---

Contemporary Christianity in Africa has been characterized with degree of theological and practical extremism. The negative effect of colonialism - impoverishment of most African nations - has plunged most of these countries into historical suffering and strive for economic stability. The contemporary churches, in attempt to address the socio-economic challenges of the continent, have drifted into propagation of a different gospel, popularly called "Prosperity Gospel", a contrast of Jesus´ kingdom of God. Drawing examples from some West African countries (namely, Ghana and Nigeria), the author argues that Jesus´ kingdom message has been misrepresented and that, whereas Jesus´ ultimate concern was/is to bridge the gap between the socio-economic rich and the poor, contemporary preachers are rather extorting money from the poor. The gap between the rich and the poor in the church today is rather widened.

---

David Stiles-Ocran is currently Acting Head of the School of Theology and Leadership of the Fountainhead Christian University College, Tema-Accra, Ghana. His interest is to research into the theology of the Spirit in the contemporary Pentecostal Charismatic movements and the latter s engagement in community development and diakonia in Ghana.

---