Latest news with #ChristianFundamentalism
IOL News
30-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Public discourse is good for South Africa, but it must be healthy and respectful of others
Respectful wide-ranging exchange of views good for society In a world increasingly defined by polarised opinions and contentious debates, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has become a focal point for discourse in various media outlets worldwide. The Daily News has received a flurry of letters from passionate, esteemed writers have contributed to an intricate dialogue about the intersection of religion, history, and politics surrounding this issue. While this publication remains committed to informing and educating its readers, the delicate nature of these discussions presents both a challenge and an opportunity to facilitate understanding. We value the contributions of our letter writers, which provide a rich tapestry of viewpoints on Zionism, Christian Fundamentalism, and Islam. These letters exemplify the diversity of opinions that exist in our society, promoting a nuanced discussion about an extraordinarily complex issue. Each entry serves not only as an individual opinion but as part of a broader conversation about global ramifications and historical contexts. As the editor of the Daily News, my responsibility is to curate these discussions while balancing the presentation of differing viewpoints. Our editorial policy promotes open dialogue, reflecting a commitment to fostering a space where even controversial ideas can be exchanged. However, it is important to delineate the boundaries of this discourse; we cannot condone hate speech or racist rhetoric, nor can we allow for the promotion of violence and discrimination. While we encourage ongoing examination of the Israeli-Palestinian issue, it is essential to consider our own pressing national concerns. South Africa stands at a precipice, and it is in this introspection that we may find the roots for real change. After all, as the saying goes, 'charity begins at home.' Engaging with our local issues may not only provide the respite needed from global complexities but also foster a broader understanding of struggle, resilience, and hope.
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Apocalypse in the Tropics review – how Brazilian politics succumbed to rightwing fundamentalism
Petra Costa's documentary tells a grim story about modern Brazil and leaves it up to us to decide if it has a happy ending. Apocalypse in the Tropics is about the country's political leaders' addiction to rightwing Christian fundamentalism, US-style prayer breakfasts, and a particular enthusiasm for the Book of Revelations, whose apocalyptic rhetoric is used to amplify all manner of conspiracist, xenophobic screeching. The politicians have a close association to televangelists like the always angry Pastor Silas Malafaia, interviewed at some length here, a strange man thrilled and energised by his own national celebrity and wealth, though irritated by questioning about his private plane, whose value, he says, has depreciated from over a million dollars new to about $800,000. Malafaia is someone for whom an ear-splittingly shrill and boorish rant about gays and communists is a natural mode of communication. The Christian caucus helped deliver the fiercely reactionary, blandly self-satisfied Jair Bolsonaro to the Brazilian presidency in 2019, though Bolsonaro's callous and incompetent handling of Covid probably sowed the seeds for discontent with his posturing rule. But the film also shows how the Workers' Party ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – known universally as 'Lula' – ran again for the presidency in 2021 and was careful to court the evangelical vote. Lula won in 2022 – and Bolsonaro, in Trumpian style, refused to concede, encouraged a coup and incited his supporters to storm government buildings. But what now? Is Lula simply the Brazilian Biden, ageing and uninspiring? Will someone else be the second coming of the Brazilian far right? Could it be the gruesome Pastor Malafaia himself perhaps? Or would he find the subsequent press scrutiny of all his personal dealings disagreeable? Democracy has never looked so vulnerable. Apocalypse in the Tropics is in cinemas from 11 July and on Netflix from 14 July.
The Guardian
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Apocalypse in the Tropics review – how Brazilian politics succumbed to rightwing fundamentalism
Petra Costa's documentary tells a grim story about modern Brazil and leaves it up to us to decide if it has a happy ending. Apocalypse in the Tropics is about the country's political leaders' addiction to rightwing Christian fundamentalism, US-style prayer breakfasts, and a particular enthusiasm for the Book of Revelations, whose apocalyptic rhetoric is used to amplify all manner of conspiracist, xenophobic screeching. The politicians have a close association to televangelists like the always angry Pastor Silas Malafaia, interviewed at some length here, a strange man thrilled and energised by his own national celebrity and wealth, though irritated by questioning about his private plane, whose value, he says, has depreciated from over a million dollars new to about $800,000. Malafaia is someone for whom an ear-splittingly shrill and boorish rant about gays and communists is a natural mode of communication. The Christian caucus helped deliver the fiercely reactionary, blandly self-satisfied Jair Bolsonaro to the Brazilian presidency in 2019, though Bolsonaro's callous and incompetent handling of Covid probably sowed the seeds for discontent with his posturing rule. But the film also shows how the Workers' Party ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva – known universally as 'Lula' – ran again for the presidency in 2021 and was careful to court the evangelical vote. Lula won in 2022 – and Bolsonaro, in Trumpian style, refused to concede, encouraged a coup and incited his supporters to storm government buildings. But what now? Is Lula simply the Brazilian Biden, ageing and uninspiring? Will someone else be the second coming of the Brazilian far right? Could it be the gruesome Pastor Malafaia himself perhaps? Or would he find the subsequent press scrutiny of all his personal dealings disagreeable? Democracy has never looked so vulnerable. Apocalypse in the Tropics is in cinemas from 11 July and on Netflix from 14 July.
