The Prophet that is Owuor- Man of God?

He is a name that has taken the Christian landscape in Kenya and Africa by storm. From embellished and exaggerated claims to deity, strange and unverified miracles, a wrong view of repentance and holiness, and heretic views of faith and marriage, his ministry has spurred discussion in the Christian landscape here in Kenya. As expected, he has attracted friend and foe in equal measure with some feeling that he is a prophet of the most high while others view his antics as synonymous to a cult. Some have even gone further to link him with the occult due to his vast ability to convince the masses.

While the above are all serious issues that need a response, I think there is a more pertinent issue that needs to be addressed. What makes men like Owuor be so convincing and deceive many? While I do not doubt that he is operating in God’s will, it seems to me that, as CS Lewis notes, there are perhaps two ways in which one can be of service to God. Either as a son like John or as a tool like Judas [1]. In both cases though one still serves the purposes of God. This begins a series of articles which I hope will elucidate what it is about Christianity in Africa that makes such people thrive and how Owuor is only the end result of the Christianity we practice.

First is that in general, we have a faith that revolves around individuals. We have a way of upholding spiritual leaders in very unhealthy levels. In most denominations and churches preachers are seen to hold a special place that is different from the congregation. It must be noted that this place goes beyond administration and the teaching of the word to mediation. This of course can be traced to the ancient view of preachers being equated to the old testament prophets who spoke the word of God to the people. Thus, anyone who seems to stand on our behalf in the presence of God must be treated with special honor.  

This is clearly evidenced by an evolving and very unique dialect used to refer to these individuals. They are men of God, spiritual dads, fathers in the spirit, people who speaks into our lives and in most cases, we are tapping into their anointing. Now while this may seem superficially mild and innocent, it speaks volume of the underlying thinking held by most congregants in the church. I.e. ‘Men of God’ stand as intermediaries between us and God. They posses a unique power and anointing from God meant for the ordinary person but that must be tapped and unlocked. It is no wonder that most churches are ridden with members who fight to carry the pastor’s bible, wash his hands, utensils house, seat etc. in a bid to share in this unique power. The followers on the other hand make it their responsibility defend their spiritual fathers against any criticism with such great tenacity sometimes to lengths that they would not go in the defense of Jesus. After all, we are to touch not the anointed

What is most striking about these individuals is there huge similarity with the OT prophets when it comes to honor and the respect they command, but a very huge distinction when it comes to their view of wealth and service. While the likes of Elijah heal Naaman, he seems not very eager to receive a compensation for ‘his’ work. Even when Elymas offers money to receive the gift of the spirit from Paul, he is rebuked to perish with his money. They were also not very keen in publicizing their miracles as was characterized by Jesus in his ministry. In contrast, however, the tapping into the anointing involves money where the greater the amount you give translates to a higher probability of the anointing you are likely to receive. In addition, any miraculous activity is quickly publicized as a way of attracting more followers.

Now I suppose those of us who hail from such congregations will be up in arms to defend this kind of ideology as honorable and adept for them. It must be noted that I am not here attacking the fact of referring to people as spiritual fathers but rather the underlying motive and thinking that flows from such ways of thinking. It’s scriptures like Matt 23:1-12 that invite us to ponder about this practice. The context of which is Jesus rebuking the spiritual leaders of the day of elevating themselves to the place of being the source of truth for their followers. He reminds us that we are to refer to no one as father apart from God. As got questions.org succinctly put it [2]:

In no way should any person look up to, follow, or elevate a human leader in any religious or church organization above Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Head of the Church, which is His body. He alone is the author of our salvation, source of comfort in difficulties, and strength to live the Christian life. He is the only One to whom our prayers should be directed. No one else has the right to say, “Look to me to meet your spiritual needs.” Jesus’ warning against calling men “father” is a caution against ostentation, pride, and hypocrisy. (emphasis mine).

I dare say that the problem is not just elevating someone above Jesus but also in anyone who seeks to be elevated to a place close to Jesus. Owuor rides on this ideology as he knows that many are afraid of anyone who claims to wield the power of God as an intermediary. I am thus fully convinced that people will continually be deceived by such people if the ‘man of god syndrome’ persists in church. Owuor just serves to show us the logical conclusion of holding to such a way of thinking. Therefore, instead of complaining of how deceived Owuoritans[1] are, perhaps we might want to reconsider and ask whether we are victims of a similar kind of deception.

But don’t we have examples of people in the bible who have been addressed as ‘men of God’? Catch us next as we look at this….

References

[1] This word is used to refer to those who follow the teachings of Owuor