Power of the Catholic Church in Brazil

Brazil It is almost impossible to consider any part of the Brazilian culture without considering Christianity. It Is the dominant religion of Brazil and reflects every aspect of Brazilian way of life: Beliefs, Politics, Economy, National Holidays, Medal reports, festive and community In general. In this essay I will try to focus on the lesser-known aspects and facts of Christianity embedded In the Brazilian culture. Brazil has a population of over 200 million habitants and one of the largest numbers of Catholics in the world .

In 1970, 90% of Brazilian consider themselves Catholic but in 2010 his number has reduced to 65%2. The decreased of members of the Roman Catholic Church has been caused by the increase of Neo-Pentecostal churches and Afro- Brazilian religions. The greatest shift has been to evangelical Protestantism which now represents over 22% of the population. Brazil has many versions of Protestantism, most common are: the Fundamentalists, Baptists, Presbyterian and Methodists.

Marx – Beliefs – Politics – Economics If we compare the decline of Catholicism and economic transformation of Brazilian society, we could reaffirm the work of Max Weeper’s In the book “The Protestant Work Ethic and the Split of Capitalism. In the sass’s the vast majority of Brazilian where Catholic, the economy was weak and the working class population were mainly agrarian. With the evolution of society into industrialized, second millennium, the number of protestant have increased, the economy improved a level that has become a world leader.

According to Weber, it is much more than just a change of production processes, but also, a change in mentality. This change from Catholicism to Protestantism is “expressed socially with civic model and self-governance”4, taken lace with economic stability; people take their lives into their own hands and to an extent free themselves from the central government economy and society. Geographic similarities with Weeper’s European analysis where it is true to say, the major concentration of Catholics are in the poorest are warmest-sunnier part while the Protestant are established In the Southern (cooler-climate) part of the country.

The Power of the Catholic Church remain very strong Into Brazilian legislation. Examples can be seen in issues regarding abortion: Weeper’s religion-shift is affirmed by the Brazilian political scenario. From 1964 to 1 985 (perhaps when the Catholicism was at its peak), the Brazilian government was ruled by an authoritarian military dictatorships. Political parties such as The Christian Democratic Party (PDP) were banned by the military regime and it was re-created shortly after the fall of the military regimen. In Weeper’s view; people want to be involved in politics.

Coincidently, today with larger number of Protestants, Brazilian political system is done via a rather democratic voting system; with elections held every 4 years and vote is impulsion for all citizens between 18 and 70 years old. Heroes’ plays Important parts of Brazilian Christianity with 57% followers believing In saints. The most popular Include pilgrimages to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Senora Appareled where 26% among Catholics pray for the Intercession. According to the legend, In 1717, three fishermen were having bad luck in catching fish for an important festival lots of fish.

Because of that and many other miracles attributed to the image, in 1737 a chapel was built and in 1745 public visits began. In 1930 the statue was proclaimed o be the principal patroness of Brazil. Over the years, the number of worshippers to Lady of Senora Apartheid increased and the chapel received two main enlargements, the latest in 1980 when it was considered the largest Marina temple and the second largest Basilica in the worlds. In addition to that, in the same year the Brazilian Federal Statute declared a National holiday named as the “Feast Day of Our Lady Apartheid” to be held in each year in October 12.

Another traditional pilgrimage date that attracts about 8 million pilgrims a year to the Chapel is the Brazilian Independence Day, September 7. Others popular Saints are: Saint Anthony, Saint Expedites, Saint George, Saint Jude, Saint Francis of Chassis and Saint Josephus. Rituals = The Catholicism practiced in Brazil is full of popular festivities rooted in centuries-old Portuguese traditions. Popular traditions include Christmas, Easter Sunday, Good Friday and “Fests Jungian” Noun Festival). “Fests Jungian” is a Catholic feast celebrated in the name of Saint Anthony, Saint John the Baptist, and Saint Peter.

The festivities are extremely popular in all urban areas and among all social classes ND lasts around two weeks in Jejunely. In many parts of the country, they are as popular as Carnival; and like Carnival, these festivities involve costume-wearing, dancing, drinking, and visual spectacles. June festival is an important Brazilian festival because the retail, commerce and non-governmental (Nags) industry; shops, bars, restaurants, churches and charities develop marketing plans promoting their parties and events. Churches and No’s proceeds are usually redirected to local, most-needed members of community.

Values = In business, Brazilian tend to ‘deal’ tit individuals, not companies. Brazilian businessmen will usually get to know one another before committing to long-term business dealings. Therefore, you will need to establish a trusting relationship with them if you wish to gain their business. It is important that you do not try to rush them into making decisions or forming relationships 2. Manicures for women and formal dress for both sexes are expected within corporate situations Socially, Brazilian are usually rather affectionate, tactile people. Men shake hands with one another, while women will kiss each other’s’ weeks in greeting.

One of the Catholic-Christian-based and culture- representative- values is repeatedly yearly during the world largest and most famous Brazilian Carnival. The annual festive is held officially over four-day period prior to “Ash Wednesday’ marking the forty-day erred before Easter. Carnival themes range from religious, political and economic commentaries. Carnival can be consider a way that the mass-population can express (demonstrate their views) in a sarcastic, without fear of political fear of retaliation. In a party mood, meaning and double-meaning assuages is passed “without notice” of ruling power of politics and church.

Wear crucifixes, to have a Christmas tree and Virgin Mary and Christ statues are key symbols that represent the Brazilian dept into Christianity. Christianity has such great impact in the Brazilian values that is the “Christ of Redeem” in ROI De Jeanine was voted as “One the Seven Wonders of the World”. The Christ of Redeem is probably one of the most popular symbols across the country. In most cities, the main church (Cathedrals) holds that symbol. For example, the city where I am from, America, with a total height of 23. 80 meters 3.