“The very first thing on Jesus’ agenda was to get rid of poverty! Would you like to know why some people, including ministries, never get out of poverty? It’s not because they aren’t smart. It’s not because they don’t have windows of opportunity. It’s because they’re not anointed. If you’re not anointed, poverty will follow you all the days of your life. His first objective was to get rid of poverty.”
(Jesse Duplantis, “Voice of The Covenant,” Page 5, November 1997)
“If I give $1,000 I deserve to get back $100,000 because I am just; that’s not greed!”
(Jesse Duplantis, “The Just Shall Live By Faith,” TBN, December 19, 2003)
“Cash is king! The hundredfold works. ‘If I give $50 you mean God will give me $5,000?’ Yes! If you give $1000 in the offering this morning, will God give you $100,000 by tomorrow? Yes!”
(Jesse Duplantis, “The Choke Hold,” The Church Channel, January 24, 2004)
In the contemporary landscape of televangelism, few figures are as polarizing as Jesse Duplantis. Known for his exuberant personality, lavish lifestyle, and controversial theology, Duplantis has built a ministry that epitomizes the Word-Faith prosperity gospel. With an estimated net worth of around $20 million, a private jet, and a 40,000-square-foot mansion in Louisiana, Duplantis claims his wealth is a testament to being “blessed” by God. However, his teachings and lifestyle starkly contrast traditional Christian doctrines, raising serious questions about the theological integrity and spiritual impact of his ministry.
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The Theology of Excess
The prosperity gospel is at the heart of Jesse Duplantis’s ministry, a theological framework that equates faith with financial and physical well-being. According to this belief system, God rewards faithful believers with material riches and good health. Duplantis preaches that poverty is a “curse” and that wealth is a sign of divine favor. This interpretation unquestionably distorts scripture to serve a materialistic agenda.
One of the core tenets of Duplantis’s theology is the idea that believers can “name it and claim it” — that through positive confession and unwavering faith, they can attract wealth and prosperity. This belief is rooted in the Word-Faith movement, which emphasizes the power of words and the believer’s authority to command blessings into existence. Critics argue that this reduces God to a cosmic vending machine, dispensing blessings in exchange for the right formula of faith and confession. This can lead to disillusionment and spiritual stagnation when prayers for material gain are not answered.
Contradiction with Traditional Christian Teachings
— Philippians 2:6-8
Moreover, the Bible frequently highlights the importance of caring for the poor and the dangers of greed. In 1 Timothy 6:10, Paul writes, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” The traditional Christian view is that wealth can be a spiritual hindrance and that believers should prioritize their relationship with God and service to others over the accumulation of material possessions. Duplantis’s teachings and lifestyle seem to invert these priorities, placing an undue emphasis on wealth as a measure of spiritual success.
Carnality in Duplantis’s Ministry
The term “carnality” refers to a focus on fleshly, worldly desires rather than spiritual growth and maturity. In many ways, Jesse Duplantis’s ministry embodies this concept. His frequent boasts about his wealth, luxurious lifestyle, and claims of divine endorsement for his material success reveal a preoccupation with worldly riches. This focus on materialism is not only a departure from traditional Christian values but also potentially harmful to his followers.
By promoting the idea that wealth is a sign of God’s favor, Duplantis’s ministry can lead believers to equate their spiritual worth with their financial status. This can cause disillusionment and despair for those who do not achieve the same level of material success, potentially leading them to question their faith or feel abandoned by God. Additionally, it can foster a culture of greed and selfishness, where the pursuit of personal wealth takes precedence over charitable acts and community service.
The Pursuit of Signs and Wonders
Duplantis’ ministry is also characterized by a strong emphasis on signs and wonders, particularly miraculous healings. While the Bible acknowledges the existence of spiritual gifts, including healing, the focus in Duplantis’ ministry seems to be on the spectacular rather than the spiritual. This preoccupation with the sensational can lead to a superficial understanding of faith, where the pursuit of miracles overshadows the cultivation of a deeper relationship with God.
The Impact of Duplantis’s Teachings
The influence of Jesse Duplantis extends beyond his personal congregation, impacting the broader Christian community and society at large. His teachings contribute to the spread of the prosperity gospel, which has been widely criticized for its exploitation of vulnerable believers. Many followers, desperate for financial relief and inspired by Duplantis’s promises, may donate large sums of money to his ministry, hoping for a divine return on their investment. This can lead to financial strain and disillusionment when the promised blessings do not materialize.
