Corpo, comunicação e cultura juvenil no pentecostalismo

Abstract

This research’s subject of study is the process of reconfiguration of the Pentecostal faith believer’s role as an active individual. Considering a case study that took place at the National Baptist Church of Grace and Peace, in the Coxipó Residential in the city of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, this paper reflects on the corporal manifestations in the cultic context of the church. The space is enabling of a religious habitus that supports the education and discipline of individuals in a contemporary ambience. This process can be observed based on two main aspects: the shifts in the Brazilian Pentecostalism that began in the fifties and the advent of a gospel culture that uses music as an integrating element. The structure of the Pentecostal worship – in which the sermon is overtaken by music, dance and casual testimonies – promotes a festive sociability, filled with a spirit of time that – in accord with the ideals of renewal of the Pentecostalism – reinvents itself in a youthful manner. Leaning on the observations of various activities practiced in the church (specially those developed by and for the younger churchgoers) and on the theoretical background established, this paper is going to investigate this individual’s role, what he/she communicates and the part he/she plays in contemporaneity.