Prosperity Theology: Truth or Heresy?

Ethics Daily has run a great article on the challenge of prosperity theology faced by the African Church. Try reading the article below, carefully substituting "The Bahamas" for "Africa," and you will find that this sounds an awful lot like the same challenges that our churches are facing here.

Africans Vulnerable to 'Prosperity Gospel,' BWA Group Says in Forum

Robert Parham
07-10-07

"Prosperity gospel" churches compete with Baptist churches in Africa, especially for younger people, with promises of wealth and health, according to participants in a forum discussion Saturday at the Baptist World Alliance gathering in Accra, Ghana.

The movement is "attractive to young people, because TV shows a materialistic world," said an African leader. "Young people like that life."

The leader noted the influence of the Trinity Broadcasting Network on Africans who listen to the same message all day that promises of abundant material possessions.

TBC recycles worship services and talk shows around the world, spreading a theology that if Christians will claim the so-called promises of God, made in a few selected biblical texts, they can enjoy luxurious cars, expensive homes, obedient children and untroubled health. It's a theology devoid of discipleship and service.

Read the rest of the article here.