As part of the development of creative solutions initiated by SENDAS last year during the ongoing global COVID crisis, free Facebook LIVE webinars have continued in 2021. They are currently being published every two weeks. The goal of these transmissions is to continue sharing pertinent information on general themes that currently impact pastors, leaders, and the church, in these new times that have affected our lives.
For this reason, the March 17th webinar was on the relevant theme: Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s: Christianity and Politics.
It is important to recognize that among many challenges faced by the church and protestant Latin American theology, the issue of Christianity and politics is but one of many. We need to admit that this is a delicate and controversial subject which has caused divisions in the sphere of Christianity. For example, among evangelicals there has been much debate whether or not it is right for Christians to be involved in a political party or in the creation of one, much less a ministry leader.
To approach this theme, SENDAS invited Dr. Harold Segura, pastor, author and director of Church Relations and Christian Identity for World Vision for Latin America and the Caribbean. Dr. Segura shared his views according to the analysis and studies he has completed on the current environment and political future of Latin American societies.
The presentation began with some common questions to be considered such as: To what point and in what way is appropriate for the people of God to be involved in the public sphere? Is involvement in “Christian” parties the only option or are there alternatives? When God gave a king to the people of Israel, the role of the prophet remained. However, we live in an age where preachers seem to be politicians and politicians seem to be preachers. What is the real evangelical response to this scenario?
Dr. Harold said, “These are subjects that enrich our faith and make us think what it really means to be citizens of the kingdom of God, citizens of our societies, and citizens of our earthly bodies as well.” He added, “In the face of the new social, economic, and political landscape that is coming after the pandemic, it is more urgent that as evangelical Christians, we think critically about our social role on the continent and the forms of political participation we need to assume to enable justice, peace, equality, and holistic transformation.”
Judith Cordero, one of the online participants of the webinar said, “Thank you, SENDAS and Dr. Harold, for the transformational and educational information today to help us discern issues of politics and religion that have been so controversial for years in our congregations.”
Another participant, Patricia Donnelly said, “A blessed presentation that allows us to enrich ourselves and reflect on the way we are projecting ourselves.”
Dr. Segura made it clearly known that his presentation should not be interpreted as formula to follow on the issue. It was simply a contribution to the debate that we must process through exercising spiritual discernment in each community of faith and in each family, which are the safest places to assess issues of politics and society.