Prosperity Gospel as a Heretic Theology Cum Doctrine

Abstract

One of the greatest deceptions in the world today is the so-called Gospel of Prosperity. It is a doctrine in the global Pentecostal-Charismatic movements with the aberrant theology that God ALWAYS rewards faith and hefty tithing with unlimited financial blessings and success. The socio-economic message of Prosperity Gospel has become a great attraction in the world especially to the impoverished people of Africa and Latin America. As a matter of fact, the micro and macro-economic retrogression in many African nations enable some charismatic and neo- Pentecostal preachers to incorporate prosperity messages into sermons. As a movement, it is closely associated with the capitalistic tendencies that have replaced growth and moral sanctity towards eternal life. This paper explores critically, the concise history, nature and message of prosperity gospel. It examines the challenges it brings to the true gospel of Jesus Christ as taught and practiced by most mainline churches worldwide. Effort will be made to analyze their teaching to expose it as a form of religious engineering where the individual members are invited to act as engineers of their own life and subjectivity. The expressions Gospel of Prosperity, Prosperity Movement and Prosperity Theology are used interchangeably. From our expertise theological and scriptural background, we shall cross-examine this theology from many perspectives to justify its designation as a heretical doctrine. Fighting this cankerworm and trying to rehabilitate its numerous victims in diverse Christian denominations remain the ultimate and urgent task of this writer.

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