A Shift in Religion for the Brazilian Youth

Would you be more likely to attend church if you could see a fighting match or play video games before you heard the sermon? Or what if your church had a tattoo parlor and played reggae music?

In Brazil, there has been a new growth in evangelical churches using these techniques and more to connect with the younger generation in hopes of sparking a revival in faith and giving adolescents "the flexibility of religious expression."

Despite Brazil's deep connection to Catholicism, younger people are becoming more willing to experiment with their religion and between 1950 and 2000, the number of proclaimed evangelicals is five times greater, reaching 15% in 2000.

This article in the New York Times provides interesting details about the religiously backed fight night events and interesting perspectives of the pastors that are reaching out to the Brazilian youth: "Fight Nights and Reggae Pack Brazilian Churches"