When is a heresy a cult?
Spiritual movements produce bizarre and often cult-like offshoots. Nowhere is this truer than in Brazil. The explosion of Christian faith in Latin America, and indeed in the world, occurs in an environment where ideas framed by hope, accelerate popularity of some giving influence to self-proclaimed prophets. The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God is … Continue reading
Argentina: an epic of faith
If you think you have grasped the history of Argentina by seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita, or having heard “Don’t cry for me, Argentina,” at least do a Google search. The roller-coaster story of politics and economics in this eighth- largest country in the world is like few others. Named because of its rich silver … Continue reading
Venezuela: a nation stumbling to collapse
What do you do when your country is in free fall? When lineups for basic foodstuffs wind around the block, and hours later when you get your turn, the shelves are bare? When the police stop you anywhere and everywhere, peering into your vehicle, checking your status? When homicides in the capital alone can average … Continue reading