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..
