The presence of Evangelicals in the Brazilian political scenario

Abstract

The present work intends to analyze the evolution of the Evangelical influence in Brazilian politics. First, there will
be a brief overview of the origin of Pentecostalism until its arrival in Brazil and of Neo-Pentecostalism, which derives
from the latter. Subsequently, the slow and gradual insertion of Evangelicals, mainly Neo-Pentecostals, in Brazilian politics will be described, which was consecrated – and has been increasing election after election – in 1986,
with the Brazilian National Constituent Assembly, and in 1988 with the promulgation of the current Constitution
of Brazil, the Federal Constitution. As this scenario was outlined, some hypotheses emerged: why do Evangelical
religious leaders have such size on the political scenario? Would it be an expression of a society that, despite being safeguarded by a secular State, seeks political representatives guided by religious morality, or would it be a political articulation that takes advantage of values dear to democracy, such as religious freedom, freedom of the press and freedom of speech, to consolidate a power project that calls into question the concept of secularization of the State and society? Faced with such questions, one arrives at the perception that some factors inherent to Christianity, in its Evangelical aspect, lead to the rise of politicians to power with greater popular legitimacy. However, such interference can have dangerous consequences for democracy, such as the creation of public policies for specific groups, increased prejudice, exclusion and even setbacks in the rights of minorities. In the religious field, such participation without a call and vocation can lead to demoralization of religion at its cornerstone: love of neighbor.