A igreja como espaço de pertencimento e cuidado: uma leitura teológico-sociológica da modernidade líquida

Abstract

The social, cultural, and spiritual transformations of contemporary times challenge the historical role of the church as a space of meaning, identity, and belonging. In a society marked by fluidity, acceleration, and fragmentation, as described by Zygmunt Bauman, human bonds have become fragile and institutions have lost part of their structuring power. In this context, belonging—a fundamental human need—has become scarce. Religion, once a reference for stability and direction, now faces the challenge of offering meaning amid pluralization and secularization. This article proposes to reflect on how the church can respond theologically and pastorally to this crisis of belonging. Based on Berger and Bauman, it argues that the church can remain relevant if it intentionally lives out its vocation as a “community of care,” a concept proposed by Jorge Henrique Barro, fostering love, edification, and mutual care—thus becoming a space of genuine communion in the midst of liquid modernity.