This thesis conducts a biblical and theological analysis of the prosperity theology’s (PT) impact amongst the poor. The main problem is to seek ways of effectively responding to the biblical, theological, and ideological problems raised by PT in Namibia, without overlooking the social issues of poverty and suffering, which this theology claims to be solving. The subject under discussion is found in various denominations but especially amongst neo-Pentecostal churches and it is not a standardised theology. Through interacting with the various views of the proponents and opponents this research proposes that although PT may have certain positive aspects, it is a theology established upon faulty hermeneutics and is not helpful in providing biblically and theologically sound solutions to the problem of poverty.
The research aims to show that Christians have a biblical mandate to care for the poor and to work towards assisting the poor to help themselves. However, we do not foresee a time in the here and now when poverty will be totally abolished. Living with this painful reality, we have the duty of continuously pointing people to the future hope in Christ. On the other hand, our looking to the future hope does not exempt us from doing our best in helping people in the here and now as God enables us.
The research shows that the gospel is the hope for humanity and we should do away with methods and practices that do not have their roots in Scripture. Moreover, the church has a duty to warn against any theology that is conducted in an irresponsible manner and is given to reductionist arguments when it comes to providing solutions to human problems. Therefore, the research seeks to suggest biblical, theological and practical ways of responding to the issue of poverty and ministry to the poor.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background
1.1.1. Three main views concerning PT
1.1.2. Calling for the right attitude
1.1.3. The importance of Scripture
1.2. My personal experience and motivation
1.3. Problem
1.4. Objectives
1.5. Purpose
1.6. Research Methodology
1.7. Limitations of the study
1.8. Overview
CHAPTER 2: EXAMINATION OF TERMINOLOGY, HISTORY, AND ESSENTIAL DIMENSIONS
2.1. Introduction
2.2. Definitions
2.2.1. Prosperity theology
2.2.2. Deriving the meaning PT from its proponents
2.2.3. The prosperity teaching as a “theology”
2.2.4. Definition of the poor
2.3. The historical background of PT
2.3.1. PT’s development in Namibia
2.4. The underlying reasons for the propagation of PT
2.4.1. Eschatological reasons
2.4.2. Pragmatic reasons
2.4.3. Cultural reasons
2.5. Reasons PT is appealing in Namibia
2.5.1. Economic reasons
2.5.2. Emotional reasons
2.5.3. Spiritual reasons
2.5.4. Social reasons
2.5.5. The giving of hope
2.6. Summary
CHAPTER 3: THEOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF PT IN NAMIBIA
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Christian and social environment of Namibia
3.3. Various areas of impact
3.3.1. Evangelism and church growth
3.3.2. PT and social engagement
3.3.3. Contextualisation
3.4. Preliminary critical summary
3.4.1. Contrast between PT based church growth and its dangers versus biblical church growth
3.4.2. Contextual relevance examined
3.4.3. Other issues to consider
3.5. Summary
CHAPTER 4: CRITICAL THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF PT IN NAMIBIA
4.1. Introduction
4.2. Scriptural justification for PT
4.2.1. PT’s method of biblical interpretation
4.3. Examining Scriptures used in promoting prosperity teaching
4.3.1. Old Testament texts
4.3.2. New Testament texts
4.4. Prosperity teaching and the plight of poverty
4.5. Theological Examination
4.5.1. The unbiblical nature of PT
4.5.2. Trivialising human suffering
4.5.3. A drift towards materialism
4.6. Brief summary on biblical prosperity
4.7. Summary
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION
5.1. Overview
5.2. Practical recommendations for helping the poor
5.2.1. Preach the gospel realistically and applicably
5.2.2. Establish church-based relief funds
5.2.3. Provide community development training
5.2.4. Donate to Christian charity organisations
5.2.5. Help educate the youth
5.2.6. Social reformation
5.3. The now but not yet
5.4. Further research
Research Objectives and Focus
This thesis examines the impact of Prosperity Theology (PT) among the poor in Namibia, aiming to provide a biblical and theological analysis to better respond to the challenges posed by this movement in a context of significant economic inequality. The study seeks to address how the church can balance the gospel message with social concern while offering sound theological guidance to those suffering in poverty.
- Biblical and theological critique of Prosperity Theology.
- Analysis of PT's growth and appeal within the Namibian context.
