Could we begin a flame-free discussion of Word Faith teachings?
I would like to ask some questions.
1: Where is the sovereignty of God in Word Faith teaching?
The sovereignty of God is tied up smack dab in the middle of the Gospel. His dealings, His will, and our relationship with Him begin and are completed in the Gospel. Jesus did it all. We simply hop on board His work. We cannot add to it by suffering, being sick, being impoverished, or by dying. Everything He wants to teach us is accomplished by the methods and means He has set up in the Gospel. He does not deal with us outside that Gospel. The Gospel does not contain any sickness, poverty or death. The methods and means that many present such as sickness to teach and poverty to grow are outside the Gospel. His sovereign will is defined in the words and work of Jesus via the Gospel. That is the sovereignty of God manifest.
So why do some question that the WOF denies God His sovereignty?
We just take Him at His word. If He said He would heal us or give us anything we ask and believe for, then we take His word at it.
The question I have for those who might refute this, and say that we are "overstepping the sovereignty of God" and "Ordering God around". Are you ordering God around when you call on the name of the Lord and expect to be saved? Can God change His mind and decide not to do what He said and not save you? If you say no, then are you denying God His sovereignty? The same if true concerning all the promises and elements of the Word.
The question, when framed in a common nonbeliever's query, might ask:
Is God so sovereign that He can break a promise and go against His own word?
The answer is no.
2: Why does Word Faith always work around to stating in some way or another that the sick choose sickness?
I don't do this. I have not seen this. But I can understand the logic. It seems that some would rather see God as somehow involved in or even causing their sickness and poverty than to think He is not involved with them at all. To be faithful, one would simply stand on the word and thank God they are healed regardless of the symptoms and outward circumstances. I have also heard some say that they would rather be sick and even die than to change their mind and admit they were wrong. This is a hard thing for most people to do. Once they make a stand against healing or poverty, it is very difficult to go back on it. They would just rather (I suppose we could say "choose") to be sick than to glorify God and declare that Jesus has done it all.
3: What about the poor? What is our obligation to them according to Faith teaching?
I am not sure what you are asking. Should we give to the poor? Yes. I cannot speak for all, but a certain percent of what I earn goes to the poor every paycheck. This question should also be directed at all Christians and not just the Faith movement. As a proponent of Home Churches, I would direct the question back at the critics of the faith movement and wonder how they can justify building their 6 and 7 figure sanctuaries within sight of the pool and homeless. Don't get me wrong, I am not against people keeping their heads dry on Sunday mornings... but at the same time, lets not be hypocrites and point fingers at WOF people while hundreds of millions of church dollars are spent on the "principle of the Sunday morning dry head."
4: Is disregarding symptoms to claim one's healing considered a sign of holiness or goodness in Word Faith?
I do not "disregard" symptoms. I simple chose to believe (in my heart) that the Word is true. I chose to walk by faith and not by sight. I chose to let God be true and every man a liar. If I were to get sick, I would thank God that I am healed according to His word, rebuke the lies that contradict the Word, and if needed, go to the doctor to get relief until the symptoms subside. This is what I would do if I got sick. Reality is, I can count on one hand the number of times I have been to the doctor over the past 30 years. I have been to the emergency room only once to receive treatment for injuries while saving someone from a burning building. I have not spent one night in a hospital in 34 years. I am not obsessed with health and the topic actually occupies very little of my study and prayer life. The only reason I know much about it at all is because some people are obsessed with refuting it and trying to talk others out of it. I want to see people walk in the same health that I have. It is a blessing that we can all have. It has been bought and paid for, and there is no reason not to take it.
5: Why does anyone die, if Word Faith teachings are true?
People die because we have been appointed 70 years on the face of the earth. We can have more if we are not satisfied with the 70. In this day and age, the average life expectancy now exceeds that age. But we can expect 70 and no less. If we live right physically and morally, we can achieve old age and do it healthy. We will eventually die, (unless the Lord returns before hand) but we do not have to die young nor do we have to die old and sick. I expect to die at a ripe old age, not of sickness or disease... but by just not waking up one morning. I will wake up... but not in this world!! I think you are misreading the WOF teachings, or are just listening to someone else's interpretation of them. I do not know anyone who teaches that we will not grow old and pass away. We do teach that we will grow old and pass without sickness.
6: Do you believe that objective reality is a tool of Satan?
Sorry. You lost me there. Are you talking about walking by sight? If so, it is only a tool of satan if it contradicts what God said. God said we are healed. If we confess our sins and are righteous and in fellowship with God, then sickness should not be on us. It is a lie of the devil and we can rebuke it and stand on the truth of the word of God.
7: Is it common practice in Word Faith circles to do things like not wear glasses, not buy insurance for anything, and not even take crime prevention or fire safety precautions?
I do not advocate these things. I buy insurance because it is one way I can be sure my family is taken care of. I do not take crime prevention because if a bad guy wants to get to you, a lock will not stop Him. I do lock doors and windows because that is common sense. I do not know anyone personally who does the things you mention. When a family member is sick I take them to the doctor because that is one way that God deals with sickness. Sometimes people do not have enough faith to receive healing outright, but they will have enough faith to be healed with the help of a doctor or medical procedure.
8: Is it deemed OK in Word Faith to "curse" perceived human enemies?
This is new one. I guess someone thinks Hagin and Copeland were on the grassy knolls in Dallas on Nov 23 1962. I am sorry Suzy, it is just that some of these things are so silly that I feel weird even addressing them. But I am glad you bring them up because some people actually believe them.
The word says to bless and curse not. I would no more curse someone than punch them in the nose.
I hope you never get banned! 
