Catholicism In Brazil

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To think about the beginning of Catholicism in Brazil, we have to go back to the 1500s, when the nation was first colonized. Brazil was founded by the Portuguese in 1500. The Portuguese established the Catholic Church in Brazil, as it was the same type of Church in Portugal. This type of Church was actually dominant in most Europe since the Fourth century until the Reformation during the 16th century.
For the first 400 years of the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church, it was supported by the Government. This meant that Catholic priests were paid a salary by the Government. But later in the 16th century, reformers like John Calvin, invaded the Northeast of Brazil. These reformers challenged papal authority and questioned the Catholic …show more content…

“Protestants do not believe in a hierarchical structure,” while Catholics believe that the Pope is the head of their Church (Herbst: The Difference between Protestantism and Catholicism). Catholics also have devotion for Mary, so they pray to her; while Protestants do not pray to her. For Catholics, the most important part of Mass is the Eucharist or Holy Communion, while Protestants believe that the most significant part comes with the sermon. Catholics also believe in practices that are not explicitly stated in the Scriptures. In contrast, Protestants believe only in what is stated in the Scriptures. Also, Catholics believe that good actions will limit their time in Purgatory after death; and Protestants believe that “justification by grace through faith is the only way for a person to enjoy a righteous standing before God” …show more content…

This shows how religion plays a very significant role in the identity of Brazil and its citizens. It is also impossible to deny that the Brazilian rules are based primarily on Catholic behaviors even though it is no longer its official religion. Religious people have also been the cause of the expansion of human rights in Brazil, something that has to do with politics. Even though Catholicism has had the major impact or influence in politics, Protestantism has also been very influential.
In Brazil, there are also 5 political parties based on religion. In fact, there are several priests or representatives of some religion that have also been politicians of Brazil. One of the most famous politicians who is also a religious leader is Everaldo Dias Pereira, vice-president of one of the political parties. Evidently, it is extremely difficult to keep religion apart from politics even though they are two completely different fields