Abstract
This article considers the contribution of the theology of retribution to the growth of Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa. It argues that the beliefs and practices of African Pentecostal-charismatic churches uphold the theology of retribution. The success of prophecy and healing in these churches is based on their extensive engagement with the theology of retribution. To show this, the article begins with a brief review of the principle of retribution, describing it as resulting from the conception of a perfect and just universe in which every human deed brings with it consequences. Good deeds are followed by good consequences, evil deeds have bad consequences. Based on this understanding of retribution, the article discusses beliefs and practices of Pentecostal-charismatic churches which support the principle of retribution and whose involvement in healing and prophecy is attractive to Africans. The article concludes that the current discourse on Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa focuses strongly on the aspects of healing and prophecy while neglecting the contribution made by the theology of retribution to the popularity of these churches.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Located within African theologies and African church history, this article maintains that the current discourse on Pentecostal and charismatic churches in Africa, as it concentrates on healing and prophecy, overlooks the role played by the theology of retribution in the growth of these churches.
Highlights
A close look at the ministry of TB Joshua as shown on his live Sunday services on Emmanuel TV and at Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria (SCOAN) website information teaches us that, clearly, thousands of people are attracted to this church by prophetic messages, healing and messages referring to material success that are reinforced by a theology of retribution
At the same time it seems certain that, whether it is presented as prosperity gospel or as health and welfare theology, the concept of retribution is an integral part of the messages preached in African Pentecostal-charismatic churches
This article examines factors that have led to the tremendous growth of Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa. It discusses the shifting of the centre of gravity of world Christianity to the global south and it defines the important role played in this development by the different types of Pentecostal-charismatic churches in Africa
Summary
The growth of world Christianity and of Christianity in Africa is well documented (Amanze 2013; Barrett, Kurian & Johnson 2001; Gifford 1991; Jenkins 2007; Johnson and Ross 2009; Robert 2009; Sanneh 1990, 2008; Schreiter 2004, 1991; Togarasei 2015; Walls 2002; Kalu 2002). Phiri (2008) and Gifford (1998:181–231) show that Pentecostal-charismatic churches in African countries such as Zambia and Ghana believe in God’s blessings in life here and now.9 Taking a closer look at the beliefs and practices of these churches we recognise the tenets of retribution theology that have been discussed above.
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