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3. Change of values\u000AThe NPS say that certain values exist in Latin American cultures which hinder development and socio-economic advances. They affirm that these values are rooted in the local culture and define the way people think and make decisions in the world. Gonz\u00E1lez- Anleo states that the values are ways of acting within a culture which become criteria which delimit the importance given to people as well as to the forms and socio-cultural objectives (1994: 237). The NPS feel that these values have a negative influence on society. Because of this they see a need to replace them with Christian values. They believe that in this way they can bring about changes in mentality followed by changes of conduct.\u000AAccording to these pastors, values are spiritual in character and come from the Evangelical message, and need to be applied in the individual sphere as well as collectively. The NPS and the other Evangelical pastors, challenge their members to change their values when they get converted. They say that life in Christ implies leaving behind \u2018this world\u2019s values\u2019 and assuming the new values of \u2018spiritual life\u2019. For example, they must leave behind them vices such as alcoholism, betting, adultery, lying, among others. Other pastors have a broader perspective and apply this to a wider radius of action. For example, pastor Caballeros states that in Guatemala \u2018culture has not yet experienced the full impact of renewal which comes from the bible\u2019. He emphasises that the country is still waiting for \u2018times of reformation, a real revolution in thinking and acting\u2019 (2002b: 30- 33). Which values do they hope will change? How do they conceive the ideological framework of these values? Which sectors of society are they exhorting? Firstly, they talk about certain forms of thinking and practice inherited from the Iberian-Catholic culture. Secondly, they want to change the values and mentality both of the non converts as well as their members. Geertz says that culture brings with it models of meaning incarnated in symbols and inherited concept systems which are communicated generationally and develop knowledge and attitudes about life (1993:89).\u000A199\u000A


































































































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