This morning I received an email from a good friend in the US who asked me two or three questions about the way the prosperity gospel is presented and perceived here in Africa. I am American who has lived andRead more…
The Effectiveness of Short-term Mission to Africa
Here is another piece on short-term mission. The problem, it suggests, in short-term mission from the ’West’, is not what they see or feel (we were humble and felt that we helped them …) but what but what those onRead more…
Understanding and Responding to the Prosperity Gospel in Africa
Because this article (5,600 words, in word) is still looking for a publisher, I cannot paste it here. Please email me at [email protected] for a copy. Here is the introduction only: The prosperity Gospel is widely considered to beRead more…
Neopentecostalism and witchhunts
Some of the discussions about the Prosperity Gospel have touched on the connection of this to witchhunts, but this is an issue that needs to be taken a lot more seriously by Christians generally. I recommend that anyone concerned withRead more…
A Counterpoint to the Prosperity Gospel: God in the Midst of Ruins
I was telling some friends about a prayer said at our wedding. It was not your usual prayer asking for God’s Blessing: May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships, so that you may liveRead more…
A Proposed Foundation for Partnership
Cody is right (https://lmconversation.wpengine.com/resources/detail/10174) to advocate ‘global partnerships’, when partnerships can be truly partnerships. That I understand, from the basis of the word, where two (or more) people or groups agree to cooperate in some venture in which both contributeRead more…
Holistic Gospel Impact on Prosperity Gospel
One characteristic of different cultures is that they can understand terms differently. I certainly consider the above terms (prosperity and holistic gospel) as a case in point. In my limited time in sub-Saharan Africa, I have found that to talkRead more…
Prosperity Gospel denies trials’ necessity
Prosperity Gospel, by definition, denies the reality of God-ordained trials. Yet, God’s Word presents divinely ordained purposes for His children’s trials. Material prosperity may or may not come, but trials are basic to growth in Christ.
Being Rich Toward God: Biblical Overview of Giving
The impetus for giving is Christ’s love to us. With God’s glory in mind, there is no room for the “prosperity gospel” that focuses on “giving to get” for ourselves instead of giving to glorify God in order to advanceRead more…
Being Rich Toward God: Biblical Overview of Giving
Giving with God in mind instead of ourselves is a work of grace. The linked article refutes “giving to get” and illumines the truth of giving to specific recipients and needs that are emphasized in Scripture.