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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | World Bank and Heavenly Bank in Poverty and Prosperity: The Case of Tanzanian Faith Gospel |
Author: | Hasu, Päivi |
Year: | 2006 |
Periodical: | Review of African Political Economy |
Volume: | 33 |
Issue: | 110 |
Period: | December |
Pages: | 679-692 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Tanzania |
Subjects: | Pentecostalism wealth Religion and Witchcraft Economics and Trade |
External links: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03056240601119257 http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4B0AAA65DFEC63A5C5EB |
Abstract: | Prosperity gospel is a theological programme shared by many of Africa's charismatic churches. A true believer has the right to the blessings of health and wealth and these can be obtained through a positive confession of faith. This paper discusses the ways that prosperity or faith gospel and its rhetoric gets special form and content from the realities in Tanzania, by looking at a charismatic ministry called 'Mana' (Manna), which was established by Christopher Mwakasege. 'Mana' links declarations of faith, donations from followers, their expectations and anticipated returns. In Mwakasege's opinion it is entirely justified for born-again Christians to think that they deserve to become healthy and wealthy in this life by virtue of the death of Jesus Christ at the cross. The paper discusses the rhetoric and logic of prosperity through giving within the anthropological notion of gift exchange as well as with some born-again understandings of the significance of offerings to God as a means to prosperity and accumulation. The paper is based on recorded preachings and teachings as well as participant observation at the seminars organized by the 'Mana' ministry, led by Christopher Mwakasege, in 2003 and 2004. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |