Evangelicalism in Venezuela - Celebrating the Empire and Rejecting the New Testament

https://www.facebook.com/reachjulieroys/posts/latino-evangelical-christians-are-celebrating-the-us-capture-of-venezuelas-nicol/1442902880524692/

The article is sad enough to read but I found these Facebook comments to be even more depressing. It demonstrates just how the Dominionist mindset has infiltrated Latin American Evangelicalism. All across the region Evangelicals are lining up behind Right-wing candidates, demonstrating how easily they are manipulated by propaganda - much of which finds it origins in projects launched by their 'brethren' in the United States over the past few decades. It's a vicious and evil cycle.

The war against Liberation Theology (A Christian/Marxist fusion which is no more absurd or sub-biblical than the pro-Capitalist, pro-nationalist, and pro-militarist theology promoted by the Right) has borne fruit and sadly some of the more faithful voices (at least in terms of New Testament ethics) are found in Roman Catholic circles. It's tragic.

Blind to the temptations surrounding power and mammon, these Evangelicals are celebrating a military operation that killed at least dozens of people if not more, was based on lies, is being used to promote and perpetuate a narrative of lies, and given the bloody and exploitative US record in Latin America is simply astonishing. Have these people learned nothing from historical precedent? Are they unaware of the long history of American invasions and the empire's exploitation of Latin American people and resources? How disheartening that this is the state of things and this is the kind of leadership presiding over Latin American churches. I hope they enjoy the moment because their movement will fragment in the years to come and when it's in a state of downgrade, they will turn upon each other even as society at large will turn on them and the gospel they preach. I do not necessarily imply that it is the Biblical gospel.

And fools that they are they have not yet learned that it is better for the Church to live in a time of mild opposition than under the 'flourishing' of riches and political empowerment.

Duran speaks of Satan's plan and yet sadly is oblivious to the fact that he is one of Satan's agents. But he is by no means alone. Hopefully there are some voices in Venezuela exhibiting more wisdom. But if there are, we certainly don't hear about them. It would seem (based on news reports) that Dominionism has prevailed. They talk about Scripture but it's plain they are unfamiliar with its teachings.

Now months later I see no reason for greater optimism. I do not lament the fall of Maduro but neither do I celebrate it or the murderers who ousted him. Would that the Church in Venezuela learns to meditate on the pilgrim message found in the New Testament rather than the ear-tickling lies of their American-backed leaders.