Pat Robertson, 700 Club, Gospel Outreach, El Verbo
September 5, 2005
Last Revised February 8, 2006
General Information
Key words and related terms: FEMA, Gaza, dominion theology, kingdom now, reconstructionism, theonomy, prophet, Intelligent Design, General Efrain Rios Montt, Mott, Guatemala, President Alvaro Magana, El Salvador, Venezuela, Chavez, Chile, Gospel Outreach, Christian Coalition, El Verbo, Latin American Pentecostalism, Christian Right, total warfare, humanitarian, covert, assassination, peddling, regulation, politicians, hostilidad, revoluciones, latinoamerica.
Pat Robertson and the 700 Club have supported dominion theology, an ideology that Christianity must rule across the globe before Christ can return and that it is acceptable to use military force to spread Christianity. This sounds more like what the Koran propagates and nothing like Christ to me. General Efrain Rios Montt, twice President of Guatemala, a supposedly converted Pentecostal, was being supported by the Christian Right. The group of Pentecostal churches in Central America known as El Verbo is involved in bringing people under control. I think that some converts from Catholicism may be true born-again believers, but I do not approve of the way that El Verbo is controlling the minds of its church members through propaganda from the state. Christianity is meant to be an honest belief system since there are no lies in Christ, The Way, The Truth and The Life.
Some of the protesters against the invasion of the Christian Right into Central and South America are very far to the Left, politically speaking, and may be speaking out against the influence of the Christian Right primarily for the reason that they are intruding into politics and supporting right-wing dictators. But I do not think that this lessens the gravity of the situation for the Christian converts (and non-converts that attend those churches) that are caught in the middle of a political battle that should keep its claws away from Christianity. As always, I believe that God uses corrupt situations to do good to those that love Him, but this still does not mean that Christians should support that corruption. We still must speak out against corruption in all its forms for the sake of everyone, not just Christians.
Even though I include far Left references I do not support them but think that the information that can be picked out between the bits of far Left ideology are valuable for anyone seeking the truth. I encourage you to learn to read between the lines if you cannot already and be discerning.
Spanish links are included for those that can understand Spanish. I think that a lot more information may be available for the Spanish speaker, but it is exceedingly difficult for me to access it due to my poor Spanish speaking abilities. I wish you more success.
I keep broken links so that at least it is known that the articles used to exist and to provide others with the possibility of finding them again perhaps using other media to do so when I may not have the time to follow up.
English
- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
- Answers.com
Answers.com has much the same information as Wikipedia, but sometimes has other external links. - dKosopedia, the free political encyclopedia
Links for the ideology:
Critique
- Apologetics Index
See Robertson, Pat. - Pat Robertson, False Prophet, Again: by David E. Lister at Moriel Ministries
“By God’s definition of a false prophet in Deuteronomy 13 and 18, Mr. Robertson fits the mold.” - Dominion Theology/Kingdom Now/Reconstructionism: Biblical Discernment Ministries
“There is a movement about that is casting a long shadow for its size. It is known as Reconstructionism, Kingdom Now theology, Theonomy, and/or Dominion theology….a number of the movement’s ideas have infiltrated the thinking and actions of many professing believers, often without them knowing it…They believe that they must help God get things under control down here on earth, so that the kingdom (their version of it) can be set up in order that the King Himself can reign properly (through them, of course!).” - CANDIDATE ROBERTSON’S CENTRAL AMERICA POLICY by Sara Diamond, copyright 1986
Pat Robertson’s connections to General Efrain Rios Montt (Mott) of Guatemala and President Alvaro Magana of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Contra, Gospel Outreach and El Verbo, churches in Central America, South America and the United States.
“CBN’s constant and sophisticated anti-Nicaraguan media barrage is a far cry from the pouting tirades of Bible-thumpers Jerry Falwell and Jimmy Swaggart. Whether viewed as a politician or a preacher, Robertson’s direct involvement with armed factions in Central America puts him in a class by himself.”
Related Subjects, Articles, Books
- THE SOUTH AND THE LATIN AMERICAN PARADIGM OF
THE PENTECOSTAL MOVEMENT by Miguel Alvarez
Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 5:1 (2002), pp. 135-153
http://www.apts.edu/ajps/02-1/02-1-MAlvarez.pdf
“This study represents an attempt to identify some of the new paradigms and opportunities generated recently in the expansion of the Pentecostal movement in Latin America. It also attempts to identify some scholars who have contributed significantly to the definition and identity of Pentecostalism in the area. At the same time, the study proposes a descriptive and reflective analysis of emerging contemporary issues such as church growth and the mobilization and contextualization of the gospel within the Latin American culture. Finally, it explores certain opportunities afforded by some of the newly identified paradigms related
to the Pentecostal mission of the church, its theological and ministerial formation and its social concerns.” - Fishers of men or founders of Empire by David Stoll.
