Mafanikio Theology

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. In this study, Dr. Tamie Davis uses ethnographic methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, to synthesize the prosperity (mafanikio) theology embraced by female graduates of the Tanzania Fellowship of Evangelical Students (TAFES). Taking an appreciative approach, Davis examines mafanikio theology’s hermeneutical framework and historical and cultural influences, highlighting its commonalities and discontinuities with other prosperity theologies, and bringing it into conversation with global models of holism. In doing so, she demonstrates that this indigenous Tanzanian theology offers a holistic alternative to profligate versions of the prosperity gospel by emphasizing both human flourishing and devotion to Christ. Mafanikio theology thus integrates prosperity into a holistic life of discipleship, emphasizing biblical grounding, and encouraging hard work and perseverance.