Inri Cristo
Encyclopedia
Inri Cristo is a Brazilian religious leader who claims to be Jesus Christ reincarnated
. He is well-known for his many appearances in the media of Brazil and other countries as well.
Inri Cristo regularly participates in lively debates with religious figures, such as priest Oscar González Quevedo
, and also appears in interviews and comedy shows. His provocative statements about evolutionism
, vegetarianism
, overpopulation
, birth control
, abortion
, atheism
, socialism
and capitalism
, growth of overall disillusionment, and World War III
have stirred much commentary and controversy.
Since childhood, Inri has claimed to obey a "powerful voice" that speaks inside his head. Obedient to this voice, he left home at thirteen to live independently of his family. In adolescence he worked as a greengrocer, baker, delivery boy, peddler and waiter. Eventually, Inri severed all ties to Christianity, becoming atheist, until received what he calls the "revelation of his identity".
and astrologer, introducing himself as "Iuri de Nostradamus
". Speaking on Brazilian radio, he predicted the future and advised people with their personal problems.
In 1971, he began speaking on television, with TV Morena (an affiliate of Brazilian Rede Globo
), and this opportunity introduced him to a wider audience. In 1976, claiming to blaze the trail of spiritual transcendence
, Inri became vegetarian. In 1977 he lived for some time in Copacabana Palace
hotel, in Rio de Janeiro
, a part of high society. In 1978, he left Brazil on a tour through Latin America
, speaking on radio.
In 1979, obeying the same powerful voice that he claims to have heard since childhood, he underwent a fast
in Santiago, Chile
. On this occasion, he says, the voice said in a rasping voice, "I am your Father", and revealed itself to be the God of Abraham
, of Isaac
, and of Jacob
.
This voice, he says, said that he was the same Christ crucified two thousand years ago under Pontius Pilate
. It also said that the second letter of his name (the "u" in "Iuri") would henceforth be upside down, making his name "Inri", the acronym for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum. Inri launched a pilgrimage over many countries, dressed in a white tunic and sandals, announcing that his mission would be accomplished in the dawn of a New Age
of peace.
Inri wandered over 27 countries spreading his message. In 1980, Inri was expelled from the United States
, from Venezuela
and from England
. France
sheltered him for nine months and even announced in Antenne 2: "Le Christ est revenu sur la terre" ("Christ is back on Earth"). On this occasion, Inri was invited to speak in the Grande École Polytechnique de Paris. Back in Brazil, on February 28, 1982 Inri performed what he calls a "libertarian act". He broke into the cathedral in Belém
in Pará
state. Accused of profanation and vandalism by the clergy, he was sent to jail for fifteen days. On this occasion, he established a new mystical order, SOUST (Suprema Ordem Universal da Santissima Trindade), that he calls the formalization of the promised Kingdom of God
on Earth
. On April 20, 1982, Inri Cristo officially establishment of SOUST in Curitiba
, Paraná
, where he remained for 24 years in a "provisional" headquarters.
Inri Cristo now lives in Brasília
, the federal capital of Brazil, where SOUST has had its headquarters since 2006. Inri Cristo and his disciples consider Brasília the "New Jerusalem
" of Christian apocalyptic tradition
.
He has been detained by police more than forty times, owing to his statements and unusual way of dressing.
He is often invited to give lectures in many colleges and universities throughout Brazil, and is usually well received by students.
officially conceded to him the right to use the name "Inri Cristo" alongside his baptism
al name on legal documents.
Reincarnation
Reincarnation best describes the concept where the soul or spirit, after the death of the body, is believed to return to live in a new human body, or, in some traditions, either as a human being, animal or plant...
. He is well-known for his many appearances in the media of Brazil and other countries as well.
Inri Cristo regularly participates in lively debates with religious figures, such as priest Oscar González Quevedo
Oscar González Quevedo
Father Óscar González Quevedo, born in Spain and now of Brazilian citizenship, is a Jesuit priest. He is an investigator in the field of parapsychology.-Life:...
, and also appears in interviews and comedy shows. His provocative statements about evolutionism
Evolutionism
Evolutionism refers to the biological concept of evolution, specifically to a widely held 19th century belief that organisms are intrinsically bound to increase in complexity. The belief was extended to include cultural evolution and social evolution...
, vegetarianism
Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism encompasses the practice of following plant-based diets , with or without the inclusion of dairy products or eggs, and with the exclusion of meat...
, overpopulation
Overpopulation
Overpopulation is a condition where an organism's numbers exceed the carrying capacity of its habitat. The term often refers to the relationship between the human population and its environment, the Earth...