Get the book at Amazon. Try for used, it is no longer in print. - Is Latin America Turning Protestant?: The Politics of Evangelical Growth by David Stoll.
From page 2: “But Luis Palau was not going to enter into debates about the current political situation: his message was spiritual. Besides, the president of the country was standing there beside him. “Here the one in charge is Jesus Christ.” declared Efraìn Rìos Montt, an army general who had seized power eight months before. The tone of his voice was harsh, almost belligerent, but hallelujahs rose from the crowd below. “We defend ourselves not by the army or its swords,” he proclaimed, referring to the most successful counterinsurgency force in Central America, “but by the Holy Spirit.”What Latin America lacked, the two men felt, was evangelical Protestantism. Only a mass conversion along these lines, a moral transformation at the popular level, Palau and Rìos Montt believed, could save Latin America from poverty and chaos.
“Some offer volunteer services.” Palau was accustomed to state. “Others push Marxist revolutions. But the only way to truly change a nation for the better is to lead masses of people at the grass roots level to commit their lives to Jesus Christ.”"
Chapter three is especially interesting: From Doomsday to Dominion in North American Evangelicalism.Get the book at Amazon
- The Politics of the Christian Right by Sara Diamond
From page 162: “”Humanitarian” aid and “psychological operations” are two areas of “total war” where the Christian Right serves U.S. foreign policy objectives best. Acting either as “private” benefactors or as agents of the U.S. government, Christian Right “humanitarian” suppliers and promoters of anticommunist ideology use religion to mask the aggressive, cynical nature of “humanitarian” projects. Cloaked as missionary evangelism, the “spiritual warfare” component of counterinsurgency escapes serious attention by anti-intervention activists who are justifiably preoccupied with stopping more massive, direct forms of U.S. militarism.It is doubtful, howerver, that counterinsurgency could be effective without the use of religion. Because the conduct of “psychological operations” relies on the successful interpretation and manipulation of a target population’s deeply held beliefs and cultural practices, the functional use of religion simply must be addressed by anyone intending to understand and put and end to “total warfare.”"
Get the book at Amazon.
Diamond puts forward the idea with much evidence that religion, specifically evangelical pentecostal protestantism, is being used to promote American political agenda, specifically that of the Christian Right in Central and South America. I see this type of evangelism as a misuse and abuse of the gospel. It is likely that the gospel that arrives at the population being thus dirtied and corrupted is no longer the true gospel message that tells of Jesus Christ. The name of Jesus is being misused by religious and political manipulators. If anyone is really saved and edified by such a gospel if indeed it is still the gospel, it would be despite what accompanies it, rather than because of it. I see such misuse of the gospel as a disgrace to Christ and Christians everywhere.
Dynamic content
Google News
Search Term: pat+robertson
Source: http://news.google.com/intl/en_us/news_feed_terms.html
The listed links may not always contain the desired result and will reflect various opinions. Read at your own risk.
Pat Robertson
- Pat Robertson: Marine training was easy for me, 'but I'm not a lady' - Raw Story -
Raw StoryPat Robertson: Marine training was easy for me, 'but I'm not a lady'
Raw Story
Reports that four women had failed to complete the U.S. Marines Corps' officers training course in Quantico, Virginia only seemed to fuel 700 Club host Pat Robertson's dismay that women would even attempt to serve in combat. “I was trained at Quantico ...
Pat Robertson: 'Why Would A Woman Want To Go Through Ungodly Difficult ...The New Civil Rights Movement
Pat Robertson Stunned that Women Want to be in Combat (Video)Opposing Views all 4 news articles » - CBN's Pat Robertson Wins Lifetime Achievement Award - Christian Broadcasting Network - CBN's Pat Robertson Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Christian Broadcasting Network
Christian Broadcasting Network founder Pat robertson was honored with the Faith and Freedom Coalition's first "Winston Churchill" Lifetime Achievement Award. Faith and Freedom Coalition leader Ralph Reed introduced Dr. Robertson at the Washington, ... - Evangelical Pat Robertson honored as a trailblazer in faith, politics - Washington Times - Evangelical Pat Robertson honored as a trailblazer in faith, politics
Washington Times
Before he was an icon of the religious right — and a lightning rod for critics — Marion Gordon Robertson, better known as “Pat,” was steeped in politics. In fact, he could hardly have avoided that fate, having been a son of the late U.S. Sen. A ...and more » - Pat Robertson: Teen Suicide Linked To 'Demonic Games' Like 'Dungeons ... - Huffington Post -
Examiner.comPat Robertson: Teen Suicide Linked To 'Demonic Games' Like 'Dungeons ...
