The religion of Venezuela has been predominately Roman Catholic ("CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Venezuela."). However, evangelical missionaries have been entering Venezuela for years, working with the indigenous peoples with little issues (Kozloff). Problems erupted in 2005 when Christian fundamentalist Pat Robertson “suggested on-air that American operatives assassinate Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to stop his country from becoming ‘a launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism’” ("USATODAY.com - Pat Robertson Calls for Assassination of Hugo Chavez."). Chavez took action against the evangelical missionaries and expelled Protestant missionaries from the country, causing religious divides among people. Robertson’s criticism of Chavez’s government prompted the expulsion of Christian evangelical missionaries, an increasing division among the religious beliefs of the people in Venezuela, and the cultural fusion of politics and religion by Chavez.
A direct effect of Pat Robertson’s criticism was the removal of missionary groups, such as the New Tribe Mission. “Chavez proclaimed that New Tribes constituted a ‘true imperialist invasion’ and was working with the CIA” (Kozloff). This came a couple months after heated criticisms made by Pat Robertson and Chavez. The government was alarmed by the Robertson’s comments and generalized all evangelical groups by expelling them even though they were not affiliated with Robertson. New Tribes has helped the indigenous people of Venezuela “through translation, church planting, literacy, humanitarian aid, and community development projects” (Alford). Unfortunately, the indigenous people are affected the most by Robertson and Chavez’s retaliation. This tension in Venezuela has even caused Mormon missionary groups to withdraw from the country (Forero). They are not able to reap the benefits of the missionaries due to Chavez’s strict control.
Chavez and Robertson’s battle caused long term effects on religion, resulting in conflict between evangelicals and supporters of Chavez. “Church members say they are caught between admiration for a president who flaunts biblical references and a growing concern that he will muzzle those who don’t preach his brand of politics” (Kapralos). Venezuelans are not content with Chavez’s decisions concerning religion, making them have to choose religion or their government. Protesters, many of whom indigenous, showed their support for the New Tribes Mission after Chavez expelled them, demonstrating their disagreements with their government’s decision ("Venezuelans Protest Chavez Missionary Threat - World News - Americas - Msnbc.com."). Venezuelan people don’t know who or what to turn to when the government and religion begin to clash. “The question has become not whether to follow Christ, but whether to also follow Chávez” (Kapralos). People having to choose should not be an option; they should be able to peacefully support both their religion and government. This option affects both religion and politics, and both are losing supporters.
Robertson’s remarks strengthened the alliance of Chavez and the Catholic Church and resulted in a synthesis of religion and politics by Chavez. “The Catholic Church has long viewed the growing Protestant presence in Latin America with concern” (Kozloff). After Robertson’s comments and the expulsion of Protestant missionaries, the Catholic Church felt the security of being the dominant religion without the missionaries around. The Church approved of Chavez’s political move. However, Chavez mixed his Catholic beliefs with his political and socialist views. In his 2007 inaugural address, he calls Jesus “the greatest socialist in history” (BBC News). In 2010 Chavez used his political control to influence religion again in another address urging “the Vatican to replace [Cardinal Jorge] Urosa, while heaping praise on a government-friendly priest [Chavez] thinks should be appointed cardinal” ("Venezuela's Hugo Chávez Clashes with Church - Americas -MiamiHerald.com."). Chavez manipulates both religion and politics until he obtains what he wants. Although Robertson’s comments are not the direct reason as to why this occurs, it does play a major part. The criticism fueled the fire and strengthened the ties between the Catholic Church and Chavez. With little evangelicals left in the country, the Protestant religion was unable to infiltrate into the masses of people who follow the Catholic Church. Chavez was able to maintain the Catholic identity of the people and use it in political addresses to justify his socialist reforms in Venezuela.
Pat Robertson’s surprising criticism, calling for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez, had profound effects on religion in the Roman Catholic dominant country Venezuela. It caused the removal of evangelical groups, who had greatly impacted the lives of indigenous peoples. It also caused tension among Chavez supporters and evangelical supporters. People were conflicted as to whom to follow. It also strengthened the role of Catholicism in the Venezuelan government, in which Chavez used in politics to rationalize socialist ideology. While Robertson’s comments were not the only reason for religious tension to build up, it did impact religion not necessarily for the better.
Forero, Juan. "Mormon Church Withdraws Its Missionaries in Venezuela - New York Times." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 26 Oct. 2005. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/26/international/americas/26venez.html>.
"Venezuelans Protest Chavez Missionary Threat - World News - Americas - Msnbc.com."Msnbc.com - Breaking News, Science and Tech News, World News, US News, Local News- Msnbc.com. MSNBC, 28 Oct. 2005. Web. 11 May 2011. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9853894/ns/world_news-americas/>
"Venezuela's Hugo Chávez Clashes with Church - Americas -MiamiHerald.com."MiamiHerald.com - Miami & Ft. Lauderdale News, Weather, Miami Dolphins & More. 13 July 2010. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/07/12/1726127/chavez-clashes-with-church.html>.
"BBC NEWS | Americas | Venezuela's Hugo Chavez Sworn in." BBC News - Home. 10 Jan. 2007. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/6248787.stm>.
Alford, Deann. "Venezuela to Expel New Tribes Mission | Christianity Today | A Magazine of Evangelical Conviction." ChristianityToday.com | Magazines, News, Church Leadership & Bible Study. 14 Oct. 2005. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/octoberweb-only/53.0a.html?start=2>.
Kapralos, Krista. "Chavez Creates Divide among Evangelicals - Krista Kapralos." Krista Kapralos - Reporting – Writing – Multimedia. 18 Nov. 2007. Web. 11 May 2011. <http://www.kristakapralos.com/2010/07/chavez-creates-divide-among-evangelicals/>.
