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An analysis of messianism, its historical roots, and the transformative potential of culture and education in Brazilian politics.
In a country where faith in the future and the search for
a savior permeate politics, discover how Brazilian messianism, which could be a
force of hope, has become a source of stagnation and injustice. Let’s explore
this story together and learn how to turn collective dreams into practical
actions for a fairer Brazil!
Imagine a Brazil where hope
for better days blends with the expectation of a leader who, like a mythical
hero, promises to solve all problems. This is the essence of messianism, a
cultural and political phenomenon that deeply marks Brazilian history.
Messianism is the belief in a savior, someone anointed to bring justice, order,
and prosperity, often with an almost supernatural tone. In Brazil, this idea
gained strength in times of crisis, when the population, faced with inequality
and misery, placed their faith in charismatic figures. This belief is not just
a relic of the past; it resonates especially today, shaping politics and
society. To understand messianism, we need to delve into its roots, compare its
manifestations with Portuguese Sebastianism, and explore how it intertwines
with colonelism, a system that, for centuries, perpetuated stagnation and
exclusion in Brazil.
Motivational Quote: “Hope is the dream of a man awake.”
– Aristotle
Brazilian messianism has
parallels with Sebastianism in Portugal, a movement born in the 16th century
after the disappearance of King Dom Sebastião in the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir
in 1578. The Portuguese, facing a political crisis, began to believe that the
young king would return to save the nation. This myth crossed the Atlantic and
took root in Brazil, especially in the Northeast, where popular religiosity
fueled movements like Canudos, led by Antônio Conselheiro. While Portuguese
Sebastianism centered on a lost king, Brazilian messianism adapted to local
realities, blending elements of Catholicism, indigenous myths like the Land
Without Evil, and the influence of preachers like Father Antônio Vieira. This
fusion created a unique spirituality, where politics and faith walk hand in
hand, often with tragic consequences, such as the Canudos massacre in 1897,
described by Euclides da Cunha in The Sertões.
Curiosity Box: Portuguese Sebastianism
·
Origin:
After the defeat at Alcácer-Quibir, the myth of Dom Sebastião gained strength.
·
Impact in Brazil: Influenced messianic movements, such as Canudos and Contestado.
·
Fun Fact:
Until the 19th century, some in Portugal awaited Dom Sebastião’s return on
foggy days!
The history of messianism
in Brazil is closely tied to colonelism, a power system that dominated the
country, especially during the First Republic (1889-1930). Colonels, large
landowners, exercised political, economic, and social control, manipulating
rural populations with promises of protection and progress. This system
reinforced the idea of a “local savior,” someone who, like a godfather, solved
problems in exchange for loyalty. Colonelism, by centralizing power in the
hands of a few, contributed to stagnation and misery, keeping most of the
population in precarious conditions. Recent studies, such as those from the
Federal University of Minas Gerais, indicate that colonelism created a culture
of dependency that still echoes in Brazilian politics, where charismatic
leaders are seen as the solution to structural problems.
Inspiring Story:
Padre Cícero and Juazeiro do Norte
Padre Cícero Romão Batista, known as “Padim Ciço,” is a classic example of
Brazilian messianism. In the early 20th century, he transformed Juazeiro do
Norte, in Ceará, into a pilgrimage center. His followers believed he would
return in glory, as sung by Luiz Gonzaga: “Look there, at the top of Horto,
he’s alive, Padim isn’t dead.” Even today, faith in Padre Cícero inspires
thousands of pilgrims, showing how messianism impacts communities.
But how does messianism
manifest in contemporary politics? The answer lies in the search for leaders
who promise radical changes, often with speeches that appeal to emotion and
faith. This dynamic, according to researchers from the University of São Paulo,
reflects a mix of hope and disillusionment with institutions. Political
messianism ends up mobilizing people for seemingly common ideals, but in
reality, it perpetuates clientelism, keeping power in the hands of elites. As a
consequence, it leads to polarization and the idolatry of public figures.
