Religião e poder:

Dominação e resistência intercultural em perspectiva decolonial

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between religion, power and interculturality as a form of resistance, in light of sociological theories of domination and decoloniality. Religion is understood as an instrument for converting symbolic capital into social power, operating both in the maintenance of hierarchies and in the promotion of resistance and in fostering intercultural dialogue. The study addresses: a) the concepts of "religious capital" and its relationship with symbolic power and decoloniality; b) colonial power schemes and the search for resistance in the religious field, under the ambivalent perspectives of religion in society; c) the relevance of interculturality in the decolonial process as a transformative practice in confronting colonial structures and the resignification of Christian theology from libertarian movements. The methodology is based on a bibliographic review, highlighting the interaction between religion, cultural practices and social dynamics. The results indicate that religion, while reinforcing oppressive systems by legitimizing inequalities, can also become a catalyst for cultural resistance and social justice. By emphasizing decoloniality, the need to destabilize Eurocentric paradigms and recognize epistemological plurality in understanding the role of religion in contemporary societies is highlighted.