Protestantes na “Atenas sergipana” : conflitos religiosos na inserção do presbiterianismo em Laranjeiras/SE (1884-1899)

Abstract

The current work maps the social circumstances and the underlying theological conflicts to the insertion process of Protestantism in the Sergipe state in the late 19th century, during the transition from Brazilian Empire to Brazilian Republic, in the city of Laranjeiras. This city at the time was known as “AtenasSergipana”, due of its cultural, social and politic leadership in the state. The research evaluates the religious basis of laranjeirense society and the reasons that led the Presbyterians to initiate their insertion in Sergipe from this city, pointing out certain favorablecircumstances which made the sectors of society to join the Protestant message. However, the present study also observes that insertion wasn’t peaceful, but envolved theological and social conflicts that manifested in form of physical violence against the ones who adhered to Protestantism, motivating deep theological discussions in the newspapers of the time based on biblical interpretation and authenticity. At the end, the research aims to demonstrate that, under these conditions, the insertion of Protestantism in a catholic society contributes to establishment of Brazilian Republic, which caused a debate about the right to freedom of religion and the laic state, putting at risk the secular hegemony of Catholic Church.