Spiritism in Rio Grande do Sul

This book presents the reflections of a historical research that focuses on the organization of the Spiritist movement in the state of Rio Grande do Sul choosing as its object of analysis the activities of the Spiritist Federation of Rio Grande do Sul (FERGS) between 1934 and 1959. Using the periodical A Reencarnação as a source of research among other documentary elements it identifies and reflects on its proposals for institutional and doctrinal organization considering the relationship between the entity and Spiritism with other social agents and its insertion in the religious field. The study points to a series of initiatives developed throughout this period focused on the dissemination of Spiritism the standardization of discourses and ritual practices and the definition of forms of action in the social space. Asserting itself as a representative body capable of protecting Spiritism and its practitioners from legal constraints as well as from opposition from the medical and religious fields FERGS and its proposal for institutional organization emerged during this period as a consistent means for the dissemination and consolidation of Spiritism in Rio Grande do Sul society.