Im not sure if what the author wants to describe is a PHOBIA but rather an ANTI-SENTIMENT towards evangelical Christians who, spiritually, are not of this world. It really should come as no surprise. And that's probably true not only in Brazil but in the whole world just as Christ indicated would be the case. This is especially true of Christians who refuse to "conform to the ways of this world" but who instead "use this world to transform and renew their minds".
As an evangelical Christian, my purpose isn't to "gain credibility" from anybody much less from those who openly profess a disdain for Jesus, Christ, or anything related to Christianity. I dont believe it's possible to persuade someone into a relationship with God. I do believe in providing my own witness if someone ever cared to know. There are plenty who believe that evangelism is the saint's sole purpose in living. And they couldn't be more incorrect. To evangelize is what Christians are called to do just as they are called to tithe, pray, fast, sacrifice, worship, and teach amongst many other things. In fact, many err in the faith while trying to "convince" people into fellowship with God, going out of the[ir] way to "show" non-believers the way. It is written, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted." We must be very careful when handling the gospel outside the Body for obvious reasons. "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[b]? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. "
It is true that the charismatic movement has taken ahold of some congregations and thus taken away from the veracity of gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit. Mrs. Bolsonaro's actions appear genuine and in accordance with the scriptures. The joy expressed by her is itself a fruit OF the Spirit.
Whether or not the type of hate she received is a matter of persecution can be argued but no one can dispute the fact that such reactions were purely negative. After all, what harm is there in someone leaping for joy, in the midst of her inner circle after what she considered to be victory and a deed of God? When is it wrong to give glory to God? The answer is never.
The answer, however, to the hate she experienced can quite simply be attributed to envy, a negative force. Humankind is so entrenched in selfishness that the mere sight of something positive is reason enough to spew hate. That's how deprived our generation has become.
A perfect example of what Paul described in the first chapter of his letter to the Church in Rome which was used to describe romans at that time but which certainly fails not to describe our generation in these last days.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
I dont think people are afraid (phobia) of Christ or christians for that matter. It would seem they are more "allergic" to them and vice-versa. And although unpleasant, annoying, and at times toxic, I find it all to be fitting, especially in these last days where the sheep and the goats are being separated.
For whatever consolation the baby christian might need, remember that it is good for the world to see you as "different". Consider the reverse:
If the world loved you, and saw you as its own, only then would it approve of you.
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