Interpretations on messianism; Interpretações sobre o messianismo

In: Estudos sociedade e agricultura: revista semestral de ciências sociais aplicadas ao estudo do mundo rural, Band 26, Heft 1, S. 172-198

Abstract

This article approaches the theme of messianism with a concern for the determination of its function. For this reason we refer to sociological theory to know if messianic movements are revolutionary or reformist. The controversy reignites the debate about their pretense at a utopic character and their pre-political nature. The intention is to show that this controversy directly or indirectly marked a substantial part of Brazilian sociological literature dedicated to the theme.