The origin of Afro-Brazilian religions dates back to the Atlantic slave trade which took place in the 16th century. The Portuguese captured individuals from Bantu tribes and other West African communities. The slave trade involved the transfer of these people to Brazil, where they were sold into slavery. The interaction of slaves from different cultural and religious backgrounds led to the development of Afro-Brazilian religions which later spread throughout Brazil. Religions have not done this; however, they grew immediately as they faced opposition from the government of the time which recognized Roman Catholic as the only religion in Brazil. Attempts by Africans to worship in their own culture were thwarted until 1824, when the country passed a law allowing everyone to adhere to the religion of their choice. There are many religions in the world. Religions differ from community to community and region to region. Thanks to the recognition of freedom of worship, many religions have emerged, most of which are based on an individual's ethical background. Some religions are the result of the interaction of different cultures. This essay will focus on Afro-Brazilian religions which are said to be the result of the interaction of people from different cultural backgrounds. The essay will analyze religions and critically evaluate the effect of class, gender, and race on these religions. Communities involved. Due to the high demand for labor caused by the large sugar plantations in Brazil, a good number of Africans were transported to the county to provide work. The Africans brought to Brazil came from two main groups, the West African people and the Bantu. The main West African communities...... middle of paper ......Moura Silva and Alba Pedreira Vieira. 2007. Ballroom dancing as therapy for older people in Brazil. American Journal of Dance Therapy. Prandi, R. 2000. “African gods in contemporary Brazil: a sociological introduction to candomble today.” » International Sociology 15 (4) (December 1): 641-663. doi:10.1177/0268580900015004005.Sansi Roca, R. 2007. “Dinheiro Vivo: Money and Religion in Brazil.” » Critique of Anthropology 27 (3) (September 1): 319-339. doi:10.1177/0308275X07080360.Sansi, Roger. 2011. “Sanctuaries, substances and miracles in Afro-Brazilian Candomblé”. Anthropology and Medicine 18 (2) (August): 271-83. doi:10.1080/13648470.2011.591202.Selka, Stephen. 2007. “Mediated Authenticity: Tradition, Modernity and Postmodernity in Brazilian Candomblé.” » Nova Religio: The Journal of Alternative and Emerging Religions 11 (1) (August): 5-30. doi:10.1525/n°.2007.11.1.5.