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Most People Go To Church To Seek Prosperity

Guys, prosperity porn is a thing. And I know a lot of addicts. I don't go to many churches much in Ghana for several reasons and this was definitely one of them.

When I was in high school there was a devotional guide that found its way into my hands every month. EVERYONE read it. It was like the biggest deal when it came out at the beginning of the month. Then again I was in a boys' boarding school so there really wasn't much to look forward to. Anyway I had serious issues with this guy's devotional guide. Almost every page involved making 'prophetic declarations' to get a job, dominion and basic boss status. I don't know about other countries but a lot of Ghanaians get off on that sort of thing.

All the most popular gospel songs in Ghana involve multiplying money, cars and general prosperity. A lot of pastors speak of an instant solution to problems if you just believe in their so-called declarations. I'm not sure why so many people believe in this stuff. I'm going to suggest a theory here: With the issues we're facing in Africa, people need something, anything to believe in; something that can give them an instant solution to their unemployment, health, financial and visa problems. So they flock to these mega-churches and withdraw money from ATMs outside the building. They throw what little cash they have into collection baskets and buy 'holy water', believing that the drops from that bottle will touch their virtual bank accounts and cause it to multiply (in Jesus' name!). Of course, this usually does not happen.

I was having a random conversation with a Canadian girl last month when this topic came up. She insisted on praying with me afterwards for the 'people in Ghana who are so lost'. I laughed so hard at this but I know she meant well. The terrible thing is I don't see Ghanaians getting tired of Prosperity Porn anytime soon. I have Facebook friends who faithfully share these declarations every month even when a solution to their problems is looking them in the face. Meanwhile Bishop David Oyadepo bought a 4th private jet not long ago. He probably said one of his declarations and prayed it into existence. Or at least that's probably what he wanted his congregation to believe...

"Everything na double double, na double double,

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Promotion na double double oo, double double,

Your money double double oo, double double..."

(Ghanaian version of a popular Nigerian gospel song)

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