Mafanikio Theology

<p>While the prosperity gospel is thought to be widespread in Africa there has been little scholarship exploring the variations in prosperity theologies across the continent or the impact of such theologies at a grassroots level.</p><p></p><p>In this study Dr. Tamie Davis uses ethnographic methods including participant observation semi-structured interviews and focus groups to synthesize the prosperity (<em>mafanikio</em>) theology embraced by female graduates of the Tanzania Fellowship of Evangelical Students (TAFES). Taking an appreciative approach Davis examines <em>mafanikio</em> theology's hermeneutical framework and historical and cultural influences highlighting its commonalities and discontinuities with other prosperity theologies and bringing it into conversation with alternative models of holism. So doing she demonstrates that this indigenous Tanzanian theology offers a holistic alternative to proliferate versions of the prosperity gospel by emphasizing both human flourishing and devotion to Christ. <em>Mafanikio</em> theology thus integrates prosperity into a holistic life of discipleship emphasizing biblical grounding and encouraging hard work and perseverance.</p>