Page 331 - tesis

by their economic emphasis, the refuge and values that they were offered, their disenchantment with the Catholic Church and because these churches offered them the means and rationality to achieve social mobility and a moral justification for their member that sought status without social reforms (1998: 165-166). Alonso signals that these teachings attract \u2018because they adapt perfectly to the expectations of those who wish to be happy without changing their status which comes from economic power\u2019 (EO3). Stoll found this same tendency, but states that only a small percentage of the Guatemalan elite (large farm or business owners) became Evangelicals. (1994: 107-8).\u000AFreston, from his analysis of Pentecostalism, affirms that it has to be tied with the economic crisis. The gospel of health and wealth offers a \u2018religion of results\u2019. At the same time, he notes that it is also necessary to see a cause of chronological coincidence that mediates the process of relating to these churches (1998a: 335-358). He mentions a study made in Rio de Janeiro in 1996 on motivation for conversion, which indicates that only 4 per cent of new converts said that financial difficulties were the cause of their conversion (1998a: 347).\u000AIn the GSNPL the reason for assistance to these churches and what conversion signifies was asked. The majority responded to the first question by saying they assist because they feel good there, get to know other church members and are allowed to participate. Meanwhile, when asked about their conversion, the majority of lay people chose various reasons and only 7 per cent indicated that it had to do with a change in spiritual and material life [Table 5.19].\u000A318\u000A