A Critical Reflection on Prosperity Theology in Nigeria’s Neo-Pentecostal Churches
Prosperity theology is the belief that God will grant the wishes of believers in accordance with their financial contributions to the church, especially those wishes involving material wealth and good health. This theology is one of the teachings of Neo-Pentecostal churches that have continued to generate controversies among Nigerian Christians. Therefore, this study critically reflects on prosperity theology in Nigeria’s Neo-Pentecostal churches with a view to underscore the theological and ethical questions inherent in this subject-matter. Data was gathered through observation, review of video tapes on prosperity preaching, Christian literature and other scholarly materials. Data was historically, contextually, critically and constructively analysed. This paper avowed that Nigerian prosperity preachers place too much premium on tithing and seed sowing as means of obtaining personal blessings of material wealth and good health from God. It further revealed that prosperity theology has promoted unethical practices among some Neo-Pentecostal churches’ adherents. This is because the excessive emphasis on sowing and reaping bountifully has led some adherents into immoral financial pursuit in a bid to fulfill the stipulated requirement for obtaining material wealth and good health promised by prosperity preachers. This essay submits that Nigerian prosperity preachers should preach realistic sermons that encourage hard work, diligence and sincerity for effective Christian impact in the society.
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