Moral Majorities across the Americas

“[A] persuasive study of evangelical Protestant conservatism in the Western hemisphere. Focusing on the relationship between right-wing religious and political conservatives in the United States and Brazil, Cowan constructs a nuanced argument that religious and political conservatism in these two countries are deeply entwined and often work in concert. . . . This deeply researched, closely argued work will be a valuable contribution.”—Publishers Weekly

“Cowan’s work is a major milestone in the recent history of the religious Right.”—CHOICE

“Cowan’s book offers a timely contribution to the study of religious movements in Latin America.”—H-LatAm

“A fascinating history. . . . Cowan’s book is valuable for shedding light on both the surprising interconnectedness of reactionary traditionalism in [Brazil and the United States] and the deep-seated nature of religious conservatism in Brazil.”–Religious Studies Review

“Much has been written about the religious right in U.S. contexts, as if it grew and operated in a vacuum. In this bold, pathbreaking, and beautifully written book, Benjamin Cowan not only maps out deep connections between American and Brazilian conservatives but also proves just how essential Brazilian thinkers, activists, and institutions were to making the right-wing surge in both countries possible. Cowan is a trendsetter who will force historians to cast a wider, global gaze when trying to make sense of populist religion’s expansive political reach, both past and present.”—Darren Dochuk, author of Annointed with Oil: How Christianity and Crude Made Modern America

“Built on Herculean research, beautifully written, and meticulously argued, this book convincingly shows how adherents of the Brazilian religious right, prioritizing their opposition to communism and their unity around moral issues, not only supported the military dictatorship in Brazil throughout its twenty-one-year rule but also played a fundamental role in the development and consolidation of a powerful transnational conservative movement.”—James N. Green, author of We Cannot Remain Silent