’cause you’re a reborn man, too.””

Copeland is a verified heretic in every sense of the word. These four examples are just the tip of the iceberg.

Heretical Views and False Prophecies

Copeland’s heretical views have been a major point of contention. He has made several bold claims that have been widely regarded as unbiblical and even heretical. One of the most controversial is his assertion that humans can become gods. Copeland has stated, “You don’t have a god in you, you are one.” This idea directly contradicts the orthodox Christian belief that God is unique and transcendent, and that humans are His creation, not divine beings themselves.

Additionally, Copeland has espoused the belief that Jesus Christ had to be “born again” in hell after his crucifixion, a concept that deviates significantly from orthodox Christian doctrine.

In addition to these heretical views, Copeland has made numerous false prophecies. One notable example is his prediction regarding the end of COVID-19. In March 2020, Copeland declared that the pandemic would soon be over and that the virus had been destroyed. He claimed to have received this prophecy directly from God. However, as the world continued to grapple with the virus, it became clear that his prophecy was not accurate.

In another instance, Copeland prophesied that Donald Trump would win the 2020 U.S. presidential election. When this did not happen, he faced further backlash and accusations of false prophecy.

The Harmful Teachings of Kenneth and Gloria Copeland
Cedric Hohnstadt, August 2004

There are good reasons why the Bible commands us to “test everything” and to “preserve sound doctrine” and warns us repeatedly about false teachers. While the Copeland’s have some good things to say, we must remember that Satan does not feed us poison outright— he hides it in the meat.

Whether they mean to or not, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland mislead people with false promises. Their supposed “life of victory” ultimately breeds guilt, fear, confusion, worry, disillusionment, and lack of true peace.

They keep people from dealing properly with the struggles of life. They present a false view of God, give man control of his own destiny, and attribute some of God’s work to Satan. They turn prayer into manipulation. They lead people to put their faith in the wrong thing and then prevent that faith from truly growing stronger.

They preach a gospel of materialism instead of self-denial and make it harder for people to learn what God wants to teach them through suffering. Their theology is sloppy and they are misleading many for their own financial gain.

For all of this, the Copeland’s must be held accountable. God holds teachers and prophets to very high standards (James 3:1; Deut. 18:20), and so should we.

Kenneth Copeland Exposed

Word of Faith Prosperity Gospel

Copeland is a prominent advocate of the Word of Faith prosperity gospel, which teaches that believers can obtain material wealth and health through faith and positive confessions. This doctrine has been widely criticized for its emphasis on material gain and its potential to exploit vulnerable individuals. Critics argue that the prosperity gospel distorts the biblical message of salvation and promotes a materialistic worldview.

Copeland’s messages often focus on the idea that believers can “speak” their desires into existence. This teaching posits that believers who demonstrate sufficient faith can expect to receive financial blessings, health, and success in all areas of life. This concept is encapsulated in his famous phrase, “Speak to your wallet. Say to it, ‘You big, thick wallet full of money!’ Speak to it!” Such teachings have led to substantial criticism from mainstream Christian theologians who argue that this approach distorts the true message of the Gospel.

Critics contend that the prosperity gospel promotes a materialistic and self-centered form of Christianity. Instead of emphasizing spiritual growth, humility, and service to others, it encourages believers to seek wealth and personal gain. This not only misrepresents the teachings of Jesus Christ but also exploits the hopes and vulnerabilities of followers who may be struggling financially or physically.

CRI: The Teachings of Kenneth Copeland

Kenneth Copeland stands today as one of the Faith movement’s leading spokesmen. His voluminous material (in print and broadcast media), combined with his crusades and international outreach centers, attest to his vast influence.

Copeland is responsible for spreading many of the Faith movement’s unbiblical teachings. He distorts the biblical concepts of faith and covenant. He reduces God to the image of man while elevating man to the status of God. He lowers Jesus to being a product of positive confession who took on a satanic nature at the cross. And he promotes the occult practice of creative visualization.

Copeland’s errors are largely due to his negative stance on reasoning, his poor handling of the Bible, his aversion toward theology, and his bias against tradition.

The Force of Faith
Of the multiple views of faith held by Faith teachers, Copeland focuses primarily on an understanding of faith as a force. “Faith is a power force,” he claims. “It is a tangible force. It is a conductive force.” Moreover, “faith is a spiritual force … It is substance. Faith has the ability to affect natural substance.” As “the force of gravity … makes the law of gravity work … this force of faith … makes the laws of the spirit world function.” Copeland affirms that “God cannot do anything for you apart or separate from faith,” for “faith is God’s source of power.”

Copeland mistakenly derives his erroneous definition of faith from Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Neither the original Greek text nor any English translations support Copeland’s understanding of faith.

