The decision to remove Pastor Doug Wilson from the membership of Brazil’s Evangelical Conference has led to an unusual moment of unity between progressives and some conservatives, with Christians wondering whether the cancellation is a political response or a biblical response. This has spurred debate over whether this is the case.
The National Council of Christ, a conservative group led by various evangelical churches, characterized the American pastor as a defender of slavery in a document published by theologian and anti-racism activist Ronilso Pacheco. As a result, Wilson was removed from the next event. intercept brazil.
The Encontro para Consciência Cristã (Assembly for the Christian Conscience), which will be held from February 8 to 13 this year during Carnival in Campina Grande, Paraiba state, will feature prominent Brazilian Reformed theologians. It will attract well over 10,000 participants.
Last month, event organizers justified the removal citing concerns for Wilson’s safety. In response, Mr. Wilson wrote a blog post entitled “A Word to the Good People of Brazil,” in which he said that while he did not support slavery, he did not support the war waged to destroy it. He said he was against it. In fact, genocide was not necessary. ”
“I don’t think Mr. Wilson’s name should have been considered,” said Norma Braga, a conservative evangelical theologian based in Rio de Janeiro. “This invitation tarnished Consiencia Crista’s reputation not only among non-Christians, but also among many Christians who understand the problem of Consiencia Crista’s presence here.”
The pressure to remove Wilson from the event came not only from some conservatives like Braga, but also from progressive evangelicals who objected to the decision to give him the platform. (His views on slavery are not the only point of contention. Baptist pastor Jago Martins wrote on his own YouTube channel about “very dark and painful” allegations of sexual abuse and cover-up in Wilson’s church. (mentioned).
The Moscow, Idaho, pastor is a prominent figure in Brazilian Reform circles. More than 20 Wilson titles have been translated into Portuguese. Along with his wife Nancy, he is a prominent figure on topics related to his family and raising children.
“This unique combination has made their books warmly welcomed in various Christian circles,” says Felipe Sabino, founder and editorial director of Editora La Monergismo, which publishes Wilson’s books.
Last week, the Brazilian Christian app “Pilgrim” was launched. Posted Wilson’s Portuguese version Black and Tan: Essays and Excursions on American Slavery, the Culture Wars, and the Bible. As a free download.
Many of Wilson’s Brazilian followers are disappointed that they missed the opportunity to hear from him, and believe that progressive instincts around political correctness have driven evangelicals to believe more than a sense of biblical grace and justice. They were dissatisfied with what they saw as an influence.
“This sometimes leads to the unfair vilification of fellow believers, denying them the opportunity to respond,” Sabino and Thiago McHart, pastor of the Reformed Church in Joinville, Brazil, said in a statement to CT. .
They would rather Christians have higher standards, the Bible as the standard, and the presumption of innocence extended to ministers of the gospel.
“Many believers and Christian leaders have hastily condemned him, even though they would never welcome a similar judgment,” Sabino and McHart continued. “Over 40 years of fruitful service of a man whose children and grandchildren remain faithful to the Lord, not only because they ignore civil and ecclesiastical court judgments, reversals, and clarification of past issues. It is important to note that we are ignoring activity.”
Sabino said Wilson’s Brazilian followers are known for his lively and joyful approach to faith (which Wilson calls “Chestertonian Calvinism”), his optimistic view of the future of the church, and his unique Christian faith. He said he highly values the company’s efforts to build a culture.
But Wilson’s critics see his popularity as a result of Brazil’s reactionary politics. Braga argues that evangelicals hold positions that can be seen as misguided from a Christian perspective, insofar as their leaders denounce issues such as militant feminism, legalized abortion, and the sexualization of children. I’m concerned that I may be missing something.
“When majority leaders only blame issues related to progressivism, the full picture of sin is missed. Instead of protecting and supporting abuse victims, primarily women, they protect religious institutions. “I will,” she said.
The deep political polarization in Brazil is also reflected within the evangelical church and its reaction to the Wilson story.
Evangelical churches have been in turmoil in recent years over disagreements over support for former President Jair Bolsonaro. Many church members left the church due to political conflicts. They remain concerned about the church’s dedication to political power and the lingering divisions fueled by aggressive and violent politics.
Pedro Lucas Dursi, a Presbyterian minister in Goiania, says many debates within the church are shaped by ideological, cultural, economic and political preferences rather than theological considerations.
He wants the church to provide answers to the challenges of our time without letting the message of the gospel be influenced by partisan preferences.
From his point of view, the decision to cancel Wilson’s visit, far from suggesting a unification of various theological currents, does just the opposite, establishing a culture of silencing controversy. For this reason, he argues, cancellation should never be an option if the aim is to address theological and intellectual differences.
“Change of opinion comes through discussion, dialogue, prayer, understanding and repentance, but never through cancellation,” he said.