A THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF PROSPERITY GOSPEL VIS-A-VIS THE PLIGHT OF POVERTY IN NIGERIA

The research examined prosperity gospel preaching or teaching and its implications on the poor. It discussed its historical origin and noted that it was birthed in United States of America in the nineteenth century and now spreading in the Nigerian churches and society like wild fire. The information for the paper was derived from primary and secondary sources. However, the researcher showed that most scriptural references made in support of prosperity gospel are placed out of context, thus, giving a false impression and interpretation about what the Bible really teaches. The findings of the research indicated that, prosperity gospel in a way gives one a sense of hope, direction and reassurance that the life one lives can get better if one can only apply certain biblical principles correctly. Equally, it was observed that the prosperity preachers or teachers are quite correct in pointing believers to God and the wonderful promises made in his word in order to get their needs met. However, many of these preachers have turned the table of the gospel round for self or selfish advantages and thereby impoverishing their congregation the more rather than improving their lots. This in-turn has reduced the capacity of the people and thereby affected national developments in terms of socio- economic, psycho-spiritual and physical developments. The mind of many Nigerians has so much been corrupted to pursue wealth at the expense of the things of God which has eternal values. Hence, the research paper recommended that the focus of gospel preachers today should rather address soteriology of man.

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