The Quest for Wealth and True Satisfaction: Reevaluating African Prosperity Theology in the Light of Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

Abstract

ABSTRACT Prosperity theology has become a prevalent doctrine within African churches these days. Although popular among African Christians, prosperity theology raises concerns about its biblical and theological basis, as well as its overall impact on the socioeconomic and spiritual growth of its adherents. This theological tradition has, therefore, attracted much scholarly attention in recent times, and the debate over its credibility continues. As a contribution to the ongoing discourse, this paper evaluates the prosperity-theological model through the lens of Ecclesiastes 5:10-20. The paper employed a literary analysis methodology that involves a textual and expository analysis of the text in its final, canonical form. It is a literature-based research that draws data from books, journal articles, theses, and other relevant publications to explore both the theological and socio-cultural dimensions of the topic. The paper found that, although prosperity theology makes some positive contributions to the African church, it also promotes anti-biblical behaviors such as materialism, wealth accumulation, and greed. It also fails to account for the broader biblical teachings on human suffering, the limitations of human existence, and the impermanence of worldly possessions. The paper argues for reevaluating the relationship between wealth and true satisfaction, suggesting that lasting contentment cannot be found in material abundance, but in a life that acknowledges the limitations of human achievement and the sovereignty of God. The paper contributes knowledge in the areas of contextualization, biblical interpretation, and the engagement of traditional African worldviews with Christian doctrine