Religion and Brazilian Democracy

Rezensionen / Stimmen

'Smith expertly and seamlessly draws together observational research, interviews, multiple surveys, and experiments to provide a breathtakingly comprehensive account of the complex dynamics that connect clergy, congregants, and politics. As they compete for souls and resources in a fluid religious marketplace, clergy are capable of strengthening democratic commitment and participation ... and of reinforcing conservative politics to tip the balance of Brazil's culture and politics. This extraordinary book will engage and enlighten all those who seek to understand the intersection of religion and democracy in Brazil and beyond.' Elizabeth J. Zechmeister, Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Political Science, Vanderbilt University, Tennessee 'Amy Erica Smith's book is unique, original and, in the Brazilian context above all, extremely timely. Combining multiple databases with qualitative observation, this is both an impressive technical achievement and an invaluable contribution to international debates about the implications of religious partisanship for democratic coexistence.' David Lehmann, University of Cambridge and author of Struggle for the Spirit: Religious Transformation and Popular Culture in Brazil and Latin America