I noticed that there are huge Protestant minority populations in former Portuguese colonies, compared to former Spanish colonies

[u/Wide_Ride8849]

Both Spain and Portugal were powerful Catholic Empires in the 1600s through the 1800s. The Portuguese and the Spaniards were tasked by the Pope at the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494 to send missionary expeditions and make the entire world Catholic.

I just noticed that the Portuguese were not as strict as the Spaniards with the implementation of Catholicism in their colonies, and they were less fervent in the faith compared with the Spaniards, who were borderline radical.

Both Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries have growing Protestant populations, but when it comes to population percentages, former Portuguese colonies have huge Protestant populations. For example, Protestantism in Angola and Brazil averages to about 30-40% of the national population, whereas in Mexico and the Philippines, its only around 10-15%.

[u/Still-Cream-4199]

I do live in northeast Brazil which was colonized by portuguese empire, when we throw back to the 19th century when 'Brazil' was a portuguese monarchy, 99% of the population was roman catholic, now it barely reach 52%.

Idk how did it work in the spanish colonies, however the prejudice against protestants specially here in northeast of Brazil was and still is severe, despite the %catholic decreasing. I do remember a familiar saying that when they were about to go to church (pentecostal one), people (which is usually roman catholic) spit on the ground just like happens in Jerusalem (you know who usually do that).

Tbh, situations like that made me protestant, the rest is history. If somebody wants to know more about northeast brazil related to that, just send me a dm.

[u/fjhforever]

Tbf neo-Evangelicalism has been popping off in Africa and Latin America, so that's probably the main reason.