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Language, Body and Performance in Latino(a) Evangelical Tradition
Description
Language plays an integral role to Latino(a) Evangelical Churches in North America because of it’s importance to Latino(a) identity in general. According to Justo González, Spanish language and the culture associated with it form the cultural focus of Hispanic-American identity (González 1990:36). Such is the case that one pastor commented, "Spanish connects people with their countries of origin. When I preach in 'Spanglish,' they complain!" (Pastor Carlos Acosta). Language is the point by which Latinos(as) from all different backgrounds unite as one people. By returning to the cultural roots of their shared language, a generation of Latinos(as) that was at one time beginning to stray from its heritage is now beginning to gain a new sense of identity and dignity once again. “They [young Latinos(as)] are being liberated to be themselves and to determine their own future by their own values and standards…” (González 1990:37).
The use of the body in worship is also vitally important to the life of Latino(a) Evangelical Churches in North America because to the Latino(a), “…worship is a fiesta. It is a celebration of the mighty deeds of God.” (González 1996:20). In this celebration, Latinos(as) express themselves bodily in a number of different ways. In some cases, “…. The people move around. They dance. They embrace. They shout. They cry. They laugh. They eat and drink,” (González 1996:23). But not only are Latinos(as) expressive in their personal bodily worship, they also tend to be very interactive with one another. In prayer, many Latinos(as) lift their hands to heaven. Others sway back and forth. Some mumble their prayers while others shout cries of joy! Latinos(as) also often embrace as they arrive and leave. As González says, “In many cases, it is impossible to tell all that is going on. But then, the same is true of any good fiesta!” (González 1996:23-24).While Latinos(as) certainly do not rule out performances in their worship, they do not consider their acts of worship as performances because that would imply preparation, which could potentially take away from the individual’s freedom to worship. As González points out, “[O]ne cannot actually plan all the details, as one does in a performance, because the success of the fiesta depends on the attitude and participation of those present, not just on the performers,” (González 1996:21).
Still, performances as a whole are not out of the question as long as they are used to glorify God. Latino(a) churches utilize such performances as dramas and song in order to convey the stories of God’s intervention into their lives (Quevedo Interview).
Stories
Spanish language contributes not only culturally but aesthetically to the act of worship. Justo González shared his personal experience and insight concerning the use of the Spanish language in church and other social contexts. He said, “…although I am bilingual and know English grammar better than most native speakers, I still am not stirred by poetry in English as I am by poetry in my own native tongue.” (González Alabadle! 18).
Pastor Oscar Quevedo, Pastor of the Latino(a) American Baptist Church, La Iglesia Camino de la Cruz, of Gardena, CA, indicates that, “Latinos(as) seem to be more happy because they are an emotional people.” For this reason, it is not unusual to see people during worship, “…raising their arms to the sky, singing, and crying.”
Dreams
Although language plays an integral role in the life of Latino(a) worship, unifying those present through the establishment of a common cultural identity, the hope is that one day people within the Latino(a) community will be able to worship side by side with one another, not necessarily bonding through their common language, but through their common identity in Christ. When this happens, then they will be able to worship side by side with people of other cultures as well, through this common identity in Christ. This would fulfill that which is written in Revelation 7:9, “After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.”
With regards to body and performance, the dream would be that one day Latinos(as) would be able to “dance like David danced” as they abandon themselves before God, regardless of tradition.
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, Dec 12 2008, 7:42 PM EST
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