CHRIST AT THE CROSSROADS:

THE CONNECTION BETWEEN CANDOMBLÉ AND CHRISTIANITY

Abstract

In a context marked by intolerance and religious racism, the reviewed work proposes inter-religious dialogue as a way to overcome the historical dichotomies between Afro-Brazilian religions and Christianity. The book presents the respectful and fraternal exchange between the Methodist pastor Cláudio Ribeiro and the Jeje-Nagô Candomblé priest João Tokunbó Carneiro, highlighting the convergences between their spiritualities. Despite its theological density, the text remains accessible and fluid. Themes such as faith, ethics, community, spirituality and otherness are addressed in depth, revealing that love and solidarity are principles common to both traditions. The book is structured in chapters that revolve around the “encounter” — with faith, with others, with oneself, with nature and with history — always emphasizing the importance of listening, mutual respect and plurality. The review highlights that both the Christian tradition and Candomblé value memory, ancestry, sharing and care for others and for nature. By recognizing the other as legitimate in their difference, the authors demonstrate that it is possible to break with the logic of religious competition and build a theology of love, communion and plural coexistence.