TB Joshua’s False Doctrine

Temitope Balogun Joshua, commonly known as T.B. Joshua, was a prominent Nigerian televangelist, preacher, and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). Born on June 12, 1963, in Ondo State, Nigeria, he gained international recognition for his charismatic and unconventional approach to ministry.

T.B. Joshua is widely regarded as a controversial figure within the Christian community, known for his prophetic abilities, healing services, and deliverance sessions. His ministry attracted a diverse global following, and his church, SCOAN, became a popular destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual guidance and divine intervention.

One of the distinctive features of T.B. Joshua’s ministry is Emmanuel TV, a television station through which his sermons and services were broadcast worldwide. With millions of followers on social media and a Christian TV program named Emmanuel TV, SCOAN has amassed a large global following. (In recent news, the Sub-Saharan African satellite television operator of DStv, Multichoice, based in South Africa, has stated that it will be removing Emmanuel TV from the service on January 17, 2024.)

Tens of thousands of pilgrims from Europe, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Africa visited the church in Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s in order to see Joshua perform “healing miracles.” Within his Lagos property, at least 150 guests lived with him as disciples, sometimes for decades at a time.

His teachings often focused on faith, healing, and the power of prayer. Additionally, he claimed to have the ability to prophesy and foretell future events, which gained him and his ministry both admiration and skepticism. Throughout his career, T.B. Joshua was involved in various philanthropic activities, such as providing humanitarian aid, scholarships, and support to those in need.

T.B. Joshua passed away on June 5, 2021, leaving a legacy that continues to spark discussions and debates. Despite the controversies surrounding him, his impact on the lives of his followers and the global reach of his ministry cannot be denied.

BBC Documentary: The Cult of TB Joshua

The award-winning investigation team BBCAfricaEye, in a new three-part documentary series, has uncovered evidence of extensive abuse and torture committed by the founder of SCOAN. Numerous former members of the Synagogue Church of All Nations have accused the late Nigerian TB Joshua of crimes including forced abortions and rape.

Numerous eyewitnesses report Joshua’s physical abuse and torture, including incidents involving the flogging and shackling of children. Many women report that TB Joshua sexually attacked them, some of whom allege they were raped for years on end inside the compound. Following TB Joshua’s alleged rapes, there have been numerous allegations of forced abortions inside the church; one lady claims to have had five terminations. Numerous first-hand reports that were televised to millions of people worldwide explain how Joshua staged his “miracle healings.”

The Doctrine of Christ

Doctrine, in the Biblical context, refers to the systematic teachings and beliefs that shape the Christian faith. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, as seen in passages like 1 Timothy 4:16, where the apostle Paul urges Timothy to “watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” In general, doctrine has a great impact on both the individual believer and the Church at large.

The Apostle John writes: “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.  If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works” – 2 John 1:9-11 (ESV).

So what is the teaching (doctrine) of Christ? Apostle John explains it two verses earlier in 2 John 1:7, where he writes: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” The teaching of Christ centres around His coming in the flesh. This has three implications:

1. Atonement for Sin:

The Incarnation is intricately connected to the redemptive purpose of Christ’s mission. By taking on human form, Jesus was able to offer Himself as the perfect and sinless sacrifice for the atonement of humanity’s sins. Through His death on the cross, He reconciled humanity to God, bridging the gap caused by sin.

2. Mediator between God and Humanity:

Jesus, as the God-man, serves as the Mediator between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Timothy 2:5, where he writes, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (NIV). Through His dual nature, Jesus brings reconciliation and facilitates a restored relationship between God and humanity.

3. Victory Over Sin and Death:

The Incarnation is a crucial step in God’s plan for salvation. By taking on human flesh, Jesus lived a perfect life, defeated sin and temptation, and conquered death through His resurrection. This victory offers believers the hope of eternal life and a pathway to salvation.

TB Joshua’s Doctrine

In his teachings, TB Joshua pointed to individual effort, as opposed to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, as the means for one’s salvation. He placed the weight of moral justification squarely on the actions and choices of each person, rather than relying solely on the finished work of Christ. The following are a few quotes from TB Joshua that illustrate his erroneous doctrine. Notice how TB Joshua’s focus is on man’s capabilities rather than Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

• “I have never seen where hatred overcomes love. When you love, you overcome. Love is the most powerful weapon.”
• “When Satan wants you to cry and you laugh, you defeat him”
• “God will never allow a challenge that will surmount us; we are always greater than our challenges.”
• “When discouragement comes, don’t stop. Dig deep and fight it through!”
• “If you decide on your direction, God will give you the energy for the distance.”
• “If you don’t have a vision, you can never be focused in a direction.”
• “When everything seems to go wrong, with peace of heart, you can press on. With peace of heart, you can press on, whatever life brings.”
• “In order not to end up like the masses out there who are merely wandering and unsure of their goals and dreams, your objective must be clear. When your purpose is clear, your life will have meaning.”
• “As Christians, we say what God has said over and over until the thing promised in His Word and desired in our hearts is fully manifested in our lives.”
• “Every time you speak right, you are training yourself to think right and act right.”
• “Giving offers us the opportunity to reshape our destiny. When you give, you are reshaping your destiny.”
• “The multitude of people fail because they talk failure.”

According to TB Joshua’s perspective, personal responsibility and conscious decision-making are man’s ultimate route to salvation. This view contradicts the doctrine of Christ, which states that man is inherently sinful and cannot redeem himself; therefore, he has to rely on a Saviour to rescue him from the bondage of sin.

Conclusion

The examination of TB Joshua’s teachings reveals a doctrinal emphasis that places undue weight on human capabilities, diverting attention from the foundational tenet of Christianity—Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. While recognizing the importance of personal responsibility and growth, it is crucial to uphold the core message of salvation through faith in Christ. The primacy of Christ’s sacrifice should not be overshadowed by an exaggerated focus on human abilities. It is imperative for believers to critically assess doctrinal teachings, ensuring alignment with the fundamental principles that underpin the Christian faith and the redemptive work accomplished by Christ on the cross.