Being from the South, I feel like I’ve been around the Evangelical movement long enough to postulate on its worldwide success. I’ve seen it up close in Latin America and especially Central America, and I want to remark on some things that help explain it’s rise.
The movement is perpetuated by two things – emotion and money. The movement grows with both, and thus the two creates a cycle. You visit the church, you are given an instant high of “Jesus” during the service (whether it is or isn’t depends on your interpretation of the events), you are treated like everybody’s best friend outside of it, and you are repeatedly invited to return and to join the community. Once you are in, the religion aspect of it kicks in. A main tenet is focusing on Jesus’ death and sacrifice, and repeating the sacrifice in your daily life. Another is that God has given you everything, and thus, you should feel compelled to give it back to him. And finally, there is a strong emphasis on spreading the faith and helping other lost souls who need similar life fulfillment. There is nothing wrong with any of these things, especially since this is a mere brief explanation of my interpretation of the movement.
With the combination of sacrifice, desire to give back to God, and to continue as a missionary, we get the domestic or international ingredients for a successful movement. Domestically the money is used for the best of everything… massive service halls, a fellowship center, outdoor facilities, parking, child care, a flourishing youth program complete with trips, the best technology, and gaming options, and finally the money goes towards highly experienced pastors, youth leaders, or support staff. With this impressive array of options, it’s no wonder that people come back, and encourage their friends to as well.
Internationally, the same zest starts with the US domestically in the form of missionary campaigns but on the other end of the market, the same forces begin to shape the local population. Consider what’s happening in Latin America. 20 years ago, 98% of the area was considered Catholic – that number is now down to 80%. 5% is nonaffiliated, and the other 15% is Evangelical. Evangelicals have risen very, very quickly. It’s a passionate experience being in a church in a developing country. It’s easy to get people to believe in something that’s close to them, that’s as personal as Jesus, especially when they often have little other hope or places to invest their faith. But what’s interesting is that the money aspect has followed. Did you know that the 15% Evangelical portion of these countries brings in more money in church donations than the 80% Catholic? It’s shocking, but given the emphasized portions of the religion in these arenas, it’s no small wonder.
I wonder if it’s the same elsewhere in the world? I’m looking forward to exploring that same question in Africa quite soon.
