The Role Of Pentecostalism In Democratic Development. A Case Study Of Brazil

Abstract

The transition to democracy in Brazil has created a competitive religous environment which is causing religious shifting away from Catholicism. The Evangelical community, of which Pentecostalism is a subset, has been growing over the last few decades and is providing alternative structures for social and political expression previously denied to many. Pentecostal churches are building community networks and strengthening civil society in a way that is giving many of Brazil’s marginalized access and legitimacy. The focus of this paper is to examine if Pentecostalism undermines or strengthens democratic consolidation in Brazil, and what role it has to play in power sharing.