REFLEXUS - Biannual Journal of Theology and Religious Studies

Apresentação

José Adriano Filho — 2025-07-01

Apresentação.

Teologia do Domínio e as Eleições Municipais de 2024

Leonardo Alvarenga — 2025-07-01

Dossiê Teologia do Domínio e as eleições municipais de 2024

A teologia do domínio em igrejas neopentecostais da região metropolitana de Belém

Raimundo Sérgio Farias Júnior — 2025-07-01

There is a new theme present in the debates involving the tense and always contradictory relationship between religion and politics, known as Dominion Theology (DT). Particularly in Brazil, the relationship has become more noticeable, especially in the recent electoral contests and it seems that will come with much more strength in 2026. In this regard, the present study, which is of a qualitative nature, aimed to analyze the social construction of simulacra between religion and politics through the religious leadership of neo-pentecostal churches linked to DT. In this context, the manifestation of dominion theology in neo-pentecostal churches in the Belém metropolitan area was investigated and the persuasion strategies employed by the leadership of these churches, with the goal of securing the votes of church members and voters for the municipal elections in 2024, were assessed. The results indicate a growth of dominion theology in various social fields through the use of persuasion strategies that intensify with each electoral contest.

"Dominion Theology" and Ressentiment

Leonardo Alvarenga — 2025-07-01

The text analyzes Dominion Theology, a religious interpretation seeking to impose biblical laws on Brazil, including harsh punishments and restrictions on individual freedoms. The analysis is grounded in Nietzsche and Foucault's genealogical method, which aims to uncover the origins and power mechanisms behind ideas. The text argues that Dominion Theology is not merely a political strategy but an expression of resentment among evangelical groups feeling marginalized in a secular state. By seeking political control, these groups would invert values and exercise power in a covert manner, even within democratic frameworks. The central thesis is that resentment is the driving force behind Dominion Theology, propelling the pursuit of totalitarian control and the imposition of a fundamentalist religious worldview on society.

(Neo)pentecostais e meios de comunicação: estudos a partir da teoria crítica da sociedade

Sergio William Damasceno da Silva — 2025-07-01

The present study refers to the period between October and December 2018, when the Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal evangelicals participated intensely in Brazilian radio and television. It aims to raise which radio stations, television stations belong to evangelical groups, besides perceiving the contents presented by them. It starts from the critical theory of the cultural industry approached by Adorno and Horkheimer in the Dialectic of the Enlightenment, which demonstrates the selection of the contents of the stations according to the cosmovision of the owner, without the possible retort of the listener. The conclusion of the study approaches the reality researched by the aforementioned authors in the 1940s with the context of diffusion of ideas and gospel songs, which follow the same logic described by the authors. Another important aspect of the research concerns the direct involvement of religious leaders with such media, in such a way that they have acquired power to shape public opinion for political issues.

The sky is not the limit.

Eliezer da Rocha Gonçalves — 2025-07-01

In this article I elaborate a reflective effort – part of my doctoral research – on aspects of the domain (of theology) and theology (of the domain) of Pentecostals in the midst of the socio-historical diversity of Brazil and the Amazon of Pará of the varied praxis of projects and choices over decades of development and updates in the space of the capital of Pará in the midst of the History of the Brazilian Present Time and the Immediate History of Pará, involved in the subtle omnipresence of Rousas J. Rushdoony's (1916-2001) dominion theology, updated by David Chilton (1951-1997), Gary DeMar (1975-) and Johnny Enlow, intertwined in the successive conservative turns of the Pentecostals of the Assembly of God and one of the culminations of dominance and conservatism: the 2024 elections in Belém, Pará.

DOMAIN THEOLOGY AND ELECTIONS: A RELATIONSHIP WITH NA EXPIRY DATE.

Sergio Ricardo Gonçalves Dusilek — 2025-07-01

This research seek to contribute to the illumination and understanding of what be a Dominion Theology. The importance of the theme is based on the interference of its proposal in public space and the threat to democracy as we know it. For this reason, this article seeks to lay bare the actions defended by Gary North aiming at the installation of a theonomist theocracy, while exposing the self-perception of dominionists that they are the radicalization of fundamentalism. Finally, by suggesting a prognosis arising from the exercise of this politic-power project, we point out that, as it is an attempt to undermine democracy, elections and Dominion Theology constitute a relationship with an expiration date.

