My Gang is Jesus
Brazil's evangelicals face the temptations of the drug trade
Cuadros, Alex
Publisher: Harper's Magazine
Year Published: 2019
Resource Type: Article
Examines the use of religion by gang members as a source of community and support; highlighting the complex relationship between gang culture and religion.
Abstract:
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Excerpt:
The gangs see the church as neutral, Martins said. Pastors often preach in communties whee they grew up, and would never report a local traficante to the police. This allows them to mediate conflicts with a unique sort of authority. He told me about a pastor who'd saved somone from a gang's death sentence by citing Matthew 5:7, to the executioner: "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
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