Huffington Post
Pat Robertson, level 8 Delusionist: Intelligence 5, Charisma 10, Wisdom 0. Although he's said far more offensive things in the past, the latest allegations made by television evangelist Pat Robertson have crossed the line into the bizarre. During a ...
Pat Robertson: Gays will "destroy" Boy scouts, Tim Tebow a steamy hunk of manExaminer.com
Pat Robertson Blames “Dungeons & Dragons” For Teen SuicidesLez Get Real
Pat Robertson Blames 'Demonic Games' for Teen Suicide in U.S. (Video)Opposing Views Carbonated.tv all 14 news articles » - 'The Daily Show': Why John Oliver Feels Sorry for Pat Robertson's Wife - TheWrap - 'The Daily Show': Why John Oliver Feels Sorry for Pat Robertson's Wife
TheWrap
"The Daily Show"s' John Oliver skewered religious leader and "700 Club" host Pat Robertson on Thursday's program for his comments on The Boy Scouts of America's recent decision to allow openly gay members. The conservative commentator is no fan of ... - Pat Robertson's University Partners with TD Jakes - ChristianityToday.com (blog) - Pat Robertson's University Partners with TD Jakes
ChristianityToday.com (blog)
Two outspoken Christians—Pat Robertson and T. D. Jakes—are joining forces for the sake of education, according to Regent University. The Virginia-based school founded by Robertson announced this morning that it will partner with Jakes, pastor of The ...and more » - 'The Daily Show' Expresses Sympathy For 'Mrs. Pat Robertson' (VIDEO) - TPM -
TPM'The Daily Show' Expresses Sympathy For 'Mrs. Pat Robertson' (VIDEO)
TPM
But the decision by the BSA still drew the ire of many conservatives, namely televangelist and ardent gay rights opponent Pat Robertson. Robertson lamented earlier this week that the organiation's proud tradition had been "torn up in order to ... - John Oliver Mocks The Boy Scouts, Pat Robertson, Vladimir Putin In Super Gay ... - Queerty - John Oliver Mocks The Boy Scouts, Pat Robertson, Vladimir Putin In Super Gay ...
Queerty
And because no anti-gay coverage is complete without the insanity of Pat Robertson, Oliver also threw in an old clip where the Evangelical dinosaur said the new policy will “accommodate boys that wanna do sex with each other.” Oliver spent the rest of ...and more » - Tim Tebow can count Cris Collinsworth, Pat Robertson and his former Broncos ... - Orlando Sentinel - Tim Tebow can count Cris Collinsworth, Pat Robertson and his former Broncos ...
Orlando Sentinel
Tim Tebow can count Cris Collinsworth, Pat Robertson and his former Denver Bronco teammates among his biggest fans. Tebow earned the most effusive praise from Collinsworth, who suggested Tebow can play quarterback in the NFL despite heavy ... - Pat Robertson: Boy Scouts 'Torn Up' For Gay Kids Who Want To 'Do Sex' With ... - Huffington Post -
Raw StoryPat Robertson: Boy Scouts 'Torn Up' For Gay Kids Who Want To 'Do Sex' With ...
Huffington Post
The Boy Scouts of America's (BSA) controversial decision to admit openly gay youths isn't sitting too well with Pat Robertson. On "The 700 Club," the conservative televangelist said the Boy Scouts's ruling "boggles the mind," according to Right Wing Watch.
