Cell phones and their religions: technology consumption as an expression of faith among pentecostals and umbandistas

• Main Author: Sandra Rubia da Silva
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing 2015-12-01
• Series: Comunicação, Mídia e Consumo
• Subjects: Telefones celulares; Bluetooth; Consumo; Evangélicos; Umbanda
• Online Access: http://revistacmc.espm.br/index.php/revistacmc/article/view/1048

This article explores the connections between cell phone use and religiosity in a low-income community in South Brazil. Drawing from ethnographic data collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation, it describes the new social and cultural practices that have arisen as a result of the integration of cell phones in the lives of Pentecostals and followers of umbanda, the most popular Afro-Brazilian religion. The article examines the dynamics and meanings involved in the process of social change that negotiates and brings together technology and religion in unique ways, particularly focusing on the role of bluetooth as a phone function that addresses social inequalities. It is suggested that cell phones not only enable new possibilities for the expression and practice of faith, but also, similarly to religion, empower community members, thus becoming an instrument that can help them cope with poverty.