Mediatized religion and the emergence of biblical soap operas

Abstract

The historical panorama of Protestantism and its derivations in Brazil shows us the path and the rise of a faith that transformed from a religion propagated and experienced by foreign communities in the fastest growing religiosity in the country. Despite initially rejecting indigenous cultural practices, Protestantism - mainly the Pentecostal and Neopentecostal groups - grew and multiplied until it gained space and visibility in the national public debate. This growth was made possible in large part through proselytizing actions. This work has as main objective to reflect on this process, highlighting the symbiosis between the religious field and the media that generated a complex and paradoxical relationship.