Neuroscience helps explain this phenomenon: the expectation of a savior
activates brain areas linked to reward and emotion, such as the prefrontal
cortex and the amygdala, creating a sense of collective euphoria. Understanding
these reactions can help us channel this energy into more practical and collective
actions.
Practical Tip:
Turning Hope into Action
Instead of waiting for a savior, participate in local initiatives, such as
community councils or educational projects. Small actions, like organizing
reading groups or debates on public policies, can transform messianic hope into
concrete results.
A powerful example of how
culture and education can counter the negative effects of messianism is the
work of Antônio Carlos dos Santos, whose literary production and innovative
methodologies have inspired change. Santos, author of Red Tie, a work
that retells the saga of Antônio Conselheiro and Santa Dica of Goiás, uses
theater as a tool for social transformation. In Red Tie, the story of
Alfredo, who receives a secret mission from Conselheiro after the Canudos
massacre, invites reflection on resistance and hope. The narrative blends
fiction and history, showing how faith can be a driving force for action but
also a burden when misdirected. The work, praised for its engaging dramaturgy,
is an example of how literature can educate and inspire.
Curiosity Box: Red Tie
·
Plot:
Alfredo, after the Canudos massacre, wanders for 28 years in search of
Lagolândia, fulfilling a mission from Antônio Conselheiro.
·
Central Theme: The struggle between faith, duty, and redemption in a Brazil marked by
inequalities.
·
Impact:
The work is used in theater workshops to discuss citizenship and history.
Antônio Carlos dos Santos
also developed methodologies that combine neuroscience, culture, and education
to promote human development. The MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater)
encourages critical thinking and creativity, urging people to change their
mindset through theatrical practices. The ThM (Theater Movement)
focuses on building dramatic texts, as described in the book Principles of
the ThM Technique, which teaches how to structure narratives based on
conflicts and creativity. Finally, the MBPT (Mané Beiçudo Puppet
Theater) uses recycled puppets to teach citizenship and
sustainability, as detailed in 1,385 Theater Exercises and Laboratories.
These methodologies, applied in schools and communities, show that cultural
education can transform the wait for a savior into collective protagonism.
Inspiring Story:
Mané Beiçudo Theater
In a rural Northeast community, the Mané Beiçudo Puppet Theater transformed the
lives of young people who previously felt unmotivated. Through workshops based
on MBPT, they created plays about recycling and citizenship,
gaining self-esteem and civic engagement. Today, many of these youths lead
local projects, proving that culture can be a driver of change.
Brazilian politics,
throughout its history, has almost always been an instrument of stagnation,
perpetuating inequalities and concentrating power. Messianism, by creating the
illusion that a single leader can solve everything, has contributed to this
dynamic but also offers lessons. Studies from the Federal University of Santa
Catarina suggest that education is the key to breaking this cycle. By investing
in critical literacy and cultural practices, such as those of Antônio Carlos
dos Santos, we can teach people to question empty promises and build collective
solutions. Neuroscience reinforces this idea: learning to think critically strengthens
the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational decision-making, reducing the
influence of impulsive emotions.
Motivational Quote: “Education is the most powerful
weapon you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
The future of Brazil depends
on our ability to transform messianism into a positive force. Instead of
waiting for a savior, we can draw inspiration from figures like Tiradentes,
Machado de Assis, Mandela, and the methodologies of Antônio Carlos dos Santos
to build a fairer country. The faith that drives messianism can be redirected
into confidence in ourselves and our communities. Education doesn’t change the
world alone, but it changes the people who will change the world. Let’s embrace
this mission with hope, courage, and action, turning the messianic dream into
reality.
Practical Tip: Be
the Protagonist of Change
Create a study group in your community to discuss books like Red Tie or
participate in theater workshops based on MAT or MBPT.
These activities not only educate but also strengthen social bonds and
encourage critical thinking.
Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br
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