, birth control
Birth control
Birth control is an umbrella term for several techniques and methods used to prevent fertilization or to interrupt pregnancy at various stages. Birth control techniques and methods include contraception , contragestion and abortion...
, abortion
Abortion
Abortion is defined as the termination of pregnancy by the removal or expulsion from the uterus of a fetus or embryo prior to viability. An abortion can occur spontaneously, in which case it is usually called a miscarriage, or it can be purposely induced...
, atheism
Atheism
Atheism is, in a broad sense, the rejection of belief in the existence of deities. In a narrower sense, atheism is specifically the position that there are no deities...
, socialism
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
and capitalism
Capitalism
Capitalism is an economic system that became dominant in the Western world following the demise of feudalism. There is no consensus on the precise definition nor on how the term should be used as a historical category...
, growth of overall disillusionment, and World War III
World War III
World War III denotes a successor to World War II that would be on a global scale, with common speculation that it would be likely nuclear and devastating in nature....
have stirred much commentary and controversy.
Early life
Inri Cristo was raised by two Roman Catholic farmers of German ancestry, Wilhelm and Magdalena Thais. Inri had a humble childhood and studied for about three years at the Adolfo Konder School. He quit studying in order to help his mother, whom he calls "the woman who raised him", with domestic supplies, since his father, "her husband", was retired owing to a work accident.Since childhood, Inri has claimed to obey a "powerful voice" that speaks inside his head. Obedient to this voice, he left home at thirteen to live independently of his family. In adolescence he worked as a greengrocer, baker, delivery boy, peddler and waiter. Eventually, Inri severed all ties to Christianity, becoming atheist, until received what he calls the "revelation of his identity".
Public speaking and religious activities
In 1969, at the age of 21, Inri began his public life as a self-professed prophetProphet
In religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...
and astrologer, introducing himself as "Iuri de Nostradamus
Nostradamus
Michel de Nostredame , usually Latinised to Nostradamus, was a French apothecary and reputed seer who published collections of prophecies that have since become famous worldwide. He is best known for his book Les Propheties , the first edition of which appeared in 1555...
". Speaking on Brazilian radio, he predicted the future and advised people with their personal problems.
In 1971, he began speaking on television, with TV Morena (an affiliate of Brazilian Rede Globo
Rede Globo
Rede Globo , or simply Globo, is a Brazilian television network, launched by media mogul Roberto Marinho on April 26, 1965. It is owned by media conglomerate Organizações Globo, being by far the largest of its holdings...
), and this opportunity introduced him to a wider audience. In 1976, claiming to blaze the trail of spiritual transcendence
Transcendence (religion)
In religion transcendence refers to the aspect of God's nature which is wholly independent of the physical universe. This is contrasted with immanence where God is fully present in the physical world and thus accessible to creatures in various ways...
, Inri became vegetarian. In 1977 he lived for some time in Copacabana Palace
Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace Hotel is the most famous and luxurious hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It's considered South America's premier hotel, having received the rich and famous for the past 80 years. It faces the Copacabana Beach. It consists of an 8-storey main building and a 14-story annex. The...
hotel, in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro , commonly referred to simply as Rio, is the capital city of the State of Rio de Janeiro, the second largest city of Brazil, and the third largest metropolitan area and agglomeration in South America, boasting approximately 6.3 million people within the city proper, making it the 6th...
, a part of high society. In 1978, he left Brazil on a tour through Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
, speaking on radio.
In 1979, obeying the same powerful voice that he claims to have heard since childhood, he underwent a fast
Fasting
Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day , or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive,...
in Santiago, Chile
Santiago, Chile
Santiago , also known as Santiago de Chile, is the capital and largest city of Chile, and the center of its largest conurbation . It is located in the country's central valley, at an elevation of above mean sea level...
. On this occasion, he says, the voice said in a rasping voice, "I am your Father", and revealed itself to be the God of Abraham
Abraham
Abraham , whose birth name was Abram, is the eponym of the Abrahamic religions, among which are Judaism, Christianity and Islam...
, of Isaac
Isaac
Isaac as described in the Hebrew Bible, was the only son Abraham had with his wife Sarah, and was the father of Jacob and Esau. Isaac was one of the three patriarchs of the Israelites...
, and of Jacob
Jacob
Jacob "heel" or "leg-puller"), also later known as Israel , as described in the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, the New Testament and the Qur'an was the third patriarch of the Hebrew people with whom God made a covenant, and ancestor of the tribes of Israel, which were named after his descendants.In the...
.