A God of Human Proportions
Copeland’s view of God fares no better biblically than his understanding of faith. He describes God as someone “very much like you and me … A being that stands around six foot two inches or six foot three inches, that weighs around a couple of hundred pounds, and has a [hand] span nine inches across.”

Members of God’s Class
Copeland overemphasises similarities between God and man to the point where any distinction becomes virtually nil: “God’s reason for creating Adam was His desire to reproduce Himself … Adam is as much like God as you could get, just the same as Jesus … Adam, in the Garden of Eden, was God manifested in the flesh.”

Spiritual Death and Rebirth in Hell
When it comes to defining the Christ’s atonement, Copeland says, “It wasn’t a physical death on the cross that paid the price for sin … anybody can do that.” Jesus supposedly “put Himself into the hands of Satan when he went to that cross, and took that same nature that Adam did [when he sinned].”

Copeland’s account, vivid though it may be, is not in the Bible. It misuses the phrase “firstborn from the dead” (Col. 1:18) to bolster the “born again Jesus” doctrine. Actually, the Greek word for “firstborn” (prototokos) primarily denotes primacy, headship, and pre-eminence. The phrase itself points to Christ’s supremacy “over all creation” (v. 15) in general and those who will be raised from the dead in particular, alluding to Christ’s bodily resurrection—not some spiritual resuscitation in hell.

Moreover, Jesus was not dragged into hell by Satan, but instead committed His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46) and went directly to paradise (v. 43). Nor was He tortured by a host of demons; He triumphed “over them by the cross” (Col. 2:15). Jesus paid for the sins of His people in full at the cross (Matt. 1:21; John 19:30)—not by becoming a satanic being, but through his physical sacrifice (Heb. 10:10; Col. 1:22).

Copeland’s theology can be attributed to the following four reasons.

First, Copeland seems vehemently opposed to sound reasoning. “Believers are not to be led by logic,” he writes. “We are not even to be led by good sense” (emphasis in original).93 Copeland’s statement is apparently based on his mistaken belief that the “ministry of Jesus was never governed by logic or reason….He was not led by logic. He was not led by the mind.”94 Isaiah 1:18, on the other hand, quotes God as saying, “Come now, let us reason together.”

Second, Copeland fails to observe some basic principles of biblical interpretation (including fundamental rules of grammar and usage), at times relying instead on so-called revelation knowledge (information allegedly derived from direct, one-on-one communication with God). His neglect in this area is made embarrassingly apparent by his gross misunderstanding of key words (e.g., faith) and utter disregard of the context in which they appear. The Bible, however, stresses the importance of correctly handling the Word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

Third, Copeland does not seem to acknowledge the importance of systematic theology, as indicated by his statement, “I don’t preach doctrine, I preach faith.”95 Although he may not realize it, his preaching on faith and other topics do in fact constitute doctrines, which combined form his theology (however inconsistent). He would do well to heed the apostle Paul’s advice to “watch your life and your doctrine closely” (1 Tim. 4:16).

Fourth, Copeland displays an open attitude of disdain and disrespect for the historically established views of the church. Admittedly, tradition must ultimately be tested by the Word of God. However, it should be recognized that certain historically accepted views, especially as they apply to essential Christian doctrine (e.g., the nature of faith, the nature of God, the nature of man, and the person and work of Jesus Christ), are significant, time-tested summations of fundamental Bible-based truths. To deviate from them is to reject the heart of Christian faith.

Unbiblical Speaking in Tongues

Copeland’s ministry often features displays of speaking in tongues, a practice where believers utter seemingly unintelligible sounds or phrases. In Pentecostal and Charismatic Christian traditions, speaking in tongues is seen as a spiritual gift where individuals speak in an unknown language as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence. However, Copeland’s practices and teachings on this subject have raised eyebrows.

Copeland often emphasizes the importance of speaking in tongues as a way to achieve personal empowerment and spiritual authority. In his services, he encourages congregants to speak in tongues, often in a chaotic and uncontrolled manner. This approach has been criticized for lacking the order and discernment that the Apostle Paul advocated for in 1 Corinthians 14, where he instructs that speaking in tongues should be done in a way that edifies the church and should be accompanied by interpretation.

Many theologians argue that Copeland’s emphasis on speaking in tongues as a tool for personal gain distorts the intended purpose of this spiritual gift, which is meant to build up the church and foster a deeper relationship with God.

The COVID-19 Controversy: A Reckless Disregard for Public Health

One of the most widely publicized controversies involving Kenneth Copeland was his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, as the world was grappling with the rapid spread of the virus, Copeland made several bold and controversial statements. He claimed to have received a prophecy from God declaring the end of the pandemic and even went as far as to “blow the wind of God” on the virus during a televised service, declaring that the “wind of God” would destroy the virus and that Christians were exempt from its effects.