Furthermore, Duplantis’s lavish lifestyle and public display of wealth can undermine the credibility of Christian leaders and the church as a whole. When televangelists like Duplantis are seen living in opulence while preaching about God’s blessings, it can lead to cynicism and skepticism about the motives of religious leaders. This can erode trust in the church and detract from its mission to spread the gospel and serve the community.
Wikipedia: Jesse Duplantis
Duplantis is not an Evangelical. His theological beliefs are a combination of Charismatic, Prosperity, and Word of Faith doctrines, and he is considered to be a preacher.
The Trinity Foundation (Dallas), a religious watchdog organization, has kept an eye on Duplantis for more than 10 years. The organization’s president Ole Anthony said that because of Duplantis’ tax exemption, technically, every person in St. Charles Parish was “helping to pay for Duplantis’ extravagant lifestyle”.
In the aftermath of 2021’s Hurricane Ida, Duplantis has faced criticism for his ministry’s perceived lack of response to helping the community. His church resides in St. Charles Parish, where some 95 percent of the residences remained without power for weeks after the storm. St. Charles Parish was one of the hardest hit areas. [12] In response, Duplantis said that the church had donated $100,000 in generators to the community. A few weeks later, Duplantis claimed the Second Coming was held up by a lack of donations, while touting his multi-millionaire status.
The Christian Post, April 29, 2024: Televangelist Jesse Duplantis calls poverty a ‘curse,’ says his wealth is because he’s ‘blessed’
Televangelist and prosperity gospel preacher Jesse Duplantis, who has an estimated net worth of around $20 million, has called poverty a “curse” and says his wealth — which includes a private jet and a 40,000-square-foot mansion in Louisiana — comes from being “blessed” by God.
And he doesn’t care what people have to say about it.
“Let me give you a prime example why I don’t care what people think about me. About what I have,” says Duplantis. “Now…I am a very blessed man. Me and Kathy are very blessed. I’m spiritually, physically and financially [blessed]. I’ve had more people criticize me over that jet, they still can’t get over it. Criticize me over my house. They didn’t pay for it, I paid for it.”
“Most people’s troubles come because people disobey. That is just simply the truth. Wars, rumors of wars, people always mad about somebody,” he said. “It’s usually someone who has enough power to change ‘people’s thinking,’ I call it. Especially in the Church, I call it Christian propaganda.”
“You know that ‘poverty is a blessing?’ That’s a lie. Poverty is a curse. It’s not in Heaven, none whatsoever,” he said, quoting common phrases some Christians use to challenge the prosperity gospel. “‘Jesus was poor.’ When was He poor? Did you ever hear Him say, ‘I can’t eat today [because] I don’t have anything?'”
“You better believe in healing because something’s coming down. … Don’t let this small stature fool you. I get me a baseball bat if I got to. You know what I’m saying? I don’t mean that pridefully but … I know what I can do with a baseball bat.”
EEW Magazine News: Kirk Franklin calls out prosperity preacher Jesse Duplantis for ‘abuse of power’ after he attempts to milk donors for $54 million jet purchase
GRAMMY® Award-winning gospel musician Kirk Franklin is speaking out against a Louisiana-based prosperity preacher who says Jesus told him to buy his fourth private jet.
Jesse Duplantis of Jesse Duplantis Ministries is making worldwide headlines for a video of him claiming the son of God wants him to have the new Dassault Falcon 7X, which costs approximately $54 million.
Franklin, 48, posted a heartfelt plea on Instagram for Christians to take a stand against what he views as injustice rooted in greed. “I’m posting this because now that we see popular culture stand up to the injustices in mainstream society, I believe the church should do the same for its own as well,” he wrote. “We should take the lead when there is an abuse of power that affects our message to the masses. Our silence can be as loud as the bigotry and racism we see in the public square.”
Franklin, who is appalled at the idea of bleeding followers for carnal purposes, noted that Duplantis isn’t the only preacher using his ministry platform for selfish gain.
“Many of these ‘ministries’ built their wealth on the backs of poor rural minorities that put their trust in the hands of ‘god’s shepherds’ only to see the prosperity [only] benefit those doing the preaching,” he said in his scathing post.
USA Today, May 29, 2018: Televangelist says God told him he needs 4th private plane
Jesse Duplantis, a televangelist with viewers across the globe, says God told him he needs a new jet.