Pat Robertson: Boy Scouts Destroyed for 'a Few (Gay) Kids Who Want to Do Sex ...Towleroad
Robertson: Boy Scouts being destroyed by gay 'kids who want to do sex with ...Raw Story
Pat Robertson: Gays Destroying Boy Scouts, Marriage And SocietyOn Top Magazine all 452 news articles »
Older Links (ordered by date):
- Back to the Future: The Growing Movement of Natalism by Paul Strand, January 4, 2006
CBN.com
“They’re going to go out into society, and impact culture in a very few generations. It’s already happening. Even in our family we have three voters……Rod Dreher is assistant editorial page editor for The Dallas Morning News, and a self-proclaimed Natalist. He says, “It’s an attitude, it’s a sensibility where families are open to life, open to children, open to large families.”….”micropolitan areas.” These are areas with at least 10,000 residents, but fewer than 50,000, areas that are quite simply, more in sync with pro-family/natalist values……it is not just about issues like lower taxes. It is about attitudes, and priorities like home schooling and church attendance.” - In defense of Pat Robertson by Rev. Mark H. Creech
Renew America
“Pat Robertson strongly rebuked the citizenry of Dover, Pennsylvania for voting out eight public school board members that favored the teaching of intelligent design. Robertson said, “I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover. If there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God; you just rejected Him from your city. And don’t wonder why he hasn’t helped you when problems begin, if they begin. I’m not saying they will, but if they do, just remember you just voted God out of your city. And if that’s the case, don’t ask for His help because he might not be there.”….That statement shouldn’t simply be marginalized as a wild and outlandish remark by the sometimes colorful and controversial televangelist, Pat Robertson. That’s genuinely a message from God, which is not only for Dover, Pennsylvania, but also for the world.” - Pat Robertson Blows ID’s Cover: ‘Intelligent Design’ Isn’t about Science But about Putting God into the Classroom by Andrew Bard Schmookler, November 17, 2005
OPEDNEWS.COM
“Maybe you’ve followed the controversy about the idea called “Intelligent Design.” ….. So there it is. If rejecting the inclusion of Intelligent Design is to be understood as “voting God out,” then surely it follows that what ID is about is bringing God in. Sounds like religion to me…. America’s Founders …. also believed in the rights of individuals to find their own path in life, thinking it more suitable for the dignity of human beings that they be allowed to make their own mistakes than that they be compelled to hew to a path someone else had determined to be right.” - D.L. Stewart: Politics, religion never a good mix by D.L. Stewart, November 15, 2005
DAYTON DAILY NEWS
“the messages I keep hearing today from powerful people who are known as Christian leaders don’t seem to have much to do with love or forgiveness. They have to do with being on the right side or being on the wrong side….And if you’re not sure which side is which, all you have to do is ask Pat Robertson.”
You may need a free subscription to see this article. - Rev. Ridiculous — Pat Robertson rises up again by Leonard Pitts Jr. November 14, 2005
MIAMI HERALD.COM
“So this latest nonsense is right in line with what we’ve come to expect from our friend Pat. The only thing you can do is laugh — and try not to think about how many people lump you in with this fellow when you profess to be a Christian……See, the Pennsylvanians get what the Kansans do not: Teaching religion masked as science devalues both and ensures that children will be that much less prepared for college and the world beyond. I can’t believe God requires ignorance, that He gave us brains he doesn’t want us to use, or that intelligence and faith are mutually exclusive.” - Televangelist Robertson warns town of God’s wrath by Alan Elsner, November 10, 2005
Yahoo, Reuters
“I’d like to say to the good citizens of Dover: if there is a disaster in your area, don’t turn to God, you just rejected Him from your city,” Robertson said on his daily television show broadcast from Virginia, “The 700 Club.” - Now no question that televangelist Pat Robertson is a front man for G.W. Bush! by Bob Chapman, October 17, 2005
VHEADLINE - VENEZUELA’S ELECTRONIC NEWS
“Pat also informed us Mr. Chavez is negotiating with Iran for nuclear material and he supplied $1.2 million in cash to Osama bin Laden just after 9/11. Robertson also informed us that Venezuela and Mr. Chavez is a nuclear threat to the US. Needless to say, Preacher Robertson provided no background and no proof…Cheney…Libby” - Pat Robertson’s once powerful Christian Coalition teeters on insolvency by Bill Sizemore, October 11, 2005
VHEADLINE - VENEZUELA’S ELECTRONIC NEWS
“Among the creditors who have sued the coalition for nonpayment are landlords, direct-mail companies, lawyers and at least one former employee seeking back pay. … Ralph Reed …. Roberta Combs …. The coalition mobilized millions of conservative Christians with its voter guides — pocket-sized candidate scorecards distributed in churches. …. Ammons” - Some troubling times for The Christian Coalition by Vince Kelly, October 7, 2005