This voice, he says, said that he was the same Christ crucified two thousand years ago under Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilatus , known in the English-speaking world as Pontius Pilate , was the fifth Prefect of the Roman province of Judaea, from AD 26–36. He is best known as the judge at Jesus' trial and the man who authorized the crucifixion of Jesus...
. It also said that the second letter of his name (the "u" in "Iuri") would henceforth be upside down, making his name "Inri", the acronym for Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum. Inri launched a pilgrimage over many countries, dressed in a white tunic and sandals, announcing that his mission would be accomplished in the dawn of a New Age
New Age
The New Age movement is a Western spiritual movement that developed in the second half of the 20th century. Its central precepts have been described as "drawing on both Eastern and Western spiritual and metaphysical traditions and then infusing them with influences from self-help and motivational...
of peace.
Inri wandered over 27 countries spreading his message. In 1980, Inri was expelled from the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, from Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
and from England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
sheltered him for nine months and even announced in Antenne 2: "Le Christ est revenu sur la terre" ("Christ is back on Earth"). On this occasion, Inri was invited to speak in the Grande École Polytechnique de Paris. Back in Brazil, on February 28, 1982 Inri performed what he calls a "libertarian act". He broke into the cathedral in Belém
Belém
Belém is a Brazilian city, the capital and largest city of state of Pará, in the country's north region. It is the entrance gate to the Amazon with a busy port, airport and bus/coach station...
in Pará
Pará
Pará is a state in the north of Brazil. It borders the Brazilian states of Amapá, Maranhão, Tocantins, Mato Grosso, Amazonas and Roraima. To the northwest it also borders Guyana and Suriname, and to the northeast it borders the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Belém.Pará is the most populous state...
state. Accused of profanation and vandalism by the clergy, he was sent to jail for fifteen days. On this occasion, he established a new mystical order, SOUST (Suprema Ordem Universal da Santissima Trindade), that he calls the formalization of the promised Kingdom of God
Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven is a foundational concept in the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.The term "Kingdom of God" is found in all four canonical gospels and in the Pauline epistles...
on Earth
Earth
Earth is the third planet from the Sun, and the densest and fifth-largest of the eight planets in the Solar System. It is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets...
. On April 20, 1982, Inri Cristo officially establishment of SOUST in Curitiba
Curitiba
Curitiba is the capital of the Brazilian state of Paraná. It is the largest city with the biggest economy of both Paraná and southern Brazil. The population of Curitiba numbers approximately 1.75 million people and the latest GDP figures for the city surpass US$61 billion according to...
, Paraná
Paraná (state)
Paraná is one of the states of Brazil, located in the South of the country, bordered on the north by São Paulo state, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by Santa Catarina state and the Misiones Province of Argentina, and on the west by Mato Grosso do Sul and the republic of Paraguay,...
, where he remained for 24 years in a "provisional" headquarters.
Inri Cristo now lives in Brasília
Brasília
Brasília is the capital city of Brazil. The name is commonly spelled Brasilia in English. The city and its District are located in the Central-West region of the country, along a plateau known as Planalto Central. It has a population of about 2,557,000 as of the 2008 IBGE estimate, making it the...
, the federal capital of Brazil, where SOUST has had its headquarters since 2006. Inri Cristo and his disciples consider Brasília the "New Jerusalem
New Jerusalem
In the book of Ezekiel, the Prophecy of New Jerusalem is Ezekiel's prophetic vision of a city to be established to the south of the Temple Mount that will be inhabited by the twelve tribes of Israel in the...
" of Christian apocalyptic tradition
Christian eschatology
Christian eschatology is a major branch of study within Christian theology. Eschatology, from two Greek words meaning last and study , is the study of the end of things, whether the end of an individual life, the end of the age, or the end of the world...
.
He has been detained by police more than forty times, owing to his statements and unusual way of dressing.
He is often invited to give lectures in many colleges and universities throughout Brazil, and is usually well received by students.
Name
Inri Cristo was prosecuted for "ideological fraud" for fifteen years in Brazilian courts. On October 24, 2000, the Tribunal of Justice of the Brazilian State of ParanáParaná (state)
Paraná is one of the states of Brazil, located in the South of the country, bordered on the north by São Paulo state, on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, on the south by Santa Catarina state and the Misiones Province of Argentina, and on the west by Mato Grosso do Sul and the republic of Paraguay,...
officially conceded to him the right to use the name "Inri Cristo" alongside his baptism
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
al name on legal documents.
See also
- Second coming of Jesus
- End of times and the Last Judgment
- Messiah complexMessiah complexA messiah complex is a state of mind in which an individual holds a belief they are, or are destined to become, a savior. The messiah complex does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ....
- List of messiah claimants
- List of people who have claimed to be Jesus