É Proibido Pensar

João Alexandre's song "É Proibido Pensar" ("Thinking is Forbidden") is a poignant critique of contemporary religious practices, particularly within the evangelical community. The lyrics express a deep frustration with the repetitive and superficial nature of modern worship, where true spiritual depth is often overshadowed by spectacle and conformity. Alexandre's search for someone to solve his problem reflects a broader disillusionment with a system that prioritizes showmanship over genuine faith, reducing complex spiritual experiences to mere performances.

The song highlights the commercialization of faith, where miracles and prophetic declarations are commodified, and the essence of the gospel is lost in the noise. Alexandre laments the reconstruction of barriers that Jesus had already torn down, such as the metaphorical veil, symbolizing the return to legalism and the neglect of grace. This critique extends to the universal 'evangeliquês' (a term combining 'evangelical' and 'Portuguese'), where preaching becomes formulaic, and the pursuit of God is reduced to a series of imported idols and rituals that enslave rather than liberate.

The repeated refrain, "É proibido pensar," underscores the song's central theme: the discouragement of critical thinking within the faith community. By emphasizing this phrase, Alexandre calls out the dangers of a faith that discourages questioning and intellectual engagement. The song serves as a call to return to the foundational truths of the gospel, guided by the Word of God rather than the whims of popular religious trends. Through his powerful lyrics, João Alexandre urges believers to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, free from the constraints of modern religious conformity.