RELIGIÃO E POLÍTICA: INFLUÊNCIA DA RETÓRICA RELIGIOSA NAS ELEIÇÕES PRESIDENCIAIS DE 2018 E 2022

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the influence of voters’ and candidates’ religious beliefs and identities on the outcomes of the Brazilian presidential elections of 2018 and 2022, as well as on the political rhetoric employed during these campaigns. The general objective is to analyze how religious discourse impacted political decision-making in these elections through the review and analysis of studies, candidate speeches, campaign materials, government programs, and public statements. Specific objectives include: understanding the impact of religious discourse on voters’ opinion formation; examining candidates’ use of religious narratives during the campaigns; analyzing how political proposals aligned with religious agendas; and identifying the factors that explain the change in electoral performance of the same candidate across both elections. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis of political discourse, supported by recent academic literature on religion and politics, along with a bibliographic review addressing religious pluralism, the secular state, and voter behavior. Findings show that, while socioeconomic and ideological factors also shaped electoral choices, religious rhetoric played a central role in political strategy and voter mobilization, particularly among evangelical leaders. As a final product, the dissertation proposes the development of an elective high school course combining Religious Studies and Philosophy, aiming to promote critical and civic education for future voters by encouraging ethical reflection on the political use of faith in contemporary Brazilian politics.