Specifically, God told Duplantis he needs a Dassault Falcon 7X, a three-engine private jet capable of carrying 12 to 16 passengers at speeds up to 700 miles per hour. The Falcon 7X, which would be the fourth plane owned by Jesse Duplantis Ministries, has a range of almost 6,000 miles and costs about $54 million new, according to SherpaReport (although used ones are listed online for as little as $20 million).
Crosswalk.com: Televangelist Jesse Duplantis Accused of Preaching Heresy during Sermon Highlighting Isaiah 9:6
During the sermon, Duplantis was wearing a Christmas bow to bring home the point that Christ gave humanity as a gift to God the Father.
A clip of Duplantis’ sermon made the rounds on social media this week. Many Christians labeled his remarks as heretical.
“Why is Biblical hermeneutics (the study of the methodological principles of interpretation) so important?” Keith Walker, president of Evidence Ministries, tweeted. “Because improper hermeneutics leads to heresy. Jesse Duplantis is exhibit A. Listen to how he takes verses that apply to Jesus and attributes them to us. Blasphemous!”
Pastor Shane Idleman of Westside Christian Fellowship in Southern California also responded to Duplantis’ sermon, writing, “Blasphemy Alert!”
Justin Peters Ministries: Is This The Most Blasphemous Statement EVER From Jesse Duplantis?
Revealing Truth: Jesse Duplantis Boasting, Arrogance and Blasphemy
Protestia Blog: Televangelist Jesse Duplantis Says He Lives in a Mansion with a $159K Rolex Because He’s Just ‘Acting Like God’ +Other Wild Heresies
Arch-heretic Jesse Duplantis, known for his love of filthy lucre and declaring that the Lord ‘flexes on him by ‘giving’ him a private jet, is a lost man. We wrote about him recently after he argued that if you don’t believe in the prosperity gospel as he does, one that has made him a multi-millionaire by savagely beating and twisting the scriptures for his gain for decades, then Jesus will tell you to “go to hell,” as you seemingly can’t handle all the riches that will be inlaid in heaven.
In the last few days, he claimed to be the fulfillment of messianic prophesies eternally associated with Christ, and said that Jesus wants to live inside of us because “we are just that good” and are “perfection.” Now, he claims that the reason he doesn’t get sick and also lives in a mansion is because God doesn’t get sick and lives in a mansion, and that because people wouldn’t get mad at God for wearing a luxury watch, they shouldn’t get mad at him.
ChristianDefense.org: Jesse Duplantis and Mormonism
In August of 1988, Duplantis alleges that he went to heaven and postulates this claim behind the pulpits of some of the largest churches in America. Recently, Duplantis wrote a book entitled, Heaven, Close Encounters of the God Kind wherein he describes his alleged visitation to heaven. He also has a video and audio cassettes/DVD’s that provide all the details of his extraordinary claim. What is most alarming though, is that notwithstanding his “Christian” vocabulary and by his own admission, his claim to be a “Christian” teacher, is that Duplantis is teaching LDS (Mormon) doctrine in some of the largest Christian churches.
Duplantis’s so-called vision is perfectly consistent with Joseph Smith’s teaching that God is a big man. Keep in mind, Duplantis is speaking of God the Father, not Jesus (cf. pp. 88-89). What is most distressing is that Duplantis is teaching this utterly blasphemous view of God to millions of people in Christians churches over airwaves and through multi media.
Also, Duplantis is in full concert with the LDS doctrine of preexistence. According to LDS theology, prior to man’s life on earth, all people existed in heaven as “spirit children”, then, at the appointed time, these spirit children are sent to earth to receive their physical bodies, thus becoming human (cf. LDS apostle Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 589).
In harmony with this view, Duplantis explains on page 119, that he…
…saw babies flying around God’s throne . . . wearing nightgowns. . . . [they were saying] “Can I be a spirit? Would you send me to the earth so I can be a spirit? I want to be a redeemed person. Can I be a spirit?.
The pastors who bring Duplantis in are sinning and accountable to God; for they are bringing deception into their church. If Christians do not speak out against false teachings (as biblically mandated, 1 Pet. 3:15; Jude 1:3; etc.), then the false teachings will be construed as truth.
Let Us Reason Ministries, November 2001: Jesse Duplantis — A man with a short theology and tall tales
He is known as the ragin cagun coming from Louisiana, and he is a very entertaining and funny man. But when it comes to sound Bible teaching, he is even funnier.