These actions and statements were met with widespread criticism and ridicule. Many saw his declarations as not only false but also dangerous, as they potentially discouraged his followers from taking necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the virus. Public health experts and religious leaders alike condemned Copeland’s actions, arguing that they undermined efforts to combat the pandemic and protect public health.

The backlash from this incident highlighted the broader issue of accountability among televangelists like Copeland, who wield significant influence over their followers. His false prophecies regarding COVID-19 served as a stark reminder of the potential harm that can result from unverified and misleading claims made under the guise of divine revelation.

Newsweek, March 12, 2020: Conservative Pastor Claims He ‘Healed’ Viewers of Coronavirus Through Their TV Screens

Conservative televangelist Kenneth Copeland told viewers of his ministry’s program that they were “healed” of the coronavirus disease as he prayed while asking them to touch their television screens to receive the spiritual healing.

Copeland’s bizarre message to his followers during a “special report” on his Victory channel, titled “Standing Against Coronavirus,” was first reported by Right Wing Watch on Thursday. In a clip of his prayer, the Christian pastor reaches his outstretched hand toward the camera, asking viewers to draw close and touch their screens.

Judgment Is Executed on COVID-19: by Kenneth Copeland

Big Piles of Money: Luxurious Lifestyle

Perhaps one of the most glaring controversies surrounding Kenneth Copeland is his lavish lifestyle, which stands in stark contrast to the message of humility and modesty often associated with Christian ministry. Copeland owns multiple luxurious properties, including a mansion reportedly worth millions of dollars, and several private jets, including a Gulfstream V.

Copeland’s opulent lifestyle has been a point of contention, particularly because it is funded by the donations of his followers, many of whom give sacrificially in the hope of receiving God’s blessings in return. Critics argue that this exploitation of his followers’ faith for personal gain is not only unethical but also antithetical to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized humility, generosity, and service to others.

In response to these criticisms, Copeland has defended his wealth by arguing that it is a sign of God’s favor and a testament to the effectiveness of his faith and teachings. However, this justification has done little to quell the concerns of those who see his extravagant lifestyle as a blatant abuse of his position and influence. Also, the lack of transparency surrounding KCM’s finances has fueled suspicions of financial impropriety and raised ethical concerns about the use of donations.

New York Post: Kenneth Copeland, the wealthiest US pastor, lives on a $7,000,000 tax-free estate

Considered the wealthiest pastor in America — with an alleged estimated net worth of $760 million — televangelist Kenneth Copeland is in hot water after an extensive investigation by the Houston Chronicle revealed how he has been living in a tax-free mega-mansion worth $7 million and paid for by Texas taxpayers for years.

The 85-year-old pastor’s house spans 18,000 square feet and is made up of six bedrooms and six bathrooms, located on an exclusive lake community outside Fort Worth.

The luxury pad, Copeland’s primary residence, is situated on one acre and surrounded by a 24-acre lakefront tract, which is valued “extraordinarily low” at $125,000, according to the Chronicle. Because of its low value, Copeland’s Eagle Mountain International Church — which Copeland founded in 1967 and which technically owns the home — pays less than $3,000 a year in property taxes, records show. The value was agreed upon by the Tarrant Appraisal District in Fort Worth as part of a dispute resolution agreement with the church.

But real estate experts said that the waterfront property in an open market would actually sell for millions.

The founder of the self-titled Christian organization Kenneth Copeland Ministries, the thrice-married pastor previously stated that when people drive by his house, “they will know there is a God,” according to a speech he gave at his 2015 Southwest Believers’ Convention in Fort Worth.

At the event, Copeland explained that his journey to living in the mansion all started when God told him years earlier to build a dream home that his wife, Gloria, had described to him.

“Minister this house to her,” he recalled being told. “It is part of your prosperity.”

“You may think that house is too big,” the prosperity preacher stated at the 2015 convention. “You may think it’s too grand. I don’t care what you think. I heard from heaven. Glory to God, hallelujah!’”

Kenneth Copeland Inside Edition: Controversy and Faith

In a notable interview with Inside Edition, Copeland was confronted about his lifestyle and relationships, particularly his interactions with fellow televangelist Lisa Guerrero. He denied any impropriety and defended his wealth as a blessing from God. This interview added fuel to the ongoing debates about his ministry and personal life.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Controversy and Division

Kenneth Copeland’s ministry has left a lasting impact on the Christian landscape, but it is a legacy marked by controversy and division. While his teachings have resonated with some, they have also alienated and offended many others. From his disdain for historically established Christian views and heretical teachings to his false prophecies, promotion of the prosperity gospel, and unbiblical practices, Copeland’s ministry has been a lightning rod for criticism and debate.

