Belo Monte: religiosidade e luta no sertão semiárido

Abstract

Despite the vast and diverse bibliography and academic production about the movement led by Antonio Conselheiro in the backlands of Bahia, there are still gaps and issues to be completed and unveiled and even other interpretations to be made. Religious dimension, for example – a fundamental element of the genesis and structuring of Canudos – needs further studies. The wrong way with that aspect was approached by our literary tradition and even by latest intellectuals is a proof of this shortage. As a result of these perceptions, the movement of Belo Monte is still rated by many as a manifestation of "millenarianism" or "messianism", an interpretation can not be sustained from closer examination of the phenomenon. Through a conjunctural analysis of the historical period in which the Belo Monte community emerged – including social, political, economic and cultural – the study of the training and the specifics of catolicismo popular sertanejo, and finally, through a consistent examination of religious dimension of the social phenomenon in question, with this work I seek to better understand Canudos, contributing to uncover aspects of its genesis, and especially of its religiosity.