O teólogo, Socióload E Pastor Valdinei FerreiraProfessor at the Faculty of Theology of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB), criticized the relationship between religion and politics in Brazilhighlighting how religious leaders have privileged the discourse of individual prosperity over collective social issues. The criticism was during participation in the program ‘WW Special’, by CNNthat debated the weight of religion in Brazilian politics.
According to Ferreira, the religious generation of the 1990s to this day can be characterized by “individual victory and collective failure”. Although it does not condemn the search for personal prosperity, he points out that the.
For him, there is a preaching of individual victory, in which the prosperity and personal effort is emphasized, which in itself would not be problematic. “However, the religious community, religious leadership has nothing to say about the great collective problems of safety, transportation and health. Everyone seeks an individual exit, a private exit. We are not dedicated to trying to solve what is collective,” he criticizes.
The theologian recognizes the fundamental role of, especially in large metropolises like São Paulo. “In these communities, there is a welcome, solidarity and support networks that work well, including employment and assistance indications,” he notes.
However, Ferreira points out that this community dynamics are often mediated by emphasis on individual effort and search for divine blessings for personal success, while broader social issues are neglected. “It is the idea of individual victory, effort, divine blessing so that I get along. While society is a lost case,” he explains.
Politics and Religion
The expert also points out how. He cites as an example the case of the Republican Party, highlighting how religious structures can benefit from political negotiations while propagating a discourse of system discredit.
“Evangelical politicians take advantage of this, they sell this idea that the system is really bankrupt, but accredit themselves to do the business that interests your corporation and bring benefits from these negotiations,” he concludes.
WW Especial
Presented by William WaackProgram is aired on Sundays at 10 pm on all CNN Brazil platforms.