Kozloff, Nikolas. "Venezuela’s War of Religion | Venezuelanalysis.com." Venezuelanalysis.com | Venezuela News, Views, and Analysis. 24 Oct. 2005. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://venezuelanalysis.com/analysis/1430>.
"USATODAY.com - Pat Robertson Calls for Assassination of Hugo Chavez." News, Travel, Weather, Entertainment, Sports, Technology, U.S. & World - USATODAY.com. 23 Aug. 2005. Web. 10 May 2011. <http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-22-robertson-_x.htm>.
"CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Venezuela." NEW ADVENT: Home. Web. 12 May 2011. <http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15327a.htm>.
Shereen
ReplyDeleteThe indigenous people within Venezuela are undoubtedly the most affected by Robertson and Chavez’s retaliation and by the expulsion of the missionaries that followed this controversy.
The tribal people have in many instances expressed their disagreement with the decisions Chavez has made in the case of the New Tribes Mission. For example, in November of 2005, they rallied in support of the missionaries. This serves to show how important the missionaries are to this group of people and how their expulsion can lead to a major rift between Venezuelans on a religious basis.
The fusion of politics and religion, as you mentioned, is definitely a major issue. When faith is mixed with political affairs, it is no longer a true faith. There must be a divide between the Church and the government. If these two begin to intermingle and clash, then people will become confused as to which is more important. As you stated, the inability to support both one’s religious beliefs and the government is definitely a major concern for the Venezuelan people.
Source:
"Tribes Rally in Support of Missionaries." Two or Three . Net. Web. 17 May 2011. .
Link for Shereen's source: http://www.twoorthree.net/2005/11/tribes_rally_in.html
ReplyDeleteShereen:
ReplyDeleteIt seems we're in agreement with the religion and political clash between the citizens and leader of Venezuela. It is unfair to the people to have a political leader who is manipulating their sacred beliefs and to have to choose one or the other.
The people need to express their opinions and opposition to the government in order for their religious beliefs to break apart from Chavez's hands.
Your points regarding the confusion of the Venezuelan people regarding whom they should support is definitely valid. This opposition and struggle will continue to be a source of conflict.
ReplyDeleteHowever, while Chavez has tried to combine politics and religion, it has not strengthened the alliance between the Church and Chavez. The Church is unsupportive of Chavez's communist ideas that are hurting democracy and infringing upon human rights. For example, "Archbishop Ubaldo Santana, said the political agenda of President Hugo Chavez has provoked 'a growing political polarization, increased violence, insecurity and hatred, and seriously jeopardized a peaceful democratic society.'"
In response, Chavez has "designed a law that ended traditional government subsidies to Catholic schools and ended the right of children to receive religious education in government-run schools." Thus, seeing the Church as a political threat due to its adverse views of Chavez's policies, Chavez will continue to strive to suppress the power of the Church, which will continue to serve as point of contention between the two Venezuelan hierarchies.
Amanda Chivil ^^
ReplyDeleteAgency, Catholic News. "Venezuelan Bishops Warn Chavez Is Jeopardizing Democratic Society :: Catholic News Agency (CNA)." Catholic News Agency. 9 June 2009. Web. 17 May 2011.
Marlin, George J. "Hugo Chavez: Anti-Catholic, Narcissist, Leninist." Latest Articles. 16 Nov. 2010. Web. 17 May 2011. .
Anasha Green
ReplyDeleteAlthough the expulsion of the New Tribes Mission affected the spread of religion in Venezuela, it did not cause a long term effect on the masses of the people.
The New Tribes Mission is an organization that focuses on people and communities in countries that are normally not reached because they are isolated from the majority of the population. Using the languages and customs of these areas, members of the New Tribes enter these communities and build churches to try and spread the Christian gospel to members of these communities. When President Hugo Chavez expelled this organization from the country, this mainly affected the people in the isolated parts of Venezuela. Consequently, the masses, or the people in major cities and towns, were not greatly affected by this decision made by Chavez, and the majority of the population was not devastated.
"About Us." New Tribes Mission. Web. 17 May 2011. .
Amanda Chivil:
ReplyDeleteThe Catholic Church and Chavez have a complex relationship and it seems improbable for these issues to be solved if Chavez continues to suppress the Church.
But immediately after the Pat Robertson remarks regarding Chavez and the expulsion of missionary groups, the Catholic Church did side with the Venezuelan government, strengthening their relationship with Chavez. "'We have the blessing of the Cardinal in this decision,'” said Jose Vicente Rangel, a government official (Kozloff). While relations between the church and state are in turmoil again, we cannot ignore the short term alliance when the expulsion benefited both the Church and Chavez.
Kozloff, Nikolas. "Venezuela’s War of Religion | Venezuelanalysis.com." Venezuelanalysis.com | Venezuela News, Views, and Analysis. 24 Oct. 2005. Web. 10 May 2011. .
Anasha:
ReplyDeleteVenezuela has approximately 300,000 indigenous people ("Venezuelans Protest Chavez Missionary Threat - World News - Americas - Msnbc.com."). While this number is not majority of the population, it is a good deal of people affected by the loss of missionary groups who clearly reap the benefits by these people. This was a direct, long term effect on the people, but it does affect masses more of people. If Muslims or Jews did something unfavorable by the Venezuelan government, can Chavez just kick them out like he did with the evangelical Christians? Venezuelans can look at the instance with the missionaries and worry if their religious beliefs can be so easily removed. It ruins the relationship people have with the government and religion.
"Venezuelans Protest Chavez Missionary Threat - World News - Americas - Msnbc.com."Msnbc.com - Breaking News, Science and Tech News, World News, US News, Local News- Msnbc.com. MSNBC, 28 Oct. 2005. Web. 11 May 2011.
ReplyDelete