The Benham Brothers and the Life Surge Conference: A Deep Dive into Faith and Finance

PHILADELPHIA — This past weekend, the Wells Fargo Center buzzed with an unusual blend of faith and finance as the Life Surge conference unfolded. Among the speakers were the Benham Brothers, identical twins known for their controversial views and comedic banter. However, their performance raised eyebrows and questions about the intersection of Christianity and wealth accumulation.

The Benham Brothers: A Comedic Introduction

The Benham Brothers, 50-year-old tall, blonde twins, took the stage with a series of scripted jokes that primarily revolved around calling each other “stupid” and “effeminate.” While they aimed for humor, their comedic style fell flat, especially when juxtaposed with the serious themes of the conference. Their lack of pastoral credentials became evident as they attempted to interpret biblical texts, leaving many attendees questioning their theological accuracy.

Setting the Stage: Life Surge Conference

Life Surge, a Christian wealth conference, featured a lineup of speakers that included notable figures like former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and Philadelphia Eagles players. The event ran from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., drawing a crowd eager to hear what these personalities had to say about faith and finance.

The Benham Brothers set a controversial tone with their assertion that wealth is inherently holy and that faithfulness leads to financial prosperity. Their interpretation of biblical texts to support this claim was both simplistic and troubling.

The Brothers’ Wealth Theology

The Benham Brothers presented several points to justify their belief in the prosperity gospel:

Divine Resources: They argued that God created the Earth filled with resources meant for humanity to claim. They interpreted the term “cultivate” from Genesis as a call to acquire wealth, particularly through real estate.

Biblical Evidence: They pointed to gold as the first resource mentioned in the Bible and referenced the Parable of the Talents, suggesting that God rewards those who invest wisely.

Multiplication of Wealth: They claimed that just as Jesus spoke of multiplying disciples, believers should also multiply their financial resources.

Their message culminated in a call for “passive income,” warning attendees that their active income could vanish if they were “canceled” for their beliefs—a nod to their own experiences with cancel culture.

The Eagles’ Influence

The presence of Philadelphia Eagles players was a significant draw for the event. Saquon Barkley, the first speaker, captivated the audience with his light-hearted anecdotes and genuine faith testimony. His discussion of mentorship and his baptism on the day he signed a lucrative contract provided a stark contrast to the Benham Brothers’ financial rhetoric.

Barkley’s appearance was strategically timed to attract attendees, and the emcee emphasized the importance of celebrity endorsements in drawing crowds. However, the subsequent speakers, including the Benham Brothers, shifted the focus from faith to financial gain.

The Marketing Strategy of Life Surge

Life Surge employed a savvy marketing strategy, utilizing the Eagles’ popularity to promote the event. Ads featuring players and coaches flooded social media, creating an expectation that the conference would be a blend of faith and sports. However, as the day progressed, it became clear that the primary focus was on selling financial seminars and investment strategies.

The event featured a mix of worship songs, testimonies, and political commentary, but the underlying message was a push for attendees to invest in expensive online courses and seminars. The promise of celebrity interactions, including photos with Eagles players, further incentivized attendees to spend money.

The Ethical Dilemma

As the day unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that Life Surge was more about profit than genuine spiritual growth. The founder of Life Surge has faced allegations of mismanagement and deceptive practices, raising ethical questions about the conference’s true intentions.

The pitch for a $97 online seminar on investment strategies felt particularly exploitative, especially given the emotional and spiritual context of the event. The emphasis on financial gain over genuine faith raised concerns about the manipulation of religious beliefs for profit.

A Personal Reflection

Having grown up in the evangelical church, I found the manipulation of scripture for financial gain deeply troubling. The Benham Brothers’ interpretation of biblical texts felt like a distortion of the faith I was raised in. Their message, cloaked in humor and charisma, masked a more sinister agenda: the commodification of faith.

As I left the conference, I couldn’t help but wonder about the motivations of the Eagles players. What drove them to endorse a program that seemed to prioritize profit over genuine spiritual guidance? The intersection of faith and finance is a complex one, and the Life Surge conference exemplified the potential pitfalls of this relationship.

Conclusion

The Life Surge conference, with its blend of celebrity endorsements and financial promises, serves as a cautionary tale about the commercialization of faith. While the Benham Brothers may have aimed to inspire, their message ultimately raised more questions than answers. As believers navigate the complexities of faith and finance, it’s crucial to remain discerning and critical of those who seek to profit from spiritual teachings.