The Devil in Brazil’s 2022 Presidential Elections: The Neo-Pentecostalization of Brazilian Politics
摘要
This paper analyzes the transformative role of Neo-Pentecostalism in the Brazilian political landscape. Drawing on a detailed account of the 2022 Brazilian presidential election campaigns, it explains how the rise of Neo-Pentecostalism has turned demonization into a potent tool for attracting voters in political campaigns. The study traces the accusations that surfaced during the elections and explains how they are infused with explicit religious content, highlighting a significant change in Brazil’s political terrain. The analysis does not argue that religion and politics in Brazil were historically separate and are now merging. Instead, it reveals how the rise of Neo-Pentecostalism has focused on demonizing political adversaries that extend beyond conservative and right-wing agendas, reaching even left-wing supporters and politicians.