DOMINION THEOLOGY PRESENT IN PRISON SCHOOL.

Daniel de Sena — 2025-07-01

Democracy is constantly under attack by those interested in stealing it to exercise authoritarianism. Furthermore, we have before us other ways of subjecting it to unfavorable conditions in order to serve private ends. This work seeks to understand worldviews that place democratic secularism under attack, even unintentionally, as is the case with the intersubjective relationships of everyday life in the classroom and here, in a prison environment. This is a bibliographic review study, with a cross-section of labor practices in a prison environment, regarding themes such as democracy, secularism, and the public sphere, thus in tune with reflections despite autobiographical experience. As a result of the research, it was possible to demonstrate, even as a provocation for new analyses, that there is a strong presence of some religions in prison environments to the detriment of other forms of religious manifestations, mainly minority ones, which is, in itself, a form of affront to the secularism of the State and, consequently, to democracy.

Pentecostalismo na arena pública - Reflexões sobre o pastor assembleiano no espaço público

JONAS JOSÉ DE OLIVEIRA MARIA — 2025-07-01

This article presents an analysis of the relationship of the Brazilian Assemblies of God in the public arena based on the hypothesis that the denomination acts effectively in the public space, even though it still lacks greater political and theological qualification. The article shows how the concept of the so-called “Public Theology” developed in the academic environment and how Pentecostalism arrived in Brazil in the 1910s, seeking to highlight relationships between Brazilian Pentecostals and their action in the public arena. With its vast quantitative growth, the denomination established itself in the country as the largest representative of the Pentecostal movement since its emergence in the early years of the 20th century. In this sense, the article seeks to understand the public role of the Assemblies of God in Brazil, more specifically through its pastoral leadership. The Assemblies of God pastor can have a possible active role in the public arena, with relevant services and a commitment to social causes.

O catolicismo brasileiro e a politização das consciências: uma reflexão ético-teológica sobre o sentido do ódio e do terror na massificação religiosa

André Luiz Boccato de Almeida — 2025-07-01

o artigo aborda o catolicismo brasileiro dentro do processo de politização das consciências e da implicação ético-teológica em torno da questão do ódio proveniente do fundamentalismo da extrema direita. Sabe-se que a religião é um fenômeno socioantropológico complexo e que passa por reformulações constantes. No caso brasileiro, o catolicismo tem perdido sua força diante da sua irrelevância simbólica e política no espaço público. Esta perda de “poder cultural”, segundo Pierre Bourdieu, favorece o aparecimento da reação fundamentalista, própria do mecanismo massificador de pessoas, onde o uso da linguagem do ódio e até do terror objetiva manipular as consciências. Enseja-se percorrer três caminhos: a) apresentar a ideia de identidade católica como projeto político; b) discorrer sobre o discurso religioso em conformidade com a cultura do ódio e do terror; c) refletir a necessidade de uma educação com a retomada das imagens de Deus e de vida cristã segundo o evangelho.

As tradições judaicas do milênio de Apocalipse 20

Valtair A. Miranda — 2025-07-01

Este artigo examina como João de Patmos apropriou-se de tradições judaicas para construir a narrativa milenar de Apocalipse 20. Situado nos conflitos sociopolíticos e religiosos do Império Romano, o texto retrata o reinado milenar como uma representação simbólica da vitória divina, enfatizando o martírio como tema teológico central. Com base em tradições literárias judaicas, como o messianismo, a periodização histórica e o retorno ao paraíso, o estudo explora como esses elementos convergem no Apocalipse de João, juntamente com obras paralelas, como 4 Esdras e 2 Baruque. A análise também destaca a influência dos conflitos de liderança comunitária e das tensões relacionadas ao relacionamento com a sociedade romana na emergência do milenarismo entre as primeiras comunidades cristãs. O reino milenar é apresentado como uma esperança escatológica e uma ferramenta retórica para encorajar a solidariedade sectária, o martírio e a resistência contra adversários percebidos, internos e externos.

