Costa Ricans give evangelicals a poor grade
The same study shows most Costa Ricans see the country's economy as fair or poor.
Most Costa Ricans rate the economy as fair or poor and give a poor grade to evangelical churches, according to the Idespo-UNA survey reported by Semanario Universidad.
The economy: fair or poor
Opinion polls capture perceptions. They measure how people feel about their situation, even if official indicators say otherwise. In Costa Rica, most respondents describe the country's economy as fair or poor.
That result has a face for those between 16 and 30: rising rent, a first job that takes time, the decision to keep studying or start working. A poll doesn't fix any of that. It does show the mood with which a generation faces its week.
«The good reputation of the evangelical people is written in daily life, not in headlines.»
Perception surveys work the same way in Mexico and the United States: they ask a sample and from there a portrait of the collective mood emerges. That portrait changes from month to month and doesn't predict what will happen to your wallet next year. Read it as a snapshot, not a sentence.
A poor grade for evangelical churches
The same study places evangelical churches among the institutions with low ratings. It's uncomfortable data, and it's better to face it head-on than to look for quick explanations.
A poll measures what people perceive: closeness, consistency between what is preached and what is lived, real service to the community. It doesn't measure the faithfulness of a sermon, nor does it replace God's judgment over His people.
Jesus said it plainly: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16, ESV). People's perception matters, even if it isn't the final court.
Scripture also weighs reputation: "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold" (Proverbs 22:1, ESV). That good name isn't bought with campaigns and isn't recovered with a press release.
What you can do with this data
Pray for the churches in Costa Rica. Public perception doesn't change overnight; it changes when many congregations serve their neighborhood consistently.
Then examine your part. Think about the people around you at school, work, or on the team: if that person had to describe your church, what would they say? Their answer is built on small details, like how you treat someone who doesn't believe the same as you.
You don't need an image campaign. You need consistency in the small things: keeping your word and treating with respect those who think differently.
And if the data bothered you, don't respond with anger. Ask before defending yourself, listen to someone who left the church, and serve where there's a need. The good reputation of the evangelical people is written in daily life, not in headlines.
