PDF Prosperity Gospel and the Fulfilment of Transformational Development Mandate: A Developmental Theological Assessment

Abstract

This study examines the teaching of the prosperity gospel to see whether its overall emphasis
aligns with the wider ideals of transformational development, as particularly popularised by
Bryant Myers. Proponents of the prosperity gospel claim that financial riches and success are
markers of God’s favour and that when individuals align their thoughts and actions with God’s
will, they may unleash a life of prosperity. On the other hand, transformational development is a
holistic strategy for addressing material poverty as well as social, political, and spiritual
challenges. It also strives to empower people, communities, and society to alter their lives and
achieve long-term change. The research question that underlies this study is: Does the prosperity
gospel fulfill the purpose of transformational development? The research is a theological
assessment of the teachings of the prosperity gospel, partly seeking to identify its positive
aspects. Teachings by selected preachers of the prosperity gospel, such as Enoch Sitima of
Botswana, Mensa Otabil of Ghana, and David Oyedepo of Nigeria, are accessed through the
internet, books written by or ascribed to them, and claims that are attributed to them. These
teachings were assessed in the context of transformational development, including the
interpretation of pertinent biblical texts that serve as the foundation for prosperity preaching. From the interaction with the teaching of the prosperity gospel, it is evident that while the
teaching caters to the fundamental areas of human life, it leaves believers with the tendency to
maintain a utilitarian relationship with God.