The History of Sunday School in Brazil

The Origins of Sunday School

Sunday School (EBD) has its roots deeply linked to the history of Brazil, having been officially introduced in the country on August 19, 1855. This significant milestone in Brazilian religious education occurred in the city of Petrópolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, through the hands of Scottish missionaries Robert and Sara Kalley. This couple, driven by their fervor for evangelization and desire to teach, organized the first class aimed specifically at children, being a fundamental step for the dissemination of biblical knowledge in a new cultural context.

Scottish missionaries played a crucial role in the formation of Sunday School in Brazil, not only establishing the first school, but also introducing the concept of religious education as an essential component in the process of spiritual formation for children. With a methodology that included Bible studies, prayer, and playful activities focused on learning, Sunday School quickly became an important space for the evangelization of children. The impact of these missionaries was amplified by the need of the time, since many Brazilians did not have access to formal education, and Sunday School offered a viable alternative that combined religious instruction with general learning.

Sunday School soon began to spread throughout different regions of Brazil, as more churches adopted the model proposed by Kalley and other missionaries. This spread not only reinforced the importance of religious education in communities, but also provided a space where children could be taught Christian principles in a welcoming environment. Over the years, Sunday School has evolved, but its origins remain rooted in the evangelistic passion and educational commitment of the missionaries who arrived in Brazil in the 19th century.

The First Sunday School Magazine and its Lessons

Sunday School (EBD) in Brazil took a significant step forward in its teaching methodology with the launch of its first magazine, entitled Betel Dominical . This publication was founded on a desire to unify and enrich biblical teaching in churches. Betel Dominical not only offered structured lessons, but also ensured a standard of quality and consistency in the content covered in Sunday classes.

The impact of the Sunday School Bethel on religious education was profound and far-reaching. From its introduction, this magazine became an essential source of educational material, shaping the way lessons were taught to Sunday School students. The first class using lessons from this magazine took place on October 6, 1991. At this inaugural event, commentator Manoel Ferreira played a crucial role in introducing the central theme, which was 'study on the Holy Spirit'. This study not only initiated a new cycle of teaching, but also instigated relevant discussions on the nature and importance of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life.

Manoel Ferreira's participation was a milestone, as he brought an approach that was accessible and at the same time profound, facilitating the understanding of concepts with practical application. This allowed students of different ages to engage more meaningfully with the biblical message. The lesson on the Holy Spirit, presented in a clear and direct way, was an invitation for all those present to explore their own spiritual experiences and grow together in understanding and practicing faith.

These lessons, based on the Word of God and presented in a contextualized way, were essential to form the basis of studies in Sunday School, promoting an educational development that persists to this day.

Robert Raikes and the Sunday School Movement

Robert Raikes, an 18th-century English journalist, is widely recognized as the founder of the Sunday School concept. In a context marked by the Industrial Revolution, where many children were forced to work in factories, Raikes saw the urgent need to provide a safe and educational space for these young people. Thus, he established the first Sunday School in 1780, in Gloucester, with the aim of providing elementary education and biblical instruction to underprivileged children. His vision was to create an alternative to backbreaking labor, allowing children to become literate and, at the same time, receive moral teachings according to the Bible.

However, the creation of the Sunday School movement was not without controversy. Raikes faced significant resistance from religious and social leaders of the time, who saw his initiatives as a threat to traditional methods of religious education. Many believed that early childhood instruction should be reserved for more formal and controlled settings, such as the home or church, rather than in a school that grouped children from different social backgrounds together. This opposition from various quarters, including criticism that Raikes was introducing a secular method of teaching, was a barrier to the development of the movement.

The Impact of EBD on Brazilian Society

Sunday School (EBD) has played a significant role in the spiritual and social formation of Brazilians since its introduction in the country. Initially used as a religious teaching tool in evangelical churches, EBD has expanded to become an important means of religious and community education, reaching different age groups and different regions of Brazil. Over the years, EBD has provided a solid foundation of learning, which is not limited to biblical knowledge, but also includes moral and ethical issues that promote the development of individuals' character.

Over time, Sunday School has faced several challenges, especially related to sociocultural changes and the growing religious diversity in Brazil. In recent years, the lack of interest in traditional religious institutions and the growing influence of digital technologies have represented significant obstacles. However, Sunday School has adapted to these new realities. Churches have started offering online classes and multimedia resources, facilitating the involvement of new generations seeking a modern form of spiritual learning.

Furthermore, Sunday School has established itself as an important tool for social integration. Several missionary projects, social assistance initiatives and community activities have emerged from the mobilization of Sunday School groups, promoting not only the involvement of the faithful, but also benefiting entire communities. Thus, Sunday School has contributed to the formation of a sense of belonging and social responsibility, essential characteristics for building a more supportive society.

In a Brazilian context marked by constant transformations, Sunday School remains a relevant source of teaching and experiencing the Christian faith, constantly adapting to the needs of society and the demands of each new generation.