Dr. George Anderson Jnr. | University Of Cape Coast, Ghana (original) (raw)

Papers by Dr. George Anderson Jnr.

Research paper thumbnail of religious market in Ghana today: Is there legal basis to tax the church?

UCC Law Journal

This paper is a rehash of the existing debate on whether or not the church should be subject to t... more This paper is a rehash of the existing debate on whether or not the church should be subject to tax. Unlike many others, the paper approaches the issue from a legal perspective and explores the relevant principles of taxation as established by statutes and case law in Ghana. In the main, this paper argues that given that majority of the churches in Ghana engage in transactions which may be properly classified as business, the Commissioner of Income Tax is empowered by law to demand tax from the church in respect of the income accruing therefrom. Thus, using the interpretive paradigm mainly through interviews, observation as well as reliance on statutes and case law, the paper concludes that transactions such as the taking of service fees, sale of anointing oil and other religious products constitute trade and the income arising thereto must be subject to tax.

Research paper thumbnail of Does Whatsapp Use By Female Students Ruin their Morality?

Overcoming Gender Inequalities through Technology Integration

Many different social media platforms exist today. Some are, but not limited to Facebook, Flicker... more Many different social media platforms exist today. Some are, but not limited to Facebook, Flicker, Twitter, Instagram, Badoo, Skype, and Whatsapp. Of these applications, research has proven that majority of the world's population patronise the Whatsapp messenger more than the other apps. Secondly, students are noted to be the main patronisers. Nonetheless, since research has proven that students are the main subscribers to Whatsapp use globally, there is the need to examine the effects associated with its use. In this regard, the question the paper raises is, does Whatsapp use by JHS female students ruin their morality or moral life? The findings of the paper inform its conclusion that the use of Whatsapp by Junior High School female students negatively affects their morality/moral foundations. This is because the paper revealed that about 90% of the Junior High School female students who use Whatsapp mostly exchange pornographic materials, abusive contents and engage in unhealt...

Research paper thumbnail of Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana

Dr. George Anderson Jnr. , 2022

In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Af... more In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa. Churches that belong to this genre of Christianity appeal to the socio-religio-cultural worldviews of the African and Ghanaian people to bring meaning to their lives. In view of this, they have carved for themselves a niche in the religious space of Ghana. One of the churches that is of interest to this article is the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi, Ghana. Comparatively, whereas in the public space the church has gained much popularity, little in scholarship is known about its history and activities in the Ghanaian religious field. This article is a narrative on the church's history, beliefs and activities. Using a qualitative approach, a phenomenological study is conducted. The two research principles of epoché and eidetic intuition are observed. The article significantly contributes to the scanty existing literature on the history of some prominent Neo-prophetic African Pentecostal Christian churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana

Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana, 2022

In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Af... more In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa. Churches that belong to this genre of Christianity appeal to the socio-religio-cultural worldviews of the African and Ghanaian people to bring meaning to their lives. In view of this, they have carved for themselves a niche in the religious space of Ghana. One of the churches that is of interest to this article is the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi, Ghana. Comparatively, whereas in the public space the church has gained much popularity, little in scholarship is known about its history and activities in the Ghanaian religious field. This article is a narrative on the church's history, beliefs and activities. Using a qualitative approach, a phenomenological study is conducted. The two research principles of epoché and eidetic intuition are observed. The article significantly contributes to the scanty existing literature on the history of some prominent Neo-prophetic African Pentecostal Christian churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic and Miracles in Ghana: A Critical Examination

Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such peopl... more Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such people can be attributed to the effects that the two phenomena produce. However, magic has also been perceived by some people to be evil whereas its counterpart, miracles are seen as good irrespective of the effects both produce. Whether the two phenomena are the same or different causes much discussion. This is because the understanding of the two phenomena seems to be confused with each other. This paper aims at examining the two phenomena using the descriptive analysis methodology. Whiles references will be made from the western understanding of magic and miracles, the paper will pay particular attention to the Ghanaian understanding of magic and miracles. Secondly, the paper cites and explains when, why and how some societies in the past and the present use magic and miracles. The paper concludes by arguing that magic and miracles are not the same as it has for long been perceived by some...

