CRIME, FAITH AND POWER: connections between pentecostalism and drug trafficking in Brazil from the perspective of criminal subjection

Abstract

This article aims to analyze, through bibliographic research and a qualitative approach, how the discourse of pentecostal churches connects with the practices of drug traffickers in large brazilian urban centers. This analysis is justified by the existence, in numerous clusters, of drug trafficking leaders who converted to pentecostalism, even though the churches maintain the incompatibility between "being a criminal" and "being an evangelical." The hypothesis is that Michel Misse's concept of criminal subjection helps understand the redirection of the faith of these drug traffickers and the urban lower classes in general toward pentecostalism, since religion can serve to mitigate this process of accepting the label of "criminal," preventing the individual from recognizing themselves as essentially evil and dangerous. Furthermore, the appropriation of pentecostal discourse and symbols by drug traffickers can be useful in legitimizing their criminal activities and positioning them as moral authorities before the community, valuing their leadership and management.