Struggle for the spirit

By David Lehmann

Book Description

In the vibrant religious landscape of Brazil, two powerful spiritual movements compete for the hearts and minds of the poor, each offering a distinct path toward transformation and empowerment. David Lehmann presents a nuanced exploration of how Catholic Christian Base Communities and Pentecostal congregations shape not only individual faith but also broader political and cultural dynamics.

This scholarly examination reveals fascinating contrasts in how these religious communities engage with concepts of "the people" and popular identity. While Catholic base communities cultivate influential networks of grassroots leaders who challenge existing power structures through traditional frameworks of elite-popular relationships, Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal churches guide their followers toward a more radical departure from conventional Brazilian political arrangements.

Through careful analysis of religious rhetoric and community practices, Lehmann illuminates how spiritual movements become catalysts for social change. The study demonstrates how faith communities among Brazil's poor navigate between preserving cultural connections and embracing transformative breaks with familiar patterns of political engagement.

For readers interested in understanding how spirituality intersects with social justice, cultural identity, and political transformation, this work offers valuable insights into the complex ways religious practice shapes both personal growth and collective action. The book provides a thoughtful framework for examining how different spiritual approaches can lead to dramatically different outcomes in community building and social change.