Christian prosperity doctrine and entrepreneurial development of Nigeria: A study of selected churches in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract

The study presents an empirical analysis of the influence of Christian prosperity doctrine on entrepreneurial development of Christians in Christian churches in Nigeria. It was a survey research where 800 subjects were examined from a study population of 111,286 subjects comprising Christians from four churches purposefully selected from the study area, Calabar. A questionnaire instrument comprising open and close ended questions on a four point rating scale was utilized to elicit information from respondents, which was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation test. A significant relationship was discovered between the teaching of Christian prosperity doctrine and the establishment of business ventures. It was discovered that not only the Christians who practice prosperity doctrine establish businesses, but the church organization also. It was recommended that government should improve infrastructure to boost Christian entrepreneurial effort, create regulatory and monitoring framework, as well as promote Christian evangelism in order to encourage entrepreneurial growth and development, among other things.