The Distorting Power of the Prosperity Gospel

Posted on February 20, 2024 
Filed under Opinion, Theology

“No one wants to suffer. In my culture, and in most African cultures, suffering is seen as a sign of bad luck; or proof that you did something wrong. Interestingly that was exactly the same thinking as Job’s friends. For example, Eliphaz says this about Job’s situation: “Remember: who that was innocent ever perished? Or where were the upright cut off?” (Job 4:7-8). His point? The innocent don’t suffer.

Everyone wants their best life now. And most would simply settle for a materially better life too.

This view of suffering explains the success of the prosperity gospel across Africa. …”

– At The Gospel Coalition Africa, Thomas Endjala at Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary, outlines how the “prosperity gospel” ruins faith.

(Link via Tim Challies.)