“MACETANDO” THE APOCALYPSE

Caio César Andrade de Almeida — 2025-07-01

This paper analyzes three perspectives on the "end of the world": Theology of Liberation, dispensationalism, and the indigenous view. The research questions how these different worldviews shape the understanding of the apocalypse and human action in the present. The hypothesis is that apocalyptic perspectives influence divergent social practices and attitudes. The theoretical framework includes theologians such as James Cone and Hinkelammert, as well as analyses of religious fundamentalism. The methodology adopted is the comparative analysis of texts, observing how each doctrine influences behaviors and worldview. The conclusions suggest that christian apocalyptic tends to have a more passive stance, while indigenous apocalyptic promotes more active action, based on preservation and care for the world.

The Role of the Church in Annexing Entrepreneurship for Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria

Agnes Omotayo Adeyeye — 2025-07-01

Poverty implies lack, shortage, and deficiency, among others, depicting the need for material and capital resources. Poverty in Nigerian society has brought about underdevelopment and a persistent increase in crime rate among the Nigerian youth, thus leading to insecurity of lives and properties. The good act of poverty alleviation is a series of actions, plans, and or endeavors put in place by the society, individuals, and or government to eradicate poverty among the members of the society. As a way of fighting against poverty, the teaching of entrepreneurship has permeated the church landscape, whereby the church now becomes a leading personnel in entrepreneurship discourse in the society to eradicate poverty among church members and society in general through its entrepreneurship theology and skill acquisition programs . The paper examined the church's role in poverty alleviation in Nigeria by annexing entrepreneurship theology. The primary focus of the church was the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The study employed historical, descriptive, and participatory observation methods. It was discovered that the teaching of entrepreneurship is common among 21st-century Nigerian churches where members are educated on the importance of being self-independent, self-reliant, self-improvement, and the ability to make wealth, which is targeted at poverty alleviation . Hence, the study recommended that Nigerian churches engage in more elaborate programs, such as collaborating with organizations or firms to promote entrepreneurial theology at poverty alleviation.

Old Testament Succession Plans As Models for Contemporary Time Leadership: An Appraisal

Olusegun James Adigun — 2025-07-01

One of the greatest challenges that have been confronting the church in this contemporary time is the failure in the succession plan in raising leaders for continuity and stability. More so, examples abound where transfer, retirement or demise of leaders culminated in the collapse of a gigantic Christian ministry which took years to be built through the grace of God. So, the purpose of this paper is to examine the succession plans presented in the Old Testament, analyzing their relevance and applicability to the contemporary leadership transitions by exploring the biblical accounts of leadership succession, particularly in the lives of Moses, Joshua, David and Solomon. This paper identifies key principles and strategies that ensured continuity and stability. The paper adopted exegetical analysis of relevant Old Testament passages, comparative study of succession plan in various biblical contexts and application of biblical principles to contemporary leadership transitions. This paper reveals the importance of divine appointment and affirmation in succession plan, the roles of mentorship and training in preparing successors, the need of clear communication and transfer of authority and the significance of character and integrity in leadership succession. The paper concluded that the Old Testament succession plans offer valuable insights and principles for contemporary leadership transitions, by applying these biblical models, organizations and leaders can ensure a smoother transition, maintain continuity, and promote long-term success. This paper, therefore, recommends that leaders should prioritize mentorship and training of successors, establishment of clear succession plan and communication strategies. Character and integrity should be primary consideration in leadership selection and also divine guidance and affirmation should be sought in succession decisions.

Religious Pluralism as a tool for welcoming and combating fundamentalism

Eduarda Viviane Müller — 2025-07-01

The present analysis aims to reflect on some of the challenges faced in the religious and social spheres in our current context, especially those marked by the existence of religious fundamentalisms and oppressions based on traditions and sacred scriptures. Then, it seeks to present and develop the understanding of the Theology of Religious Pluralism in dialogue with the understanding of a God of the multiple, to demonstrate that religious pluralism can be a tool in the fight against religious fundamentalisms through the opening and acceptance of the different, dialogue, new interpretations and the understanding that there is not and cannot be a single truth about God.