His response to the COVID-19 pandemic and his luxurious lifestyle further highlight the broader issues of accountability and ethical conduct among televangelists. As a prominent figure in the Christian community, Copeland’s actions and teachings have far-reaching implications, influencing countless individuals and shaping the broader perception of Christianity.

As the debate over Copeland’s ministry continues, it is crucial for Christians to approach his teachings with discernment and critical thinking. While there may be some valuable insights to be gleaned from his sermons, it is important to weigh them against the teachings of Scripture and the wisdom of the broader Christian tradition. For those seeking spiritual guidance, it underscores the importance of discerning and critically evaluating the teachings and actions of those who claim to speak on behalf of God.

Mike Winger: I Denounce Kenneth Copeland

Mike Winger: Kenneth Copeland Cures Your Baldness and Ruins Your Faith

YouTube: Kenneth Copeland becomes Demon Possessed on stage.

Justin Peters: Kenneth Copeland vs. Kenneth Copeland: Stunning Hypocrisy

From Josie Naikoi: The rise, fame, life of luxury and controversy of America’s wealthiest pastor, Kenneth Copeland and Kenneth Copeland Ministries

Kenneth Copeland Quotes

This is a curated list of quotes. Although many more could be included, I will not provide any additional commentary. These quotes are so outrageous that they speak for themselves.

“God did not create the world out of nothing, He used the Force of his Faith” (Spirit, Soul and Body, #01-0601, Tape #1).

“Adam was not subordinate to God” (Following the Faith of Abraham, Tape #01-3001).

“God and Adam looked exactly alike” (The Authority of the Believer, IV; Tape #01-0304).

“Adam was God manifested in the flesh” (Following the Faith of Abraham, Tape #01-3001).

“God is approximately 6’2” to 6’3” tall” (Spirit, Soul, and Body, Tape #01-0601).

“God weighs approximately 200 lbs.” (same as above).

“Jesus death on the cross was not enough to save us” (What Happened From The Cross To The Throne, Tape #00-0303; Believer’s Voice of Victory, September 1991; Doctrinal Statement, March 12, 1979).

“Jesus took on the nature of Satan when He was on the cross” (What Happened From The Cross To The Throne, Tape #00-0303).

“Every Christian is a god” (Force of Love, Tape #02-0028; Believer’s Voice of Victory, broadcast July 9, 1987).

“There is a god class of beings” (Force of Love, Tape #02-0028; Praise the Lord broadcast (TBN), recorded February 5, 1986).

“…God must obey what we request. God traveled to earth in a space ship called light…” (What Happened From The Cross To The Throne, Tape #00-0303).

“Jesus had a beginning and an end” (same as above).

“The biggest failure in the whole Bible is God” (Praise-a-thon, (TBN) recorded 1988).

“The earth we live on is a copy of the mother planet” (Following the Faith of Abraham, tape #01-3001).

The “force of faith is released by words” (Authority of the Believer, audio tape #01-0302, side 1, 1987).

“God’s on the outside looking in, He doesn’t have any legal entry into the earth. The thing don’t belong to Him” (The Image of God in You III, audio tape #01-1403, side 1, 1989).

“You are not a spiritual schizophrenic – half God and half Satan – you are all God” (Now We Are in Christ Jesus, KCP Publications, 1980, pp.16-17).

“I don’t preach doctrine, I preach faith” (Following the Faith of Abraham I, side 2).

“Heaven has a north and a south and an east and a west. Consequently, it must be a planet” (Spirit, Soul, and a Body 1, audio tape #01-0601, side 1, 1985).

“Jesus never actually claimed to be God.” (Kenneth Copeland, “Take Time To Pray,” Believers Voice of Victory, Feb. 1987)

“You don’t have a god in you, you are one!” (Kenneth Copeland, “The Force of Love,” Audiotape, 1987)

“When I read the Bible where He (Jesus) says, ‘I AM,’ I say, ‘Yes, I AM too!’ “ (Kenneth Copeland, Crusade meeting, July 19, 1987)

“Poverty is an evil spirit.” (Kenneth Copeland, “Prosperity: The Choice Is Yours,” Page 4)

“It wasn’t a physical death on the cross that paid the price for sin… anybody can do that.” (Kenneth Copeland, “What Satan Saw on the Day of Pentecost,” Audiotape #BCC -19)

“Do you want a hundredfold return on your money? Give and let God multiply it back to you. Invest heavily in God; the returns are staggering. Every man who invests in the Gospel has a right to expect the staggering return of one hundredfold.” (Kenneth Copeland, “Laws of Prosperity,” Page 67)

“You have the same creative faith and ability on the inside of you that God used when he created the heavens and the earth.” (Kenneth Copeland, “Inner Image of the Covenant,” Audiotape)