“EVEN IF HE IS DEAD HE WILL LIVE”

OBSERVING A FUNERAL SERVICE AT THE EVANGELICAL ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, IN IMPERATRIZ-MA

Abstract

Life and death are related differently and conceived differently by various cultures. Each one with its traditions, beliefs and rituals loaded with meanings and symbolism. This work aims to describe and analyze a “funeral service” among Pentecostal evangelicals from the Evangelical Assembly of God Church, in Imperatriz-MA (IEADI), understanding the meanings of this ritual. The research took place through an excursion into the field, aiming to carry out direct observation of behaviors and speeches, as well as using interviews and informal conversations as methods. To this purpose, we will use an interdisciplinary perspective that engages with History, Sociology and Anthropology, seeking to understand religion as a cultural system. Thus, we can see that among these evangelicals, the funeral service is the moment to say a final goodbye to the deceased and an opportunity to reinforce their worldviews, for themselves and for others, regarding their posthumous destinies.