Spiritist University Movement: Religion and Politics in Brazilian Spiritism (1967-1974)

Introduction

The Spiritist University Movement (UME) was a religious and political movement that emerged in Brazil in the late 1960s. It was founded by a group of Spiritist intellectuals and activists who sought to promote a more progressive and socially engaged form of Spiritism. The UME quickly gained a large following among Spiritists in Brazil and became a major force in Brazilian politics.

The UME's Beliefs and Practices

The UME's beliefs and practices were based on the teachings of Allan Kardec, the founder of Spiritism. Kardec's teachings emphasized the importance of spiritual development, moral progress, and social justice. The UME interpreted these teachings in a progressive and activist way, arguing that Spiritists had a duty to work for social change.

The UME's members believed that Spiritism was a scientific religion that could provide a rational basis for understanding the world and human experience. They also believed that Spiritism could be used to promote social progress and justice. The UME's members were active in a variety of social movements, including the civil rights movement, the women's movement, and the environmental movement.

The UME's Political Activism

The UME was a major force in Brazilian politics in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The UME's members were active in a variety of political parties and organizations, and they played a key role in the opposition to the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985.

The UME's political activism was based on the belief that Spiritism could provide a moral and spiritual foundation for social change. The UME's members argued that Spiritism could help to create a more just and equitable society by promoting values such as love, compassion, and solidarity.

The UME's Legacy

The UME was a major force in Brazilian Spiritism and politics in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The UME's legacy continues to influence Spiritism and politics in Brazil today. The UME's emphasis on social justice and activism has inspired a new generation of Spiritists to work for social change.

Conclusion

The Spiritist University Movement was a unique and important movement in the history of Spiritism and Brazilian politics. The UME's beliefs and practices were based on the teachings of Allan Kardec, but the UME interpreted these teachings in a progressive and activist way. The UME's members were active in a variety of social movements and political parties, and they played a key role in the opposition to the military dictatorship that ruled Brazil from 1964 to 1985. The UME's legacy continues to influence Spiritism and politics in Brazil today.