Reviewing literature, theories and approaches of the influence of Christian evangelical activities in Nigeria and South Africa.

Abstract

This study investigated the complex effects of Christian evangelism in South Africa and Nigeria. The paper challengedmodernisation theories that predict a fall in religion with development by using liberation theology and deprivation theory to analyse the social implications and attraction of evangelical groups. Although these movements provide a sense of community and social support in areas with low government services and poverty, liberation theology offers a critical perspective on the "prosperity gospel" and how it could conflict with social justice. Drawing on contemporary literature, the study tried to go beyond basic narratives by investigating the social, economic, political, and gendered components of evangelicalism's effect. The goal of the paperwas to have a comprehensive understanding of the long-term effects of these movements on Nigeria and South Africa by examining how they engage with current systems and address social justice issues on contemporary issues such as prosperity gospel, and gender. The paper concluded that it is important for evangelical Christians to employ scriptures asa language of communication review how they engage with current social structures, and address social justice issues so that evangelical missions, activities, and evangelism will be impactful.