Religious policy in Brazil

Abstract

This essay presents the result of studies about the relationship between religion and politics in Brazil. It deals with the specific topic of sacralization of politics conducted by the “Estado Novo” (1937-1945). That period had ideologists which occupied themselves in legitimating the national politics and an identity/body of nation as well, having Getúlio Vargas as its main leader. Through the research of Alcir Lenharo and the support of other authors this essay intends to show that the perceptions of the world that are typical to religion are passible of being imported by politics to give it a sacralizing dimension having its effectiveness as its goal. The theme for Brazil is new and made us propose the text in the form of a theoretical approach. We hope to demonstrate that there is a space not addressed in the theme of secularization in politics. Our young investigative tradition is marked more by the separation of the spheres ‘religion and politics’ than the by the distinction. We hope to contribute to propose a new agenda on the agenda of these Brazilian studies.

Keywords

• Religião e política
• Estado Novo
• política religiosa