A Pastor in Venezuela

https://evangelicalfocus.com/world/22997/pastor-sentenced-by-the-venezuelan-authorities

I wouldn't for a moment wish to defend the Maduro-led government of Venezuela. I would not want to justify, support, or defend anything that government says or does – especially when it comes to its relations with the Church.

That said, there are some questions that need to be asked.

Are such marches and rallies really necessary? Is this the Church's calling to engage in these public expressions – that could intimidate some? Is this what is involved with and meant by the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments? I realize the gospel might be preached on such an occasion but it's hard to divorce this kind of activity from political activism – at the very least the lines are blurred.

Given the relationship of Latin America's Evangelicals and the political Right in the United States, could the Venezuelan government have grounds for being suspicious of these groups, their motives, and their rhetoric? They're not merely preaching the gospel as individuals out in the world. Nor is this a case of the Church worshipping on Sunday morning, going about its business, and preaching (perhaps) with boldness addressing ethical issues Christians must face in society.

No, this is something different. This is about gathering large crowds on the streets, working people up into a lather, and sending a message to the state.

Further – and the poorly written article is unclear at these points – is there some kind of confusion regarding military symbols and patriotism with their message? Apart from being confused about the nature of the Gospel and the Christian's calling vis-à-vis the world, it definitely sends a politicised (if also confused) message to the crowd – and the state. If this pastor is still in the military, he needs to resign his commission immediately and repent of it. He exhibits not only a kind of spiritual schizophrenia but a split allegiance. He has not yet grasped what it means to be a follower of Christ. And unless the military in Venezuela is vastly different, as an officer he can resign his commission as opposed to an enlisted man who must finish his term. He has no excuse.

In the end we must conclude this pastor is a somewhat foolish and confused man, the government of Venezuela is wicked and expresses the paranoia of all authoritarian states, and the entire situation is made worse by the shoddy news coverage provided to us by this Lausanne-affiliated outlet.