Representação Social da Igreja Universal do Reino de Deus por evangélicos dela egressos

Abstract

Universal Church of the Kingdom of God was founded 34 years ago and it is currently known by its undeniable social and political influence. As such, its religious capillarity is present into different sort of media like TV, radio and newspaper. In addition, the evangelical delegations sustain the Universal Church political activism at different parliaments, where UCKG authorities are predominant. Its social standing are also noticed on account of its thousands of temples built worldwide in more than 170 countries. Converting followers from other religions is what constitutes UCKG?s religious proselytism strategy. The clergy members of the UCKG, which comprises shepherds and bishops, label the UCKG as Brazil spiritual emergency site. This religious institution is considered to be specially designed to tackle immediate problem-solving issues, particularly the ones from the spiritual nature. After sometime, the UCKG adepts tend to move out to other evangelical denominations. The aim of this research was to identify the UCKG social representations according to its evangelical members. Twenty adult UCKG members, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, have been approached by a semi-structured interview about their personal data as well as information about the UCKG. The analysis of the resulting material was made according to its content. The interviews were recorded with the informants? previous consent and the commitment to keep their identities preserved. One of the outcomes of the research is to realize that the UCKG is not only a spiritual and emotional shelter but it also provides physical health. The migration from the UCKG to other Christian denominations falls into three broad categories: a) The individual has no longer an immediate-need of assistance; b) criticism about the compulsory monetary contribution to the church; c) the need of a deeper religious understanding. As far as those aforementioned issues are concerned, the UCKG is best conceived as a transition Church, where the proselytism and the beginning of a Christian spiritual life are fully oriented towards conversion.