a contextual missiology of the spirit - eTheses Repository ...

achieved as the present world system is controlled by the god of this world.’ 67
However, as discussed in chapter three, there have been tremendous changes over
the years, in spite of the fact that there are people who still maintain this attitude.
Today they look for opportunities to participate in the socio-political and secular
events of the society, organized by non-religious organizations. Pentecostals
participate in protesting against atrocities committed on religious minorities by
religious militants. For example, they joined an anti-Hindutva rally organized by
some secular forces in Udaipur in 2004. The FBC authorities decided to cancel all
classes and other activities in the afternoon of that particular day to enable people
to participate in this rally. 68 Most Pentecostals joined the protest rally in Jaipur
against Hindu militants who attacked the Emmanuel Mission in 2006. A few years
ago, involvement in such events was considered a taboo for Pentecostals and was
regarded as a ‘this worldly event.’
Although Pentecostals are still against the formation of a political party of their
own, many now feel the need to work with any political group that safeguards the
interests of the community. Apart from that they form Christian associations for
the socio-political empowerment of their deprived community, and it is significant
to see the involvement of many senior native Pentecostal leaders in such
organizations. The best example is the establishment of Wagarh Christian
Association by some leading local Pentecostal leaders. This is an association of
Christians in the districts of Banaswara and Dungarpur. The chief leader, who
took the initiative in the formation of the association stated that the ‘Spirit gave
67
Mathews, ‘Charismatics Wither [sic] Bound,’:3.
68
I too was a participant along with most of the faculty members and the Principal. All the
students also participated in the event.
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