Jesus wants you to drive 4x4 - that was the sermon being preached at the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God ("UCKG") located at Soweto in South Africa. UCKG is now known as the biggest church in Africa where their new cathedral could fit in 8,000 that comes with a large underground car park. Wow!!
UCKG explicitly teaches their worshippers to dream big and that as a christian you should live in a classy house, use the latest cell phone and wear the snappiest designer clothes. The church told their worshippers to dream up money-making schemes ahead of the 2010 soccer World Cup, which South Africa is due to host.
This UCKG is one of Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus' ("IURD") new branches around the world. IURD originated from Rio de Janeiro in 1977.
How influential is IURD and what do they own?
Their presence are felt in Los Angeles, New York, Manila, Tokyo, Paris, Antwerp, Brussels and Rotterdam. It is also active in the England, Switzerland, Spain, Luxembourg, Portugal, Paraguay, USA, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Congo, Mozambique, Japan, Phillipines and India. Next target - Russia!
The IURD own 2,000 temples, 22 radio stations and 16 television stations around the world. Founded a bank called Banco Credito Metropolitano that has been beset with many financial issues.
What else they do? You have to read the article found in Apologetics Index. Extensive news on IURG's activities throughout the world. The report, in French and Dutch, is available in its entirety online.
What does IURD claims?
That the Kingdom of God is here on earth and that it can offer a solution for all manner of ills, depressions, joblessness, family- and financial problems. Promotes word-faith teachings, with a particular emphasis on the seed-faith doctrine. Since its theology and practices are far outside those of normal, biblical Christianity, this movement is considered to be a cult of Christianity.
Their founder - Edir Macedo, a former lottery worker in Rio de Janeiro, who elected himself bishop and now lives in the United States.
2 comments:
Hmmm... I thought it seemed strange that such an exhortation comes from the church? Sounds too much like a prosperity gospel to me.
its also being as a cult practise as its going way beyond what christianity teaches
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