Our tendency, as we think about what affects our lives, is to focus only on our own country. That is, obviously, where we are affected most directly, but we increasingly live in a world that is interconnected to the degree that what happens in other places affects us too. Occasionally, it is helpful to take a peek at what worldview influences are at work in other places.
Religiously, Africa is probably most well know for its various animistic religions. Whether in movies, on social media, or even news reporting out of Africa, traditional tribal religious practice is often highlighted.
Interestingly though, in modern day Africa, practitioners of animistic religions only constitute about 1.5% ~ 3% of the population. It has mostly been supplanted by other faiths. Notably, there are many places in Africa where Islam is now dominant. In fact, it is estimated that Islam constitutes between 41% ~ 43% of the total population.
The most dominant religion, however, is Christianity, which makes up between 49% ~ 56% of the continent’s people. While Protestants make up around half of the Christian population, that percentage is divided among numerous groups. Of the Christian denominations (and Christian sects and cults):
- Protestants make up about 50%,
- Roman Catholics around 21%,
- Orthodox approximately 12%
- Anglican about 9%
- The other approximately 6% are comprised of Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, 7th Day Adventists, and independent churches.
Among the Protestant churches, traditional denominations, like the Baptist and Anglican communions, are experiencing steady growth. In fact, Africa is now home to the world's fastest-growing Baptist populations. In addition to these Protestant and independent groups, the Catholic Church also remains a major and steadily growing force, though it is currently expanding at a slower rate.
While much smaller than the groups above, the Mormon church is seeing huge percentage increases in church congregations across countries like Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. By the same token, Jehovah’s Witnesses have a concentrated presence in Nigeria, Congo, Angola, and Zambia.
However, these days, among the Christian groups in Africa, Pentecostal and Charismatic denominations are growing the fastest. They are seeing their numbers soar into the hundreds of millions. These groups are best known for their lively services, emotional healing, and an emphasis on the "prosperity gospel" (the belief that God will reward faithful followers with material wealth). In fact, 95% of Pentecostals in Nigeria believe God grants material wealth to those with enough faith. Data from the Pew Research Center shows just how deeply embedded this theology is within African Pentecostal congregations.
- 90% of Pentecostals in South Africa hold this belief.
- 85% of Pentecostals in Kenya agree with this theology.
Because these numbers are so high, Pentecostal churches in Africa that strictly avoid preaching financial breakthroughs, divine favor, or material blessings are a rare exception, not the rule.
So just why has Pentecostalism and Prosperity Theology fused together so successfully? There are actually several unique regional factors that have caused this fusion.
Cultural Harmony: Based on its animistic history, traditional African religions heavily emphasize the present world. Faith is traditionally expected to solve immediate problems like sickness, poverty, or bad luck. The Prosperity Gospel naturally fits this worldview by promising that God will fix your material and physical struggles right now.
The "Holiness" Shift: Historically, early African Pentecostal churches focused on strict lifestyle rules, conservative dress, and rewards in heaven. However, over the last few decades, a massive cultural shift has occurred. To compete for members, almost all churches shifted their focus to a gospel of immediate blessing, wealth, and entrepreneurship.
Economic Survival: In areas with high unemployment and minimal government safety nets, these churches function as centers of hope. Preaching that "seed sowing" (tithing) unlocks financial breakthroughs provides a sense of economic control to believers living in poverty.
While the prosperity message is dominant, it has sparked a massive counter-movement. Prominent African church leaders recently published the Africa Statement on Prosperity Gospel. This document explicitly condemns the teaching as a "doctrinal danger" that exploits the poor and ignores the biblical reality of suffering.
While it is encouraging to see that the Christian message is heavily impacting the continent of Africa, it is also important to pay attention to erroneous teachings that are creeping into the Christian church. Wrong beliefs lead to wrong actions. These are problematic when they lead people to express their faith out in the world in ways that don’t reflect the heart of the gospel message, but are especially so when dealing with matters that affect a person’s eternity.
The reason Americans should pay attention to this is that false teachings can enter into virtually any church that is not paying attention to the actual teachings of the Bible. The truth is, the prosperity gospel, Mormonism, and Jehovah’s Witnesses all had their origin in the U.S. and were exported to Africa. Significant attempts are also being made to export various forms of liberal Christianity there, as well.
Over the last number of years, there has been significant immigration into the U.S. from Africa, and they are bringing their religious faith with them. Where in the past the religious influence mostly went one way, what has been exported is now being imported back. As Christians, it is critical that we have a firm grasp of our faith so as not to be influenced by wrong beliefs, but also so we can lead people we influence down a right path.
Freddy Davis is the president of MarketFaith Ministries. He is the author of numerous books entitled The Truth Mirage, Rules for Christians Radicals, Liberalism vs. Conservatism, and his latest book Shattering the Truth Mirage and has a background as an international missionary, pastor, radio host, worldview trainer, and entrepreneur. Freddy is a graduate of Florida State University with a BS in Communication, and holds MDiv and DMin degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a popular speaker, particularly on the topic of worldview and its practical implications for the Christian life. He lives in Tallahassee, FL, with his wife Deborah.
You may also contact Freddy at Leadership Speakers Bureau to schedule him for speaking or leadership engagements.
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