Research paper thumbnail of Situating the Religious Market Theory in Ghanaian Religious Context: Merits and Demerits

This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Proph... more This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Ghana. Using unstructured qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the study discovered that the theory in its present western context ignored Ghanaian religio-cultural sensibilities that affect decision-making in every aspect of the Ghanaian's life. It also ignored ethical and human rights cases such as flogging or at times stepping on pregnant women for alleged involvement in sinful acts. In other cases, prophets/pastors touch women's private parts for alleged claims of casting out demons. These missing links in the theory appear to produce a distorted view of the realities of religious actors in Ghana. Thus, the analysis implicates the widening of the theoretical framework to encompass the missing links that significantly influence the behavior of religious actors in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Situating the Religious Market Theory in Ghanaian Religious Context: Merits and Demerits

This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Proph... more This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Ghana. Using unstructured qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the study discovered that the theory in its present western context ignored Ghanaian religio-cultural sensibilities that affect decision-making in every aspect of the Ghanaian's life. It also ignored ethical and human rights cases such as flogging or at times stepping on pregnant women for alleged involvement in sinful acts. In other cases, prophets/pastors touch women's private parts for alleged claims of casting out demons. These missing links in the theory appear to produce a distorted view of the realities of religious actors in Ghana. Thus, the analysis implicates the widening of the theoretical framework to encompass the missing links that significantly influence the behavior of religious actors in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Wife Battery: A Divine Command from the Garden of Eden or a Gene Disorder in Men? Ethical Perspectives

JPCR, 2019

In the past, women in the Ghanaian traditional societies were mostly not actively involved in iss... more In the past, women in the Ghanaian traditional societies were mostly not actively involved in issues relating to decision-making, leadership, and public engagement in the company of men. Their place was the kitchen. That is, their responsibilities were to prepare meals, nurture the children, and tidy up the home. Besides, they were regarded as a man's bought property. In this sense, women could be subjected to any form of inhumane treatments. One of such inhumane treatments that have caught the attention of scholars, human rights activists and some NGOs is wife battery. From an ethical perspective, we raise the question, what are the ethical bases for the reasons why men subject their wives to battery? Could it be a divine command from the Garden of Eden, a gene disorder in men or what? Using the descriptive research design of the qualitative methodology, this paper from an ethical perspective examines the act of wife battery and its effects on the family and the victim (woman). The paper argues, wife battery is neither a dictate from the Garden of Eden nor a gene disorder in men, however it is rather an erroneous socialisation of men towards how they should treat women. Further to note, wife battery in its essence is an unethical behaviour. This is because the act is unjust, maleficent, reduces the worth and dignity of women, dehumanises, and alters the physical and psychological framework of women.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption in the Wake of High Religiosity in Ghana: Questioning the Possibility

ERATS, 2019

Statistically, 71.2% of Ghanaians profess Christianity, 17.6% profess Islam, and 5.2% are African... more Statistically, 71.2% of Ghanaians profess Christianity, 17.6% profess Islam, and 5.2% are African Traditional adherents. Given the statistical index above, one expects to see corrupt-free practices in the country. Yet, the opposite case exists. Using the descriptive research design of qualitative study, this paper explores some of the possibilities that have accounted for the wake of corruption in Ghana in spite of high religiosity, numerous Christian churches and religious institutions in the country. The paper argues that many churches in Ghana focus on prosperity and wealth of their members which could lead to corruption; poverty abounds, and there exists a moral failure that pertains to the consciousness and conscience of majority of Ghanaians on corrupt practices. In that regard, this paper recommends that every religious and non-religious Ghanaian should eschew from corrupt practices and be advocates for zero tolerance of corruption.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic and Miracles in Ghana: A Critical Examination

iiste, 2013

Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such peopl... more Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such people can be attributed to the effects that the two phenomena produce. However, magic has also been perceived by some people to be evil whereas its counterpart, miracles are seen as good irrespective of the effects both produce. Whether the two phenomena are the same or different causes much discussion. This is because the understanding of the two phenomena seems to be confused with each other. This paper aims at examining the two phenomena using the descriptive analysis methodology. Whiles references will be made from the western understanding of magic and miracles, the paper will pay particular attention to the Ghanaian understanding of magic and miracles. Secondly, the paper cites and explains when, why and how some societies in the past and the present use magic and miracles. The paper concludes by arguing that magic and miracles are not the same as it has for long been perceived by some Ghanaians. The differences between magic and miracles are dependent on examining the personality of the performer, the source of the power for the execution of any of the two phenomena, the place they are performed, the motive behind their performance and the techniques involved before the desired effects take place in any society including the Ghanaian society.

