Venezuelan Style Christian Zionism: the Case of the Letters Pastor Banks Puertas to President Hugo Chávez

Abstract

This article studies the contribution to global Zionism of the association of Pentecostal churches Obra Evangélica La Luz del Mundo (OELLM), led by its founding pastor Jaime Banks Puertas, an indigenous, grassroots ecclesiastical organization, based in Guanare-Venezuela. A case study is documented about the interaction of Pastor Banks Puertas with the late President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez Frías, following the latter's decision to cut diplomatic ties with the State of Israel in 2009. Two letters sent by Pastor Banks Puertas to President Hugo Chávez Frías between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed. They contain the idea that anyone who stands against Israel, either physically or verbally, will suffer divine punishment, even death. According to this, the death of the Venezuelan ruler just a while later, becomes conclusive proof that divine mandates are real and that they must be obeyed, reinforcing the Zionist convictions of the organization. The article also describes the efforts of the organization in the production of literature, pilgrimages to Israel, and the adoption of Jewish liturgical styles and paraphernalia. All these elements, along with the case analyzed, become important aspects to understand the worldview and influence of this growing Pentecostal denomination, both nationally and continentally.