O Livro de Mormon no Brasil germânico de Vargas: tradução, publicação e apropriação (1937-1944)

Abstract

The Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, are a peculiar Christian community. Besides the Bible, they consider other sacred scriptures as part of their canon. The Book of Mormon is regarded by its adherents as “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone” of their belief. In Brazil, the proselytism of this religion began in the late 1920s, among colonies of German immigrants in the South and Southeast of the country. Despite the belief's expansion, there were not enough followers to sustain a strong ecclesiastical organization, prompting the leadership to plan the translation of their sacred book for the Portuguese-speaking population. This research aims to analyze the quality of the translation and determine if Mormon leaders deemed it satisfactory, ensuring that the doctrine was not compromised and that the local leaders' speeches were not distorted. Additionally, the possible consequences of this effort and its immediate impact on the appropriation of the book among community members will be examined. The scope of the research covers the period from the beginning of the translation project in 1937 until the return of Mormon missionaries to the USA due to World War II in 1944