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3 STANCES ON CARNIVAL: WHAT IS YOURS?

There is no way to be impartial in Carnival; it affects the whole of society. But there is a way for you to shield your body. Decide which side you are on.

Let’s continue this subject in which we explain the spirituality of Carnival, which is linked to the Holy Week, and is part of this religious calendar, which for centuries has practised this idea of immersing oneself in the flesh before sanctifying itself to God, an idea totally contrary to the Scriptures, the idea of lying with the devil before relating to God.

Many, for example, do not know the reason for the Carnival costumes. It was because, behind the mask, while hidden, the person could do everything they wanted; they could let their carnal desires out.

There was in ancient Rome a god called Bacchus; he was the god of wine, from where the word “bacchanal” came, involving orgies. He was worshipped at these parties. Many people have no idea what they are doing when they get involved in carnival parties and their derivatives. Today, we even hear about “evangelical Carnival blocks”. This depicts a weak church that cares about joining the world. “We are not narrow-minded, so let’s do the same as them.” This has been tolerated for many centuries.

We need to understand the 3 stances that everyone has about Carnival.

First, you can say: “For me, it doesn’t make any difference because I don’t participate; I hate Carnival”. Does that mean you’re not affected by it? No. Even those who hate Carnival are affected because we are inserted in a society that imposes this on everyone. For example, public roads are closed by these parties, shops close their doors, there is noise and people cannot sleep because of it. It’s a thing imposed down society’s throat. The rulers invest millions of public money (our taxes) in Carnival. In a country like Brazil, there is a lack of hospitals, basic sanitation, and housing. Social problems are chronic, and the excuse is always: “We have no money”. But they throw taxes on Carnival. Voters who tolerate this don’t form a serious nation. When the elections come, be a more conscious citizen. And on a personal level, you must understand that you must protect yourself from the uproar out there. In other words, be careful in traffic (not to be hit by drunk drivers), leave the house only for what is necessary, and do not engage in random fights. This is the advice for you.

If you say, “I am neutral”, unfortunately, this stance is not mutual. Neutrality is often a lack of positioning oneself; you can lean to one side or the other quickly, and there is a lack of courage to take a stance. Silence gives consent. Review that.

And a group says: “There is no problem at all”. If you like Carnival, you are naive or have already been taken by the spirit that is loosed at Carnival. People open their bodies and minds to these spirits. What has been the result of your inclination towards Carnival? Think about it.

The Christian has to understand the following: “If at the period of Carnival, the houses of the spirits close so that they go out to the streets to do everything they want to do, the Christian, of course, must pray more, consecrate themselves more. It’s a time of greater spiritual combat. You say: “I don’t like Carnival, but I’m going to enjoy the holiday”. Be careful. Carnival season is a time for greater attention. Get ready to resist the attacks that come at this time.

It is written: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:12-14).

That is, instead of dressing in a costume, you dress in the behaviour of the Lord Jesus.

Check out the message in the video above.

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Bishop Renato Cardoso