How To Academy Podcast Filmmaker Petra Costa - Apocalyptic Christianity and the Rise of the Far-Right
Jul 15, 2025
Petra Costa, a Brazilian filmmaker renowned for her Oscar-nominated work on democracy, dives deep into Brazil's political turmoil. She discusses her latest documentary, exploring how evangelical Christianity has wedged itself into far-right movements. The impact of familial political divides on her filmmaking journey comes to light, alongside the rise of Dominion theology within Brazilian evangelicalism. Costa warns of the chaos this presents to democracy, stressing the need for dialogue in today’s polarized society.
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Personal Catalyst for Film
- Petra Costa shares a personal moment in Congress where a pastor handed her a Bible and urged her to accept Jesus Christ.
- This event sparked her journey to explore evangelical Christianity's deep political influence in Brazil.
Apocalyptic Dominion Theology
- Silas Malafaia's theology includes Dominion theology and apocalyptic premillennialism, influencing radical political actions.
- This apocalyptic belief allows some evangelicals to welcome chaos as a means to hasten the return of Jesus Christ.
Rapid Evangelical Growth Factors
- Evangelicalism grew from 5% to 30% in Brazil in 30 years largely due to socially adaptive, non-hierarchical structures.
- US evangelical lobbying efforts and Cold War politics also helped convert Brazilian politicians.