C. René Padilla
C. René Padilla (1932–2021) was a theologian, pastor, publisher, and longtime staff member with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students. He was best known for his theological framework known as “integral mission,” which argued that social action and evangelism were essential and indivisible components—in Padilla’s words, “two wings of a plane.”
“Dr. René Padilla was criticized at Lausanne for saying that the gospel some European and North American missionaries have exported was a ‘culture-Christianity,’ a Christian message, that is, distorted by the materialistic, consumer culture of the West. It was hurtful to us to hear him say this, but of course he was quite right.”
— John Stott, "Scripture: The Light and Heat for Evangelism," CT, February 6, 1981.
Featured Articles
Leaders and Friends Remember C. René PadillaTheologians and pastors from Latin America and around the world mourn the theologian who helped integrate social action and evangelism.español
Whatever Came of the “People’s Church”?An interview with C. René Padilla
Being God’s Church in Latin AmericaCLADE II affirms basic evangelical convictions—but in the context of violence, exploitation, and corruption.
The Puebla Document: Unity of the SmorgasbordClearly traditional Roman Catholicism coexists with the more biblical emphasis since Vatican II.
Celam III: A Gospel of Freedom and JusticeThe Puebla document is critical of both unfettered capitalism and Marxism.
Strides toward Unity in Latin AmericaMost of the Protestant denominations have resisted the ecumenical movement.
Peru: Evangelicals under AttackAccusations have brought into bold relief the need for evangelicals to face problems related to the mission of the Church.
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