“There also are lawsuits pending against the Coalition for unpaid bills. The group moved from Chesapeake to Washington in 2000 and its Chesapeake landlord has sued for unpaid rent, a case that’s still open, according to the Virginian Pilot.” - Chavez has done more for Venezuela’ poor than USA would ever give him credit for by Jane Peterson, October 2, 2005
VHEADLINE - VENEZUELA’S ELECTRONIC NEWS
“Robertson’s call to assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez sheds light on the fact that the United States had a hand in the coup of 2002, which ousted him from power.” - Robertson’s comments are foolish (My title - Snake in Dove’s Clothing) by James Robison, October Issue 2005
Christian Examiner on the web
“Pat is a friend of mine. I believe he has been a positive influence in our country for spiritual and family values. Our organizations have worked together…..great leaders of peace had great impact because they wisely adopted a position of harmlessness to disarm their critics and win the hearts of the masses……..Pat said, “What makes snakes effective and wise is that they remain hidden and unseen and, therefore, accomplish their purpose.” - Reckoning with the God Squad - Fundamentalist bullies cannot be appeased. they must be confronted. by Bill Moyers, September 24, 2005
IN THESE TIMES
“The radical religious right has succeeded in taking over one of America’s great political parties-the country is not yet a theocracy but the Republican Party is-and they are driving American politics, using God as a battering ram on almost every issue: crime and punishment, foreign policy, health care, taxation, energy, regulation, social services and so on…Christian realism requires us to see the world as it is, without illusions, and then take it on. Christian realism also requires love. But not a sentimental, dreamy love.” - Dr. Bush and Mr. Hyde: The Fundamentalist Shadow of George W. Bush
by John D. Goldhammer, September 23, 2005
AXIS OF LOGIC, Editor’s Choice
“Voltaire warned, ‘Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities.’ Moreover, under the influence of any fundamentalist ideology, beliefs (often paranoid and delusional) tend to override facts-a very dangerous mental environment for making life and death decisions, or declaring war…. There will never be world peace until God’s house and God’s people are given their rightful place of leadership at the top of the world,”[11] proclaimed Christian fundamentalist Pat Robertson….Now that’s pure group shadow speaking!” - Dallas Bodybuilder Sues TV’s Pat Robertson for Unauthorized Use of Weight-Loss Photographs by David Munck, P.C., September 20, 2005
PRNewswire
“He sent pictures showing his body’s transformation to the show’s producers and agreed they could be televised because he hoped to inspire others….When Busch realized his images had been used to promote a commercial product, rather than to inspire people to lose weight, he approached Robertson’s Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) and asked for compensation, but was turned down flat.”
- Pat Robertson is out of control by Jay Rooney, September 16, 2005
UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI, The Hurricane Online
“His rhetoric is even more potentially harmful than Sean Hannity’s. And believe me, that’s saying a lot.”
- Surviving the Pastoral and Ethical Breach of Pat Robertson by Bishop James Alan Wilkowski, September 12, 2005
THE EPOCH TIMES
Thirdly, I would call upon the American pastoral community to call our colleagues to a higher ethical and moral standards and not be timid when we see colleagues breaching those standards.” - The wrathful prayers of Pat Robertson (commentary) September 8, 2005
the jambar, Student Voice of Youngstown State University
“Or to paraphrase: Please die, Supreme Court justices, please die! Good Christians demand it of you!” - Katrina Relief: FEMA Urges Donations to Pat Robertson September 6, 2005
NATIONAL JEWISH DEMOCRATIC COUNCIL
“FEMA began covering its tracks — erasing any sign of its actions from its Internet site…the same Pat Robertson who intoned that God will judge Israel’s leaders harshly for withdrawing from Gaza” - Pat Robertson Doesn’t Just Speak for Himself (Opinion) September 5, 2005
SCOOP - INDEPENDENT NEWS
“It would be dishonest to play down the force and influence of this increasingly influential segment of American society on the policies of the US government”. - Robertson’s gaffe a free-speech case study September 5, 2005
DAILY HERALD, Central Utah
“Robertson won’t face a court of law. But he’s very much on trial in the court of public opinion.” - Pat Robertson shined light on American way Government, media unwilling to acknowledge past atrocities September 4, 2005
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
“But what if a war were imminent? With Venezuela or with Iran?” - Pat Robertson was acting as a mouthpiece for George and the neocons.September 4, 2005
VHEADLINE - VENEZUELA’S ELECTRONIC NEWS
President Hugo Chavez Frias announced he will take legal action against US televangelist Pat Robertson and the US government. - Speaking Up Against Pat Robertson’s Comments September 4, 2005
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Part 1 “Mr. Robertson ‘does not speak for evangelical Christians.’”
