Examining the Rise of Christian Nationalism in “Apocalypse in the Tropics”
Brazilian filmmaker Petra Costa has long made documentaries that speak directly to both Brazilian society and American politics. In her latest work, Apocalypse in the Tropics, Costa turns her focus to the surge of Christian Nationalism in Brazil—a movement whose influence now stretches far beyond its origins and raises serious concerns for democracies on both sides of the Atlantic.
From Democratic Transitions to Political Upheaval
Costa’s earlier film, The Edge of Democracy, demonstrated the critical importance of a peaceful power transfer in maintaining democratic norms. The violent disruptions seen in Brazil following the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, and echoes closer to home exemplified by the turbulent transfer related to former U.S. President Donald Trump, provide context for the disturbing ascent of a new political force.
Apocalypse in the Tropics documents how Christian Nationalism—an ideology emerging as a radical offshoot of evangelical Christianity—has gained prominence. While traditional Christian teachings often stress compassion and caring for the downtrodden, Costa explains that this new strain of belief is fixated on apocalyptic narratives. The movement draws heavily from the closing chapters of the Bible, where imagery of destruction and divine judgment replaces the message of love and reconciliation that Jesus preached.
Religious Rhetoric and the Politics of Division
Costa recalls a seminal moment during the production of her earlier documentary. While filming in the corridors of power in Brazil, she encountered congressmen engaging in religious rituals rather than discussing pressing political issues. One such encounter left her with a Bible and a stark warning—that in a government led by those who view themselves as divinely ordained, the fate of the nation rests solely in God’s hands. This early experience served as a wake-up call to the shifts reshaping Brazilian politics.
The filmmaker contrasts the traditional, compassionate strand of Christianity with the militant tenor of Christian Nationalist rhetoric. Instead of uplifting messages like “love thy neighbor,” the emphasis has turned to violent imagery—a call to “annihilate your enemies” that mirrors the harsh rhetoric employed by far-right political figures. This dangerous fusion of religious zeal and extremist ideology, Costa warns, undermines the very idea of democratic coexistence, which depends on respecting and engaging with one’s adversaries.
The Impact on American Politics
According to Costa, the influence of Christian Nationalism is not confined to Brazil. Its reach extends into the United States, where similar ideas have energized segments of the electorate and fueled incendiary political messaging. She notes that echoes of this ideology are evident in stark statements from figures within the Republican Party, as well as in the provocative social media outbursts and campaign promises reminiscent of a bygone era of ideological warfare.
Instances of politically motivated violence have also been linked to the movement. Recent attacks and assassinations in political settings have drawn connections to extremist groups that subscribe to Christian Nationalist beliefs. Furthermore, high-profile political figures sporting symbols and tattoos with religious significance are seen by some as representing a shift toward a more overt and dangerous linkage between religion and state power.
Protecting Democratic Values in an Age of Extremism
Costa stresses that while the United States was founded with an explicit separation between church and state, there is now an emerging, deliberate effort to merge religion with politics. This fusion, she argues, threatens to reverse hard-won democratic safeguards and could lead society back into a time of religious hostility and civil strife.
She urges a renewed dialogue about the role of faith in public life, emphasizing that ignoring the importance of religion means alienating a fundamental part of many citizens’ identities. At the same time, Costa insists on the necessity of maintaining a strict separation between religious institutions and political governance. Such a boundary, she believes, is essential for preventing the kinds of conflicts that once tore nations apart in the era of religious wars.
Ultimately, Apocalypse in the Tropics serves as both a warning and a call to preserve the intricate mechanisms of coexistence that underpin modern democracies. Costa’s work challenges viewers to reflect on the disruptive power of merging divine authority with political ambition—a trend that, if left unchecked, could propel society down a perilous and regressive path.
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