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
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDIX I: PT POSTERS
APPENDIX II: A STATEMENT ON THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL
APPENDIX III: THE DANGERS OF PROSPERITY GOSPEL IN NAMIBIA
- Quote paper
- Master Basilius Kasera (Author), 2012, The biblical and theological examination of prosperity theology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233165
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