Part 2 “The failure of many conservatives to condemn Pat Robertson’s call for the assassination of Hugo Chavez” - Pat Robertson’s words outrageous September 3, 2005
THE FORUM, INFORUMOpinion
“Robertson’s recent comments are, at the least, hypocritical and irresponsible.” - Venezuela Suspends Issuing of Missionary Permits Following Robertson Comments September 2, 2005
THE CHRISTIAN POST
“Tighter regulation of church activities in the country.” - Editorial: Censoring Robertson? September 1, 2005
THE CAPITAL TIMES
“Five attempts by U.S. operatives to assassinate foreign leaders during the 1960s and 1970s was no fluke.” - Editorial: Robertson’s rant Hatred in religion’s name: August 25, 2005
STARTRIBUNE.COM
“Peddling the Political Wares of Caesar” - Robertson apologizes for assassination call August 25, 2005
CNN.com
“Robertson’s rationale for his statement remained unchanged.” - Haggard will offer apology to Chavez August 25, 2005
GAZETTE.com, Colorado Springs
“Haggard, senior pastor for Colorado Springs’ New Life Church and president of the National Association of Evangelicals, said he was contacted by a Chavez representative Tuesday, a day after Robertson, referring to Chavez, said the United States should ‘take him out.’” - Pat Robertson Clarifies His Statement Regarding Hugo Chavez August 24, 2005
CBN.com
“In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government’s attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.” - Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuela’s president August 22, 2005
MEDIA MATTERS for America
“It’s a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.”
Español
- PAT ROBERTSON: Vieja hostilidad contra las revoluciones latinoamericanas 28 de agosto de 2005
LA OPINIÒN DIGITAL
Ante los exabruptos de Robertson, la Casa Blanca està en apuros. Tambièn los evangèlicos venezolanos que pertenecen a la iglesia de Robertson y que nada tienen que ver con su ilegal discurso, podrìan ser los grandes perdedores.
Libros
- L’Amèrica Latina se vuelve protestante? Las polìticas del crecimiento evangèlico por David Stoll
www.nodulo.orgEspecial capìtulo 7, pàginas 222-224 - Gospel Outreach (Alcance Evangèlico)
Gospel Outreach
Descripciòn:“Ediciòn digital autorizada por el autor, publicada en agosto de 2002 por nòdulo. Se ofrece entre corchetes la paginaciòn correspondiente a la ediciòn en lengua española impresa en Quito en 1993, que se adopta como referencia. Esta obra fue publicada en inglès en 1990 por University of California Press. La ediciòn ecuatoriana fue publicada por Ediciones Abya-Yala, y sigue la traducciòn de Marça del Carmen Andrade, revisada por Carmen Fernàndez Salvador. En esta ediciòn digital se han eliminado algunos errores deslizados en la ediciòn impresa, y se han colocado las notas, que all’ figuraban al final del libro, al pie de cada secciòn. copyright 1990-2002 David Stoll copyright 2002 www.nodulo.org”
“Prefacio
…”Està Amèrica Latina convirtiàndose al protestantismo? Desde Mèxico hasta Argentina, las formas de religiòn impuestas por la conquista española estàn atravesando por una reforma de gran trascendencia. Hasta la fecha, la atenciòn se ha centrado en el sector radical de la reforma, conocido como la teologìa de la liberaciòn. Debido a que èsta es practicada principalmente por catòlicos romanos, con frecuencia se asume que la reforma se discute, sobre todo, en el interior de la Iglesia Catòlica. Esto puede ser verdad. A pesar de que la iglesia establecida ha tenido en Amèrica Latina una historia a menudo opresiva, recientemente ella ha demostrado una sorprendente capacidad de reforma. Una gran mayorìa de latinoamericanos todavìa se identifican como catòlicos. La teologìa de la liberaciòn parece encarnar sus deseos de una vida mejor. En la revoluciòn de Nicaragua, en donde la teologìa de la liberaciòn es tan marcada, las referencias sobre la inminencia del Reino de Dios afloran con tanta frecuencia que Conor Cruise O’Brien la ha llamado “una Ginebra potencial”.{2} …..
