Petra Costa on Evangelicals, Bolsonaro, and US Influence in Brazil

The Rise of Christian Nationalism in Brazil

• 🇧🇷 Petra Costa's documentary, "Apocalypse in the Tropics," examines the significant growth of evangelical Christianity in Brazil, which has risen from a small minority to approximately 30% of the population.
• 🎯 This religious shift is described as one of the fastest in human history and has been instrumental in the political ascent of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

US Influence and Dominion Theology

• 🇺🇸 Costa argues that right-wing evangelicalism in Brazil is largely an import from the United States, stemming from Cold War efforts to counter left-wing Catholic influence.
• 🧠 The film explores "dominion theology," a movement originating in the U.S. with a plan to take over the three branches of government: judiciary, legislative, and executive.
• 🤝 Bolsonaro is presented as a vessel for this plan, mirroring parallels with Donald Trump and his allies in the U.S.

Historical Roots of Evangelicalism in Brazil

• ✝️ The documentary traces the historical roots, including the 1960 visit of American evangelist Billy Graham, which drew massive audiences.
• 🕊️ This movement gained traction as a counter to the growing influence of liberation theology, which focused on social justice and empowering the poor.
• 📈 Evangelicalism saw significant growth from 5% in the 1980s to its current 26% (stated as 30% earlier), a rapid religious transformation.

Geopolitics and Apocalyptic Theology

• 🌍 The film investigates how apocalyptic theology, including a belief that war in the Middle East will accelerate Christ's second coming, is shaping Brazilian politics and geopolitics.
• 🗳️ Elections are increasingly framed as "holy wars" rather than discussions of policy or future plans.

Trump's Tariff Threats and Political Interference

• 💰 President Trump has threatened steep tariffs on Brazil, partly in retaliation for what he calls a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.
• ⚖️ Trump has called Bolsonaro's trial for an alleged coup attempt an "international disgrace" and demanded it end immediately.
• 🗣️ President Lula da Silva has rejected this as interference and threats from the United States.