Research paper thumbnail of God has instructed me to sell: Questioning the practice of commercialization of religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana

ANUJAT, May 30, 2019

Christianity in Ghana today appears to have taken on a business-like outlook. It is generally cha... more Christianity in Ghana today appears to have taken on a business-like outlook. It is generally characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers, abuses and financial extortion. This raises the question: why is it that a practice that the ancient prophets of Yahweh and Jesus Christ condemned continues to be perpetuated by pastors/prophets of God today? Thus, this study sets out to portray and question the continuous practice of commercialization of religion as reflected in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of GHANA'S NEO-PROPHETIC PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANITY: FUTURE PROSPECTS

ERATS, 2019

Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Propheti... more Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity irrespective of its steadily growth and development in the religious field of Ghana. In Ghana today, prophets who belong to this Christian tradition are seen to engage in commercialising religious items and services, perform strange religious practices in their churches, demonise and verbally abuse each other using different media platforms. These disgusting situations raise the question of the possible future prospects of this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity given the way its leaders approach and express Christianity today. It is in the light of this that this paper sets out to examine this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity and outline some prospects it is likely to experience in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of GHANA'S NEO-PROPHETIC PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANITY: FUTURE PROSPECTS

Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Propheti... more Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity irrespective of its steadily growth and development in the religious field of Ghana. In Ghana today, prophets who belong to this Christian tradition are seen to engage in commercialising religious items and services, perform strange religious practices in their churches, demonise and verbally abuse each other using different media platforms. These disgusting situations raise the question of the possible future prospects of this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity given the way its leaders approach and express Christianity today. It is in the light of this that this paper sets out to examine this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity and outline some prospects it is likely to experience in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies

Journal of Philosophy Culture and Religion, 2019

Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically ... more Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers. This practice is said to have experienced its exponential index in view of the utmost demand for miraculous mediation by desperate religious consumers to address their religio-psycho-social pickles. Irrespective of the abuses religious consumers are said to go through, coupled with the high cost the religious items and services are sold, one is curious to ascertain by what means the churches use to hook religious consumers to their offers. This paper thus, sets out to reveal and analyse some of the main strategies Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana use to hook religious consumers onto their offers using Christian ethics as assessment criteria. The paper argues that the strategies the churches use are not in conformity with Christian ethics, thus, they are unethical. This is because it was revealed that the intentions that drive the strategies are mostly geared towards selfish, domineering and manipulative end.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies

Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically ... more Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers. This practice is said to have experienced its exponential index in view of the utmost demand for miraculous mediation by desperate religious consumers to address their religio-psycho-social pickles. Irrespective of the abuses religious consumers are said to go through, coupled with the high cost the religious items and services are sold, one is curious to ascertain by what means the churches use to hook religious consumers to their offers. This paper thus, sets out to reveal and analyse some of the main strategies Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana use to hook religious consumers onto their offers using Christian ethics as assessment criteria. The paper argues that the strategies the churches use are not in conformity with Christian ethics, thus, they are unethical. This is because it was revealed that the intentions that drive the strategies are mostly geared towards selfish, domineering and manipulative end.

Research paper thumbnail of religious market in Ghana today: Is there legal basis to tax the church?