Evangelho afirmado de forma relevante às necessidades integrais em Porto Alegre

Michel Wesley Moroz — 2025-07-01

Os principais temas abordados estão relacionados à missão holística e ministério de Jesus, tanto na igreja quanto na sociedade. O artigo visa compreender como o evangelho pode ser comunicado e vivenciado de forma mais relevante, para atender às necessidades dos moradores próximos às Igrejas Adventistas do Sétimo Dia em Porto Alegre. Propõe-se uma perspectiva eclesiológica que promova uma prática mais apropriada do evangelho, atendendo integralmente às necessidades humanas. O trabalho utilizará fontes bibliográficas e buscará uma compreensão sincrônica das Escrituras, recorrendo ao método diacrônico quando necessário. A análise começará com Lucas 4:18-19, como modelo para a vida dos cristãos. Em seguida, será examinada a atitude da igreja primitiva e como o evangelho se espalhou no mundo da época. A proposta terminará com uma análise de como igreja poderia adotar uma abordagem holística, proclamando o evangelho de forma abranger as dimensões da vida humana.

A Fundação do Colégio Mackenzie enquanto Consolidação do Modelo Educacional Protestante na Primeira República

Nelson de Paula Pereira — 2025-07-01

Education in Brazil was strongly influenced by the American model, with its method of inductive teaching, introduced in this country by the Presbyterian educational model, which brought us methods and techniques that, before then, had been unknown in the country. The study was limited to the state of São Paulo where we observed a significant influence and also where the Presbyterian educational activity in this country began. Presbyterian missionaries were acquainted with an organized and complex educational system that covered all age groups and academic methods from elementary school to higher education. At that time the Brazilian illiteracy rate was 75%. This motivated foreign missions, which strongly relied on the ability to read as a necessity for those who were to be educated through the Bible. This work we cover the founding of the Presbyterian branch of Protestantism in Brazil, the issue of education in the Second reign and in the First Republic, the Catholic religion issue, activities of the Presidents of Mackenzie, the support of the republic for the institution and the transformations which took place in education in Brazil.

Perspectivas filosóficas da hermenêutica simbólica: uma análise de materiais infantis e juvenis da Igreja Luterana

Patrícia Weiduschadt — 2025-07-01

This study aims to present an analysis of children and youth materials from the Lutheran Church, from the point of view of Hermeneutics upon these elements. By Lutheran materials one can understand those which can be used by the Church in order to keep the supporters engaged to the lessons prioritised by the Lutheran religion, enclosed, especially, in productions and actions such as Sunday school and a youth magazine focused on religious education. Different signs of Lutheranism are provided with context, which are considered moral control methods used by the Lutheran church, pursuing connection with the philosophical currents of hermeneutical approach from the point of view of symbolic Hermeneutics. Thus, the interpretation of historical documentary sources acts along with educational, doctrinal and Lutheran religious aspects, in particular with the Igreja Evangélica Luterana do Brasil - IELB (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Brazil). It can be noticed that such Lutheran religious materials have features latent to bring the churchgoer closer to religious education.

Port

Celso Gabatz — 2025-07-01

Esta análise busca desvelar como nas sociedades antigas, menos secularizadas, consolidavam-se, em geral, certezas que estavam apoiadas em normas e tradições eclesiásticas. Nos dias atuais, os valores tendem a serem mais diluídos em termos de uma ordem firmada por padrões religiosos. Os sistemas morais, por consequência, não são tão abertos ou receptivos a determinadas exigências consignadas pela sociedade. O artigo sugere, pois, que a obediência e a moralidade ainda continuam bastante refratárias a uma maior interlocução com certas racionalidades críticas e científicas.

THE ATHEIST EXISTENTIALISM OF SARTRE IN THE NOUVELLE VAGUE

Maria Eduarda Moura Costa — 2025-07-01

This article aims to analyze two French films from the cinematic movement known as Nouvelle Vague, artistic mediums that are interpreted as expressions of human existence. This analysis is guided by the existentialist philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, specifically his work Existentialism is a Humanism, published in 1946, where he discusses concepts related to a philosophy of existence, placing freedom and individual responsibility at the center of human life. For the French philosopher, human existence precedes essence, meaning that humans are capable and free to determine and create their essence, bearing complete responsibility for their lives. According to Sartre, humans are free to make their choices and define the meaning of their lives; therefore, responsibility rests solely on them, leaving no one else to blame but themselves. The article employs Sartrean existentialism as a hermeneutic key to explore the richness of the Nouvelle Vague’s cinematic narrative. Furthermore, it includes an analysis of Sartrean atheism through the existential perspective presented in the mentioned films.