Relações entre estado e igreja na Argentina e no Brasil

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2008

RESUMO

This research paper focuses on the relations existent between the Catholic Church and the State. Such relationships are compared in Argentina and in Brazil. Through bibliographical and documental research, I have tried to identify the differences between the two States and their respective relationships with the Church. Questions such as the following were asked: Which factors contributed to the fact that Argentina, in its Constitution, still supports the idea that the worship service must be maintained by the State? And what factors contributed to the fact that Brazil, in its Constitution, does not favor any kind of worship service? Why is it that there was no separation between Church and State in Argentina to the point where its society still maintains an official religion? What caused the State to not rid itself of this official religion? What ecclesiastical actions contributed to this? Does the Catholic Church have the same configuration in both countries? What are the differences between them, and how do they interfere in their relations with the State? This is the axis around which my research revolves. The precedents lie in the colonizing cultures: Spain and Portugal. The history of the relations between Church and State consists of a cultural and political construction. Such history is seemingly antagonistic in light of the many interests held by both parties; although it is also seemingly viewed as a game of interests, which benefits the maintenance of both Church and State. My hypothesis lies in the fact that the identity fragmentation and the disappearance of the Catholic hegemony are propitious to the appearance of other social agents. In other words, other pressure groups begin to appear at the time laws are formulated, as well as during the establishment of public politics. As Catholic hegemony decreased, the Church needed to reduce its sphere of influence, and concentrate its efforts in areas where its moral teaching could be better defined; that is, in health and in education. In other words, in order to keep its status as an influential organization, although it had suffered a decrease in the percentage of its followers in contemporary societies, the Church used the tactic of reducing its area of influence while concentrating its efforts on health and education issues. Through education, the Church believes it will be able to impose values stemming from the Catholic philosophy that will influence future generations. As to health, the Church, while imposing its rigid morals against contraceptive methods and abortion, believes it is defending life against what it believes to be the vulgarization of life. With the growth, modernization, and democratization of both Argentina and Brazil, the fragmentation of Catholic values is visible in both societies. With the advance of democracy in Argentina and in Brazil, other religious expressions start taking their places in the political game. The difficulty presented to the State is in interpreting their many desires and worldviews in order to adjust its actions, which, in democracy, when it comes to religious issues, is demanded with the largest impartiality possible. However, due to historical, cultural, political, and economic issues, these actions take place differently in the two researched countries. Therefore, the States laicity must result in respect for religious differences without becoming a hostage of its own actions.

ASSUNTO(S)

estado igreja ciencias sociais

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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