Espacialidades dos pequenos grupos ou grupos-células no contexto da igreja batista nordestina (PB/PE)

Abstract

This dissertation aimed to analyze the social relationships between members and leaders of small groups in the constitution of geographical spatialities in two Baptist churches located in the Northeast region of Brazil, both affiliated with the Brazilian Baptist Convention. The specific objectives were to gain a deeper understanding of the structuring structures of the religious phenomenon—specifically, the social relationships between members and leaders of small groups—and to identify the presence (or absence) of the elements proposed by Carl Rogers for a healthy social relationship: genuineness, acceptance, and understanding. Based on these objectives, the following research question was formulated: how are social relationships between members and leaders of small groups structured, and to what extent do these relationships contribute to the construction of healthy social bonds? The theoretical framework included a historical review of geography’s contributions to the study of the religious phenomenon. Along this path, the main contemporary trends in the geography of religion in Brazil were presented, especially the two main theoretical-methodological approaches related to sacred space. Sacred space was approached as a symbolic formation, in light of Ernst Cassirer’s Philosophy of Symbolic Forms and the contributions of geographers Sylvio Fausto Gil Filho and Clevisson Júnior Pereira. For the analysis of sociabilities within the small groups, Carl Rogers’ contributions regarding the conditions that foster healthy social relationships were incorporated. The study adopted a comprehensive methodological approach within the field of Human Geography, correlating the phenomenon of social relations in small groups within the evangelical Baptist religious context. Qualitative interviews were conducted with pastors, members, and small group leaders in two Baptist churches, and the data were analyzed using Thematic Content Analysis, as proposed by Laurence Bardin. The results of the analysis made it possible to identify relevant categories that highlight the structuring role of religious discourse and foundational discourse in the symbolic representations of the interviewees. In conclusion, it was found that the conditions sustaining social relationships within the small groups are strongly influenced by the structuring spatialities of the foundational and religious discourses, mediated by the symbolic form of religion.