EMQ » Oct – Dec 2024 » Volume 60 Issue 4
A Disabling Theology
Summary: The theology of the prosperity gospel in African churches often mirrors animistic beliefs especially as it relates to people with disabilities. It undermines God’s sovereignty and excludes disabled individuals from ministry. We must confront these harmful views and fully integrate people with disabilities into church life and global missions.
By Jackie Nyamutumbu Kimani
I didn’t know what to think about a church building with wheelchairs and crutches as wall decor. A decade earlier, I had left my home country, Zimbabwe, as a cultural Christian. I was now back home as a zealous, biblical Christian missionary, excited to become more informed about my country and continent’s religious scene by visiting different churches regardless of their theological leaning.
The wheelchairs and crutches that hung on the church walls of one of Zimbabwe’s most popular self-proclaimed prophets all supposedly belonged to now-healed people. They were meant to showcase the prophet’s healing power. Faith healing is a major aspect of the inner workings of the prosperity gospel in Zimbabwe and across Africa. And reports from crusades and services of people with disabilities receiving healing draw crowds.
However, these wheelchairs and crutches reflected more than just a belief in faith healing. They pointed to a deeply held worldview and theology about disability that functions within these prevalent prosperity gospel churches. The prosperity gospel has had numerous effects on Africa’s development, theology, and society which are now being studied and explored.
However, people with disabilities are frequently forgotten, hidden victims of its emphasis on healing, health, and financial prosperity. The hope of miraculous healings by prosperity gospel teachers leads many people with disabilities to spend money and time pursuing healing they never receive.
