A Religião (Religion)

For Brazilians, religion is more than just church, it is a way of life. Religion has shaped the Brazilian people to become who they are today. It is religion and a faith in God that has made Brazil the place it is. The faith that Brazilians have in God can be seen in all shapes and forms, in everywhere that you go and everything that you see and hear throughout daily life. If you talk to a person, it is common to hear phrases such as "Gracas a Deus" (thanks to God) throughout the conversation and when you say goodbye the phrase "Vai com Deus" (leave with God) is also common. It is also common to see signs throughout the street and on people's business praising God and thanking Him for what they have been given. Homes are also adorned by decorations reminding them of God as well as Catholic Saints and the Virgin Mary. Taxis and other cars usually have crosses hanging from the rear view mirror to show that they are devout to their faith. Families that are members of the LDS church usually have Liahona magazines and church paintings throughout their homes, much more than I have noticed in LDS families in the states. In addition to these details, there are so many churches in Brazil. To many Brazilian pastors, their church is their income and how they get by. It would be impossible to count how many churches there are in Brazil and how many different types of churches there are. Here is a collection of photographs that I took that show some of the aspects of religion throughout the Brazilian culture.

A few example of reminders and decorations common in Brazilian homes and cars. 

These are pictures of loved ones in a Brazilian church, asking for promises of health and well-being for them.

A few example of some of the many churches in Brazil, some old and some new. 

The following are a few example of LDS culture within Brazil:

The church's effort to provide help, both physical and spiritual, to the Brazilian people is evident wherever you go.

The church is growing quickly in Brazil, with seven temples functioning or under construction/announced. This temple in Manaus which we passed by is close to being done. 

The youth of the church are diligent in their worship, shown here by a group of youth waking up early to get to seminary by 5:30 in the morning. 

These little statues represent two of Brazil's most important themes in one. This is a nativity scene of the Savior, Joseph and Mary, and the wise men dressed in soccer uniforms. 

This is one of the many evangelical stores that are common in Brazil, selling all sorts of different Bibles. They have a Bible for everyone, including different translations such as the Bible for women (which comes in pink).

Two of the many altars displaying the crucifixion in churches throughout the country.

A couple of the many crosses that are easily seen throughout daily life.

These are two examples of how religion has been affected by the African influence in Brazil. The first is an example of the African religion candomble, which was brought over by the African slaves during the colonization of Brazil. Behind me is one of the many "orixas", which are the guards of the natural elements. The second picture shows how Catholicism and the African religion ubanda have come together to form a religion that is based on Catholicism but also has African roots, such as the relation between orixas and Catholic saints. 

These are pictures of a Catholic convent in the state of Espirito Santo that was constructed by slaves in the 1500's, called Convento da Penha. It overlooks the cities of Vitoria and Vila Velha, and is a common sight for devout Catholics to go and pay for promises. Those who are truly devout walk up the rocky, steep path that is shown in the third picture on their knees to the top, which is quite a long distance. By the time they make it to the top, their knees and legs are usually scraped and bloody.

This is one of the many example of religious sayings that are placed on businesses. Right next to the name of the supermarket are written the words: Jesus Christ is our only hope.

A symbol of hope, faith and protection for millions in the city of Rio de Janeiro to see. It also shows that the people of Brazil have open arms for those who arrive, and that they believe that Christ has the same open arms for all of us.