UCC Law Journal

This paper is a rehash of the existing debate on whether or not the church should be subject to t... more This paper is a rehash of the existing debate on whether or not the church should be subject to tax. Unlike many others, the paper approaches the issue from a legal perspective and explores the relevant principles of taxation as established by statutes and case law in Ghana. In the main, this paper argues that given that majority of the churches in Ghana engage in transactions which may be properly classified as business, the Commissioner of Income Tax is empowered by law to demand tax from the church in respect of the income accruing therefrom. Thus, using the interpretive paradigm mainly through interviews, observation as well as reliance on statutes and case law, the paper concludes that transactions such as the taking of service fees, sale of anointing oil and other religious products constitute trade and the income arising thereto must be subject to tax.

Research paper thumbnail of Does Whatsapp Use By Female Students Ruin their Morality?

Overcoming Gender Inequalities through Technology Integration

Many different social media platforms exist today. Some are, but not limited to Facebook, Flicker... more Many different social media platforms exist today. Some are, but not limited to Facebook, Flicker, Twitter, Instagram, Badoo, Skype, and Whatsapp. Of these applications, research has proven that majority of the world's population patronise the Whatsapp messenger more than the other apps. Secondly, students are noted to be the main patronisers. Nonetheless, since research has proven that students are the main subscribers to Whatsapp use globally, there is the need to examine the effects associated with its use. In this regard, the question the paper raises is, does Whatsapp use by JHS female students ruin their morality or moral life? The findings of the paper inform its conclusion that the use of Whatsapp by Junior High School female students negatively affects their morality/moral foundations. This is because the paper revealed that about 90% of the Junior High School female students who use Whatsapp mostly exchange pornographic materials, abusive contents and engage in unhealt...

Research paper thumbnail of Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana

Dr. George Anderson Jnr. , 2022

In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Af... more In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa. Churches that belong to this genre of Christianity appeal to the socio-religio-cultural worldviews of the African and Ghanaian people to bring meaning to their lives. In view of this, they have carved for themselves a niche in the religious space of Ghana. One of the churches that is of interest to this article is the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi, Ghana. Comparatively, whereas in the public space the church has gained much popularity, little in scholarship is known about its history and activities in the Ghanaian religious field. This article is a narrative on the church's history, beliefs and activities. Using a qualitative approach, a phenomenological study is conducted. The two research principles of epoché and eidetic intuition are observed. The article significantly contributes to the scanty existing literature on the history of some prominent Neo-prophetic African Pentecostal Christian churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana

Neo-Prophetic Churches in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative on the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi-Ghana, 2022

In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Af... more In recent times, there has been an upsurge of Neo-Prophetic Christianity in Ghana, Sub-Saharan Africa. Churches that belong to this genre of Christianity appeal to the socio-religio-cultural worldviews of the African and Ghanaian people to bring meaning to their lives. In view of this, they have carved for themselves a niche in the religious space of Ghana. One of the churches that is of interest to this article is the Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Kumasi, Ghana. Comparatively, whereas in the public space the church has gained much popularity, little in scholarship is known about its history and activities in the Ghanaian religious field. This article is a narrative on the church's history, beliefs and activities. Using a qualitative approach, a phenomenological study is conducted. The two research principles of epoché and eidetic intuition are observed. The article significantly contributes to the scanty existing literature on the history of some prominent Neo-prophetic African Pentecostal Christian churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic and Miracles in Ghana: A Critical Examination

Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such peopl... more Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such people can be attributed to the effects that the two phenomena produce. However, magic has also been perceived by some people to be evil whereas its counterpart, miracles are seen as good irrespective of the effects both produce. Whether the two phenomena are the same or different causes much discussion. This is because the understanding of the two phenomena seems to be confused with each other. This paper aims at examining the two phenomena using the descriptive analysis methodology. Whiles references will be made from the western understanding of magic and miracles, the paper will pay particular attention to the Ghanaian understanding of magic and miracles. Secondly, the paper cites and explains when, why and how some societies in the past and the present use magic and miracles. The paper concludes by arguing that magic and miracles are not the same as it has for long been perceived by some...

