Portuguese in Portugal

Introduction / History

The nation of Portugal is located on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe. Portugal became independent of Spain in the 1100s. Despite its relatively small size, about the size of the US state of Maine, Portugal was a world power from the 15th to early 19th century.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many Portuguese rent homes. There is a lack of electricity and tap water in the villages. Fish is the most liked food among the Portuguese, especially cod. The Portuguese work in industry and in the civil service. On the Algarve (the southernmost region) they work in tourism.
Soccer is the favorite sport among them. They like going to cafes. In Portugal there is little violent crime, and it is classed as one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Since the 1980s, Portugal's economy has been steadily improving. Portugal is a member of NATO and the European Union. Leading industries include banking, agriculture, fishing, wood pulp, mining, and tourism. Portugal is the leading cork producer in the world. Large deposits of lithium have recently been discovered in Portugal. Lithium is used in batteries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The large majority of native Portuguese identify are members of the Roman Catholic Church. The small percent of Evangelicals is slowly increasing, and the gospel is moving among the Portuguese all over the world. The majority, however, are baptized, married and buried in the Catholic Church. Their faith is not an active part of their lives with only a small percentage attending mass on a weekly basis. They are becoming more secular.
Evangelicals and Roman Catholics have much in common including beliefs in the deity of Christ, the Trinity and the inspiration of the Bible. Evangelicals disagree with Catholics with regard to the primacy of the Bishop of Rome and the practice of praying to Mary and the saints. There is also a disagreement regarding the role of works in salvation. Evangelicals say that salvation is by faith in Christ alone while many Catholics believe that works are necessary for salvation.

What Are Their Needs?

The Portuguese must see that their nominal, traditional religion will not result in the forgiveness of their sins or a meaningful, fulfilled life. Biblical Christianity is a love relationship with God through Jesus Christ, not merely a tradition or system of laws and morals.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send Spirit-filled missionaries and Bible teachers to the Portuguese in Portugal.
Pray for a Christ-centered revival in the Roman Catholic Church that will result in Portuguese Christ followers discipling others.
Pray many Portuguese priests and bishops come to know a personal, love relationship with Christ and teach it during mass.
Pray the Portuguese will listen to radio and TV programs which teach the way to know Christ in a living, biblical way.

Text Source:   Joshua Project