He is a man with more stories than anyone else has in their holster. Unlike his discipler Copeland, there is very little expository teaching from him. Nonetheless, we have another who alters the word to his likin’. Duplantis uses his personal stories to woo his audience into laughter.
And he is funny, but it is not funny what he teaches! Duplantis shows a disdain for doctrine. “Naturally, the devil tried to shut down this living, breathing Church. He wanted dry bones. He began to take the freshness of God and put Ecclesiastical dogma on it. He used theological understanding to water down the fire.” (Jesse Duplantis, Voice of the Covenant magazine, November 1997, p. 7)
Jesse Duplantis encapsulates the radical Pentecostalism of today. He’s gone to heaven and received new revelation and has written a book on it. He slays people in the spirit. He yells at the devil and he has never ending tales of the supernatural. He screams “Jesus. Jesus. JESUS into the converts ear that any devil would run from the sheer volume. Take the Holy Ghost he says. He speaks in tongues in between stories and yells while he lays hands on them.
Jesse also boasts, “I can honestly say that the Lord has done everything I have prayed for ” (p.44 Heaven Close Encounters of the God kind). One hundred percent answered prayers is quite a feat since there is not one person born beside Jesus that could says this. but nothing stops Jesse from saying what he wants, he gets what he wants – in Jesus’ name.
When Duplantis was a guest on Benny Hinn’s program in early 2,000, he got into quite a discussion. “I’m going to say something that may sound controversial. Not long ago I was in prayer in my own study, and I know the Lord just like you know the Lord. And man I went in there and started off my day with the lord and said ‘Lord Lord how you doing today. It’s going to be a great day. And I noticed the lord wasn’t acting right, …cause I know God, you know when your child is not felling good, right. Hinn, right! You know when something, you may not know what it is but he wasn’t acting right for lack of a better term. I know God I know him and I know the fulness of his presence , and I know him. And I said something’ wrong. And this is what I’m saying, it wasn’t with me. And then it hit me, I said Lord you had a bad day? Now watch this (whenever faith teacher says this you need to pay careful attention, here it comes) I said and he said “Yea my children have been disobeying me” then it dawned on me. I said somebody hurt you today, I said lord I don’t ever want to hurt you anymore so lord I’m going to cancel all my appointments and all this stuff that we call ministry and I’m gonna sit here and I don’t know how to say this God for a lack of better term, till you fell better. Cause so many people hurt him that day… Lord I said I’m just going to bless you, I’m gonna praise you, I’m gonna just call your name. And it dawned on me and the Lord went, “Thank you Jesse.” (Interview-This is Your day, B. Hinn Feb. 2,000)
DISNTR, December 27, 2922: Jesse Duplantis Claims to be “Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” in Christmas Sermon
Jesse Duplantis, a spiritual crack dealer and a self-proclaimed spiritual leader and proponent of the prosperity gospel, has recently come under fire for making a series of controversial statements. The prosperity gospel is a controversial belief that asserts that material wealth is a sign of God’s favor and that people can increase their wealth by giving money to wealthy people like Duplantis. He is the founder of Jesse Duplantis Ministries, which is based in Destrehan, Louisiana, and he has written several blasphemous books on spiritual topics. He has been a preacher for over 50 years and has a very large following all around the world.
In a recent sermon, Duplantis told his congregation that if they do not desire gold-paved roads, financial blessings, and other material wealth, then they will not want to be in heaven. He also suggested that if someone were to make it to heaven and not believe in the material wealth there, Jesus would tell them to go to hell where there is only gravel.
Duplantis has also claimed that giving money to him can hasten the return of Jesus. This suggestion has been met with disbelief and outrage by many Christians, who argue that it is presumptuous and self-serving to claim that one’s own financial gain can influence the timing of Jesus’ return.
On the other hand, Duplantis has claimed that if people give tithes and seeds to him over and above the traditional ten percent, God will repay them thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.
This self-serving and blasphemous teaching should be rejected by all Bible-believing Christians. However, there is perhaps nothing more blasphemous than what Duplantis recently said in a Christmas sermon. During this sermon, he says that Jesus wrapped us up and presented us as gifts to God. Then, Duplantis reads himself into Isaiah 9:6, “for unto us a child is born,” and says that he is the one who should be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This takes the Word of Faith “little-god” heresy to a whole new level as Duplantis makes himself out not to be a “little god,” but the fullness of the godhead himself.
