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In the face of this search for political power Rene Padilla\u2019s questions can be put: Is Evangelical political power possible? Up to what point is it possible to legislate for Christian ethics? What model would be desirable from a Christian perspective? Which are the most efficient ways of carrying out this model, which at the same time are coherent with the Christian faith? (1997:136). Can the new Neo-Pentecostal politician engage in social transformation in favour of the country? Are the NPS available to help those politicians to form their thinking from an integral mission point of view? [This subject will be reconsidered in more depth in Chapter five].\u000A2. Politics and the State\u000AWhat is the position of the NPS with regard to the State? The NPS generally maintain a conservative position towards the State. The majority of Evangelicals show a respectful attitude and sentiment towards government authorities. This way of thinking reflects the doctrinal declaration of some of these churches. For example, the IFD churches say about civil power: \u2018We believe that God established civil authority after the fall to control violence and regulate the man\u2019s social responsibilities. Christians should respect the government and obey the laws in all things that do not contradict the teachings of Scripture\u2019 (Declaraci\u00F3n Doctrinal, IFD).\u000AUsually the biblical affirmation that the authorities have been placed by God is accepted as a norm among Evangelicals. Everyone has been called to obey them without resistance, as to do the contrary would imply resisting God himself. This teaching does not means that Evangelicals give their support to any government or imply necessarily accepting the status quo. The Evangelical churches usually have kept the line of church- state separation although in practice it is not easy to determine this line of separation. Cleary says that in some cases sectors of the Evangelical church play distinct roles in the State [in his study Pentecostals]. Some have harmonious relationships while others are subordinated (1998: 11).\u000A213\u000A


































































































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