Mediatic-Digital Facets of Catholic Neo-Reactionism in Brazil

Abstract

This article aims to understand some mediatic-digital facets of Brazilian Catholic neo-reactionism, examining some of its subjects, their discursivities, and their theological ecclesial links vis-à-vis historical Catholic anti-modernist sources. This bibliographical-documentary research and essayistic reflection allows us to reflect on the concept of (neo)reactionism from a historical and conceptual viewpoint. Next, we examine neo-reactionism in the specific context of an accelerated and intense socio technical process of mediatization, in which media logics increasingly embeds religious practices. We then analyze some facets of Catholic neo-reactionism in observables situated amidst such mediatic-digital processes, particularly on the YouTube platform. To this end, we assume four main observation angles to identify elements that characterize the media-digital reaction of such subjects, namely: 1) the reception of Vatican II; 2) the relationship with the pontificate of Francis and the reception of his magisterium; 3) the relationship with the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops (CNBB) and the reception of its magisterium; 4) the reception of Latin nAmerican theologies, particularly liberation theologies. Finally, we state that the authority and credibility of such Catholic neo-reactionary subjects do not stem from theological knowledge (academia) or from ecclesiastical power (hierarchy), but rather from a mediatic-digital know how and power-to-do, which, in turn, earn them significant socio-religious recognition in digital networks.