Manchester Writer Warns Against Social Media Prophets and Questionable Doctorates

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I wish to register deep concern about the fast growth of people in Jamaica presenting themselves as prophets and prophetesses, a trend being pushed harder by largely unregulated platforms such as TikTok and Facebook. Religious liberty remains fundamental, but this shift toward what can be described as prophetic showmanship is damaging authentic Christian witness and confusing many believers.

Social media now gives rise to a risky category of religious personalities. Rather than coming through established theological preparation and spiritual guidance, they gather followers around carefully staged revelations, dramatic performances, and quick-fix miracle claims. In many instances, the message is not about repentance and restoration; instead, it leans on hype, exploits vulnerable people for money and status, and can end in heartbreaking consequences.

Another serious issue is how easily some of these personalities attach “PhD” to their names. Reports suggest that, once a payment is made and without demanding scholarly work, credentials like a “Doctorate in Prophetic Studies” are available from dubious online entities. These vanity qualifications are then used to appear credible to supporters, making it harder to distinguish true academic accomplishment from false representation.

The spread of digital religious figures operating without accountability or spiritual covering should alarm us all. If we are serious about safeguarding the integrity of the faith community, we must insist on accountability, challenge instant doctorate claims, and value literacy and substance over online charisma.

GARFIELD ANGUS
Manchester