By Rainos Mukanya
The international leader of the Salvation Army Church, General Andre Cox has called on christians in Zimbabwe to shun the gospel of prosperity saying it was for “fools” and “idiots.”
In his Good Friday message to Salvation Army followers gathered for an Easter Conference in Gweru, General Cox said the gospel of prosperity made a mockery of Jesus’ resurrection.
“The gospel of prosperity has become the focus of many preachers in Zimbabwe, but I must tell you that it is for fools and idiots and is a mockery of Jesus’ resurrection.” said Cox.
He also said due to the gospel of prosperity society in Zimbabwe was now more focussed on material things such as having the latest car or other gadgets. This, he said had increased anxiety in people hence problems like stress.
“Material things lead us into corruption which increases our anxiety,” said Cox.
General Cox who was born in Zimbabwe and was elected international leader of the Salvation Army in 2013 is in the country to lead Easter prayers.
His comments come in the wake of the growing number of preachers who are promoting the gospel of prosperity.
In Zimbabwe prophets Emmanuel Makandiwa and Uebert Angel have received criticism from some quarters of society for promoting laziness in society as people hope to get rich through miracles thereby negating the virtue of hard work.
Makandiwa caused a stir in 2013 when he promised his followers that they would receive “miracle money” in their bank accounts. Some later claimed they received the money.
However, the downside to the gospel of prosperity is that people are asked to give generously so that they would receive God’s miracles.
Some of the preachers are now living luxurious lives, driving the latest cars. This has raised eyebrows amongst some christians, but with the economic hardships faced by Zimbabweans, it is likely more and more people are likely to flock to these churches with the hope of getting economic salvation.
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