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C. SOCIAL THINKING\u000AIn this section the manner in which these pastors understand social presence and the role of the church in the light of their Neo-Pentecostal theology will be examined. The objective is to capture their argument about these themes and later contrast it with the way that the members of their churches think. What message is emphasized by the NPS? What elements are included in their discourse about the mission of the church and her role in society? What type of practices accompanies this discourse? With the idea of understanding their thinking and social action, Ron Sider\u2019s scheme about the social responsibility of the church will be used.\u000AIn his book Evangelism & Social Action In a lost and broken world, Sider suggests three types of social responsibility which could throw light about where to place the NPS on this issue. There are levels of action which complement each other: a) Social aid which has to do with the assistance of victims of natural or social disasters. Food, refuge and other needs are provided to help these victims to survive. b) Social development where help is offered to individuals, families or communities to get appropriate instruments, abilities or knowledge which will enable them to look after themselves, and c) Structural change which involves the macro level of law, politics and economic life. He considers politics as an important medium to change structures in society to create more liberty, democracy, economic justice and a sustainable environment (1993: 139-140). According to Sider\u2019s scheme they could be involved at the first level and part of the second one. The analysis shows that the reality is much more complex and in practice the first phases become mingled with each other, especially in the light of the paradox demonstrated by pastors and lay people regarding their discourse and their social practice.\u000A1. Paradox of the Neo-Pentecostal pastors\u000AWhat is the social thinking of the NPS? The analysis shows that they do not have the same perceptions and understanding about their role and presence in society. Some do have\u000A 177\u000A


































































































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