The power of giving people what the want vs what they need

In Nigeria, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles congregation holds huge all-night revivals. Across Asia, the True Jesus Church preaches biblical interpretations that include shunning Christmas as a pagan-tainted holiday. In Brazil, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God says rewards _ spiritual and material _ may await those who give to its fast-expanding empire.

Among the most attention-grabbing has been the so-called "the Gospel of prosperity" _ independent pastors proclaiming that God favors the generous.

The other lure of the new churches is passion: local music, dancing, testimonies of miraculous healings, speaking in tongues and offering prophesies. Many Protestant and Roman Catholic churches have answered by integrating practices popular among Third World Christians, but can't make changes to the basic elements of worship. (The Catholic church is not a WCC member, but cooperates closely on many levels and will send representatives to this month's conference.)