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Public Lecture Series "Brazil. Land of the Future or the Past"
In 1941, while in exile in Brazil, Stefan Zweig wrote the book "Brazil. A Land of the Future. The title of the book was considered an epithet for the country in Brazil for decades. This was justified because, despite massive problems, the population always radiated hope - that is, future - to foreign visitors. Brazilians often added the melancholy-ironic phrase ... a future we will never reach.
Then the improbable happened. With the election of leftist candidate Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as president, who took office on Jan. 1, 2003, Brazil had achieved its future. The first years of his government were marked by a broad social awakening and shaping of the future. Disillusionment set in. Brazil is currently ruled by a right-wing president. There is little sign of awakening and hope. His re-election would make Brazil a country of the past. But what could be the future?
Brazil today is a deeply divided country. The question of whether it is still a country of the future or of the past will be examined by the speakers from different angles.
Participation is available for a maximum of 100 people in attendance or you can register to participate online via Zoom with Ms. Klein: p.klein[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
First lecture:
Regina Reinart: God is Brazilian! But has he currently applied for asylum?
In Brazil, which was once predominantly Catholic, other denominations are now getting involved. The percentage of Catholics has decreased, the population that calls itself evangelical or even non-believers is increasing. Yet the saying in Brazil is: "Deus é brasileiro" ("God is Brazilian"). What is behind this? And to what extent - similar to Germany - is the Catholic Church in Brazil also in crisis. Has the once so important theology of liberation lost its inspirational power?
Regina Reinart is a former nun who worked in Brazil for many years. Since 2013 she has been working in the Brazil department of MISEREOR. In 2019 she participated in the Amazon Synod and did her PhD on it.