Espaço e identidade: o conflito religioso entre católicos militantes, protestantes e maçons em Manhumirim (1928-1944)

Abstract

In this thesis, we analyze the relationship between urban space and cultural identity during the religious conflict that took place between Catholics, Freemasons and Protestants in Manhumirim, Minas Gerais, between the 1920s and 1940s. Júlio Maria de Lombaerde, priest who implanted in the city a militant and enterprising Catholicism, characterized by cohesion and social mobilization in favor of the construction of Catholic enterprises – churches, schools, seminary - and by the position refractory to non-Catholic groups, such as Spiritists, Freemasons and, especially Protestants. To this end, records in reports and other institutional documents served as a primary source, as well as articles produced by the leaders of the groups that fought each other, published in local and institutional periodicals – Manhumirim and O Lutador. The theoretical framework used in this research is based on the concepts of "established", "outsiders", "conflict", "violence", "space", "identity" and "difference", according to authors such as: Elias and Scotson (2000); Pasquino (1998); Stoppino (1998); Navarro (2007) and Silva (2000). The methodology used is Content Analysis, theorized by Laurence Bardin (2000). The main objective is to highlight the use of derogatory stigmas from opponents and the appropriation and transformation of the city's physical space – with the construction of monumental buildings linked to the religious sphere and with temporary occupations through parades, preaching and processions -, actions that contributed to the formation, affirmation and depreciation of the identities of the social actors involved in the clash.