Figure 1.-This portrait depicts two sibling in São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We think only the girl may be doing her first Communion day (May 18, 1939). A reader tells us that the photograph could have been taken in Europe. We have not noticed angel wings like that in Europe. We are mot sure, but they may be props provided by the photographer rather than an outfit created by mother.

Latin America has been dominted by the Roman Catholic Church imposed by the Spanish Conquistadores and Inquisition (16th century). There was a major debte over religion after independence with Liberals and Conservatives differing on the proper role of the Church in society (19th century). Only after World War II, however, did the religious environnment in Latin America begin to become more diverse. There have been two major influences. First, without the Inquistion, Protestantism began to enter the region. With little institutional support, Potestantism has grown throughout the region. Led by evangelicals, they commonly have more committed followers than those of the established Catholic Church. There are still more Catholics, but the intensity of Protestnt belief is much higher than among Catholics. Catholic services are often poorly attended. Second, Marxism began to attract adherents, and leaders like Fidel Castro have sharply resticted the role of the Church. And within the Church we see the development of Liberation Theology. The videa was basically to spread the wealth around, only socities that try that generally create wide-spread poverty in sharp cointrast to countries with core capaitalist ecomomies. Notably, Liberation Theology is primarily a movement primarily within the Catholic Church and has made little headway among Protestant parishoners who tend to be strong supporters of Capitslism. Today authors are begining the discuss the decline of Catholic culture in the region. Another related development is that we now have a Socialist pope from Latin America. Pope Francis is highly critical of Capitalism and very vocsl about it, but at the same time it is donations from American parishes that is financing the many admirable world-wide world of the Church. And of course those donations are only possible becuse of the wealth generating power of Capitalism compared to the wealth destroying impact of Socialism. The economy of Pope Francis' native Argentina is such a perfect example. Another interesting, but minor development is the Mennonite and Old Believer communities in Latin America.

Created: 4:23 AM 5/17/2021
Last updated: 4:23 AM 5/17/2021