Problem-free Christianity trend worrying – SMA Ghana Vice Provincial

Vice Provincial of the Ghana Province of the Society of African Missions (SMA), Very Rev. Fr. Dennis Senyo Etti has condemned a modern trend in Christianity that promotes what he describes as a “problem-free house” doctrine, arguing that it contradicts the fundamental teachings of the faith.

“The cross represents the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ that has brought us salvation,” Fr. Etti emphasized in a statement shared with Catholic Trends.

“Every Christian must be ready to experience any form of suffering in order to attain victory. Suffering is part of our nature, and any form of Christianity that denies this reality risks leading people astray.”

Fr. Etti criticized mainstream charismatic movements that propagate the idea of physical prosperity and a problem-free world as part of the Christian faith.

“Many preachers present the faith as a ‘problem-free house,’ promising a life without pain, suffering, or inconvenience. This is a wrong doctrine,” he stated firmly.

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“Life is not a seamless flow of joy, happiness, and prosperity. The story of Job in the Bible teaches us clearly that the just or the believer can suffer. Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated this on the cross. We suffer to gain. So preaching a Christianity without suffering is merely a philosophy.”

He warned against the appeal of this distorted image of Christianity, which promises a life devoid of suffering. “Unfortunately, this image of Christianity without suffering is very appealing because it corresponds to a normal human aspiration – to live without pain,” Fr. Etti explained. “But the gospel of Christ runs contrary to our human expectations. It contradicts logic.”

Fr. Etti urged believers to be prepared to encounter suffering and pain if they want to follow Jesus faithfully. “If we want to follow Jesus, we must be prepared to encounter suffering and pain. They prepare us for victory,” the statement added.