- Assessment of the impact of PT on the poor and the gospel message.
- Development of a holistic biblical perspective on poverty and ministry.
- Practical recommendations for church engagement with the poor.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4.1. Eschatological reasons
Some Prosperity doctrines echo the theological assertions … that Christians are the true custodians of the world and have the right to ‘reassert the Lord’s dominion over the nation’ (Wills 1990:175). They combine a personal ethic of self-realization with an approval of activity that extends into social and political spheres, and include the apocalyptic notion that Christians should fulfill their mandate by dominating the planet before Jesus returns (Coleman 1993:356).
PT holds an eschatological view in which future elements of God’s kingdom are “moved into a more present realization” (Winebrenner 2007:39). That is, PT proponents hold to a view in which they would like people to think that they can have heaven on earth (believers are to experience the life promised in future, in the here and now). The failure to understand the now but not yet aspect of the Kingdom of God has made the PT proponents concentrate only on the now. The now is proclaimed with the vigour and glory that was meant only for the not yet aspect of the Kingdom (see Chapter 5:§5.3).
In reaction against a defeatist teaching, PT has embraced a triumphalist view, which says, “you do not have to wait for a good life in heaven you can have the fullness of heaven right now.” Defeatism downplays the reality of the blessings and victory secured for the believer by the Lord Jesus Christ. However, triumphalism in rejecting this defeatism has moved into the error of the other extreme by claiming that the victory Christ won for the church is to be manifested fully in the here and now. Thus, the blessings and victory we have in Jesus Christ should result in a life free from suffering. That is, since Christians are children of the King, they are entitled to lives of financial prosperity, physical health and are delivered from the curse of the Fall.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the subject of Prosperity Theology, outlines the research problem and objectives, and establishes the importance of a Scripture-based approach to the topic.
CHAPTER 2: EXAMINATION OF TERMINOLOGY, HISTORY, AND ESSENTIAL DIMENSIONS: This chapter defines Prosperity Theology, explores its historical roots, and analyzes the various cultural and pragmatic reasons for its popularity in Namibia.
CHAPTER 3: THEOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF PT IN NAMIBIA: This chapter investigates how Prosperity Theology affects evangelism, church growth, and social engagement within the Namibian context, offering a preliminary critical assessment.
CHAPTER 4: CRITICAL THEOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF PT IN NAMIBIA: This chapter provides a rigorous theological critique of PT, examining its hermeneutical errors, its approach to the plight of poverty, and contrasting its teachings with biblical theology.
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, offers practical recommendations for how the church can minister to the poor, and suggests areas for further study.
Keywords
Prosperity Theology, Namibia, Poverty, Biblical Hermeneutics, Neo-Pentecostalism, Christian Social Engagement, Gospel, Materialism, Faith, Church Growth, Theological Analysis, Scripture, Suffering, Redemption, Contextualization
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this thesis?
The thesis provides a biblical and theological examination of Prosperity Theology (PT) and assesses its impact on the poor within the Namibian context.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
Central themes include the definition and history of Prosperity Theology, its hermeneutical foundations, its appeal to the poor, its impact on church growth, and a critical biblical evaluation of its doctrines.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to analyze the assertions of PT, determine its biblical accuracy, and establish a framework for a biblically sound and practical ministry to the poor.
Which research methods are employed?
The research uses a conceptual design, primarily based on literature study, integrated with qualitative tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and on-site observations of congregations in Windhoek.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It covers the history and terminology of PT, analyzes the reasons for its rapid growth in Namibia, evaluates its theological and social consequences, and critiques its scriptural interpretation.
Which keywords best describe this research?
Key terms include Prosperity Theology, Namibia, Poverty, Hermeneutics, Neo-Pentecostalism, Social Engagement, and Biblical Theology.
How does the author define the "militant form" of Prosperity Theology?
The author defines it as a form that makes radical claims, such as "God's will is healing" or "poverty is of the devil," often based on specific Bible verses interpreted as promises of material success.
Why does the author argue that Prosperity Theology is harmful?
The author argues that it often trivializes suffering, fosters materialism, shifts focus away from the gospel of salvation toward personal gain, and can leave the poor in deeper despair when promised results do not materialize.
- Citation du texte
- Master Basilius Kasera (Auteur), 2012, The biblical and theological examination of prosperity theology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233165
