Why Faith Teachers Misinterpret Scriptures?

The Faith teachers misinterpret Scriptures because they view the Bible in light of an overall philosophy of "Faith" and spirituality that is not biblical. Thus, when the Bible is removed from its historical context and read through the philosophy of a foreign world view, its meaning is naturally distorted. Just as it is difficult to read a book with prescription glasses when your vision is already 20/20, it is equally difficult to see the Bible clearly when it is read through the philosophy of the Faith teachers.

Some 30 to 40 key verses form the alleged Scriptural foundation of the Faith teaching (e.g., Genesis 1; 26:12-14; Joshua 1:8; Job 3:25; Hosea 4:6; Matthew 12:37; Mark 5:28; 10:30; 11:23; Luke 6:38; John 6:63; 10:10; 14:3-4, 12; Romans 4:17; 10:10; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Galations 3:13; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 1:14-2:3; 4:14; 11:1; 3 John 2). But anyone who conducts his own personal study on these verses will prove to himself that they are always misinterpreted by the Faith teachers. Nevertheless, this explains why Christians can read their Bibles and "see" the Faith philosophy. It is only because these verses have already been misinterpreted for them by the Faith teachers.

This is the same process by which the Bible can be made to teach literally anything. For example, by taking verses out of context, we can also "prove" that Jesus Christ is not God (John 14:28, "the Father is greater than I"; 1 Timothy 2:5, "the man Christ Jesus"); that salvation is by good works and not by faith alone (James 2:24, "a man is justified by works and not by faith alone"); that man is a literal god (John 10:34, "I said, You are gods"); etc.

In a similar manner we can just as easily "prove" that the Bible teaches the Faith/Prosperity doctrines.

(from Facts on the Faith Movement - John Ankerberg & John Weldon).