'Prosperity Gospel' Preached in Africa

There was a disturbing story in the New York Times a few days ago. It was about the explosion of "prosperity gospel" churches in Africa, especially Nigeria. The story said many of the pastors had been trained in the United States by certain ministers who preach that if you give them money, God will give you money.

There are testimonies aplenty from people who claim that after giving reverend so and so some money, they received unexpected financial blessing.

This is so pathetic. Most of these Africans are poor. Most of the ministers drive expensive cars and live like kings. Is this a reflection of the gospel of Jesus Christ, or is it a reflection of something, and someone, else?

At a time when Africa is wide open to the Gospel and many ministers are preaching it with integrity, the counterfeit message goes forward. Isn’t this just like our adversary? Wherever a work of God is taking place, he moves in and tries to corrupt it. These people, and the ones who trained them, should be ashamed. I’m Cal Thomas in Washington.

Originally published March 20, 2002.