Page 45 - tesis
P. 45

understand the thinking and actions of the pastors and laity with regard to their presence and social role in Guatemalan society. Every conversation opened new windows for the researcher to see the way that they think, their religious experience, their faith beliefs, among others. During the interviews some of the NPL shared how God had touched their lives, how the change had led them into a new more meaningful existence. They testified to the work of God in their lives as part of the new believers\u2019 commitment, as well as the main reason why these churches grow. They affirm that they have been saved so as to announce to others the blessings of God.\u000AThe researcher also observed the manner that the pastors and laity relate their faith to their day-to-day lives. They do not live isolated from the world but live in the present occupied with their religious affairs and their personal goals. It seems that they are not concentrating so much on the world-to-come and the \u2018Church\u2019s rapture\u2019 typical of Pre- millennialist Dispensationalism. They act as if the world belonged to them as they believe that there is nothing that God will not do on their behalf. With God everything even reaching political power, is possible. This is a key attitude which needs to be observed in this thesis.\u000Aa. Senior pastors\u000AThe interview with the senior pastors was essential to understand the vision, background and their social thought and programmes of these churches. As founders they placed the basis and traced the lines of action for their churches. In the interview the investigation project was presented and permission was asked to carry out the survey [see appendix table 1.1]. The process of doing the interviews was long and sometimes difficult. The theme of the investigation made some people suspicious. The discussion of social issues during the armed conflict that Guatemala endured for thirty-six year polarized the citizens ideologically, including the Evangelicals. One of the associate pastors was concerned about some of the questions of the interview and asked if the researcher was\u000A32\u000A


































































































   43   44   45   46   47