Moral Majorities across the Americas: Brazil, the United States, and the Creation of the Religious Right

In the late 20th century, a hemispheric religious movement emerged, with the principal activists and institutions in Brazil and the United States playing a significant role. Benjamin A. Cowan's book explores the deep historical connections between Brazilian and U.S. religious conservatives, demonstrating how Brazilian thinkers, activists, and institutions were essential in engendering right-wing political power in the Americas. The movement began in the 1930s with a shared aversion to mainstream ecumenicalism and moderate political ideas, and activists engaged in reactionary theological discussions on a transnational, transdenominational platform.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 368 pages
\n Publication date: 10 May 2021
\n Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
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The Christian right has expanded beyond national and religious boundaries, as chronicled by Benjamin A. Cowan. This hemispheric religious movement has gained significant power and influence, generating both headlines and shock in Brazil and the United States. Cowan argues that these two countries played a pivotal role in shaping the ascendant religious conservatism of the late twentieth century.

In his book, Cowan delves into the deep historical connections between Brazilian and U.S. religious conservatives. He demonstrates how Brazilian thinkers, activists, and institutions played a crucial role in engendering right-wing political power in the Americas.

Protestant and Catholic religious warriors began to unite in the 1930s around a shared aversion to mainstream ecumenicalism and moderate political ideas. Brazilian intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders, and captains of industry worked closely with their counterparts in the United States to build a united right. Through transnational and transdenominational platforms, activists engaged in reactionary theological discussions, fostering a sense of common cause.

Their collaborative efforts resulted in the development of strategies that pushed once marginal ideas to the center of public discourse, reshaped religious demographics, and effected a rightward shift in politics across two continents. The Christian right's expansion has had far-reaching consequences, shaping the political landscape and religious attitudes in both Brazil and the United States.

\n Weight: 422g\n
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781469662077\n \n