Understanding sexuality from the security gospel perspective: Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries as a case study

Adewale Adelakun

doi:10.4102/hts.v73i3.3453

Abstract

This article examines a new dimension in the Nigerian Pentecostal understanding of sexuality, which is influenced by the security gospel emanating from Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries in Nigeria. This new dimension is noted in how Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries intricately connects sexuality with destiny. This article shows how Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries promotes a conservative understanding of sexuality as the key to securing believers’ destinies. Understanding sexuality from the security gospel perspective is an indication that the Pentecostal theology of sex is dynamic and ambivalent, especially when the theology is spiced with African traditional beliefs. This is demonstrated through a content analysis of the teachings and messages of Pastor Daniel Olukoya, the founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, which are available in print, audio and video clips. It is argued that the persuasive manner in which these teachings are presented tends to create a phobia of sex in the minds of listeners.

Highlights

The influence of the Pentecostal movements in Nigeria cannot be undercut, because Pentecostals have permeated every nook and cranny of the Nigerian religious and political landscape
While commenting on the influence of Pentecostal spirituality in Nigeria, Ojo rightly notes that ‘Pentecostalism has become an overbearing symbol of change enhancing and transforming individual world views, relationships among groups, and promoting certain religious values such as progress, peace, retribution, truth, success, etcetra’. (Ojo 2007:54)
In traditional African society it was believed that misfortunes were caused by evil spirits

Summary

Introduction

The influence of the Pentecostal movements in Nigeria cannot be undercut, because Pentecostals have permeated every nook and cranny of the Nigerian religious and political landscape. MFM believes that Christians can be secured from the activities of evil spirits by obeying biblical instructions and saying some ‘violent prayers’.2 The emphasis on security gospel is reflected in the church’s teachings on sexuality. Some of the features of deliverance churches include consideration of African cultural roots as being responsible for the problems in the lives of believers; association of evil with some traditional names; and emphasis on the need to break ancestral or generational curses (Ojo 2010:26).

Results

Conclusion