Page 28 - tesis
P. 28
Evangelicalism. So in sociological literature the idea that Pentecostalism (and Protestantism in general) is necessarily alienated and conservative as a consequence of its doctrine, has been questioned (Freston 1991: 31). The NPCs far from confining their beliefs and practices to the religious field have transferred them to daily life. This is exactly the attitude that attracts many of their adherents, especially those of the middle and upper classes. The Neo-Pentecostal emphasis on material benefits that help to improve life here shows the larger orientation towards the world that this expression of religion is acquiring (Frigerio 1994: 23). ). Of course, some authors like Cleary note that the Neo- Pentecostal group in Guatemala \u2018have spread across cities and countryside preaching a gospel of health and wealth, often espousing an uncritical support of military and oligarchic politics, and sweeping into their folds disaffected middle class and upper class Catholics by the chapel full\u2019. He underlines that \u2018In contrast to the Pentecostals\u2019 asceticism and modesty, the behaviour of some Neo-Pentecostals knew no restraints. They noisily entered politics, preached an ethos of consumerism, and supported or emulated the showmanship of North America\u2019s religious-right figures [...]\u2019 (1998: 9). In the light of those perspectives of the NPCs is important to ask, are they a positive influence among the Evangelicals in Guatemala about involvement in society, social projects and political participation? According to Gifford in Africa these churches have caused changes within the ecclesiastical structures of traditional Christianity (2004).\u000A2. Political importance\u000AThe political participation of Evangelicals in Guatemala is part of a whole historical process. However the recent presence of Neo-Pentecostals within politics is relatively new. Unlike the lack of political involvement of most conservative Evangelicals in the past many Neo-Pentecostals have made politics part of their daily activities. Their politics and ideology and their Neo-Pentecostal emphases and social composition among the middle and upper class have stimulated this participation (Rose & Schultze 1992: 417). For\u000A15\u000A