South Africa: Why 'Money' Gospel Followers Aren't Simply Credulous Dupes

analysis

The prosperity gospel is back in the news in South Africa, this time over the misdeeds of one of its prophets. The prosperity gospel is a religious movement that has exploded in popularity and prominence in South Africa over the last two decades but has stirred up controversy globally for more than 40 years.

The gospel first reached South Africa in the late 1970s through churches such as televangelist Ray McCauley's Rhema Bible Church. Due to apartheid restrictions on the movements of black people, the prosperity gospel's reach was limited. But since the start of democracy in 1994, preachers from across the continent have streamed into the country's townships, converting large numbers to this new gospel.

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