Pluralidade religiosa no Brasil: Um olhar de dentro da Congregação Cristã no Brasil

Abstract

The role of the Christian Congregation in Brazil (CCB) in religious plurality in Brazil is the theme to be considered in this work, aiming to understand the sociocultural diversity of faith. The hypothesis of this research is to analyze the organizational characteristics of the CCB, based on the notion of “legitimate authority”, present in the sociology of Max Weber. Therefore, it is necessary to present historical elements and fundamental information about this church, in order to understand how one of the largest confessional institutions in Brazil came to be, despite the few records of its own history on its official website. Likewise, a brief analysis can be made of how it is maintained, despite presenting the following elements: 1. the absence of a clear and defined theological positioning, as other churches have; 2. An observable growth despite the lack of use of any type of media (radio, TV or internet); 3. the CCB is guided by a traditionalism transmitted orally in its services, where there is no tithe or payment of salary either to the ecclesiastical group or to other members holding any responsibility. This work aims to clearly demonstrate its origin, functioning, presbytery, administrative organization and how it became one of the largest confessional institutions in Brazil in terms of number of temples and members. An analysis of its positioning, considered apolitical in more than 100 years of existence, will also be briefly carried out. In order to have elements that make it possible to bring empirical observations and sociological considerations closer together, it is important to analyze how its hierarchy, its teachings work and apply, the content of its doctrine and its moral elements. With on-site observation, we seek to understand and explain the unique approach to the proclaimed and taught gospel in this church, as well as the scope of the gospel and its moral applications within the church and its various confluences in the in-depth conception of Christian theology. Likewise, it is perhaps important to highlight the existence of similarities with other religions and, simultaneously, sectarianism seen by outsiders. The phenomenon of the CCB's continued growth may be the demonstration of sociological and other elements that transcend the mere organizational structure.