AKROPONG, GHANA - The growing prevalence of the prosperity gospel around the world, and particularly in Africa, has prompted a group of theologians to release a statement of concern and a call for further reflection.

While recognizing that "there are some dimensions of prosperity teaching that have roots in the Bible," the Lausanne Theology Working Group says its overall view is that "the teachings of those who most vigorously promote the 'prosperity gospel' are false and gravely distorting of the Bible."

Prosperity gospel, as defined by the Lausanne theologians, is the teaching that "believers have a right to the blessings of health and wealth and that they can obtain these blessings through positive confessions of faith and the 'sowing of seeds' through the faithful payments of tithes and offerings."

Among some of the prosperity teachings the theologians reject is the notion that "God's miraculous power can be treated as automatic, or at the disposal of human techniques, or manipulated by human words, actions or rituals."

The Lausanne group also points out the flamboyant lifestyle and manipulative behavior of many leaders who promote prosperity teachings as unethical and idolatrous.

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The Lausanne Theology Working Group Statement