How Do MLMs Use New Thought and Prosperity Teachings?

Question

I am aware that MLMs are said to incorporate New thought and Prosperity teachings quite often. What is the implementation of such philosophies on their business model?

Answer 1

New Thought and Prosperity teachings become handy in motivating MLMs members towards a mindset of abundance and success and balance their viewpoint. There is a belief from these lessons that thinking positively, creating mental pictures, and declaring affirmations will get one rich and healthy, thus adding value to the story of the MLM getting rich. Such a method is ethically dubious as to why people in religion, being prosperous or rich is seen as the blessing and being poor or unsuccessful is a result of lack of faith or positive mindset.

Comments

Great research! I was part of an MLM and everything you discussed was on point. I really appreciate how you tied the mentality of MLM’s to how it conflicts with Christian principles! I feel a sense of grief for some of the stuff I dealt with specially the emotional abuse and brainwashing. I’ve learned that only God‘s principles are the true essence of living a good life. It’s not what a MLM or New Age organization tries to sell you. great job on putting this together and I appreciate all the time and research you put into it. Keep it up! ❤

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I appreciate the heart and effort put into this subject of Multi-Level Marketing. It’s a serious problem when people come to church to use people to move product or even use a church directory to approach Christian Brethren for “the business”. That’s not what a church directory is for.

However, to be fair, when we violate the Dorean Principle, we also turn Church Brethren into customers, like charging money for fellowship lunches, Bible Translations, Bible Commentaries, Bible Colleges, Seminaries, Christian Conferences, and even much needed Biblical Counseling. That’s selling the Gospel and Discipleship. And that needs to stop also.

There’s a book called the Dorean Principle written by Pastor Conley Owens that covers this topic and copyright, and there’s a YouTube Channel called “Selling Jesus” that addresses this important issue. Ministry should be supported, not sold.

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I’ve been a part of a few MLMs. One, who sells insurance, I found to be the most upsetting. I had left my career due to serious professional reasons and wanted something new. Someone I trust recruited me. Those in the MLM presented as Christ followers. That made me comfortable. Then, they showed the new age movie, The Secret. I ran out crying. On top of that a member of the leadership falsely called out my husband for not contacting people that were in his phone. My husband’s phone was a work phone. I was livid! My husband is the One My Soul Loves. No one demeans him. No one. There were a few other issues but those 2 led me to leave. The mask of Christianity was a draw for me. Those who present as such are always using new age tomfoolery.

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Thank you so much for making this content! I got saved out of new age/new thought/prosperity gospel/ MLM gospel and my whole life unraveled when I realized how controlled I was… people NEED to hear what you are saying!

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Just watched part 1 and everything you said was absolutely correct, I used to be an IBO in Quixtar (now Amway Global) and I heard all these sales pitches from them, secondly, when I saw the pyramid schemes in prosperity gospel churches, I was like, hey, I’ve seen this before