Research paper thumbnail of Situating the Religious Market Theory in Ghanaian Religious Context: Merits and Demerits

This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Proph... more This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Ghana. Using unstructured qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the study discovered that the theory in its present western context ignored Ghanaian religio-cultural sensibilities that affect decision-making in every aspect of the Ghanaian's life. It also ignored ethical and human rights cases such as flogging or at times stepping on pregnant women for alleged involvement in sinful acts. In other cases, prophets/pastors touch women's private parts for alleged claims of casting out demons. These missing links in the theory appear to produce a distorted view of the realities of religious actors in Ghana. Thus, the analysis implicates the widening of the theoretical framework to encompass the missing links that significantly influence the behavior of religious actors in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Situating the Religious Market Theory in Ghanaian Religious Context: Merits and Demerits

This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Proph... more This study reviewed the religious market theory in relation to the religious economy of Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal-Charismatic churches in Ghana. Using unstructured qualitative interviews and focus group discussions, the study discovered that the theory in its present western context ignored Ghanaian religio-cultural sensibilities that affect decision-making in every aspect of the Ghanaian's life. It also ignored ethical and human rights cases such as flogging or at times stepping on pregnant women for alleged involvement in sinful acts. In other cases, prophets/pastors touch women's private parts for alleged claims of casting out demons. These missing links in the theory appear to produce a distorted view of the realities of religious actors in Ghana. Thus, the analysis implicates the widening of the theoretical framework to encompass the missing links that significantly influence the behavior of religious actors in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of Wife Battery: A Divine Command from the Garden of Eden or a Gene Disorder in Men? Ethical Perspectives

JPCR, 2019

In the past, women in the Ghanaian traditional societies were mostly not actively involved in iss... more In the past, women in the Ghanaian traditional societies were mostly not actively involved in issues relating to decision-making, leadership, and public engagement in the company of men. Their place was the kitchen. That is, their responsibilities were to prepare meals, nurture the children, and tidy up the home. Besides, they were regarded as a man's bought property. In this sense, women could be subjected to any form of inhumane treatments. One of such inhumane treatments that have caught the attention of scholars, human rights activists and some NGOs is wife battery. From an ethical perspective, we raise the question, what are the ethical bases for the reasons why men subject their wives to battery? Could it be a divine command from the Garden of Eden, a gene disorder in men or what? Using the descriptive research design of the qualitative methodology, this paper from an ethical perspective examines the act of wife battery and its effects on the family and the victim (woman). The paper argues, wife battery is neither a dictate from the Garden of Eden nor a gene disorder in men, however it is rather an erroneous socialisation of men towards how they should treat women. Further to note, wife battery in its essence is an unethical behaviour. This is because the act is unjust, maleficent, reduces the worth and dignity of women, dehumanises, and alters the physical and psychological framework of women.

Research paper thumbnail of Corruption in the Wake of High Religiosity in Ghana: Questioning the Possibility

ERATS, 2019

Statistically, 71.2% of Ghanaians profess Christianity, 17.6% profess Islam, and 5.2% are African... more Statistically, 71.2% of Ghanaians profess Christianity, 17.6% profess Islam, and 5.2% are African Traditional adherents. Given the statistical index above, one expects to see corrupt-free practices in the country. Yet, the opposite case exists. Using the descriptive research design of qualitative study, this paper explores some of the possibilities that have accounted for the wake of corruption in Ghana in spite of high religiosity, numerous Christian churches and religious institutions in the country. The paper argues that many churches in Ghana focus on prosperity and wealth of their members which could lead to corruption; poverty abounds, and there exists a moral failure that pertains to the consciousness and conscience of majority of Ghanaians on corrupt practices. In that regard, this paper recommends that every religious and non-religious Ghanaian should eschew from corrupt practices and be advocates for zero tolerance of corruption.

Research paper thumbnail of Magic and Miracles in Ghana: A Critical Examination

iiste, 2013

Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such peopl... more Some people seem to understand magic and miracles to be the same. The understanding of such people can be attributed to the effects that the two phenomena produce. However, magic has also been perceived by some people to be evil whereas its counterpart, miracles are seen as good irrespective of the effects both produce. Whether the two phenomena are the same or different causes much discussion. This is because the understanding of the two phenomena seems to be confused with each other. This paper aims at examining the two phenomena using the descriptive analysis methodology. Whiles references will be made from the western understanding of magic and miracles, the paper will pay particular attention to the Ghanaian understanding of magic and miracles. Secondly, the paper cites and explains when, why and how some societies in the past and the present use magic and miracles. The paper concludes by arguing that magic and miracles are not the same as it has for long been perceived by some Ghanaians. The differences between magic and miracles are dependent on examining the personality of the performer, the source of the power for the execution of any of the two phenomena, the place they are performed, the motive behind their performance and the techniques involved before the desired effects take place in any society including the Ghanaian society.

