Abstract:
Theologians are split into two groups: those who embrace prosperity theology and those
who oppose it; both sides on scriptural grounds. Those criticising it embrace cessationism in
its diversity, while its supporters are mainly found among Pentecostals and Charismatics,
who are continuationists. Continuationists believe and teach that all gifts of the Spirit are
still available to the church today, therefore should be practised by the church just as they
were operative during the apostolic era. Therefore, it is clear that prosperity preachers are
continuationists. They believe and practice healing and miracle gifts today. A review of the
literature, biblical texts, historical teachings, and Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal (also
referred to as charismatic and neo-charismatic) form the basis of this article. It addresses the
positive features of prosperity teachers’ beliefs and methods as well as how they exploit the
dreams, fears, and aspirations of people living in poverty. The theology of sharing, as
articulated by Nicholas B.H. Bhengu, is proposed as a solution to creating parity between
the rich and the poor.
CONTRIBUTION: This article seeks to balance opposing theological approaches with the
prosperity gospel. It does this by introducing a theology of sharing as taught by Nicholas
Bhengu based on the philosophy of Ubuntu, a way of life among African people. The challenge
for theologians on both sides of the argument is finding a way to accommodate the other
side’s contributions.