Hago estas observaciones para subrayar un punto especìfico. Al igual que la religiòn no deberìa ser reducida a un campo de juego de las fuerzas polìticas contendientes, el protestantismo evangèlico no deberìa ser reducido a un instrumento polìtico para los intereses dominantes. Esto es importante porque, bajo la influencia del pensamiento catòlico y marxista, muchos observadores han llegado a asumir que la religiòn evangèlica tiene implicaciones polìticas fàcilmente predecibles. A lo largo de lo que sigue, deseo proporcionar un cuadro diferente del protestantismo latinoamericano, como generador del cambio social cuya direcciòn no està predestinada…..
El tercer capìtulo se vuelve hacia los Estados Unidos y su apoyo a las misiones protestantes. Para evitar la generalizaciòn sobre los evangèlicos, los he diferenciado en tèrminos de organizaciòn, teologìa y polìtica. Luego, el capìtulo se centra en la derecha religiosa y en un cambio ominoso en los fundamentos teològicos del trabajo misionero. En contraste con la antigua advertencia fundamentalista de que el fin està cerca, la derecha religiosa ha prometido “tomar el poder” sobre la tierra, en una visiòn teocràtica que revive la confusiòn entre la misiòn cristiana y el imperio norteamericano……
A pesar de la reapariciòn de ecuaciones entre Dios y los Estados Unidos, algunos evangèlicos han criticado la forma de operaciòn de sus misiones. Acusan a las “multinacionales misioneras” norteamericanas de perseguir sus propias objetivos a costa de las iglesias tercermundistas. [8] El cuarto capItulo profundiza en el resultante debate interno. Sin embargo, nadie puede negar que el protestantismo ya no es una injerto cultural norteamericano como una vez lo fue. Con pocas excepciones, las iglesias evangèlicas de Amèrica Latina estàn siendo dirigidas, actualmente, por latinoamericanos…..
Me refiero a un encuentro entre las iglesias de mayor èxito en Amèrica Latina y sus teòlogos màs innovadores, entre el protestantismo evangèlico y la teologìa de la liberaciòn…..
Para sugerir por què, tres estudios de caso presentan una visiòn màs profunda sobre el antagonismo existente entre la teologìa de la liberaciòn y el protestantismo evangèlico….
El Capìtulo 7 trata del gobierno (1982-1983) de un militar evangèlico en Guatemala. El General Efraìn Rìos Montt, al enfrentarse a un movimiento revolucionario apoyado por un sector de la Iglesia Catòlica, emprendiì una devastadora contrainsurgencia con la Biblia en la mano. Desde entonces, en ciertas zonas del altiplano guatemalteco, las iglesias evangèlicas parecen haberse convertido en la religiòn dominante.{**}El segundo caso, en el Capìtulo 8, revisa el conflicto entre la teologìa de la liberaciòn y el protestantismo conservador en la Nicaragua sandinista…..
El tercer estudio de caso, Capìtulo 9, examina las controversias sobre Visiòn Mundial, la màs grande de las agencias evangèlicas de desarrollo…..
Este es un plan tan ambicioso que debo confesar còmo se originà: frente a un aparato de televisiòn. Corrèa el año de 1984: un hèroe de la derecha religiosa criticaba a una misiòn evangèlica por no haberse unido a la guerra de los reaganistas contra los sandinistas. Irònicamente, mientras pocos latinoamericanos conocèan de la ayuda que el televangelista Pat Robertson proporcionaba a los contras, muchos màs sospechaban que la agencia a la que al atacaba “Visiòn Mundial” era un frente de la CIA. Se me ocurriì que importantes cambios en el protestantismo latinoamericano, como la llegada de la derecha religiosa y la resistencia a èsta por parte de otros evangèlicos, no recibèan la atenciòn que merecèan en los cìrculos intelectuales. Recibìamos ùnicamente versiones parciales, generalmente en forma de polèmicas. Con tantas representaciones conflictivas, decidò compararlas entre sè, con la esperanza de llegar a alguna clase de aclaraciòn….
Aunque sin duda existiràn desacuerdos con las posiciones adoptadas en este trabajo, se lo dedico a ellos y a su lucha por amarse los unos a los otros.”