Research paper thumbnail of God has instructed me to sell: Questioning the practice of commercialization of religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana

ANUJAT, May 30, 2019

Christianity in Ghana today appears to have taken on a business-like outlook. It is generally cha... more Christianity in Ghana today appears to have taken on a business-like outlook. It is generally characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers, abuses and financial extortion. This raises the question: why is it that a practice that the ancient prophets of Yahweh and Jesus Christ condemned continues to be perpetuated by pastors/prophets of God today? Thus, this study sets out to portray and question the continuous practice of commercialization of religion as reflected in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana.

Research paper thumbnail of GHANA'S NEO-PROPHETIC PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANITY: FUTURE PROSPECTS

ERATS, 2019

Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Propheti... more Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity irrespective of its steadily growth and development in the religious field of Ghana. In Ghana today, prophets who belong to this Christian tradition are seen to engage in commercialising religious items and services, perform strange religious practices in their churches, demonise and verbally abuse each other using different media platforms. These disgusting situations raise the question of the possible future prospects of this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity given the way its leaders approach and express Christianity today. It is in the light of this that this paper sets out to examine this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity and outline some prospects it is likely to experience in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of GHANA'S NEO-PROPHETIC PENTECOSTAL/CHARISMATIC CHRISTIANITY: FUTURE PROSPECTS

Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Propheti... more Pentecostalism has received lots of scholarship. Yet, there is scanty scholarship on Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity irrespective of its steadily growth and development in the religious field of Ghana. In Ghana today, prophets who belong to this Christian tradition are seen to engage in commercialising religious items and services, perform strange religious practices in their churches, demonise and verbally abuse each other using different media platforms. These disgusting situations raise the question of the possible future prospects of this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity given the way its leaders approach and express Christianity today. It is in the light of this that this paper sets out to examine this brand of Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity and outline some prospects it is likely to experience in the future.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies

Journal of Philosophy Culture and Religion, 2019

Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically ... more Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers. This practice is said to have experienced its exponential index in view of the utmost demand for miraculous mediation by desperate religious consumers to address their religio-psycho-social pickles. Irrespective of the abuses religious consumers are said to go through, coupled with the high cost the religious items and services are sold, one is curious to ascertain by what means the churches use to hook religious consumers to their offers. This paper thus, sets out to reveal and analyse some of the main strategies Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana use to hook religious consumers onto their offers using Christian ethics as assessment criteria. The paper argues that the strategies the churches use are not in conformity with Christian ethics, thus, they are unethical. This is because it was revealed that the intentions that drive the strategies are mostly geared towards selfish, domineering and manipulative end.

Research paper thumbnail of Commercialisation of Religion in Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches in Ghana: Christian Ethical Analysis of their Strategies

Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically ... more Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity in Ghana has become business. It is typically characterised by the sale and purchase of assortments of religious items and services between churches and religious consumers. This practice is said to have experienced its exponential index in view of the utmost demand for miraculous mediation by desperate religious consumers to address their religio-psycho-social pickles. Irrespective of the abuses religious consumers are said to go through, coupled with the high cost the religious items and services are sold, one is curious to ascertain by what means the churches use to hook religious consumers to their offers. This paper thus, sets out to reveal and analyse some of the main strategies Neo-Prophetic Pentecostal/Charismatic churches in Ghana use to hook religious consumers onto their offers using Christian ethics as assessment criteria. The paper argues that the strategies the churches use are not in conformity with Christian ethics, thus, they are unethical. This is because it was revealed that the intentions that drive the strategies are mostly geared towards selfish, domineering and manipulative end.