Pentecostalism in Brazil

Term Paper (Advanced seminar) , 2005 , 12 Pages , Grade: 1,0

Sociology - Religion

The focus of this research essay is on the emergence, development and public appeal of Pentecostalism in Brazil. First of all, the history of the Pentecostal churches in Brazil and their expansion within the last several decades will be examined. Thereby attention will be drawn to the wider social and global circumstances that enabled the religious change in Brazil.
In a second step the increase of differing types of Pentecostal churches will be assessed. By comparing it to having a deregulated market situation it will be exemplified how various products, in this case types of churches, are fighting for consumers and account for niche marketing in a situation of religious competition.
Finally, the circumstances of the Brazilians that are mainly attending Pentecostal churches will be illustrated with focusing on the benefits and appeals of committing to Pentecostalism. By applying aspects of the rational choice theory it will be examined why people and levels of society are drawn to specific churches in opposition to others. In particular, attention will be given to the attractiveness of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God to a particular group of society thereby stressing the demand side of the relationship.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Emergence and Development of Pentecostalism in Brazil
• The First Wave: Historical Pentecostalism
• The Second Wave: Urbanization and Mass Society
• The Third Wave: Authoritarian Modernization and the "Lost Decade"
• Differing Types of Pentecostal Churches: A Deregulated Market Situation
• Dogmas and Ethics: The Supply Side
• The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God: Exorcism and Consumer Needs
• The Appeal of Pentecostalism to Brazilians
• Benefits and Appeals: Women and the Poor
• Rational Choice Theory and the Demand Side

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This research essay aims to analyze the emergence, development, and public appeal of Pentecostalism in Brazil. It investigates the historical context of its growth, the diversification of Pentecostal churches, and the factors that contribute to its widespread adoption, particularly among women and the poor. The essay utilizes a market-based approach, comparing the various Pentecostal churches to products competing for consumers in a deregulated market.

• The history of Pentecostalism in Brazil and its expansion
• The rise of diverse Pentecostal churches and their competition for followers
• The dogmas and ethics of Pentecostal churches and their appeal to specific audiences
• The social and economic factors that contribute to the growth of Pentecostalism
• The application of rational choice theory to understand individuals' choices in religious affiliation

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The essay begins by examining the historical development of Pentecostalism in Brazil, highlighting the three "waves" of institutional creation. The first wave, characterized by traditional Pentecostalism, emerged in the early 20th century but had limited initial success due to societal circumstances. The second wave, starting in the 1950s, witnessed a more dynamic relationship with society, marked by the emergence of new churches like the Church of the Four Square Gospel and Brazil for Christ. The third wave, which emerged in the 1980s, saw the rise of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God and the International Church of the Grace of God, further diversifying the Pentecostal landscape.

The essay then explores the various types of Pentecostal churches and their unique dogmas and ethics. It highlights the role of supply and demand in a deregulated religious market, with different churches offering distinct "products" to attract specific audiences. The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, with its focus on exorcism, is presented as an example of a church catering to particular consumer needs.

Finally, the essay delves into the reasons why Brazilians are drawn to Pentecostalism, particularly focusing on the benefits and appeals for women and the poor. The essay analyzes the ways in which certain Pentecostal practices and theologies offer immediate improvement in social and personal conditions. It also applies aspects of rational choice theory to understand the reasons behind individuals' choices in religious affiliation, specifically exploring the attractiveness of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God to a particular group of society.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Pentecostalism, Brazil, religious change, market situation, supply and demand, consumer needs, dogmas and ethics, social and economic factors, rational choice theory, women, the poor, Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, exorcism, prosperity theology, spiritual warfare.

• College: University of Auckland (Department of Sociology)
• Course: Sociology of Religion
• Grade: 1,0
• Author: Johanna Niehues (Author)
• Publication Year: 2005
• Pages: 12
• Catalog Number: V144439
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640554447
• ISBN (Book): 9783640554683
• Language: English
• Tags: Pfingstbewegung, Brasilien, Religionssoziologie, Pentecostalism, religiöse Bewegung