JESUS OF THE PEOPLE: DECOLONIAL BIBLE READING

Abstract

The hermeneutical turn in theology proposed by Claude Geffré strengthens creative interpretations and applications of the Christian message beyond all ecclesial boundaries. In Brazil, samba schools often create counter-hegemonic narratives inspired by the Bible. In the 2020 carnival, for example, the Estação Primeira de Mangueira Samba School chose the theme “The Truth will make you free”, that showed “Jesus of the people” in a decolonial way. Such a biblical interpretation breaks away from hegemonic cultural patterns and serves as inspiration for contextual theologies that welcome other subjects, other grammars of representation, and other places of annunciation, what can be seen as a novelty in Theology. The purpose of this article is to reflect, in an incipient way, on reading the bible from an inculturated, liberating and decolonial perspective. The dialogue between Geffré’s hermeneutical theology and decolonial thought, in the context of the Brazilian carnival, will guide our reflection.

KEYWORDS: Hermeneutical theology. Decoloniality. Biblical reading.