BBC and Benedict 16th visiting Brazil

I was listening this morning to the BBC News. They were making a huge deal on the visit of Ratzinger to Brazil. Apparently, the main preocupation of the pope is the steady growth of evangelicalism in Latin America, and Brazil in particular. In the Spanish version, he accuses evangelicals of "stealing" or "taking away" catholics into their congregations.

Catholic concern

Brazil still enjoys the position as the largest Catholic country in the world, with some 125 million followers recorded in 2000. But according to the US Pew Forum on Religion and Public life, successive Brazilian censuses show the Catholic share of the population decreased by 4.1% in the 20 years from 1960 to 1980, and dropped almost three times as much in the next 20 years. By contrast, the number of Protestants increased by 2.6% between 1960 and 1980, but more than tripled the rate of increase in the following 20 years.

Probably it is important to make some points. Due to the legislations and the agreements between the Vatican and most of Latin American countries, each person that is born there becomes automatically (or is considered) a Roman Catholic. There is no choice or freedom. So, indeed from that point of view, of course Rome can feel that Chirsitans are getting their people in her detriment. However, it is also crucial to think how many "practicing" catholics are there. I would not say that many. Unless if by practicing we mean "people attending religious services for weddings and funerals". In most of Latin American countries, at least 25% of the population is evangelical. The majority of those Evangelicals are committed ones.

What bothers me from all the comments on the visit of Ratzinger to Brazil, is that very little is said about the syncretism of catholicism and paganism in the region. Almost nothing is said about doctrinal and theological differences that make the fact that so many people leave Rome. That people find a biblical faith, a true spiritual experience, hence the full gospel with the new challenges and hope is not even mentioned! They are still in the moral debate of abortion, as if that were the only point to be considered in the agenda. Lots is said about liberation theology (Leonardo Boff), and social involvement (two "aspects" that Joseph Ratzinger dislikes very much, and that probably could outweigth ... )

For Latin American Christians, particularly those coming from the revival movements, the pope is perceived as one of the main anti-Christ figures, (following the normal reformed theology), and linked with all historical faith persecutions against believers. Persecution happens still today in countries where catholicism remains the majour official religion (or the most powerful one).

BBC makes a very interesting statement: catholicism in Europe is very different from catholicism elsewhere. I would not be sure. To be one with the Roman church, they have to agree with all of it, and viceversa. Anyway, what all articles say is that Rome needs "vocations" ergo: new priests to counter balance the growth of the Evangelical Church. If Ratzinger expects to raise the "callings" of Brazilian priests he must also think of some political and strategic moves.

This made me think of the verse in Psal 127.1:

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.