Page 322 - tesis
P. 322

from other religious groups) in Guatemala, shows a similar approach. Based on the Weber\u0027s theory of Protestant ethics he emphasizes that key elements in Protestantism exist that influence in the economic actions of small entrepreneurs using categories like arduous work, sobriety, honesty, careful handling of money, education, an enterprising attitude, and the direction towards the future (1999: 6-11).\u000AHow do the NPCs participate in this process? From their perspective the idea acquires another profile. They do not speak about leaving poverty, but about getting economic prosperity. That is to say, they think that a Christian does not have to be poor, but prosperous. From this premise they inculcate in their members the idea of fighting to reach economic development. From the point of view of Neo-Pentecostal theology poverty is not part of the plan of God for his children, but spiritual and material prosperity. So they encourage all the social classes to look for the prosperity as a gift of God and as a human profit. This section explores what the NPL think on the matter. They were asked two questions, related to the type of teaching that they receive in socio-economic issues and how these help them to improve their economical life.\u000A1. Education on the economic life\u000AMost of the interviewed people responded that they receive lessons that help them to face life and to improve their socio-economic situation. Some responded in the following way. \u2018In my church I have learned principles of financial administration and good use of the time\u2019. This has helped me \u2018to administer money and make a budget for the home (L1ICV). Other lay people say that \u2018They taught me how to make a budget\u2019 and in practice \u2018I am learning to save and to administer better starting with small amounts\u2019. \u2018I also learned to tithe\u2019 (L2ICv). Another informant said \u2018I received financial principles and this helped me not only to be a good worker but to have entrepreneurial vision. My husband and I started a mini-firm to make yogurt\u2019 (L3IVF). Another one said that in his church he received principles on \u2018the foundations for economic life\u2019 which has helped her to be \u2018a better\u000A309\u000A


































































































   320   321   322   323   324