Perhaps the biggest question facing those who examine these
blasphemous heretics is not “Why do they teach such nonsense?”
but … “Why do so many people buy into their twisted teachings?”
In examining the phenomena of televangelists like Jesse Duplantis and the widespread acceptance of their prosperity gospel, a critical question arises: Why do so many people buy into these twisted teachings? Understanding this requires a deep dive into the socio-economic, psychological, and cultural factors that make these messages so appealing to a significant portion of the population.
Socio-Economic Factors
Desperation and Economic Hardship: Many followers of prosperity gospel televangelists are drawn from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. For individuals facing financial difficulties, the promise of wealth and prosperity through faith offers a glimmer of hope and a seemingly accessible solution to their problems. The idea that donating money to a ministry could result in divine financial blessings can be incredibly enticing to those struggling to make ends meet.
Inequality and the American Dream: The prosperity gospel taps into the deeply ingrained cultural narrative of the American Dream, where hard work and faith are believed to lead to success and prosperity. In a society where economic inequality is stark, and the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, the message that anyone can become wealthy through faith in God and positive confession can be particularly seductive.
Psychological Factors
Cognitive Dissonance: Cognitive dissonance theory suggests that when people are presented with information that contradicts their beliefs or experiences, they experience psychological discomfort. To alleviate this discomfort, they may reject the contradictory information or rationalize their beliefs. Followers of the prosperity gospel may continue to support televangelists despite unmet promises of wealth because admitting they were misled is too painful or disruptive to their faith and identity.
Hope and Optimism: The messages delivered by prosperity preachers are often filled with hope and optimism. This positivity can be very attractive, especially to individuals who are going through tough times. The assurance that God wants them to be prosperous and happy provides emotional comfort and a sense of purpose.
Authority and Charisma: Televangelists like Jesse Duplantis are often highly charismatic and authoritative figures. Their confident delivery, coupled with the use of scripture to back their claims, gives them an air of credibility. Followers may be swayed by their dynamic personalities and persuasive communication styles, which can overshadow critical thinking and skepticism.
Cultural and Religious Factors
Biblical Literalism and Misinterpretation: Many followers of prosperity gospel televangelists interpret the Bible literally and may not have the theological training to discern nuanced interpretations of scripture. Televangelists often cherry-pick verses that seem to support their message of wealth and prosperity while ignoring the broader context of Biblical teachings about humility, self-denial, and the dangers of wealth.
Community and Belonging: Religious gatherings, whether in person or via televised services, provide a sense of community and belonging. Followers of prosperity gospel preachers often feel part of a larger, supportive group. This communal aspect can reinforce belief in the teachings, as members affirm each other’s faith and share testimonies of purported financial blessings.
Historical Context of Evangelicalism: The prosperity gospel is deeply rooted in the history of American evangelicalism, which has long emphasized personal salvation and individual relationship with God. This focus on individual faith journeys aligns with the personalized promises of wealth and health that prosperity preachers offer.
Media and Marketing
Effective Marketing Strategies: Prosperity gospel televangelists are adept marketers. They utilize various media platforms—television, social media, books, and online content—to reach a wide audience. Their messages are often framed in compelling, emotionally charged narratives that resonate with viewers’ aspirations and fears.
Testimonials and Success Stories: Testimonials from individuals who claim to have experienced financial miracles after following a televangelist’s teachings are powerful tools. These stories create a sense of authenticity and evidence, even if they are anecdotal and unverifiable. Hearing from “real people” who have supposedly benefited from the prosperity gospel reinforces the belief that it works.
Conclusion
While Duplantis’ charismatic personality and message of prosperity may attract followers, his teachings can have detrimental effects on believers. By equating financial success with God’s favor, he may inadvertently create a false sense of security and spiritual complacency. Moreover, his focus on material gain can lead believers to prioritize worldly success over spiritual growth, hindering their journey toward a deeper relationship with God.
True prosperity is not measured by material wealth but by a deep, abiding relationship with God and a life committed to serving others. By prioritizing spiritual growth and humility, believers can resist the allure of the prosperity gospel and stay true to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
What defines a truly Christian life?
It’s about having a profound assurance of salvation, cultivating an intimate bond with God, being conformed to the image of Christ, extending love even to those deemed unlovable, experiencing a deep and unwavering joy regardless of circumstances, and being receptive to God through Bible study, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers.
In Philippians 3:7-9, Paul wrote:
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith.
Romans 12:1-2 puts it this way:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.