- Pescadores de hombres o fundadores de Imperio? El Instituto Linguistico de Verano en Amèrica Latina por David Stoll
Tìtolo original: Fishers of men or founders of Empire
www.nodulo.org
“Traducciòn de Flica Barclay. Ediciòn digital publicada en 2002 por nòdulo siguiendo la ediciòn de Quito 1985. Esta obra fue publicada en inglès en 1983 por Zed Press (Londres) y Cultural Survival Inc. (Cambridge, Massachusetts, EE.UU.). La ediciòn en español de Ecuador 1985 fue editada por DESCO, Centro de Estudios y Promociòn del Desarrollo, con el patrocinio de la Asociaciòn Interètnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP, Lima, Perù), el Centro de Investigaciòn y Educaciòn Popular (CINEP, Bogotà, Colombia), el Cultural Survival Inc. y Ediciones Abya-yala (Quito, Ecuador).
copyright 1982-2002 David Stoll. copyright 2002 www.nodulo.org”“Presentaciòn del editor de 1985
Con verdadero interès y satisfacciòn ponemos a disposiciòn del lector hispanohablante el màs completo estudio realizado hasta hoy sobre el Instituto Linguistico de Verano, bajo cuyo nombre despliega sus actividades el “Wycliffe Bible Translators”, organizaciòn misionera evangèlica. Con ramificaciones en màs de 40 paìses -12 sòlo en Amèrica Latina que cubren los cinco continentes, el ILV las siglas con que se le conoce, ha suscitado, en sus ya largos años de existencia, apasionadas polèmicas que han culminado con su expulsiòn de algunos paìses.
Fishers of men or founders of Empire es el estudio detallado de las actividades del “Wycliffe Bible Translators”, y de las controversias a que ha dado lugar la presencia en nuestros paìses de esta organizaciòn misionera, cuya finalidad expresa es la de preparar las condiciones para la segunda venida de Cristo al mundo, mediante el empleo, como instrumento de catequizaciòn, de la traducciòn del Nuevo Testamento en todos los idiomas de la tierra. El libro del antropòlogo David Stoll muestra còmo el WBT encubre su credo fundamentalista con la acadèmica denominaciòn de Instituto Linguistico de Verano, nombre con el que suscribe convenios con los gobiernos del Tercer Mundo. Ingentes recursos financieros y una tupida red de transporte aèreo, comunicaciones radiales y computadoras, han sido puestos a disposiciòn de sus 4.300 adherentes “la mayor parte de ellos norteamericanos” en todo el mundo; recursos de los que se han servido para penetrar en 900 idiomas de tribus y grupos campesinos, en lo que constituye la mayor empresa de intervenciòn linguistica jamòs conocida en la historia.
David Stoll hace un recuento de la historia de las actividades del WBT-ILV. Pone al descubierto sus bases financieras y de entrenamiento en los Estados Unidos; sus mètodos de operaciòn; las polìticas de alianzas que [10] ha establecido con los regìmenes reaccionarios en el Tercer Mundo y con el gobierno norteamericano. Investiga, en particular, el impacto de su acciòn proselitista en las poblaciones donde opera, asà como las controversias que su intervenciòn ha desatado en los paìses de Amèrica Latina.
A las acusaciones de que su acciòn està encaminada a la disoluciòn de las culturas. indìgenas, y de estar al servicio del imperialismo norteamericano, el WBT-ILV responde con el argumento de que los opositores a la evangelizaciòn que lleva a efecto con medios de sofisticada tecnologìa y con el padrinazgo de los gobiernos, forman parte de un complot comunista de inspiraciòn satànica.
Esta investigaciòn es el fruto de siete años consagrados por el autor a pesquisas meticulosas (que incluyen la revisiòn de documentos internos del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, posible gracias a la Ley de Libertad de Informaciòn), asì como de sus numerosos y prolongados viajes realizados por Amèrica Latina.
DESCO, Centro de Estudios y Promociòn del Desarrollo, edita el presente trabajo con el patrocinio de la Asociaciòn de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP, Lima, Perù), el Centro de Investigaciòn y Educaciòn Popular (CINEP, Bogotà, Colombia), el Cultural Survival Inc. (Cambridge, Massachusetts, Estados Unidos) y Ediciones Abya-Yala (Quito, Ecuador), porque considera que permite esclarecer no sòlo el quehacer del ILV en el paìs, sino tambièn sus lazos y relaciones con la polìtica del gobierno norteamericano, ocasionando una intromisiòn ideològica-cultural de consecuencias negativas para nuestra poblaciòn aborigen y para la sociedad latinoamericana. Reiteramos a las instituciones patrocinadoras el agradecimiento por haber hecho posible esta ediciòn, ya que con ello contribuimos a que nuestras nacionalidades no continìen propiciando, bajo pretexto de evangelizaciòn, la disoluciòn cultural de las poblaciones nativas.”

