If there is anything about Africa that is burdensome and of great concern to many Christians who hold the continent dear, it is the state of the Church.
The Church in Africa is not only in a parlous state, it is enmeshed in a theology that is patently faulty thereby making it hard for it to rise from the mess it finds itself .
That is why the book, Wolves in the sanctuary: The .rise of fake Christianity in Africa by Oliufemi Boyede is not only timely but a reference document that will not only help the church find its bearing but save it from further collapse.
From the cover to the last page, the author paints a grim picture of the African Church while at the same time offering a template that can make it retrace its step.
The author employs relatable terms to convey his message. The language is simple. The presentation flows freely from chapter to chapter.
Archbishop Samson Wakiki- Power set the tone for the reader with his thought provoking review which captures the mood of the book.
He writes, “the misuse of spiritual authority, the growing commercialisation of faith, and the manipulation of gullible believers are issues that merit our attention not only as observers but as shepherds of Gods people.’
That tone runs through the book. Chapter one talks about The peculiarity of modern African christianity-A system that protects itself.
Here the author takes an excursion into the defining features of the modern church in Africa. He notes that many of the pastors running churches are self appointed with many commercialising ministry engagements.. He also notes that many church leaders in Africa are impervious to criticism.
The chapter further enunciates the transactional dimension of faith in Africa, how many churches promote a Christianity of give and take. The author highlights the showmanship that characterises many assemblies and the penchant for hero worship that defines the life of the average pastor in Africa .
While shedding light on the excesses in the church, the author is quick to offer a strategic response to the drift.
He writes, “The African church does not need less passion, it needs more truth. Honouring spiritual authority is biblical but honour must never replace allegiance to Christ. True shepherds feed the flock they do not feed on it. The church must discover accountability , biblical literacy and genuine discipleship.”
The second chapter of the book titled, Prophets for profit -The business of fake miracle is an indicting treatise on the disturbing trend of the miracle mess in many churches.
Here the author carries out a clinical assessment of the way issues about miracles and divine intervention in human lives are treated in many churches. His verdict is that many African pastors prey on people’s ignorance and take advantage of their vulnerability.
In chapter three, titled, when worship becomes idol worship, the cult of personality in modern worship; we are confronted with the uncomfortable truth about the way many church leaders in Africa carry themselves. The author stresses the various manipulations by church leaders in this chapter and how pastors have made themselves the focus rather than the message they have been called to preach.
He goes on to emphasise a very important recipe in correcting the errors of the modern church.
Boyede writes, ‘The church must return to the heart of the gospel-Jesus Christ. We must stop exalting men and start exalting Christ. True shepherds must rise and lead with humility, truth and accountability. The believer must be taught to test every spirit, search the scriptures for themselves and reject any gospel that exalts man above God.”
The author goes on in chapter four to identify women and youths as the most vulnerable groups of people that are victims of the manipulations and deceit in the modem African church.
He also deals with the illusion of instant miracles-When faith becomes folly in chapter five of the book.
Here he establishes the fact that God is not a magician and warned against miracle alert and the undue penchant for the supernational.
The author devotes chapter six to fear and manipulation being employed by church leaders to keep people in bondage.
He identified the “touch not mine anointed’ phrase that has been used to silence people and also the attempt to keep people subservient.
Chapter seven appears to be the most strategic chapters of the book. Here the author under the topic, standing firm in the age of deception-A guide to avoiding fake Christianity spells out the parameters that can help to avoid being deceived.
One of the critical points he notes in the book is that believers must be committed to daily devotion of personal study of God’s word and prayers.
He goes on to warn against being carried away by the display of charisma and miracles but rather that people should be drawn to pastors that bear the fruit of the spirit.
The book concludes with a chapter on prayer. It’s noteworthy that this chapter clearly shows the heart of the author and his desire to witness a change in the African church. In the chapter he spella our prayer points for various segments of the Church.
But the strength of the book is not just in exposing fake Christianity that has characterised many churches in Africa, it is in showing to the reader how to avoid being deceived.
It is a one-stop documentation of the failings of the church in Africa and a corresponding treatise on how the church can be sanitised.
The easy to read book is well illustrated with relevant graphics that tell the story of the Church in Africa with clinical precision.
The layout is enchanting and compelling. The reader is drawn into the book from the first line to the last. No doubt, the collection is a timely response to the rot in the African church. It’s the book for those who are genuine seekers of truth.
As the book debuts on Monday November 17, it is hoped that both clergy and laity will take advantage of the resources therein for their spiritual emancipation.
Get a copy from this link :https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKB1FZPN?ref=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_mwn_dp_TF5KJZNB11MD2F1PHGPP_1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_mwn_dp_TF5KJZNB11MD2F1PHGPP_1&social_share=cm_sw_r_cso_wa_mwn_dp_TF5KJZNB11MD2F1PHGPP_1