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Pentecostalism and the Gospel of the Belly in Nigeria

Author :  Yinka Olomojobi

Product Details

Country
Nigeria
Publisher
John Archers(Publishers) Ltd., Ibadan, Nigeria
ISBN 9789785590810
Format PaperBack
Language English
Year of Publication 2021
Bib. Info xiv, 294p. Includes Index
Product Weight 550 gms.
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Product Description

This book explores the question of whether or not Pentecostalism in Nigeria is all about business and the quest for wealth – is the church now a business enterprise or a charitable organization? Thus it is contended that religion is a decisive social construct variant in Nigeria. While concurring with the imperative that Pentecostalism occupies a central place in Christianity, there is a rising section of deviant elements in this sector, wherein the normative influence of Christianity has been deserted for an insatiable quest for riches. Thus, it is not surprising that a vast number of Pentecostal pastors are worshipped by their parishioners as they would God. What could have led to this conversion from worshipping God Almighty to venerating mere mortals? The great absurdity of the Nigerian situation is that it is perhaps the most religious country globally, yet the most corrupt nation at the same time. Therefore, given the depth of her religiosity, it is not surprising that Pentecostalism is perhaps the fastest growing commercial industry in Nigeria. In other words, Nigeria’s rate of church growth as ‘business centres,” as it were, is perhaps the fastest in the world. This conceivably has placed an indelible stain on Christianity, making it a source for concern in Nigeria. In spite of these consistent challenges, what is striking however, is that the growth of Pentecostalism has remained unhindered even when its adherents are aware that although Jesus fed the 5,000 hungry people (Matthew 14:13-21), today in some Pentecostal churches, 5,000 people or more are feeding the pastor. To understand the complexities of this discourse demands the consideration of perspectives of individuals, especially students and people at the grassroots. The book further sheds light on understanding how Pentecostalism connects with the Nigerian society, in explaining and evaluating the symbiotic relationship between Pentecostalism and its influence in Nigerian culture. While conceding that the Church is not the enemy of Nigeria, there are nonetheless charlatans in the Pentecostal church as there are in the other sectors of human endeavour. Therefore, if the Church and her Bridegroom who are victims of differing antagonisms all through the ages are yet to go extinct, then there must be such an intriguing substance that still enables the Church to command such unceasing deluge of attention.

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