On the reasons for the triumph of the Protestant mission enterprise in Latin America

Abstract

This article examines the remarkable success of Protestant missions in Latin America since the twentieth century, focusing on the strategies employed by these communities for the conversion of indigenous and peasant populations. Unlike the coercive tactics of colonial times, current missionaries use more subtle and materially attractive methods, such as the provision of education, health and community support. The study reveals that these tactics have led to significant growth in Protestant conversion in several countries, such as Brazil, Ecuador and Guatemala. However, the article also questions the true emancipation offered by these missions, arguing that conversion often becomes a form of social control that perpetuates dependence and submission under a new ideological framework. The sociopolitical implications of this phenomenon are discussed, highlighting how missionary strategies can align religious interests with conservative political agendas.