Christian Nationalism and Its Perilous Impact Explored in “Apocalypse in the Tropics”
Brazilian filmmaker Petra Costa continues to capture the political depths of her homeland while clearly connecting them to American dynamics. In her acclaimed 2019 documentary The Edge of Democracy, Costa illustrated the fragile balance of democratic norms—demonstrated by the peaceful transfer of power—which was later challenged in both Brazil and the United States. Now, with her new film Apocalypse in the Tropics, she turns her attention to the rising influence of Christian Nationalism, a force with roots reaching as far as American evangelical movements.
Documenting a Religious Awakening
While filming The Edge of Democracy, Costa encountered an unsettling scene in the Brazilian Congress. Instead of reasoned debate during a tumultuous impeachment process, she found lawmakers blessing their seats and engaging in fervent displays of faith. A congressman and pastor even handed Costa a Bible, urging her to embrace Jesus, a moment that marked the beginning of her deep exploration into the intertwining of religion and politics in Brazil.
Costa recalls how this encounter ignited her awareness of a growing trend in Brazilian politics—a shift powered by a fusion of religious fervor and far-right ideology. In her view, the traditional Christian call to “love thy neighbor as thyself” has been overshadowed by a more radical doctrine derived from the apocalyptic imagery of the Bible’s final book. This ideology, Costa explains, justifies the destruction of enemies rather than promoting peace and coexistence.
A Troubling Intersection of Faith and Politics
The documentary highlights how the apocalyptic strain of Christian Nationalism has seeped into political discourse. Costa points out that unlike mainstream Christianity—which often emphasizes care for the downtrodden—the nationalist variant fixates on the violent imagery found in the Book of Revelation. Such beliefs echo in the rhetoric of political figures who advocate for eliminating their adversaries without compromise.
This alarming alignment is not confined to Brazil. Former U.S. President Trump famously used incendiary language toward his opponents, encouraging a militant response against those he deemed traitors. His past posts and public statements, which call for decisive and even militarized actions, mirror the aggressive tone of Christian Nationalist messaging.
Violence, Political Turbulence, and the Erosion of Democratic Norms
The film also sheds light on recent instances of political violence. Figures linked with Christian Nationalist circles have been implicated in severe incidents, including the tragic killing of a Minnesota state representative and a state senator along with his spouse. Such acts exemplify how this ideology—built on the notion that America is a nation ordained exclusively for Christians—stands in stark opposition to the constitutional guarantees of freedom and pluralism.
Costa further observes that the United States, the pioneer of separating church and state, now finds itself at a crossroads. The infusion of religious extremism into politics appears to have provided ideological fuel for movements reminiscent of the old “moral majority,” a sentiment that underpinned much of Trump’s political base.
Symbols, Tattoos, and the Weaponization of Faith
One striking example cited in the documentary is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose public image is intertwined with Christian Nationalist symbolism. Adorned with a Jerusalem (or Crusader) Cross and a tattoo alluding to a biblical verse that promises a sword rather than peace, Hegseth represents the potent merger of religious imagery and nationalist politics. Costa warns that fully entwining religion with governance not only distorts democratic practices but also sets the stage for a return to sectarian conflict.
She underscores the importance of engaging with the millions for whom religion remains a central part of daily life. Recognizing and understanding these beliefs, Costa argues, is crucial if society is to maintain the separation of church and state—a safeguard originally designed to protect communities from internal religious persecution.
A Call for Caution
Petra Costa’s Apocalypse in the Tropics serves as a cautionary tale. The film challenges viewers to reflect on the potentially dangerous consequences of allowing extremist religious ideologies to dominate political discourse. In an era marked by polarization and escalating political violence, preserving a vibrant, inclusive democracy requires a deliberate effort to bridge ideological divides and maintain the secular boundaries that have long underpinned stable governance.
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